Anne Geddes facts for kids

Anne Geddes is a famous photographer. She was born in Australia in 1956. She is known for her beautiful and creative photos of babies. Her pictures often show babies dressed up in cute costumes or surrounded by flowers.

Anne Geddes's books have been sold in 83 countries. She has sold over 18 million books and 13 million calendars. Her first book, Down in the Garden, was very popular. It was even shown on the Oprah Winfrey Show. This book also became a New York Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into 23 different languages.

Anne Geddes's Early Life

In her book Labor of Love, Anne Geddes shared stories about her childhood. She grew up on a cattle farm in Queensland, Australia. When she was 17, she left school and home.

Later, she met and married Kel Geddes. In 1983, they moved to Hong Kong for her husband's job. There, at age 25, Anne taught herself photography. She used her husband's 35mm camera to learn. When they moved back to Sydney two years later, she had many photos. She started taking pictures of babies after using photos of her own two daughters for a Christmas card. Everyone loved them!

Anne Geddes's Photography Career

Anne Geddes became a professional photographer when she was 30. This was after she moved to Melbourne. She first helped another photographer. Then, she opened her own photo studio in her garage.

Helping Others Through Photography

Anne Geddes also uses her photography to help others. She started her own charity called the Geddes Philanthropic Trust. This group works to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect.

In 2013, she created a special photo series. It was for people who survived meningococcal disease. These photos showed families and children who had been affected by the illness. It honored those who survived. She took pictures of 15 child survivors for a campaign called Protecting Our Tomorrows: Portraits of Meningococcal Disease. She has also worked with the March of Dimes charity.

How Anne Geddes Takes Her Photos

Anne Geddes believes all babies are beautiful. She does not hold auditions for babies to be models. Instead, she connects with groups for twins and multiple births. She also has thousands of photos sent to her by parents. Anne and her husband Kel now live in New York City.

Getting the Perfect Shot

A photo session usually happens in the morning. This is when babies are well-rested. The session lasts about 30 minutes. Anne says you have to be very fast to get good pictures.

She sets up her studio before the babies arrive. This includes props, lights, and cameras. So, when the babies get there, they just need to sit. Many of her props are made just for her. These include giant shoes and big flowerpots. The babies' parents stay nearby to help with expressions.

Awards and Honors for Anne Geddes

Anne Geddes has received several awards for her work.

• In 2004, she was given the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This was for her photography and her community work.
• In 2017, Anne Geddes was added to the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum.