Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Lacy Mama Photographer.
Hi Cindy Lacy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began when I finally decided to pursue a dream that had lived in my heart for years. I had the skills, the passion, and the determination to build something meaningful.
After nearly seven years at the same job, I was wrongfully terminated just five weeks postpartum, for having a baby. It was an incredibly difficult and unjust moment, but it became the push I needed to choose myself, my family, and my happiness.
On October 18, 2020—my birthday—I launched my business. It felt like the perfect way to begin a new chapter. From day one, my mission has been to bring a studio-quality experience into the comfort and calm of each family’s home.
Almost five years later. I’m proud to say I’m living my dream job, while still being present for my children every single day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any journey worth taking, it hasn’t always been a smooth road, but it’s been meaningful every step of the way.
When I started Mama Photographer, I didn’t have a job or a source of income to fall back on, so I had to just figure things out as I went. Although, I didn’t have the financial resources to invest in everything right away I had time, passion, and a deep belief in what I was building. I threw myself into every part of the process—building my own website, learning how to market my business, studying lighting and practicing daily with my camera until I found my style.
I watched countless YouTube videos, took newborn photography online courses, soaked up inspiration from other photographers, and practiced newborn swaddling over and over again until it felt second nature. I slowly built up my collection of swaddles, backdrops, and props to give families a wide variety of options.
It wasn’t easy. At times it felt overwhelming. But my passion kept me going and that consistent effort has paid off. Things feel natural and routine now. I’m confident in my process, I know my style, and most of all, I truly enjoy the work I do.
Along the way, I’ve learned that the most important thing is to put your happiness first. Step out of your comfort zone. Take the risk. Give yourself a shot. And yes, I stumbled a few times. I’ve had moments of self-doubt, sessions that didn’t go exactly as planned, but I’m so glad I never gave up.
Today, I feel grounded, confident, and at peace in what I do. And that feeling makes all the hard work worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder of Mama Photographer, specializing in in-home newborn photography, baby milestones, and outdoor family mini sessions. I started this business with a deep understanding of how delicate and emotional the early days of parenthood can be. I know firsthand the fear and overwhelm that come with taking a newborn out into the world, especially in those first few weeks filled with recovery, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding challenges, and big life transitions.
That’s why I bring the session to them.
By offering in-home sessions, I create a calm, safe space where families can truly relax and feel at ease. I come prepared with everything needed to turn their home into a cozy mini studio. Swaddles, outfits, backdrops, props, and most importantly, patience. Each session is so precious. For me, it’s about more than just the images, it’s about the experience.
One of my favorite parts of each session, is connecting with families, especially new moms. I’m often one of their first visitors after giving birth, and the conversations we share about motherhood are incredibly meaningful. That connection has become the heart of my business.
Many families call me a “baby whisperer,” and I’m honored to be invited back again and again to document their growing families. That trust has naturally grown into family sessions, where I’ve become their go-to photographer, not just for one season, but year after year.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
One thing that might surprise people is that, despite how soft-spoken and calm I am during each session, I’m actually one of the loudest moms in the stands at my son’s High School football games! I’m also the silliest mama when playing with my kids, and definitely the “not-so-cool” mom when I’m reminding my kids to clean up or offering unsolicited “mom advice”.
At the end of the day, I’m just a mama too—juggling two kids at home, trying to find balance, and wishing for mom breaks just like everyone else. That real-life, everyday motherhood is exactly what fuels my work and allows me to connect so deeply with the families I photograph.
Pricing:
- Newborn Sessions – $400+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamaphotographer.com
- Instagram: @_mamaphotographer_
- Other: Client testimonials: https://mamaphotographer.com/testimonials
Image Credits
Mama Photographer
