Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynsie Ochoa.
Lynsie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve had a love for photography for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t start pursuing it seriously until 2020. I had taken time off from my nursing career to be home with my son, and after being gifted a professional camera when he was born, I started taking online classes to truly learn how to use it. That fall, I offered Christmas minis for fun, and they were such a hit that I realized I had found something special—something I could turn into a career.
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure which genre I would settle into. I built a small studio in my home and photographed mostly families and themed minis like Christmas and Easter, while slowly exploring newborn and cake smash sessions. Very quickly, I discovered how much I loved working with babies. I invested in newborn safety and posing courses, built up my prop and backdrop collection, and shifted my focus toward newborns, cake smashes, and eventually maternity sessions as well.
In 2022 I moved my studio to a commercial spot in Isanti, then upgraded to a larger spot in Elk River in February of 2025. I originally launched as WillowTree Photo LLC, but in January 2024 I rebranded to Honey Babes Photography LLC—a sentimental nod to the nickname my grandmother called me growing up. She passed away just two weeks after the change, making the new name even more meaningful. It also perfectly reflects the warm, baby-focused niche I specialize in today.
While I still offer family and mini sessions, my heart and primary focus are newborns, maternity, and cake smash photography. Since starting, I’ve had the honor of building a strong, loyal following and have served more than 700 clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—honestly, I don’t think any business is. While the creative side came naturally to me, the business side brought its own set of challenges. Pricing was one of the biggest learning curves in the beginning. I was confident behind the camera, but numbers, spreadsheets, and figuring out how to structure packages in a sustainable way took time and a lot of trial and error.
Marketing has also been an ongoing challenge. It’s something I’ve had to learn piece by piece, and while it’s getting easier, it has never been my strongest area. In the early days, I relied almost entirely on word-of-mouth referrals, which thankfully were strong. Over time, my website started working for me and now brings in a steady flow of clients as well. I still use Facebook for advertising, but it hasn’t been the most reliable platform in my experience compared to organic referrals and search-based discovery.
Every challenge has pushed me to grow, and each step—no matter how bumpy—has helped shape my business into what it is today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in newborn, maternity, and cake smash photography, and I’m known for creating sessions that are warm, safe, and beautifully styled. My goal is to create timeless images while giving families an experience that feels comfortable, personal, and stress-free—especially with newborns.
I’m most proud of the trust families put in me. Working with tiny babies requires training, patience, and gentleness, and I’ve spent years learning safe newborn posing techniques and building a studio that’s fully tailored to their needs. Parents often tell me they feel instantly at ease when they walk in, and that their baby is in good hands. That means the world to me.
What sets me apart is the experience I provide. I take care of everything—props, outfits, sets, even prep guides—so parents don’t have to worry about a thing. My sessions are designed to be calm and enjoyable, and I tailor each one to the family’s style. I also put a lot of heart into my work; every setup, every detail, and every final edit reflects how much I genuinely love photographing babies and watching families grow.
Over the years I’ve had the honor of serving more than 700 clients, and many of them return for milestones, siblings, and family sessions. That ongoing connection is the biggest compliment and truly the core of my business.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lessons I’ve learned are to be patient, trust myself, and avoid comparing my journey to anyone else’s. Skill and artistry take time to grow, and every session makes you better. I’ve learned that trying to copy others only steals your joy. Your unique style is your greatest strength—and it’s exactly what your clients are drawn to. Embracing that has been incredibly freeing and has helped me shape a business that feels authentic to who I am.
Pricing:
- $500 for maternity, cake smash, and family sessions
- $300 newborn monochromatic micro session
- $500 Baby only mini newborn session
- $700 Baby only newborn session
- $850 Newborn and family session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://honeybabesphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeybabesphotography/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honeybabesphotography
