From Passion to Mastery: A Journey of Growth in Newborn Photography
Photography is a journey—one of self-discovery, evolution, and artistic transformation. No one starts as an expert; every photographer refines their craft through years of learning, trial, and passion.
At AURA AWARDS, we created the NOW & THEN Project to celebrate photographers who have grown in their artistry and technique—those who have taken their first steps, struggled through challenges, and emerged with a body of work that showcases their dedication. Today, we feature Bonny Reed from the USA, a photographer whose devotion to capturing newborns has led her to remarkable achievements.
Bonny’s story is one of resilience, learning, and a love for preserving life’s most fleeting moments.
Meet Bonny Reed – The Artist Behind the Lens
Some photographers are drawn to the craft early in life, while others discover it later, shaped by their personal journey. For Bonny Reed, photography was always something she loved, but it wasn’t until her children were older that she realized it could become something much more—a career that allowed her to merge her love for babies and photography into one passion-filled profession.
“I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a deep appreciation for nature. When I was 23, I moved to Seattle, Washington, where I met my husband, the love of my life. We built a beautiful life together, raising three wonderful boys. For years, I was a stay-at-home mom, cherishing every moment with them.
But as they grew older, I found myself searching for something that would fulfill me creatively while also contributing financially to our family. That’s when I picked up my camera—not just as a hobby, but as a profession.
In 2017, I officially launched my photography business, initially focusing on families. I loved capturing their connections, but in 2019, I was given the opportunity to dive into newborn photography, and that changed everything for me. From the very first newborn session I did, I knew—this was where my heart truly belonged.”
Bonny and her family later moved to Southern California, where she established her business and built a strong reputation for her soft, heartfelt newborn portraits. She continues to grow and evolve, never settling, always striving for something greater.
NOW & THEN – A Journey of Learning & Growth
Photography is a constant evolution. No matter how long you’ve been in the industry, there is always something new to learn. For Bonny, the biggest transformation in her work came through mastering posing and lighting—two of the most challenging aspects of newborn photography.
Newborn photography is not just about taking a picture; it’s about carefully posing delicate little ones in a way that is both natural and artistic, while ensuring their safety and comfort. It’s about using light to bring out the softness of their features, creating images that feel warm and timeless.
Bonny dedicated herself to improving every aspect of her craft. Through mentorships, workshops, and hands-on practice, she refined her techniques, learned the secrets of strobe lighting, and transformed the way she approached newborn sessions.
The difference between then and now is striking—what was once a challenge has now become second nature, allowing her to create stunning, polished portraits that families cherish for a lifetime.
What We Can Learn from Bonny’s Transformation
Bonny’s journey teaches us some valuable lessons about growth, resilience, and artistic mastery.
The Power of Education – Bonny didn’t settle for what she knew. She sought out mentors, workshops, and hands-on learning, proving that investing in education is one of the best ways to grow as a photographer.
Mastering Lighting Takes Time – Like many newborn photographers, Bonny initially struggled with lighting. However, through patience and continuous refinement, she learned how to shape light beautifully, transitioning from continuous light to strobe lighting for better control and consistency.
Never Stop Improving – Even after years in the industry, Bonny believes there is always room for improvement. Her ability to analyze her weaknesses and refine her technique has played a huge role in her success.
Find Your Own Style – Bonny’s editing has evolved significantly over the years. From deep shadows to a more balanced, light-filled approach, she has adapted her work to align with her artistic vision while maintaining her unique, signature style.
Confidence Comes with Time – Every photographer starts somewhere, and it’s easy to feel discouraged in the beginning. Bonny’s advice? Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, compete with yourself, push your boundaries, and trust the process.
Below is one of Bonn´s Work at her starting point in 2017.
The AURA AWARDS Interview with Bonny Reed
As part of our NOW & THEN Project, we sat down with Bonny to talk about her journey, the lessons she has learned, and the dreams she continues to chase.
Q: How long have you been working as a professional photographer?
Bonny: I started my photography business in 2017, initially focusing on family portraits. In 2019, I found my true passion in newborn photography, and that has been my focus ever since.
Q: When comparing your first professional images to your latest work, what stands out the most?
Bonny: Posing and lighting. In my early days, I struggled to position newborns in a way that looked effortless and natural. My lighting was inconsistent, and I didn’t fully understand how to shape light to bring out the softness of a newborn’s features. Now, I’ve refined my approach, and I see a world of difference in my work.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced in your early photography years?
Bonny: Definitely posing and lighting. It took me a long time to feel confident in handling newborns safely while also achieving the look I wanted in my images.
Q: How did you refine your lighting techniques over time?
Bonny: I attended mentoring sessions with experienced photographers and made the transition from continuous light to strobe lighting. That change was a game-changer for me, giving me more control and consistency in my sessions.
Q: Was there a specific moment when you felt your work had reached a new level?
Bonny: Yes! In 2022, I did a one-on-one mentorship with a photographer who explained posing and lighting in a way that just clicked for me. After that, I saw a huge transformation in my images.
Q: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self as a photographer?
Bonny: Give yourself grace. Don’t worry so much about what others think of your work—just keep pushing forward. Growth takes time.
Q: How has participating in contests like AURA AWARDS helped shape your growth?
Bonny: Awards have been a form of validation for me. I’ve always been my own biggest critic, but receiving recognition for my work has helped me gain confidence and push myself further.
Q: If you could only use one lens for the rest of your career, which one would it be and why?
Bonny: For newborns, my Sigma Art 40mm is my go-to. For outdoor family portraits, my Nikon 105mm is unbeatable—it creates gorgeous compression and bokeh.
Q: What has been the most valuable investment in your photography career?
Bonny: Without a doubt, education. Expanding my skills and learning from other photographers has been crucial to my success.
Q: What’s the next milestone you want to achieve as a photographer?
Bonny: I want to become widely recognized in Southern California for my work and build a strong reputation in the industry.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about photographing newborns?
Bonny: Seeing the parents’ reaction when they see their baby’s portraits for the first time—it’s priceless. And when families return to me for their second or third child, that’s the greatest compliment I could ever receive.
Q: How do you know when an image is truly “finished” and ready for delivery?
Bonny: It’s more of a feeling than a process. When everything in the image feels balanced and nothing distracts me, that’s when I know it’s done.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring photographer?
Bonny: Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. When I was starting out, a photographer told me: “Don’t compare your two-year journey to someone else’s ten-year journey.” That advice has stayed with me.
Bonny Reed’s Inspiring Journey
Bonny’s story is one of dedication, transformation, and artistic discovery. From struggling with posing and lighting to mastering the craft of newborn photography, her journey proves that hard work and passion lead to success.
At AURA AWARDS, we are honored to showcase Bonny Reed in our NOW & THEN Project. Her evolution as an artist serves as an inspiration to photographers at every stage of their journey.
Explore Bonny’s work and see her incredible transformation at https://bonnylynnphotography.com/
For all photographers out there—keep learning, keep growing, and never stop chasing your creative dreams.