Meet Monica Conlin | Newborn & Family Photographer

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

Hi Monica, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My previous career I worked 12 hours shifts as a RN in a hospital setting. Although the job had many benefits and I enjoyed it, being able to create a work life balance for my family with young children was difficult. I didn’t get to see them on my work days and I missed special family events since I had to work weekends and holidays.

This work life balance was one of the reasons I decided to change careers and start my own photography business. Now I am able to set my own schedule and prioritize my family over work, something that always felt very important to me. I am thankful for having the flexibility of setting my own hours, especially while they are still young.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a lifestyle newborn and family photographer. Lifestyle aims to get rid of the stiff, forced smiles photos, but rather seeks more natural and emotive pictures of your family. The goal of our photo session is to document the connection between each family member, showing who you are and highlighting the love in your family in this season of life.

What sets me apart from others is how I use my experience and understanding as a mom to three young children to help relate and interact with the families I photograph. I remember what it’s like being postpartum with a brand new baby, so I use that knowledge to approach a newborn photo session with compassion and care. I have an energetic toddler who doesn’t want to be told to sit or smile, so I am playful and silly to help young children enjoy getting photos taken. My patience and friendliness helps foster an environment that puts my clients at ease and be able to enjoy the process of getting family photos.

I am most excited about seeing how I can continue to grow my own business and network with other mom-owned small businesses to help serve women in my community. I hope to partner and connect with more businesses that support moms so I can provide a more holistic experience for my clients.

Even though I had been a photography hobbyist since high school, it wasn’t until my oldest son was born that I really started focusing on learning my camera and working to build the skills needed for professional photography. I realized these were the kind of photos that I wanted to take: pictures of new moms entering into the beautiful and messy world of motherhood, ones of tiny newborn toes and how small they look in their dad’s hand, and one of the siblings gazing proudly down at their new baby brother or sister.

I want the world to know that being a mom has radically changed my world for the better. Not only because I love my children and the joy of getting to guide them and watch them grow, but also because it has opened up opportunities and given me the room to explore and grow in ways I didn’t know possible. Being a mom has shown me how strong and brave I can be. It has allowed me to meet other wonderful women that are important in my life and join in a community. And I truly believe that becoming a mother was what fueled the passion in me to pursue my dreams of being a photographer so that I could photograph families and help them document the important things in their lives.

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?
I am still new-ish to the Atlanta area, but we love it here. We have lived here three years (half of that during a pandemic), so I think I am still learning about new and cool places all the time. When I travel I love to experience and see how locals live, so that is usually how I like to entertain my guests. I want to hit up any local farmer’s markets, any unique festivals or events that are happening, and enjoy the local shops and restaurants.

We would walk to PERC coffee shop to grab a great cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast burger (seriously, order the food there. You won’t regret it). If we wanted good pastries (and of course, we do!) then we would stop by Evergreen Butcher & Bakery in Kirkwood and Little Tart Bake Shop in Grant Park. One morning we would be craving breakfast tacos and head over to Muchacho.

I would make sure and take my friend to some of my favorite local restaurants such as Lake & Oak BBQ, Poor Hendrix, No 246, Steinbecks, a mano, Whiskey Bird, Iberian Pig, and Avellino’s Pizzeria.

One of my favorite activities to do is to go hiking and enjoy the outdoors. There are so many great places in and around Atlanta to explore. Since we’d have kids with us, one of the outdoor hikes would be Arabia Mountain. It is shorter in distance, but has amazing views.

Other fun kid friendly activities we could explore would be the Botanical gardens, the zoo, and ride our bikes and scooters along the Eastside Beltline. When we go to the Beltline, I like to start at Ponce City Market. It is a great place to shop and grab a snack. Then bike, scooter, or walk along the Eastside Beltline and make a stop at the skatepark to watch the skateboarders. I always end up at Krog Street market to eat. Everyone will be able to choose what they want to eat. My husband will inevitably get a sandwich from Fred’s Meat & Bread and I usually can’t resist getting a Falafel Laffa from Yalla. If we have left any room then we can get Jeni’s ice cream too.

Depending on the time of year and if they are playing, I would take them to an Atlanta United, Hawks or Braves game. I love watching professional sports and getting into the excitement of a big crowd at a game.

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?
My shoutout (at the top of my lungs!) is dedicated to my husband, Sean. He is my biggest supporter. When I told him that I wanted to start my own photography business, I think he was more confident that it would work than I was. He not only gave me encouraging pep talks over the past couple years, but helped me with the practical too. He showed me how to build a website, he edited my copy for me (we knew that English degree was going to be helpful), and has been the sounding board to all my ideas. Not to mention he has stepped up in so many helpful ways around the house and with our kids so that I could spend time on my business without it negatively impacting our family. He is the person I go to for advice, for reassurance, and for a sanity check–I can’t imagine tackling something as big as starting a business without him by my side! I know our partnership has allowed us to chase after our dreams and I am forever grateful for that.

Website: www.monicaconlinphotography.com

Instagram: @monconpix

Facebook: @monconpix

Other: Email: hello@monconpix.com