Today we’d like to introduce you to Lasanthi Benedict.

Lasanthi, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey

so far.

I have always been fascinated with photography but never imagined that it could be a career for me. I also have always loved working with children and used to be a Montessori teacher a long time ago. So, when a career in photography became a viable option for me, I decided on becoming a Newborn and Baby photographer.

I used to be a nature photographer (have some photos of Sperm Whales that I took off the coast of Newport Beach that got published by Associated Press and they went viral and were shown all over the world) but it was not bringing in an income for me. So, I decided to look into portrait photography and decided to end up doing Newborn and baby photography because

I so loved working with babies and children.

It is truly my passion. It has taken years of learning and practice, but I am proud to say that

I am now a Newborn Photographer. I pride myself in my skills and my style, but most of all my patience, gentleness and passion. All my clients love that I do not work around time, I do not rush or force the babies into positions. I go with the flow and if a baby is not interested in any one pose, I move on or work with what I have.

My photo sessions take a lot longer than others’, but I truly enjoy cuddling with the babies I photograph and getting to know the parents. It helps cultivate lasting friendships/relationships leading them to have no reservations about recommending me to their family and friends.

I am very proud of the fact that some of my photographs have been chosen to be in the Juried Photography Exhibition at the OC Fair and the Cypress College Student Exhibitions.

I am also very proud of some work I have done to raise awareness about Down syndrome. In the fall of 2016, I photographed 14 children with Down syndrome in varying degrees and made a video highlighting their dreams and strengths. It can be found at  https://www.youtube.com/watchv=a1vb78Ws8ng&t=2s

Since then, I have continued to work with photographing children with Down Syndrome of all ages and I continue working with babies doing Newborn, Milestone, Cakesmashes and Children’s Portraits.

I can truly say that I am loving my work, and I am truly living my passion. I get to cuddle with babies all day, meet new people who adore my work and chill. How much better can it get than that?

Can you give our readers some background on your art?

My photography style for newborn babies is minimalistic and simplistic. Before a photoshoot, as soon as I get booked, I speak with the parents and find out as much info as I can on them. I find out their interests, favorite colors, the colors of their living room, baby’s nursery, favorite sports and so on and then I try my best to create an image/set up that resembles their lives/ interests. Once I know all the details about them, I come up with a vision in my head and then I kinda run with it.

I try to do something different with each baby from creating a specific set up using the parents’ interests, colors they like and so on. However, my utmost priority is the baby’s safety and comfort.

For older babies, I concentrate on very minimal props and getting the baby’s personality captured. I make them laugh, I get on the floor, roll around, scream, laugh, pretend to sneeze loudly to get the babies to laugh and so a lot of fun stuff.

My inspiration/message about my photography is that each baby is unique and special and each baby deserves something that is their own and unique.

I also gift each baby with a little stuffed bunny that they get photographed with each time they come for a photoshoot with me.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?

It is pretty difficult to earn a good living being an artist in most mediums these days. With lots of people having financial constraints, especially photography, is a luxury that a lot of people choose to not indulge in. Exposure like this is great, especially because my marketing budget is nil, and I rely upon exposures like this and word of mouth and free advertising such as Facebook to get the word about me out there.

I have clients that drive 2+ hours to bring their babies to me to be photographed because of referrals and the service I provide. I appreciate you doing for this for me.

The photograph I have attached of myself shows who I am and how much I truly enjoy my job. Most clients take photos of me and sends them to me and everyone always comments on how much I enjoy and how my face lights up when I am working with the babies.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?

I would love for more people to find out about me and come to me for their baby’s photography needs. Also would love for more people to like my Instagram and Facebook pages.

Contact Info:

Website: 

www.photographybylas.com

Phone: (949)4226583

Email: photosbylas@gmail.com

Instagram: 

www.instagram.com/babyphotosbylas



Facebook: 

www.facebook.com/photographybylas