Meet your Instructors
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Ana King
Ana King is a South Florida maternity and motherhood photographer with over 10 years of experience. Her style is fashion-inspired and elegant — a mix of editorial beauty and real emotion. In her private studio and outdoor sessions, she turns the fleeting season of motherhood into timeless, personal art. Ana believes every mother deserves to feel beautiful and unforgettable, and she's passionate about teaching other photographers how to use light, turn simple fabrics into timeless wardrobe pieces, and grow their photography businesses.
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Ang McCabe
https://www.instagram.com/myrtleandmossphotography
Ang McCabe is the photographer behind Myrtle and Moss Photography in Alberta, Canada. With a background in labor and delivery nursing, Ang’s work is deeply rooted in connection, trust, and creating space for women and families to feel comfortable being themselves.
While she photographs across several genres, the common thread through her work is relationship-driven imagery. Ang is especially known for posing and directing clients in a way that feels natural rather than forced, along with her use of natural light, backlighting, and intimate portraiture.
As an educator, Ang brings that same relaxed, inclusive energy into the classroom. She focuses on practical direction, client interaction, and helping photographers build confidence in how they communicate and guide people through a session. Her goal is to make what she teaches feel approachable and achievable, no matter where someone is in their photography journey.
Photographers regularly come to Ang for help with editing, backlighting, posing and directing, and becoming more comfortable creating intimate imagery. She also brings a strong business perspective, especially around client experience, simplifying offers, and building a business through relationships and word of mouth.
At the heart of Ang’s work is the belief that meaningful photography starts with making people feel safe enough to be themselves. Whether she is photographing a client or teaching another photographer, her approach is grounded in connection, honesty, and creating work that feels personal.
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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. -

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. -

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. -

Jackie Scully
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.
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Lindsay Walden
https://lindsaywaldenphotography.com/
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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Kelly Brown
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.
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Kelsey Freeman
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!
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Meg Loeks
Meg Loeks is an international award-winning portrait photographer, educator, and speaker based in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where she lives on a hobby farm with her husband, five children, and far too many chickens to reasonably explain. Known for her distinctive use of color, storytelling, and narrative portraiture, Meg's work has been exhibited internationally and recognized through numerous awards.
Though her love for photography began in childhood while hand-developing film in a darkroom, Meg initially pursued a degree in Advertising and Public Relations before returning to photography after becoming a mother. For more than 12 years, she has taught workshops and spoken at conferences throughout the United States and internationally, helping photographers develop stronger observational skills and create more meaningful, story-driven work through the intentional use of light, color, composition, and narrative.
Meg is the founder of Yesteryear Retreats, host of The Creative Thread Podcast, and works alongside brands including SIGMA, Profoto, Imagen, and Adobe. She also volunteers with The Gold Hope Project, providing portrait sessions to families affected by pediatric cancer.
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Newborn Nerds
https://www.instagram.com/sweetlittleyouphoto
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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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. -

Witney Conklin
https://witneyannphotography.com/
Witney Ann Conklin is the photographer behind Witney Ann Photography in Jacksonville, Florida. With 16 years of experience in newborn photography, Witney is known for her soft, creamy imagery, beautiful lighting, and a signature beanbag posing style that has become highly recognizable among other photographers.
Her approach to newborn photography is simple, intentional, and efficient. Witney has spent years refining a workflow that allows her to create posed newborn portraits, family images, lifestyle moments, and detailed photographs without overcomplicating the session. Photographers regularly come to her for help with curly beanbag posing, lighting, editing, and streamlined newborn workflow.
As an educator, Witney is laid-back, practical, and hands-on. She believes photography does not have to be made more complicated than it needs to be, and her goal is to break things down in a way that leaves students thinking, “Wait… that’s it?” She focuses on approachable techniques photographers can actually take home and use in their own sessions.
Witney also brings a strong business perspective to her teaching. After years of experience, she has built a sustainable photography business around the workflow, pricing model, and client experience that work best for her and her market. She is passionate about helping photographers simplify their businesses, create experiences their clients value, and build something profitable without feeling pressured to follow someone else’s version of success.