Taking Maternal and Newborn Photography to New Heights

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Janessa Taber of Visions by Janessa Photography says her passion for the craft started at an early age. She was about 5 when her father, Donald Taber, bought her first camera and inspired his daughter’s love of photography, which has since grown to become a lucrative business and a dream realized for the local artist.

In 2005, she started a photography business in Yuba City, beginning with family portraits to build clientele. Inspired by the photographer Anne Geddes, Taber chased her true love of maternal, motherhood, newborn, baby, and child photography which has become her niche.

Over the years, Taber has had her ups and downs, at one point selling all her equipment and swearing off photography. In 2013 she relocated to Gridley, and it was another love in her life, Paul Deniz, that reinvigorated her passion for photography. Believing in her talents, Deniz set up and dedicated an area for Taber to use as a studio. With his support, she took up her art again and since then, has not looked back.

Taber maintains her studio headquarters in Downtown Gridley in the Historic Hazel Hotel building. She says she waited 5 years for the space and that “landing the building was one of the happiest days of my life!” Taber has made “magic” in her studio there and believes it’s assisted her growth and status as a highly sought-after maternity, newborn, and child photographer.

Although she has 3 other studios located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County, she plans to keep her Gridley Studio open regardless of her status. “Paul and the members of this community played a huge part in my success. I will never leave my local small-town clients who supported me.” She continues, “I am so blessed, humbled, and thankful for them.” But adding easily accessible locations across the state was key to expanding her business.

And how it has expanded.

She would have the opportunity to shoot her first celebrity client, John Lovitz, in 2010. Since then, the celebrity list has grown to include Ms. Nations of States 2022 Jessica Vangaalen, Danijela Milisic the fiancé of A’Shawn Robinson from the LA Rams, and more A-listers that would rather remain nameless.

Taber says she treats all her clients the same, regardless of status. “My #1 focus in my career is empowering women.” Taber says. “Most women come into my studio so nervous and shy, but they always leave comfortable, with a new glow, trust, and confidence. That’s how I know I’ve done my job right!”

The artist provides an extensive wardrobe for her maternity clients, including gowns and flowing fabrics. For newborn, baby, and children’s sessions, she has on hand multiple props and backdrops to choose from. She can and loves to make any client’s vision come to life.

Taber employs a small team of trusted booking receptionists, makeup artist Azael Guzman who is indispensable to her team, hair stylists, a creative team for help with sets, a studio organization team and at times, a production assistant (PA) and actors. To assist creating gorgeous visions of pregnant women, newborns, and young children, she often uses her PA to prescreen any issues potentially affecting the photo’s quality via computer before shooting and adjustments are made on set. Taber is hands on, taking charge during her sessions. Afterwards, she likes to allow her clients to see captured images unedited before she makes her personal edits. “I have a specific editing style and I have to stay consistent, so my clients know exactly what they’re getting.”

Over her career Taber has elevated her art, achieving goals she had never thought attainable.

Her work has drawn acclaim throughout her career. Just 3 years into her career, Taber won Yuba-Sutter’s Favorite photographer and again in 2020. In 2017 she won “Best of Biggs” photographer in 2017 and she currently holds the title of “Best of Yuba Sutter” photographer for 2021 and 2022.

Taber has been featured in multiple publications, including LA Wire, The New York Weekly (Jim Kwik and Kobe Bryant editions), CEO Weekly, Parent Magazine, Influencer Daily and more. She has recently been invited to be the main photographer at the Prego Expo hosted by the Magic Box in LA. In addition, Taber shares she’s in negotiations with a worldwide backdrop company who wants to use her designs and is working out a deal with Anne Geddes PR team that would provide a workshop in her studio with the renowned baby photographer who inspired Taber’s work.

When asked what that means to her, Taber tells the Herald, it’s priceless. “Mastering and conquering my childhood dream means absolutely everything to me.” She offers encouragement to those who question their destiny, “No matter the setbacks, the fear, or the discouragement – Do it! Chase your dreams!”

As for her craft, Taber says, “My hard work has paid off and I have made my way to higher ground. Yet, I will continue to climb and hopefully reach new heights I’ve never imagined.”

For more information, please visit Visionsbyjanessaphotography.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Pinterest.