Anne Geddes facts for kids

Anne Elizabeth Geddes (born 1956) is a famous photographer. She was born in Australia but now lives in New York City. Anne Geddes is best known for her beautiful and creative photos of babies.

Her books have been published in many countries, reaching 83 different places. She has sold over 18 million books and 13 million calendars. Her first book, Down in the Garden, was very popular. It even appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and became a New York Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into 23 languages around the world.

Anne Geddes' Early Life Journey

How Anne Geddes Started Photography

Anne Geddes 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.

It was in Hong Kong, at age 25, that Anne taught herself photography. She used her husband's 35mm Pentax K1000 camera to learn. By the time they moved back to Sydney, she had many photos. She started taking pictures of her two daughters for a family Christmas card. Everyone loved these photos, and that's how she began specializing in baby photography.

Anne Geddes' Photography Career

Becoming a Professional Photographer

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

Using Photography for Good Causes

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

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

How Anne Geddes Takes Her Photos

Choosing Her Tiny Models

Anne Geddes does not hold auditions for babies to be models. She believes that all babies are beautiful. Instead, she connects with clubs for parents of twins or multiple births. She also has thousands of photos sent to her by parents.

A Quick and Creative Photo Shoot

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

She sets up her studio before the babies arrive. This includes props, lighting, and cameras. This way, the babies just need to sit. Many of her props are made just for her, like giant shoes and flowerpots. The babies' parents stay nearby to help with expressions.

Anne Geddes' Famous Works

• Down in the Garden (1996), ISBN: 0-7407-3540-3
• Children's collection, Anne Geddes (1996), Cedeo Publishing Company, USA
  • Garden Friends, ISBN: 1-55912-342-7, 1996
  • Garden Families
  • Garden Colors
  • Color
  • Faces
  • Dress ups
• The Twelve Days of Christmas (1997)
• Until Now (1998), ISBN: 0-7407-3541-1
• Pure (2002), ISBN: 0-7407-2641-2
• Miracle: A Celebration of New, with Celine Dion, (2004) ISBN: 0-7407-4696-0
• Beginnings (2010)
• Anne Geddes Little Blessings (2014). ISBN: 1402298188.

Awards and Recognition for Anne Geddes

Honors for Photography and Community Work

In 2004, Anne Geddes received a special honor. She was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This award was for her great work in photography and for helping the community.

In 2017, Anne Geddes was added to the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. This is a very important recognition for photographers.