Anja McDonald Photography

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.

CLJ Photography

Pass Gallery Platinum

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.

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.

https://honeywildphoto.com/

Jackie is the photographer behind Honeywild Photography, a newborn and maternity studio based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her photography journey started the way a lot of good stories do, by accident. After photographing her youngest's newborn photos herself, she caught the bug and never looked back. She's niched into newborn photography since the very beginning, and five years later, she's still just as obsessed with it as day one.

Her style is warm, detailed, and earthy, full of soft, consistent tones and go-to poses she's built and trusted over years of sessions. But what most people connect with is her: her patience, her warmth, and her attention to detail. It's that personal connection, just as much as the craft, that's earned her a spot on Guide to Michigan's Best of Michigan list for Maternity and Newborn Photographers.

A small-town girl who grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, Jackie now lives in Grand Rapids with her husband, five kids, and two dogs on their three-acre hobby farm. When she's not in the studio, she's probably chasing kids, animals, or a little bit of both.

https://kellybrownonline.com/

Kelly Brown is an internationally acclaimed portrait photographer, educator, and industry leader whose influence has redefined newborn photography worldwide. Since launching her business in 2004, she has built a reputation for excellence, authenticity, and innovation, empowering photographers to master both their craft and their careers.

With over two decades of experience and students in more than 120 countries, Kelly is one of the most respected voices in photographic education. Through her platforms KellyBrownOnline.com and NewbornPosing.com, she has created one of the largest online photography education libraries in the world, featuring more than 750 tutorials and resources that help photographers build confidence, creativity, and business success.

Known for her clarity, warmth, and precision, Kelly’s mentorship has guided tens of thousands of photographers to refine their artistry, elevate their professionalism, and find purpose in their work. Her teachings extend far beyond posing and lighting, offering insight into business growth, mindset, and longevity in the creative industry.

An ICON Grand Master of Photography, AIPP Double Master, and SWPP Fellow, Kelly is also one of only15 Canon Masters across Australia and New Zealand. She proudly represents Graphistudio and Canson Infinity, and serves as an international judge and chair person, shaping global standards of photographic excellence. Now based in London, Kelly continues to lead her worldwide community through live classes, workshops, and events that inspire photographers to grow both personally and professionally. Her work and mission celebrate the power of storytelling, the beauty of new life, and the limitless potential of the creative spirit.

https://www.kelseyfreemanphotography.com/

Hi!! I'm a 33 year-old mom of two (make that 3 if you count my hubby) :P and I live in between Atlanta and Birmingham. Born and raised Georgia peach here, I was made a bit too sweet and I am far too kind...call me a habitual people pleaser which is always great for my clients haha. I admit I do have a tendency to talk a lot, and a million miles a minute, but that just means we'll have a great time together!

https://www.vandcostudio.com/

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.