Meet Jessica Cramer of Matt Cramer Photography

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

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Matt Cramer Photography specializes in artistic newborn and baby photography. Our unique selling point is our elegant, minimalist style. We focus on the natural beauty of the newborn, using organic, understated props and a soft color palette to complement each subject. This approach aligns with contemporary nursery trends and appeals particularly to our style-conscious Los Angeles clientele.

Safety is our top priority, earning us significant trust from parents. We adhere to strict safety standards and keep our training and vaccinations up to date to ensure the wellbeing of our tiny subjects. We are also known for creating a calm, welcoming environment that allows parents to relax while we work with their babies, often leading them to refer to Jess affectionately as the “Baby Whisperer.”

We have photographed over 1600 babies and are most proud of the feedback our client’s share on their online reviews of us!

Building the #1 ranked newborn photography studio in Los Angeles as rated by Yelp involved overcoming substantial challenges. Transitioning from stable, full-time jobs to entrepreneurship required significant sacrifice but was vital for pursuing our passion. We managed these challenges by prioritizing continuous learning, which refined our technical and business skills, and by understanding the importance of an effective online presence.

We learned the importance of delegation early on, realizing that outsourcing tasks like taxes and album design could free us up to focus more on our craft and our amazing clients.

We want the world to know that Matt Cramer Photography is driven by passion and a commitment to excellence. That we are a husband and wife team that took a major work- and through hard work, passion and determination, you really can create the dream life you want.

Our work is more than just photography; it’s about capturing fleeting moments and turning them into lifelong memories. Each session is tailored to ensure client satisfaction and to uphold our reputation as a leader in newborn and baby photography in Los Angeles. Our story and success are testament to the power of following one’s passion and the impact of hard work and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were coming to town for a week, I’d have the perfect lineup to show off the best parts of Los Angeles. First up, we’d hit the beautiful Eaton Canyon- set in the hills near Pasadena. It’s a gorgeous area with a waterfall at the end of the hike. Tons of wildlife and a cute little nature center!

After our morning hike, we’d definitely need to refuel, so we’d head to Matt and my favorite spot for breakfast and coffee at Porto’s in Burbank! Then we’d head down Magnolia Boulevard, hitting up all the local thrift shops and second hand stores.

We might also get a few outings in. We love spending an afternoon at The Getty Center, taking in the stunning art and gorgeous garden views. Another day, we’d wander through LACMA, where the art is as diverse as LA itself.

When night falls, it’s all about soaking up the local vibes. Catching a live show at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre would be on the agenda for sure, followed by drinks at Perch or The Standard. The city looks incredible from up there, and the atmosphere is just electric.

We’d also take a day to chill in Malibu, lounging by the beach and maybe splurging at Nobu Malibu! It’s the best spot to people watch- maybe catch a glimpse of a celebrity- and enjoy their amazing menu.

This week would be all about enjoying the city’s dynamic mix of culture, food, and stunning natural beauty—making memories that last a lifetime!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We are immensely grateful to the community of newborn photographers who have paved the way in this beautiful and delicate art form. Their pioneering work, dedication, and willingness to share their knowledge have been instrumental in showing us that it is indeed possible to turn a passion for photography into a sustainable livelihood. We owe a great deal of our success to these talented individuals who have not only inspired us but also guided us on our path.

A special mention must go to Amy McDaniels of Dewdrops Photography, a figure whose influence on our professional journey cannot be overstated. Early in our career, we had the privilege of taking a 1:2 private mentoring session with her in our home studio. Her mentorship was pivotal; she not only enhanced our technical skills but also instilled in us the critical importance of posing newborns safely. Amy taught us an effective workflow that we continue to use and refine in our practice today.

In addition to individual mentors, we owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the vibrant online communities we’re part of, particularly the numerous Facebook groups dedicated to newborn photography. These forums have become an invaluable resource for us and countless others in the field. Comprised of many skilled and passionate photographers, these groups foster a collaborative atmosphere where members freely share their successes, favorite props and vendors, and more importantly, their knowledge and techniques.

Through these communities, we have learned to perfect various poses, discovered effective soothing techniques, and identified helpful tools and aids that enhance our photography sessions. Discussions about camera equipment and lighting specifically suited for newborn photography is something we all share in. The collective wisdom and supportive nature of these groups have significantly contributed to our growth and success. These platforms not only enrich our professional skills but also strengthen the sense of camaraderie among newborn photographers. We are deeply thankful for the ongoing support and shared knowledge these groups provide—it has been instrumental in our journey and the development of our craft.

Website: https://www.mattcramerphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattcramerphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-cramer-333b6340/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattCramerPhoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattCramerPhotography/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/matt-cramer-photography-los-angeles

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV1gxMdrj8xsVvCuPg9CXHg

Image Credits
Matt Cramer Photography