I became a photographer six years ago. I was self taught (which basically means I bought a camera and started guessing how to pose babies and families by trial and error.) I downloaded photoshop and searched for before and after tutorials. I basically just stared at amazing photographer’s work all day trying to mimic the poses as best I could, not even THINKING about light or angles and wondering why I wasn’t getting it. Then Rachel Vanoven entered my life. (And by that I mean, I found her on facebook.)

Rachel has educated me for years with her e-workshops: videos and workbooks full of information on photographing newborns and families. As insanely helpful as they were (and still ARE to this day) being SO inclusive, she could only update them every other year. “Only” being her words, since updating workshops at all is a treasure.

Enter her newest brain child: The Collective. This is a monthly subscription (that you can purchase in one swoop for the year if that’s your jam) where you get videos following TWO guest photographers AND Rachel on their personal take capturing beautiful memories. There’s a great facebook group where you can ask the guest photographers and Rachel questions, post your work and ask for help and get hyped about everyone getting so awesome! I’ve had the honor of getting to test out the first month and honestly, I feel like I’ve gotten a gift basket from the oscars, or was just on Ellen’s 12 days of giveaways or something else incredibly amazing. I purchased the whole year in one swoop (because that’s my jam) and I’ve got to tell you, it has already paid for itself in this first month. If you’re a newborn or family photographer, you have GOT to check it out and get your name on the e-mail list so you can snag your spot.

https://therachelvanovencollective.com

Growth is essential for creatives. It’s the tacos to our Tuesday. I have made LEAPS and BOUNDS thanks to Rachel. I honestly owe her more than I could ever show her. The best I can do are these before and afters.

Safety is NUMBER. ONE. Poses MUST be done correctly and safely. ESPECIALLY froggy pose.

Angles and light are crucial!

Get on siblings good sides (and posing/wrapping them in flattering ways!)

Moving around and having fun with families

Posing

Lighting

Thank you for everything Rachel!!

Now everyone else, run to sign up!

https://therachelvanovencollective.com