Potomac fine art baby photographer | International photography competition awards

When I first began my career as a fine art baby photographer 12 years ago, I was very reluctant to participate in professional photography competitions, not only because I didn’t have the confidence that I could compete with seasoned photographers with 10, 20, or 30 years of experience, but also because I didn’t see a major benefit in doing so.  However, as I developed as a photographer and joined more professional organizations, I became more familiar with the photography competition process, and gained an appreciation for the value that competitions can provide for both novice and experienced photographers alike.

Most significantly, photography competitions have challenged me to consistently improve and refine my work.  Most professional competitions provide entrants with valuable image critique and constructive feedback (many competitions even provide the opportunity for participants to watch live judging of the event, which means that photographers can benefit from hearing feedback on hundreds of images, not just their own).  Competition judges generally have many years of experience in the industry, and their insights sometimes offer perspectives that I might not have considered.  The feedback I have acquired has consistently helped me to sharpen my technical proficiency and refine my artistic vision.

Additionally, participating in photography competitions encourages experimentation and innovation. In instances in which I have created images specifically for the purpose of competition, I experimented a bit with different techniques and equipment, and stepped outside of my comfort zone a bit to shoot in different scenarios and environments than those I am accustomed to.  I also learned how to do things like create digital frames and replicate hand-torn edges on images as a result of participating in competitions.

Of course, I would be lying if I said that placing in image competitions didn’t also provide an endorphin boost but, truthfully, doesn’t everyone value recognition from their professional colleagues and industry leaders for their hard work and efforts to continually improve and grow in their field? Even though I have been a professional photographer for more than 12 years now, I can’t imagine ever feeling like I have nothing new to learn!
If you are a professional photographer like me, and have been sitting on the competition sidelines, what are you waiting for?

This past Fall (I’m behind on my blogging!), I was fortunate enough to have placed in both the Newborn category (3rd place) and Milestones category (2nd place) in the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International competition, as well as to have received merit awards in both the APNPI and National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers‘ international image competition. I am honored to have my work appear in the winners’ gallery among so many beautiful images from my talented colleagues!

 

 

 

 

 

0 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

    Holiday baby portraits | Potomac baby photographer

    Happy 2025!  I hope that you all had a wonderful, restful holiday season filled with love, laughter, family, and friends! As I’m sure was the case for many of you, my December flew by in a blur. . .I didn’t have much time to post on my site while in the midst of finalizing client orders for the year, shooting holiday portraits for many clients, and doing all of my family holiday prep.  Therefore, in the coming weeks,  I am going to catch you all up on some of the Fall happenings at Tina Krafts Photography, as well as some of the exciting changes ahead.    While we are still in the early days of January and still have our holiday decorations on display (I can’t be the only one, right?! 🙂 ), however, I thought I would share with you all some of my favorite holiday baby portraits from this season.
    Enjoy the cuteness overload!

     

    holiday baby portraits

    newborn baby lying in bed in Christmas pajamas in front of a Christmas tree

     

     

     

     

     

    0 comments
    Add a comment...

    Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

      Baby milestone client closet for Tina Krafts Photography | Washington D.C. baby photographer

      BABY MILESTONE CLIENT CLOSET

       

      Did you know that, in addition to photographing newborns in their first few weeks of life, I additionally offer baby portrait sessions for babies of all ages, and that I also have a carefully curated baby milestone client closet that is available for my clients’ use?  On that note,  I have finally had an opportunity to photograph most of my baby milestone client closet, so if you would like to see all of the adorable offerings for your little ones, you can click here, or go to the “Details” tab on my website homepage.  Trust me,  you should go check it out – there are so many darling little outfits (because, honestly, I’m a bit *too* obsessed with buying cute baby clothes)!  These are just a few examples of some of the pieces I have procured from boutiques and vendors all over the world.

       

      collage of a variety of cream and white 6-12 month baby clothing

      As you will see in the milestone wardrobe gallery, my collection includes both neutral tones and a plethora of colors, and I have an equal number of backdrops to match.  And, as my baby milestone portrait sessions are approximately an hour in length, clients are not limited to a single outfit or color choice for their portraits, allowing for a significant variety of images.  And, just as with my newborn portrait sessions, I customize baby portrait sessions to reflect my clients’ vision, preferences, and specific requests.  Thus, portraits can be as simple as your little one on a solid color backdrop, emphasizing purely baby, such as in these images.

      Or sessions might include seasonal elements or themes that reflect baby’s or parents’ personal interests.  (See sample images below.) I also often incorporate props, blankets, or toys that are meaningful to my little clients or their families.  Regardless of whether a milestone session includes a simple backdrop or a more elaborate theme, or whether the session includes zero or 20 props and accessories,  however, my primary objective in a baby portrait session is to capture those newly developing and precious baby expressions and skills.  Babies grow and change SO fast in their first year of life. Their impossibly tiny fingers and toes get bigger, their hair grows, and their first tiny teeth make an appearance.

      six-month old baby wearing a boho romper, headband, and knee socks from my baby milestone client closet; baby is sitting, holding her foot, and smiling at the cameraThey also learn to smile, to touch and play with their feet, to appreciate “tummy time,” to wave and clap, to sit up, to crawl, and to walk! Photographing milestones allows us to create a visual record of your baby’s growth and development, while simultaneously capturing his or her unique personality. Milestone sessions document the essence of who your baby is at different stages— his or her quirky expressions, curious gazes, and joyful reactions, a representation of your child’s unique character and spirit.

       

       

       

      If you would like to document *your* little one’s first-year milestones, please don’t hestitate to get in touch!

       

       

      0 comments
      Add a comment...

      Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

        Hatch Baby Recalls Power Adapter for Sound Machine | Bethesda newborn photographer – Tina Krafts Photography

         

        Hatch Baby Recalls Sound Machine Power Adapter

        Hi all!  As many of you who follow my blog have little ones at home (or are expecting little ones), I wanted to share this baby product safety recall with you.  More details are below, but the primary concern is a potential shock hazard from the power adapter if the plastic housing for the adapter comes off.  Hatch will replace your power adapter for free.

         

        Hatch Baby recalls power adapter sold with 1st generation Rest sound machine; image of Rest sound machine on blue background with recall text

         

         

        Hatch Baby Sound Machine Power Adapter Recall Details

        This recall involves AC power adapters sold with some units of the Rest 1st Generation Sound Machine. The power adapters have model number CYAP05 050100U. The adapters have a white rectangular plastic housing that plugs directly into the wall socket. The model number, amps (“1.0A”), “Jiangsu Chenyang Electron Co. LTD”, and “Made in China” are printed in black near the prongs on the power adapter. The power adapter was not sold separately.

        What to do if you have a Rest 1st Generation Power Adapter

        Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power adapters sold with Rest 1st Generation sound machines, and contact Hatch for a free replacement power adapter. Consumers should unplug the cord, cut the cord on the recalled power adapter, take a photo of the adapter showing the model number and the cut cord, upload the photo, and provide their name and mailing address at http://www.hatch.co/adapterrecall Hatch is contacting all registered owners directly.

        Injuries that have been caused by the Rest Power Adapter

        The firm has received 19 reports of the plastic housing surrounding the AC power adapter coming off, including two reports of consumers who experienced a minor electrical shock.

        Stores that Sold the Hatch Baby Rest 1st Generation Power Adapter

        Online at Hatch.co and Amazon.com, and at BuyBuyBaby, Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn Kids and BestBuy stores nationwide from January 2019 through September 2022 for between $60 and $70 with certain Rest 1st Generation sound machines, and on Amazon.com from January 2019 through May 2024 for between $60 and $200 with certain Rest 1st Generation sound machines.

        0 comments
        Add a comment...

        Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

          Welcome

          Thanks so much for taking an interest in my work! Please connect with me via the "contact" tab above, or find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

          What could be better for a dreary Monday morning than a happy little 2-week-old bear cub?  I was so excited to meet this cutie and see his sweet family again this weekend (I photographed his big brother as a newborn - little leas than 2 years ago). 💚

Every morning you have two choices:
1. Continue to sleep with your dreams or;
2. Wake up and chase them….

“Ok Monday - let’s DO THIS!!”

We are a group of photographers who refuse to let #monday dull our sparkle! Join us in our rebellion #togsmondayrebellion
          Your daily serotonin boost. 💕
How could this gorgeous brand new baby girl not bring a smile to your face? 

#maylandnewbornphotographer #dcnewbornphotographer #potomacnewbornphotographer #newbornphotography #napcp #potomacmoms #bethesdanewbornphotographer
          That feeling when you realize that it is almost February already….I know that everyone jokes about how January drags by, but this year it seems like it flew by at lightning speed!
On that note, my remaining February openings are also getting snapped up at lightning speed, so if you are interested in a February (or March) date, don’t hesitate to secure your spot on my calendar. 
Contact:  www.tinakraftsphotography.com

#potomacnewbornphotographer #dcnewbornphotographer #marylandnewbornphotographer

Every morning you have two choices:
1. Continue to sleep with your dreams or;
2. Wake up and chase them….

“Ok Monday - let’s DO THIS!!”

We are a group of photographers who refuse to let #monday dull our sparkle! Join us in our rebellion #togsmondayrebellion
          This beautiful girl - just 3 weeks new - came to see me for her newborn portraits this weekend. She was one of the most attentive and observant newborns I have photographed…she maintained eye contact with me when I talked to her and seemed to be listening to every word - it was the sweetest thing! ❤️

I know I say it all the time, but how lucky am I to have a job that involves snuggling impossibly adorable, precious new little ones, and documenting one of the most significant milestones in their families lives?  A dream! ❤️

.
.

Every morning you have two choices:
1. Continue to sleep with your dreams or;
2. Wake up and chase them….

“Ok Monday - let’s DO THIS!!”

We are a group of photographers who refuse to let #monday dull our sparkle! Join us in our rebellion #togsmondayrebellion
          Hi. ❤️
Welcome to the world, sweet boy!

If you would like to document your little one’s first weeks, don’t hesitate to get in touch! I am now booking newborn sessions through summer 2025. 
tina@tinakraftsphotography.com

#dcnewbornphotographer #dcmom #washingtonparents #washingtondcbabyphotographer #potomacnewbornphotographer #bethesdababyphotographer #bethesdamoms #mocoparents #moconewbornphotographer #marylandnewbornphotographer #virginianewbornphotographer
          This little beauty came to the studio a few days ago for her newborn portraits.  Isn’t she perfect in pink? 💕

#dcnewbornphotographer #potomacnewbornphotographer #newbornbaby #marylandnewbornphotographer #newbornphotography #newbornphotographerwashingtondc #rockvillenewbornphotographer #dcmom #potomacmoms #apnpimember #napcp #cabinjohnvillage #potomacphotographer #thehillishome
          follow me @tinakraftsphotography

          email | tina@tinakraftsphotography.com

          telephone (301)960-8340

          located in bethesda, Maryland