27 Years Photographing Seattle Newborns and Families: Why Experience Matters
Being a good newborn and family photographer isn’t just about owning a nice camera or having a studio space.
It’s about:
Knowing how to read babies
Calming parents and supporting them through the emotions of bringing home a new baby
Anticipating movement, stretches, and sleepy smiles
Managing unpredictability
Being flexible, patient, and understanding
I’ve been photographing Seattle families since 1999.
That’s 27 years of newborn sessions, maternity portraits, toddlers, siblings, and growing families.
And that kind of experience teaches you things you simply can’t learn overnight.
What 27 Years as a Seattle Newborn and Family Photographer Teaches You
It teaches you:
How to soothe a fussy baby
How to pivot quickly
How to create consistency in unpredictable situations
How to work efficiently without rushing
How to create calm
Families don’t just need a photographer.
They need someone steady, someone who has seen just about everything and can handle most situations with grace.
Experience creates confidence.
Confidence creates calm.
Calm creates beautiful photographs.
From Struggling Beginner to Industry Educator
I started this business while living on food stamps, with borrowed equipment. At the time, I was a kindergarten teacher with Seattle Public Schools. Photography was a way to bring in much-needed extra income.
It turned into my life’s work.
Today:
I’m a best-selling author of two books on family photography, including The Complete Guide to Family Photography
My work is part of the Seattle Museum of History & Industry’s permanent collection
I teach photographers worldwide how to build successful photography businesses
Brands like Kodak, B&H, Westcott Lighting, and Miller’s Lab (the largest professional photo lab in the country) trust my expertise and ask me to collaborate
That growth didn’t happen by accident.
It happened because I’ve spent decades refining my craft, especially my lighting, posing, and workflow systems.
And that refinement benefits every family who walks into my Seattle studio.
Why Experience Matters for Your Family
When you hire a photographer with decades of experience, you’re not gambling.
You’re investing in:
Consistency
Safety
Efficiency
Confidence
Timeless results
Decades of real-world knowledge
You don’t have to worry if the baby will cooperate.
You don’t have to wonder if the photos will turn out well.
I’ve refined my process so your experience feels seamless.
After 27 years of Seattle newborn, family and maternity photography, I’ve learned how to create beautiful results, even when babies (or toddlers) don’t follow the plan.
FAQ: Choosing a Seattle Newborn Photographer
How important is experience in newborn photography?
Extremely important.
Newborn photography requires far more than camera skills. It requires safety knowledge, hands-on experience working with babies of all ages, and the ability to help both newborns and parents feel relaxed and comfortable.
Look for a photographer with significant experience when choosing your newborn photographer.
How long has Sandra Coan been in business?
Sandra Coan has been photographing Seattle families since 1999 and is widely known as one of the most experienced newborn photographers in Seattle.
If you’re searching for newborn photography or maternity photography in the Seattle area, experience is not just a bonus.
It’s peace of mind.
And you can find that with me!
Follow this link to see my portfolio, and reach out if you have any questions.