Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Swanson.
Hi Candice, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started with a camera class in high school, a deep love for babies once I had my son as a senior in high school that somehow turned into this amazing full-circle career I never could’ve planned. I’ve been photographing newborns for over fifteen years now and what keeps me inspired is the magic of motherhood, that mix of exhaustion, joy, and love that’s impossible to put into words but so beautiful to capture.
I’m also a mom of two and a second-time surrogate, so babies are kind of my world in every sense. My studio is my happy place, it’s calm, cozy, and designed so moms don’t have to lift a finger. They just show up, exhale, and leave with heirloom art that becomes part of their family story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been such a meaningful one. Building a business while raising kids, navigating single motherhood, and managing ADHD has stretched me in ways I never expected. There have been seasons when I felt completely overwhelmed, trying to juggle client work, creativity, and everyday life.
Some days everything clicked and others nothing went as planned. I’ve had sessions rescheduled, equipment fail, and those moments where I questioned if I could really keep up. But every challenge pushed me to grow. I’ve learned to give myself grace, pause when I need to, and remind myself why I started in the first place: to capture love, connection, and the beauty of motherhood.
Looking back, I’m grateful for every bump in the road because it taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of building a business that supports my life, not one that drains it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a newborn and maternity photographer based in Orange County, and I’ve spent over fifteen years capturing the beauty, connection, and emotion that come with new life. I specialize in creating a full-service experience for my clients, one where they can simply show up and feel completely taken care of. Every detail is thoughtfully prepared, from the wraps and props to the posing and design consultation afterward.
I’m most known for my calm, nurturing energy in the studio and my ability to help moms feel confident and beautiful in front of the camera, even when they’re sleep-deprived or nervous about how they look. I bring not just my experience as a photographer but also my perspective as a mom of two and a second-time surrogate. That personal connection allows me to understand the emotions families are experiencing and to create images that truly feel like them.
What sets me apart is how deeply I care about the entire experience — not just the photos. I’ve built a space where moms can exhale, feel seen, and walk away with heirloom artwork that tells the story of their family in a timeless, meaningful way. Seeing their faces light up when they view their finished portraits will always be one of my proudest moments.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Technology is changing photography fast, and I think it will completely transform how we work in the next decade. AI is already helping with editing, culling, and retouching, but soon it’ll go even further — offering tools that analyze light, suggest poses, and keep brand styles consistent across sessions.
For newborn photographers, this could even mean safety-enhancing tools that guide posing or help visualize final wall art in a client’s home. I see it as a way to simplify the behind-the-scenes work so we can spend more time doing what matters most — connecting with families and creating art that feels personal and real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.candiceswansonphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candiceswansonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandiceSwansonPhotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-swanson-307093230
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@candiceswansonphotography
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/candiceswansonphotography
