Meet Cindy Rawlings | Maternity, Newborn, & Family Photographer

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

Hi Cindy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I absolutely love freeze-framing moments for my friends and family. They were really the driving force behind my decision to start my own business. Their feedback and support gave me the courage I needed to step out of my comfort zone and give it a go. Besides, the thought of doing what I love, and brings me great joy, as my J-O-B was just too good to pass up!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer that specializes in maternity, newborn, and family photography. I am constantly learning new and exciting things, while keeping up to date on mom and baby safety. So far this year, I have 25+ hours of learning under my belt! I love connecting with new people, but am a self-proclaimed introvert so I can be a little shy sometimes.

I love working with expecting moms. Have you chatted with a pregnant mama lately? They typically do not feel wonderful. They may be dealing with swollen ankles/limbs, nausea, pain and more. Many will say they feel huge…the size of a house, whale, etc; however, those who surround these mamas see a gorgeous woman. She’s glowing. She’s awe-inspiring. She is precious. So, what I strive to do is help these mamas see themselves as we see them…beautiful and cherished. Between chatting, wardrobe, and posing, mamas quickly become at ease with our session, and relax into allowing their true light and joy to shine.

And then, when baby arrives, I hope to help the family celebrate by capturing every. single. detail! Everything from their tiny toes to their tiny fingers must be documented! It is such a blessing to walk alongside my sweet clients as they celebrate the arrival of their precious babe(s). There is no other place I would rather be!

From the time these families drive up, I work to ensure they know they are cherished. I greet them in the driveway. I help carry any props, bags, etc. and we make our way into the studio together. Once inside, I point out the charcuterie board provided for snacking, the fridge for refreshments, and show them around the studio. The ladies have access to my client closet full of gorgeous gowns (from simple to just plain ridiculous) and I have oodles of props for baby.

All of this to say, I have been in business for four years, and it has not been a quick and easy road. I have had to do a lot of training, both with my camera and knowledge about moms and babies. I also decided to niche down and narrow my photography focus (maternity, newborn and families), finding a flow that works best for me and my business, and creating an environment where my clients feel safe.

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?
We would definitely visit some of my favorite places! Paula’s Zzerts in Canton for dessert, Charlies Italian in Ellijay for dinner, walk the shoppes at the Mill at Etowah in Canton, order a charcuterie board from Carri Cuts the Cheese, eat at De Luna Mexican in Canton, eat at Cylantros in Woodstock, and enjoy a nice campfire on my property.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say my mom and my husband would argue they are my biggest supporters, and they would both be correct. Cheering me on from the sidelines, my mother is usually the first to register for any special sessions. Every time I speak with her, she is sure to mention something about a photo I posted that week, will ask what I am working on, and ask how business is going.

My husband fully supported me leaving my full time job to pursue opening my own photography business. He is always available to help when I need it, giving up his free time to lend a hand. He is also good at pretending to not notice my shopping addiction when it comes to props and gowns. LOL!

Website: www.cmoments.me

Instagram: instagram.com/cmbycindy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-rawlings-2b372235/

Facebook: Facebook.com/cmbycindy

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/captured-moments-by-cindy-canton