Meet your Instructors
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Amy Scott
I’m a wife, mom of three, photographer, and educator with nearly 7 years of experience capturing newborns, babies, maternity, and families. Serving the Auburn and Opelika, Alabama area, it’s been a true honor to be part of such meaningful moments in my clients’ lives.
My passion for photography was sparked by my love for my own children, and I focus on highlighting each child’s unique personality using simple, timeless styling.
In addition to photographing families, I also teach newborn photography to students around the world. I emphasize safety, creativity, and building lasting client relationships—guiding others not just in photography techniques, but in growing successful, fulfilling businesses.
Above all, my mission is to inspire, support, and continue to grow alongside my clients and students. -
Anja McDonald
Anja McDonald is an award-winning and internationally published photographer, originally from Denmark, now calling Australia home.
With a deep-rooted appreciation for Scandinavian simplicity and a passion for capturing timeless portraits, Anja has built a thriving career that blends artistry with authenticity. Her signature style—known for its elegant use of light, refined editing, and minimalistic aesthetic—has made her work instantly recognizable and highly sought-after.
Anja not only runs a successful portrait studio, but she also plays an active role in shaping the future of the photography industry as an educator and international speaker. She offers training and mentorship to photographers at every stage of their journey—from complete beginners to seasoned professionals—always with a focus on both creative growth and sustainable business practices.
With a formal background in finance, Anja brings a unique edge to her teaching. She empowers photographers not just to refine their artistic voice, but also to build profitable, long-lasting businesses with confidence and clarity.
Whether she's behind the camera or in front of a classroom, Anja’s approach is rooted in authenticity, connection, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Her warm teaching style and expert knowledge have made her a respected mentor to many and a leader within the photography community and together with Erin Elizabeth, she also is the co-creator of Simply Art Masterclass and Retreats. -
Claudia Aquilar
https://www.capturedbyclaudia.com/
Claudia Aguilar isn’t afraid of color—she’s known for mastering it. Her newborn and maternity portraits are celebrated for their bold vibrancy, emotional depth, and ability to turn fleeting moments into unforgettable imagery. Since 2011, Claudia has earned her reputation as both an artist and educator, guiding photographers to create images that stop clients in their tracks. Her classes go beyond technique they’re an invitation to see, feel, and create differently. -
Cydnee Jex
Cydnee Jex is the heart and vision behind CLJ Photography, a premier maternity and newborn portrait studio based in Dallas, Texas. Since 2010, she’s been crafting timeless, editorial-style portraits that celebrate motherhood in its most elegant and evocative form
A wife, mother, and artist, Cydnee believes every family deserves a portrait that stops you in your tracks—one that remains treasured for generations. Her signature style channels a refined, “New York” editorial sensibility: clean, classic, and instantly iconic
Cydnee’s professional reach extends beyond portrait sessions. She’s the driving force behind this event - Maternity & Newborn Photographers Summit. She wanted to create a space that fosters community, confidence, and business growth for photographers passionate about this niche and this has been a huge success with 2026 being our 3rd year. -
Dawn Potter
Dawn Potter is a Seattle-area photographer who specializes in the delicate art of posed newborn photography.
What started with a simple digital camera and a deep love for babies has turned into a thriving career. After having four children of her own, Dawn realized that her passion for the newborn stage wasn’t going away—and while having more babies wasn’t realistic, turning that love into a creative career was. Nearly six years ago, she took the leap, blending her artistic eye with her devotion to capturing the fleeting moments of newborn life.
Since then, Dawn has photographed well over a thousand babies and built a reputation for excellence in her field. Her work has earned awards and recognition, and she has shared her expertise by teaching other photographers at workshops and conferences across the U.S., Canada, and South America.
Known for her patience, precision, and calm presence, Dawn is often referred to as a “newborn whisperer.” Her attention to detail and ability to gently pose each baby with care have made her one of the most sought-after newborn photographers in the industry. -
Erin Elizabeth
https://www.erinelizabeth.com/
Hello! I’m Erin, the owner and founder of Erin Elizabeth Photography. While I was born and raised in a small town in northern Wisconsin, I’m now based out of Perth, Western Australia. I have been shooting newborn, maternity and family sessions for over 20 years. I have spent more than 15 of those years teaching thousands of photographers from all over the world, via my maternity and newborn workshops. I have also been featured as the keynote speaker for dozens of photography conferences on five continents. Together with Anja McDonald, I am also the co-creator of Simply Art Masterclasses and Retreats.
I have an amazing husband, two beautiful daughters (16 and 14), and one 28-year old stepson. I live to travel, and am a borderline obsessive animal lover - we have four dogs, six cats, a rabbit, two bobtail lizards, two red-tailed black cockatoos, two cockatiels, six finches, a canary and fifteen chickens. We are a literal zoo and I love every minute of it!
I am thrilled to be teaching at this conference and can't wait to meet you all. -
Kristina Mack
Kristina Mack is a UK-based newborn, maternity, and family photographer with over 18 years of experience. Known for her soulful, timeless, and elegant style, she has worked with celebrities and public figures, building a sought-after brand that celebrates simplicity and genuine connection.
Alongside running a busy studio, Kristina is a dedicated educator and mentor. Through her workshops, online courses, and signature Photography Business School, she has helped hundreds of photographers refine their craft, develop a recognisable style, and build profitable, sustainable businesses.
She is also the author of Newborn & Maternity Photography: Learn the Skills and Build a Business, a practical guide for photographers ready to grow creatively and turn their passion into a thriving brand. -
Krystal Sandefur
https://krystalsandefurphotography.com/
Krystal Sandefur is a Fort Worth–based photographer, educator, and mom of five who brings heart, depth, and rich emotion to every session she captures. After 4 years as a high school math teacher and head soccer coach, she left the classroom in 2012 to stay home with her growing family—then picked up a camera in 2013 and never looked back.
Known for her emotional, colourful outdoor portraits and moody, monochromatic newborn and milestone work, Krystal blends artistry with authenticity. She began teaching in the industry in 2018 and has since become a trusted mentor for photographers seeking both technical skill and soulful storytelling.
With a full-service studio in Alvarado, Texas, and a passion for real connection, Krystal continues to inspire through both her work and her heart-led approach to photography and education -
Liliya Lubenkova
I’m a Vancouver-based photographer specializing in elegant maternity, motherhood, and boudoir portraits. I believe every woman deserves timeless images that celebrate her strength, grace, and unique journey.
Pregnancy and motherhood bring big changes, and many women feel unsure of their beauty during this time. My passion is helping them rediscover their radiance, embrace femininity, and feel confident and empowered.
Through thoughtful styling, expert guidance, and a focus on elegance, I create portraits that reflect both beauty and emotion—leaving every woman feeling proud, celebrated, and transformed. -
Lindsay Walden
Sponsored by WHCC
Lindsay Walden is an award winning and internationally featured fine art photographer based in Colleyville, Texas, near Dallas/Fort Worth. As a photographer her goal is to create art for her clients that is innovative and fresh all while giving them a seamless and truly luxurious experience.
Every detail in the client experience matters. She focuses on styling stunning photography sessions uniquely designed for each client and providing them with a one of a kind experience. From her fabulous hair and makeup artist to hundreds of couture gowns and fun props, she has everything her clients need for a beautiful session.
Lindsay has mentored hundreds of photographers from around the world. Her favorite subject to teach is the business side of the photography world. “What’s the point of working so hard to create beautiful art if you can’t make a good living doing so?” She teaches a detailed approach to pricing, branding and marketing to the luxury client.
Her style of teaching is very much like her art, unique and specific to my student. She wants to help each of her students grow in the areas where they will most benefit. She currently offer an online class for helping photographers build a luxury brand. She loves nothing more than seeing her students succeed in their businesses.
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The Newborn Nerds
We're Amy & Lindsey—sisters, photographers, and the founders of The Newborn Nerds! We created this company to help fellow newborn photographers kickstart their journey by sharing our expertise in posing, editing, lighting, and newborn safety. What started as a passion for education quickly blossomed into something much bigger.
Today, The Newborn Nerds is not just a resource for learning but also a go-to destination for high quality photography props, backdrops, outfits, and posing aids. With hundreds of products and a thriving online community of thousands of photographers, we're here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
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Rachel Vanoven
https://therachelvanovencollective.com/membership#/
I founded Rachel Vanoven Photography in 2008, and even after thousands of sessions and international teaching engagements, I still remember the excitement—and challenges—of those early days. My journey has always been rooted in the balance between technical skill and artistic instinct, which remains the foundation of how I teach today.
In 2017, I launched the Rachel Vanoven Collective, a monthly membership that features educational content from both seasoned photographers and fresh voices from around the world. This mix keeps my own work evolving and reinforces my belief that beginners and experts alike have so much to learn from one another.
Education with me is never one-way. I thrive on conversation, collaboration, and pushing boundaries. Once you’ve learned from me, you’re part of the RVP family for life—because mentorship doesn’t end with a single course. I’m here to support, guide, and cheer you on as you grow and inspire others. -
Russ Jackson
https://www.russjacksonphotography.co.uk/
Russ Jackson is an award-winning family, newborn and maternity photographer based in London with over 20 years of experience. Known for his natural, timeless style, he captures emotive portraits that celebrate the beauty of new life and family bonds. Through the Russ Jackson Academy, he has mentored hundreds of photographers worldwide, sharing practical, real-world guidance on newborn safety, posing, lighting, editing, and building a sustainable business. Russ is a sought-after speaker and educator, passionate about inspiring photographers to grow in confidence, creativity, and professionalism.
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Vanessa Canals
Vanessa Canals is a photographer based in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, known for transforming maternity portraits into works of high fashion and editorial art. With a style deeply influenced by her South Florida roots and the glossy pages of editorial magazines, Vanessa redefines how pregnant women see themselves—elevating them into icons, giving each client the full celebrity treatment.
Her work stands apart for its bold, unconventional vision, pushing the boundaries of traditional maternity photography. Every image is carefully crafted to celebrate beauty, strength, and individuality, often blending the allure of runway glamour with the raw intimacy of motherhood.
Outside of the studio, Vanessa is a proud mother of two daughters, a cat lover, and a hands-on creator who enjoys gardening and diving into DIY projects that bring fresh creativity to her shoots. Constantly seeking new ways to challenge the ordinary, she has carved out a unique space in the world of photography—one where maternity meets editorial, and women are celebrated as the muses they truly are.
