The Newborn Session Experience: Everything You Need to Know About Working with Me
What to expect when working with in home newborn photographer Caitlin Ross for your newborn photo session in Memphis
Bringing a newborn into your home is one of the most incredible, life-changing experiences. It’s beautiful, messy, exhausting, and full of love. And that’s exactly what I aim to capture in my newborn sessions—the real, honest, heart-melting moments that tell your family’s story. If you’re searching for a Memphis newborn photographer, you’re in the right place!
A Comfortable, Laid-Back Experience
My newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your own home, where you can relax and just be yourselves. No need to pack up a diaper bag or worry about forgetting something—everything you need is right there. My goal is for this experience to be as laid back and stress-free as possible. There are absolutely no expectations for how your baby or older children “should” behave. These sessions are completely baby-led, meaning we take breaks whenever needed for feedings, diaper changes, or extra snuggles.
Natural, Lightly Posed Photography
As a Memphis newborn photographer, I take a lifestyle approach to newborn photography, which means I focus on capturing your family’s true connection rather than doing heavy newborn posing. I’ll gently guide you into natural, lightly posed positions that inspire closeness and emotion. If your baby is content on their own, I’ll take some individual shots. But if they prefer to be in your arms the whole time—that’s perfect, too!
And if you’re worried about the natural light in your home, no problem! I now have on-location lighting to ensure we can capture beautiful images, no matter what.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Session
When I arrive, I’ll take a quick walk around your home to find the best light for family shots. I often use the master bedroom, couch, and nursery, but we can adjust as needed. And please, don’t stress about having a spotless house! As a mom myself, I completely understand the chaos of life with little ones. We can easily tidy up small areas as we go.
Preparing Your Baby
If you’re unsure about what your baby should wear, a simple, plain onesie (no graphics or words) is always a great choice. I also love capturing those tiny newborn details, so I often take off the outfit for some near-nude shots. Have a favorite swaddle or blanket? Perfect—we’ll use it!
Try to feed your baby about 15 minutes before the session, but don’t worry if they need extra breaks. Awake or asleep, snuggled in your arms or lying solo—whatever your baby needs is exactly what we’ll do.
Including Siblings
Welcoming a new sibling is a big transition for older kids, and I totally get that! I usually start with sibling and family photos while the big brother or sister is still excited and engaged. A little tip: prepare them by telling them that a friend is coming over to take pictures of the family. That way, they won’t be surprised when I walk through the door.
Mom & Dad—You Matter Too!
This is such an emotional and transformative time in your life. You’re experiencing pure love, joy, exhaustion, and maybe a little bit of chaos. I see you, and I want to document this fleeting time in a way that feels real and beautiful. There’s no pressure to look perfect—just be yourselves, and I’ll take care of the rest.
What to Wear
I recommend neutral colors for a timeless, cohesive look, but most importantly, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you’d like help choosing outfits, I’m happy to chat and give suggestions!
The Final Details
Newborn sessions typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding breaks and diaper changes. You’ll receive a minimum of 50 images (usually more!) in both color and black and white.
Ready to Book?
Great! Simply head to my website inquiry form, and you will receive an email with the link to book. The ideal time for newborn photos is within the first two weeks, but if that’s not possible, anytime in the first 6-8 weeks is beautiful too! If booking in advance, think of your session as a placeholder—we can always adjust if your baby arrives earlier or later than expected.
After booking, you will receive a questionnaire to help me prepare for our session together. A couple of weeks before your session, I’ll reach out to check in, answer any questions, and make sure we’re all squared away.
After the session, you will receive a full gallery of images within three weeks for digital download, with the option to purchase prints directly from your gallery.
If you’re looking for a Memphis newborn photographer who will capture your family’s love and connection in an authentic, stress-free way, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create beautiful memories together!
The Newborn Experience Package
The Newborn Experience Package—a bundle of sessions designed to help you save while capturing every stage of this new chapter.
Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most transformative experiences, so why not document it all? This package includes a Fresh 48 session, a newborn session, and a family session (which can be used for maternity, a milestone as baby grows, or anytime in their first year).
Fresh 48 sessions take place in your birthing space within the first two days of life, preserving those raw, beautiful first moments—meeting siblings, tiny fingers grasping yours, the quiet (or not-so-quiet) shift into parenthood. It’s an intimate, documentary-style way to capture the very beginning of your baby’s story.
You can find all the details about the package here.
What families say about working with me
“Caitlin was able to capture our entire journey from pregnancy to newborn perfectly. We had a maternity session, a fresh 48 session, and a newborn session with her. She made us feel totally at ease in every environment and has an incredible talent. We cannot wait to work with her again - she’s got a client for life!”
“Caitlin was amazing! I was nervous for our newborn session but Caitlin was so patient and professional. She made the whole experience very enjoyable for our family and the pictures were absolutely perfect! I will be booking her again in the future for sure. Highly recommend”
“Caitlin did an UNREAL job with our Fresh 48 pictures. She made us so comfortable and was extremely on time and efficient to get us the best gallery of pics without sacrificing quality. Her communication was great from initial contact until we received the gallery and we cannot wait to cherish these photos of our sweet boy forever. If I could give her more than 5 stars I would!”
so, if you’re looking for a Memphis newborn photographer who makes the process relaxed, fun, and genuinely enjoyable, I’d love to connect. Let’s capture those magical first days with your newest miracle.
The Family Session Experience: Everything You Need to Know about Working with Me
What to expect when working with photographer Caitlin Ross for your family photo session in Memphis
Hey there! If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about booking a family photo session—and I totally get it. Getting your picture taken can feel awkward, nerve-wracking, and, let’s be real, sometimes a little forced. You might be worried your kids won’t behave, your partner will look less-than-thrilled (especially if it cuts into game time), or that everyone will end up looking stiff and uncomfortable.
That’s where I come in.
I’m a Memphis family and newborn photographer—and, as a mom of two, I completely understand those worries. (Confession: I’m a photographer and I actually hate being in front of the camera, unless it’s someone who can make me feel at ease!) That’s why my sessions are all about capturing your family’s authentic bond. I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and most importantly—like yourselves. No forced smiles, no awkward poses. Just real moments, real laughter, real closeness, and real connections.
Hi!
I’m a Memphis family and newborn photographer—and, as a mom of two, I completely understand those worries. (Confession: I’m a photographer and I actually hate being in front of the camera, unless it’s someone who can make me feel at ease!) That’s why my sessions are all about capturing your family’s authentic bond. I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and most importantly—like yourselves. No forced smiles, no awkward poses. Just real moments, real laughter, real closeness, and real connections.
A Fun, Laid-Back Photography Experience
When we’re together, think of it less like a photo session and more like a playdate with a camera tagging along. I’ll guide you through fun games, get you dancing, singing, running around—whatever brings out those genuine smiles and belly laughs. My goal? To create an experience your family actually enjoys. Most kids I photograph don’t want the session to end (yes, really!), and even the most reluctant dads usually walk away saying, “That wasn’t bad at all.”
No two sessions are ever the same because every family is beautifully unique. Even if I photograph your family year after year, every session will reflect your evolving connections, dynamics, and memories. I’ll help create moments of connection that allow me to capture those little sparks of emotion—the laughter, the chaos, the quiet tenderness—that tell your family’s true story.
You can read about my stress-free approach here.
From Booking to Delivery: How It Works
1. Inquiry & Booking Head over to my website to inquire about your session. Once you complete the inquiry, you will receive you an email with a booking link. From there, you’ll secure your session by paying a deposit and filling out a short questionnaire that helps me get to know your family.
2. Choosing Your Location Not sure where to have your session in Memphis? No worries! I offer location suggestions in the questionnaire, or I’m happy to help brainstorm the perfect spot. If you don’t select a location on your questionnaire, I will reach out a couple of weeks prior to our session and we can work together via text, email, or phone (whatever is best for you) to finalize the location and make sure we are all set! Some families may want to have their photo sessions in the comfort of their own home—this is a great way to capture memories in a meaningful spot. These sessions can be booked the same way as outdoor sessions, but please note the time will be late morning, instead of golden hour. I typically start in home sessions around 10:30am when the sunlight is streaming into the home best.
Two of my absolute favorite spots for family outdoor photo sessions are the Memphis Botanic Garden and various locations around Shelby Farms. Both offer such a beautiful variety of backdrops that it’s easy to create a diverse, visually stunning gallery from just one session. Both locations let us mix it up—whether you want lush gardens, open fields, or a hint of urban scenery, these spots offer it all. Plus, they give us the space to let your family relax, explore, and be yourselves, which always leads to the most beautiful, authentic images.
3. Prepping for Your Session Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident—but if you need help deciding, I’m just a message away. Click here for some tips on what to wear to help you plan. Pro tip: Bring some small, mess-free snacks (mini marshmallows or Smarties work perfect and are easy to edit out if I need to) to keep little ones happy during the shoot.
4. The Day of the Session We’ll meet at our chosen location right on time (or a little early if your kids need a minute to warm up). Since I shoot outdoor sessions at golden hour, your session might be later in the evening—especially in the summer—so a late nap can help littles stay happy and energized. Please do not let your kids fall asleep in the car on the way to the session!
We’ll start with a relaxed family photo to help everyone get comfortable, then dive into smaller groupings and playful prompts. We’ll laugh, dance, and make some truly joyful memories. Most sessions last 45 minutes to an hour.
5. After the Session Within a day or two, you’ll get a sneak peek of your session—because I know how hard it is to wait! Your hand edited full gallery (40+ hand-edited images, typically a lot more!) will arrive in your inbox within three weeks, both in color and black-and-white. You’ll be able to download your favorites—or the whole gallery—in high resolution for prints or smaller files for social media.
You’ll also have access to professional prints straight from your gallery, including my stunning fine art deckled-edge prints—trust me, they’re showstoppers. If you need help selecting images or choosing custom framing options, I’m here to help every step of the way. If you want to work together to choose which photos to print, and how to frame them in your home, email or text me and we can set up a time to work together to bring the vision you have for your heirloom prints to life.
What families say about working with me
“Caitlin has captured my family of 5 two different times- once for a sibling shoot, and most recently, for a family session. She has so much patience with my 5, 3, and 1 year old kids and no matter their mood, she has captured the best pictures that I will treasure for a lifetime. I highly recommend Caitlin!”
“Caitlin is amazing, and we are so glad we found her. She makes our sessions so much fun, and has a lot of tricks up her sleeve to make my kids love having our photos done. She puts the entire family at ease and makes it a truly enjoyable experience. The photos speak for themselves and are truly some of my most treasured belongings.”
“Caitlin is extremely talented. Our photos were a wink from God when we needed it most.”
so, if you’re looking for a Memphis family photographer who makes the process relaxed, fun, and genuinely enjoyable, I’d love to connect. Let’s capture those messy, beautiful, authentic moments that make your family you.
You’re dreaming of beautiful family photos, but can’t decide between a mini or full session—or when to book? Let’s break it all down!
When should you book your Memphis TN Family Photo session? and is a full or mini session right for your family? Let’s find out!
So, you know you want updated family photos to lock in this current stage your family is in. You want to capture those adorable missing front teeth before they grow back, that baby who’s teetering on the edge of becoming a big kid, or the joy of snuggling and playing with your little ones before they start rolling their eyes at you for asking. But you’re stuck on when you should schedule this session for. What time of year? Full session or mini-session? Let’s break it down.
Picking the Right Time of Year
Start by imagining the vibe and color scheme you’re going for:
Fall and Winter: Cozy, warm tones with rich yellows, browns, and golden hues.
Spring and Summer: Blooming flowers, light and airy feel, and pastels galore.
Now, let’s talk sunset times because my outdoor sessions are always held during golden hour—the hour or so before the sun sets. Golden hour shifts throughout the year, so planning ahead is key.
Late spring through summer: Sunset happens much later—sessions start between 6 and 7pm. While I keep sessions fun and engaging (so most kids won’t even notice they’re up late), this could be tricky if your child is sensitive to schedule changes.
Fall and Winter: Sunset is earlier, which makes it easier to catch that dreamy light without risking cranky, overtired kids.
If golden hour doesn’t work for your family or you’d rather skip the outdoor scene altogether, in home family sessions might be more your jam. These take place in the comfort of your own home, capturing your family in your personal space, doing the things you love. I love in home sessions because since everyone is comfortable in their own space allows us to get those personal intimate shots with the family in a meaningful-to-you place, home. These are done in the late morning hours, and the best part? These sessions can happen year-round.
Mini-Session vs. Full Session
Still undecided? Let’s break it down.
Mini-Sessions:
Mini-sessions are offered seasonal, quick (just 15 minutes!), and happen with families booked back-to-back on specific days during the two hours before sunset in a designated location. They’re perfect if you’re just looking for a few updated photos or a holiday card shot. Minis come with a set number of digital files (usually 5-10) which is included in the price with the option to purchase more.Mini-sessions offer plenty of variety in your gallery, but there simply isn’t enough time to move around the location. Plus, most people—especially small kids—need a little more time to really warm up. While I promise you’ll adore your mini-session gallery, it’s challenging to capture deeply connected photos that truly reflect the heart and soul of your family in just 15 minutes. This is especially true for larger families.
Full Sessions:
Full sessions happen at golden hour and last up to a full hour. That’s plenty of time for everyone to warm up, get comfortable, and really connect, which is when we capture those truly magical moments you see in my portfolio.
I offer several location options for sessions or you can select your own location all together.
You receive all the digital files, fully edited, without any extra costs, in both color and black and white. Most families find this ends up being a better value since they often purchase additional images or the entire gallery from a mini-session anyway.
Full sessions can be rescheduled if the weather isn’t exactly perfect.. While overcast days still produce beautiful photos, you won’t get that glowy sunlight peeking through (a signature look in my portfolio). With mini-sessions, rescheduling for overcast days isn’t an option since there are multiple families booked back-to-back, but with full sessions, we can wait for the perfect conditions.
Full sessions give us time and flexibility to explore different locations, get a variety of shots, and capture the heart and soul of your family—those unique personalities and connections that make your crew, your crew.
Mini-sessions are sweet and fun, but if you’re looking for a more customized experience that allows time to fully encapsulate the essence of your family—with time to relax, play, and explore—full sessions win every time.
Wrapping It Up
I adore mini-sessions for the quick, sweet moments they capture. But if you want photos that truly reflect your family’s connections, the ability to hand pick your location (with my guidance), with the most beautiful lighting and plenty of time to let everyone’s personality shine, a full session is where it’s at.
Ready to book? Let’s make it happen!
Click here to book your session now and lock in current pricing. Booking a few months out? Don’t worry—if booking that far in advance, your session acts as a placeholder, and we can adjust the date if something comes up.
If you’re holding out for mini-sessions, make sure you’re on my email list to be the first to know when seasonal minis drop. These spots go fast!
Whether it’s a mini-session or a full session, I can’t wait to work with you and create something beautiful together.
Click here to find out why golden hour is so magical!
The most important piece of advice I have for families is to relax and let your kids be themselves. a stress free approach is vital for a good experience. read more about that here..
Introducing Fresh 48 Sessions with Caitlin Ross Photography
Fresh 48 Sessions- capturing those first moments with your new baby
What is a Fresh-48 Session and why would you want to book one?
A Fresh 48 session is a 30-minute, documentary-style photoshoot that takes place in the hospital or birthing center within the first 48 hours of your baby’s life. The only goal of a fresh 48 session is to capture those precious early moments that pass so incredibly quick.
You may be thinking, "There’s no way I’m letting someone take my picture right after giving birth, especially in a hospital room!" And I get it—I've been there. You either feel like a goddess and like the most powerful human in the world or you feel exhausted and meh—sometimes maybe a little bit of both. The idea of being photographed while you’re in that vulnerable state— in an adult diaper, swollen, sore, and exhausted—can be uncomfortable. But this moment, it is also one of the most beautiful and pivotal moments in your life and in the life of your entire family.
For me, as a mother as well as a newborn and family photographer in Memphis, there is absolutely nothing more beautiful, intimate, raw, real, intense, magical and meaningful than a brand new life and the relationship between that new baby and their family members. If you’ve been through it before, you know how those early days become a blur. If it’s your first baby, I’m here to tell you, you won’t remember every detail vividly though you cannot possibly fathom how you could ever forget a single second of the work you put in to bring this new life into the world, the pure unbridled joy when you look at that child, or the love that you feel in these newest moments, but the hormones and adrenaline and dopamine wear off and the sleep deprivation takes over and you’re left with hazy memories at best.
A Fresh 48 session preserves the magic of those first days—tiny fingernails, the umbilical cord stub, the quiet moments when it’s just you, your immediate family, and its newest member, no one else. Capturing that raw beauty of a new life, a new family that has formed with its newest member.
This isn't about glamour or perfection; it’s about raw emotions and capturing your baby’s first moments exactly as they are.
A short background on how I started Fresh-48 sessions and why they are important to me
As a Memphis-based newborn and family photographer and as a mother who would relive the first week of my babies lives over and over again on a loop, I’ve been drawn to the Fresh 48 genre since I started my business, but fear held me back. These moments are one-of-a-kind—there are no do-overs, which can be daunting. But after attending a few family births, I realized how much these early days with a newborn mean to me, and I wanted to give families the gift of remembering them vividly.
Fast forward a year and 2 family births later that got me all up in my feels about those first precious days with a newborn, and I decided to put some feelers out to a local doula (shout out Hannah Leach, you’re the best! moms looking for a doula in Memphis check her out!) to see if she had any clients who would potentially be interested in a fresh 48 session. Hannah had me booked in less than an hour for my first session with a mom due in late August/early September.
When I first got the session shared in this blog post on my calendar, I was so incredibly nervous but also really excited.
I have struggled with infertility and getting pregnant and having my children wasn’t a walk in the park for me so I was shocked to discover that the week of this first fresh 48 session I was pregnant with my third baby— a total surprise! It seems like maybe it was fate. While I did end up losing that pregnancy just a week later, getting to take on my first fresh 48 session with the perspective of a soon to be new again momma shifted my perspective and put me in a headspace that was invaluable to my time with this new family. Going into this session with the knowledge of a life growing inside me helped me to focus on the beauty of their experience, rather than the pressure of perfection.
Those early days with a newborn are incredibly challenging but also profoundly rewarding. You become a new version of yourself, whether as a first-time or seasoned parent, and a new family dynamic emerges. Not to mention, your baby looks completely different almost daily! It’s wild.
Going into this session with the knowledge (and hope) of getting to feel that immense joy that bringing a new life into the world brings reminded me to focus on what matters- enjoying and breathing in the present moment.
So… Take the photos, capture those fresh first moments with your new baby and your new identity. I know you just gave birth, I know you feel gross, I know you’re tired, I know you’re sore. I know being photographed is likely one of the last things you want to do right after you birthed a human… but one day, in the not-so-distant future, you’ll feel like yourself again but your baby won’t be that same fresh newborn. You will never be sorry you get to relive those first couple of days when your world forever changed, whether it was the first time or the 3rd.
How do I book if I don’t know when my baby is going to be born?
You can book a Fresh 48 session as an add-on to your newborn package (which happens at home in the first 6 weeks to 2 months) or as a stand-alone session. Book anytime during your pregnancy for your due date as a placeholder. Once you’ve booked, I’ll reach out to provide my contact info and answer any questions. Then, you or your birth partner will notify me when you’re in labor, and again after the baby arrives to set up the exact session time—typically between 10 a.m. and noon for the best natural light.
How do I book if I don’t know when my baby is going to be born?
You can book a Fresh 48 session as an add-on to your newborn package (which happens at home in the first 6 weeks to 2 months) or as a stand-alone session. Book anytime during your pregnancy for your due date as a placeholder. Once you’ve booked, I’ll reach out to provide my contact info and answer any questions. Then, you or your birth partner will notify me when you’re in labor, and again after the baby arrives to set up the exact session time—typically between 10 a.m. and noon for the best natural light.
A Balancing Act: The Struggle of Working Towards a Work/Life Balance
Family and Newborn Photography in Memphis Tennessee by Caitlin Ross Photography
Balancing Work and Life as a Photographer and Parent
Maintaining a work-life balance is a challenge every working parent faces, and as a Memphis photographer, small business owner, and mom with a day job, I'm no different. The struggle to juggle my photography business, day job, and family life—especially during busy seasons—can feel overwhelming. Some days, it seems like I'll never get through my to-do list, and as a perfectionist, that’s hard to accept.
I don’t believe anyone ever achieves a perfect balance between work, life, and family obligations. Instead, we’re all striving to find an equilibrium, where some days, work might demand 70% of our time, leaving less for family. As the busiest season approaches for me as a Memphis family photographer, I've been focusing on strategies to maintain balance, ensuring neither my work nor my family suffers. Here are some tips that have been helping me, and I hope they can help my fellow working moms too!
A Little About Me
What many of my photography clients don’t know is that I'm not just a Memphis photographer and mom—I’m also a securities-registered broker and Director of Operations for a small financial firm in Memphis, where I've worked for over a decade. As a new business owner, I’ve spent the past year feeling that if I turned away any photography clients or said no to any job, my business would stop growing, or worse, disappear. It’s been overwhelming, and I never want to burn out because photography fuels me. It allows me to be a better wife, mom, and friend. With fall approaching—the busiest time of year for both my photography business and my day job—I’ve been working on a plan to stay as balanced as possible, ensuring I can still show up for my family.
My Tips for Working Towards Balance
Stick to a Schedule and Learn to Say “No”
Whether it’s “No, I cannot stay late to help with that work project” or it’s “No, I cannot come to your dinner party,” saying no to the people or things that will affect something that is already on your agenda, is vital to keeping balance.
As a people pleaser, saying no is difficult for me, whether it be to a friend or for work, I want to show up for everyone all the time.. But with two jobs and a family that relies on me that I will always show up for, I’m learning (it’s a work in progress) that I have to say no sometimes and stick to what I have already planned out for the week/month.
Outsource and Embrace Your Village
You can’t do it all, and it’s time to stop trying. I’ve been notorious for wanting everything done exactly as I want it, but I’m learning to let my husband handle things like laundry, cooking, and lunches. We’ve also embraced services like Instacart and Uber Eats. If you need to hire a housekeeper or someone for yard work, do it! Outsourcing tasks that drain you will give you more time to enjoy what you love.
Stop Multitasking and Be Present
When you learn to outsource and stick to a schedule, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more intentional about what you’re doing. When you’re with your family, be with your family. Be present in the moment, giving 100% of your attention to the task or person in front of you. It will leave both you and them feeling better about the interaction.
** Pro Tip: do you ever get distracted by the 100 emails you get from your child(ten)’s school(s) in the middle of working on something? Create an email address for all the children in your family and give access to anyone who helps with your kids (your spouse, your kids, nannies, grandparents). it’s been a game changer for me :)
Take Time for Yourself
Prioritize self-care, even on the busiest days. For me, running or working out every single day is essential. Being intentional about this time—whether it’s feeling the water hit your skin in the shower or focusing on how it relaxes your muscles—can be a game-changer for rejuvenating your mind and body. If, like me, exercise is your thing, Higher Memphis is a fantastic local gym with lots of options.
Prioritize Good Sleep
Set a bedtime and try to stick to it. Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" and charge it in another room. Meditate before bed, or try reading a book instead of scrolling on a screen. Staying up late or waking up too early drains your energy for both work and family. Symmetry Live is a great resource for managing stress and overcoming anxiety.
I hope these tips help you work towards a balanced life. While we may never achieve a perfect 50/50 balance, keeping those scales from tipping too much is key to avoiding burnout.
A Note for Families Who Want to Work with Me
For those who have reached out with concerns about my limited availability for the remainder of 2024, please know that I genuinely wish I could capture every family. I would love to have unlimited time to work with each of you. However, what many don’t realize is that a one-hour session requires countless hours of work behind the scenes—the session itself is the least time consuming step in the process to delivering that beautiful gallery to you! To ensure every family gets the experience they deserve, I limit myself to 4-5 sessions per month. Once those slots are filled, I close my availability for that month.
When you receive a booking calendar from me (except for fine art portrait pop-ups), please note that while it might seem like there are several dates available, the calendar only reflects the days I’m open to taking photos, not my overall availability. Once 4-5 sessions are booked, the remaining days will also close.
If you're hoping to book a family or newborn session in Memphis with me, I strongly encourage you to do so early. I have a few fall mini-sessions left, space for a couple of newborn sessions this year, and 1-2 full family sessions in December.
Please remember, I’m a mom and wife first and a photographer with a day job second. If you see no openings on my calendar, kindly let me know you're interested in booking, and I’ll reach out if anything opens up. If nothing opens up and you need photos for 2024, I’m happy to refer you to one of the many talented photographers I know for this year.
You’ve got this, Momma!
Reflections on My First Year as a Photographer
Lifestyle Family Photography in Memphis Tennessee by Caitlin Ross Photography
This past week marked the first birthday of my photography business. One full year since I took the gigantic leap of faith to pursue a career as a natural light photographer in Memphis—WOW! I truly cannot believe that I am here. It all seems surreal. What started as a brand new hobby, wanting to learn something new and take photos of my children, has turned into an incredibly rewarding business that I am incredibly passionate about. I feel I have stumbled into where I am truly meant to be—I have found my calling. This past year has been life-changing for me and my family.
As I sit here with my cup of coffee reflecting on the past year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the people who have supported and helped me, but also for myself and all the hard work and dedication I have put into this business. Putting myself out there and risking being rejected or not being good enough has held me back in many aspects of my life, and I am so grateful that I decided to push through the fear and stop playing small.
Image by Katherine Cagle. Taken at the Mastermind Retreat in Brooklyn, NY
The Lead-Up: First Half of 2023
I purchased my camera at the beginning of 2023 and spent the first several months learning on my own. I studied books on photography and natural light, experimented on my own children, watched YouTube tutorials (where I eventually found my mentor, Elena S. Blair—more on that later), and took an amazing course on mastering manual mode from E-Squared Photography. I wasn't looking to take this hobby anywhere other than maybe taking some photos of friends every now and then.
July 2023
After months of self-studying and capturing my own family, I had enough inquiries from friends and acquaintances asking if I would ever offer sessions for black-and-white portraits. On a whim, I decided to create a Calendly link and just blast it on my social media.. I was absolutely terrified and wondered what in the world I was thinking. But with my camera in hand, I fought through the fear and scheduled, shot, and delivered 15 beautiful black-and-white fine art portraits that first month. I was hooked. I LOVED IT. I loved capturing the personalities of children in their perfect little imperfect ways. I loved interacting with them and being able to freeze time in a beautiful photo for their parents. I wasn’t sure where it would take me, but I decided to keep it going and keep offering a couple of days per month for black-and-white portraits.
August 2023
I continued doing fine art portraits and never stopped, but I also agreed to take some outdoor family sessions for a few families in August. I was nervous, but I knew if it was anything like the personality portraits, I would fall in love with it too. Spoiler alert: I was instantly obsessed! It was more difficult, but incredibly rewarding. Being able to give a mom (or parent) keepsakes of memories of connecting with his/her family meant everything to me.
Getting Down to Business
After adding family sessions to my repertoire, I knew this was no longer going to be just a little hobby I did on the side. I began obsessing over posing, improving my skills, and creating meaningful images that would be cherished for a lifetime. I started watching Elena S. Blair videos on YouTube. She was amazing. I mean, really, I wanted to be just like her, but with my own creative style. She has this way of putting the families she’s shooting at ease and guiding them into poses that create real, authentic, connected, MEANINGFUL interactions. I had found a photographer who got me and what I wanted to capture- the messy, the real, the chaotic, the imperfectly perfect. Screw perfection! Embracing the true soul of a person and their family is what it is all about, and she made me realize I could be successful and still hold true to this value for my business.
Fall got crazy busy, and by the end of November, I had done over 85 sessions between fine art portraits, newborn sessions, and family sessions. It became a little more difficult to try to take it all on by myself while working a full-time job at FlightPlan Financial, where I am the Director of Operations, raising two small children, trying to be a good wife, and keeping up my endurance training—yes, I am one of those hardcore work out, running feens! It was becoming too much. I craved being more present with my children and husband but knew if I took a step back so early in my new business, I would be forgotten.
Joining a Mentorship Program- December 2023
December 2023: with what felt like the weight of the entire world on my shoulders, I saw Elena Blair’s Instagram post that she was taking applicants to her Mastermind Program.
The Elena S. Blair Mastermind Program is a 6-month group mentoring/coaching program for photographers to level up their photography both creatively and on the business side. Photographers wanting to join must first apply (with short personal essay-type questions—big deterrent for someone like me who loved to play small and had a massive case of imposter syndrome). If your application is approved, you have a Zoom interview with Elena to see if you’re a good fit for her program.
The post popped up on my Instagram one evening after I had stayed up working incredibly late after the kids' bedtimes, yet again. I was just about to go to bed when I saw the post. I don’t know if I would have had the courage to even apply if I hadn’t been so exhausted in that moment, but I did. THANKFULLY. My application was accepted, and I got an interview with Elena. I was totally geeking out. How could I even pretend that I was good enough to learn IRL from such an amazing artist?
The investment wasn’t exactly small to join the program, but I knew it was a great opportunity and might be even more beneficial to me since I had no real systems to my business and was taking on way too much trying to manually do everything myself and keep the rest of my life on track. I decided to make the investment into myself and my business, and WHEW!! I am so glad I did. The investment paid back tenfold.
The community, the knowledge, the creativity, the resources—all have been invaluable.
Below are some photos from the retreat at the conclusion of the program.
Taking on Schools- April 2024
In April 2024, with some encouragement from my mastermind program mentors, like Caeli Richter, and a bunch of knowledge from Elena and her community and a lot of hard work, I shot my first school in Memphis. Again, LOVED IT. I will be sharing more about this process in a separate blog post leading up to the next two schools I am shooting in the early fall, but I will say receiving the feedback from the parents of that first school has been so rewarding for me and renewed my purpose on why I love doing what I am doing and how I know I am doing exactly what I should be doing. I received messages like, “Thank you for capturing our daughter in the most beautiful way. We love that her personality shines through each picture. You are amazing and we pray you continue to be blessed and stay blessed!”
June 2024 to Present
I completed the mastermind program in June. I had spent 6 months learning from some of the best photographers in the industry. I had gotten systems in place in my business to have it run like a well-oiled machine while also improving the experience for my clients. I had created my website. I had started shooting schools and revamped my fine art personality portraits. I have learned so much about photography, running a business, and myself in the last 6 months. I ended June at the mastermind retreat in Brooklyn with over 70 amazing other photographers. I started July doing a branding session for my incredibly inspiring sister-in-law, who has started a business, Boujee Nurse, with two offices in Denver.
Photographers from past and present cohorts came together in Brooklyn at the 2024 Elena S Blair Mastermind Retreat in Brooklyn, NY.
Looking to the Future
I have scheduled two schools for this fall. I am going to begin offering Fresh 48 sessions after my children go back to school. I will continue taking family and newborn sessions and keep doing my fine art personality portraits as well. I plan to invest in lighting and start taking my indoor photos to a new level. I also have plans to begin the journey into family films and hope to offer this within the next 18 months after completing a course from the absolutely incredible Becca Jean.
Conclusion
I am learning. I am growing. This business has been a wild, exciting ride for me— full of highs and lows. While I am still in the early staged when the hours are long and the hustle is huge, I am now at a place where I can allow the systems I put in place to do their job and give me back at least some time with my family while providing a better experience for my clients. This journey is nothing I expected it to be and everything I have always wanted. I learn more about myself and running a business every single day, and I am incredibly grateful that I have ended up on this journey. I am looking so forward to seeing where the next year takes Caitlin Ross Photography.