Meet Cindy Lacy | Mama Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy Lacy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, it came from one of the hardest moments in my life. I was wrongfully let go from my job while on maternity leave—just five weeks after having my baby girl. I was heartbroken and blindsided. But in the middle of that pain, a quiet dream I had buried for years started to surface.

I had always wanted to start my own photography business—I had the skills, the passion, and even a website just waiting on me to believe in it. That moment of loss gave me the push to finally go for it.

I didn’t have it all figured out, but I knew I wanted a life filled with purpose, creativity, and connection. And that’s what led me here—turning my dream into a reality and creating space for other families to see the beauty in their own stories.

What should our readers know about your business?
On my birthday—October 18, 2020—I gave myself the gift of starting over. 
I launched Mama Photographer that day, and by the end of the week, I had booked my first client. It was a leap of faith during a very tender season of life—and nearly five years later, I still wake up every day doing what I love. I feel so at peace with where I am.

I specialize in in-home newborn photography. The love I have for what I do, allowed me to add baby milestone and family photography as well. But more than just capturing beautiful images, I hold space for families. I bring calm, presence, and love into every session—documenting not just what life looks like, but how it feels. I genuinely believe that babies and families can feel the love I have for this work, because every session is a heartfelt experience. The babies love me—I’ve been called a baby whisperer more than once, and I wear that title with pride.
What sets my work apart is the way I serve families in their own space. I don’t have a studio. Instead, I bring the studio experience to the comfort of your home. As a mother myself, I understand the stress and vulnerability that can come with taking a newborn out in public. That’s why I do everything I can to make sessions convenient, relaxing, and memorable. Once I’ve set up, your home becomes a mini studio—allowing you to simply watch in awe while I work my magic. I provide everything needed: swaddles, outfits, backdrops, props—and most importantly, patience.
I’m always learning, dreaming, and evolving. My mind is constantly thinking of adorable ideas and new props to keep things fresh and exciting for my clients. I recently hit a major business goal much sooner than expected, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. My love for this work is genuine, and I think that shows.

I handle every single aspect of my business—from designing each shoot, preparing props, traveling to every session, photographing families, editing every gallery, to running my own website, marketing, content creation, SEO, analytics, and responding to every email and inquiry. All while juggling my most important job: being a mama. From morning drop-offs to afternoon pick-ups, and every meaningful moment in my kids’ world, I manage everything around them so I can stay fully present. Because being a mother is, and always will be, my greatest accomplishment.
Sure, it gets overwhelming. Especially when I’m fully booked. I often work late into the night after my kids are asleep. But oddly enough, editing galleries at night brings me a quiet joy—it feels like reading a good book. That’s when I realize: I’m living my dream. And I am forever grateful. Most importantly, I pray—a lot. For strength, for guidance, for growth. This journey is so personal to me, and I truly believe that faith has carried me through every high and low. It reminds me that I’m not doing this alone.

I’ve learned a lot throughout this journey, but the biggest lesson has been this: always put your happiness first. Step out of your comfort zone. Take the risk. Give yourself a shot. No dream is too big—and yes, you might fail a few times. I’ve had moments when I doubted myself, when a session didn’t turn out exactly the way I wanted. But I’m so glad I didn’t give up. Now, I feel confident and at peace in what I do.
My story is a reminder—to myself, and to anyone who’s ever felt broken—that you can rise. You can start over. You can turn pain into purpose. When things feel like they’re falling apart, sometimes it’s just a blessing in disguise. That’s what happened for me. If I hadn’t lost my job, I might still be saying, “One day I’ll start that business.”
So, if you’re standing at the edge of something scary but exciting—leap. Fear is real, but so is faith. And sometimes, all it takes is one small yes to change everything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
DAY 1 – Spa Day & Vibes Only
• Morning: Kick off at DuBunne Spa in Torrance. That welcome cocktail? Yes please. We’re getting facials, massages, and maybe even a soak in the garden spa tubs.
• Afternoon: Light lunch nearby—The Toss up in Gardena. Their salads are delicious!
• Evening: Wind down the day with dinner and margaritas at Martin’s Cocina in Inglewood. That’s my local go to spot!

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DAY 2 – Beach + Retail Therapy
• Morning: Power walk at Manhattan Beach—beautiful, breezy, and the ocean just hits different when you’re moving your body.
• Afternoon: Shopping spree time! Either hit The Point in El Segundo for cute boutiques and outdoor vibes, or go full-out at Del Amo Fashion Center.

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DAY 3 – Friday Night Lights
• Morning: Chill morning, maybe grab coffee or we can make one at my place, and enjoy pastries too.
• Late lunch/Early dinner: Let’s go to Tokyo Wako in Long Beach. The food is absolutely great and the view is wonderful!
• Evening: We’re at my son’s football game, cheering like we’re on the squad too. We’re bringing the whole energy.

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DAY 4 – Chill Vibes
• Morning: Let’s sleep in… We will have brunch here made by husband who cooks like a professional chef!
• Afternoon: Explore SoFi Stadium and the Cosm.
• Evening: Movie night in my backyard. We will make smores and play games.

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DAY 5 – Friends and Family

• Last day here: BBQ in my backyard… Friends, good music, great food, fun games. It’s a vibe!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—this journey wouldn’t be what it is without the support and love I’ve been blessed with.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my husband. He’s been my biggest fan, especially during one of the most emotional and uncertain times of my life. When I was at my lowest—grieving the sudden loss of my job and navigating postpartum depression—he looked me in the eyes and said, “It’s about time,” when I mentioned starting my own business. Those words gave me more courage than he probably even realizes.

Later, when my business wasn’t growing as quickly as I’d hoped and I considered picking up a part-time job, he told me, “No. You need to just stay focused. No distractions. Your business will grow. Don’t worry—we’ll be fine.” His unwavering belief in me, his patience, and his steady support lit the fire I needed to push through the doubt and build something beautiful.

I also want to shout out my kids. They give me strength and purpose every single day. I started this business for me, but I continue to grow it for them—so they can see what it looks like to follow your heart, to create something meaningful, and to build a life filled with purpose and presence. It is the sweetest to see how proud they are of me.

To the mamas and families who welcomed me into their homes during those early days—thank you. Your trust, warmth, and referrals meant everything to me when I was just finding my footing. From the very beginning, you’ve invited me into your most vulnerable, beautiful moments—those fresh, sacred newborn days—and you’ve met me with such openness and love. So many of you have become more than clients. You’ve allowed me to document the story of your growing families, from first babies, milestones, to new additions. You’ve sent kind words, referred me to loved ones, and celebrated my milestones right alongside me. You’ve helped me grow this dream from the ground up, and I will never stop being grateful.

Lastly, I give all the credit to God. When things felt heavy, when doors closed, when fear crept in—faith kept me moving forward. This business was born in the midst of a storm, but it’s been blessed every step of the way.

Success is never a solo journey. I am endlessly grateful for the people and moments that helped me turn pain into purpose—and for every soul who believed in me along the way.

Website: https://www.mamaphotographer.com

Instagram: @_mamaphotographer_

Other: Client testimonials (Google Reviews): https://mamaphotographer.com/testimonials

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Mama Photographer