Why I Became a Newborn Photographer in Rockford, Illinois
My Newborn Photography Journey
Hey! If you’re new here allow me to introduce myself; my name is Cally, owner & operator of Cally Jo Photography. I specialize in capturing the beautiful moments of motherhood, from the delicate first days with your newborn to the joyous milestones as your little ones grow. In my Rockford, Illinois studio, I offer luxury photography sessions that encompass newborn, maternity, milestone, and cake smash photography, ensuring each image tells your unique story. My goal is to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for families while providing timeless images that you and your children will cherish for years to come.
I wasn't always a newborn photographer. For five years, I dedicated my time to teaching elementary school, nurturing young minds and shaping their futures. It was a fulfilling career with rewarding moments, but I soon discovered my heart was pulling me in a different direction. Away from common core and standardized tests, and towards the freedom to create.
As a mother of two boys, I found joy in capturing the fleeting moments of my children’s early days. I realized how quickly time passes and how precious each milestone is. I often find myself looking back at my kids' baby photos, reminiscing about those precious moments that feel both recent and strangely distant all at once- if you know, you know. When I look back at these photos, I find myself transported back to these early days. This personal experience sparked my interest in photography, particularly in the realm of newborns and families.
Before I even began, I knew I wanted to specialize in newborns and milestones as these are the moments I cherish most as a mom. I also was SO drawn to those gorgeous posed newborn images, and soon my Pinterest was taken over with inspiration. But as a mom, I knew newborn photography couldn't be easy. Babies rarely cooperate right? And mine hardly ever slept in those first few weeks, so how were newborn photographers getting these perfectly sleepy images? I knew there would be a LOT to learn, but I was fully committed to turning this dream of mine into a reality.
With the support of my husband, I took a leap of faith, deciding to put my teaching career on hold and purchasing my first camera. I combed the internet, searching for the best lighting, backdrops, outfits, bonnets, props, and everything else needed to create the type of images I wanted to produce. The investment hasn’t just been financial though; I’ve studied, practiced, and learned from some of the best in the business. I have invested hours upon hours into learning proper posing and lighting techniques, devoted to mastering the art of newborn photography with an unwavering focus on safety. Every photograph has become a testament to my journey, each session an opportunity to create lasting memories for families, with beautiful artwork beyond what they could ever produce with their iPhones. Still today, I am committed to continuously refining my skills, ensuring I can offer the absolute best for every client I work with.
I started out carrying everything in giant totes, and doing sessions in my clients homes. While doable for the time being, it wasn’t sustainable. My collection of things was growing rapidly, and I wasn't able to provide the experience that I knew my clients deserved.
Newborn Photography evolved from a dream into a passion of mine. Now, I invite my clients into my Rockford Newborn Photography Studio for a relaxing & stress-free experience while capturing the beauty and innocence of their babies. My goal is always to create art that reflects the love, joy, connection, and uniqueness of every family I work with, while ensuring the new parents who booked with me didn’t have to worry about a thing.
The transition into newborn photography felt natural for me, and the switch has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to provide families with timeless memories they can cherish for generations to come.
Ready to book your Rockford Newborn Session?
Image by Cally Jo Photography
