Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is excited to introduce Veronica Brown as our Contributing Photographer. Many readers may already recognize Veronica’s beautiful work, which captures the warmth, personality and genuine moments that make local families so special. Veronica owns a portrait studio right here in Edgmont, where her indoor studio space is surrounded by acres of scenic landscape. The property offers the perfect setting for photo sessions that can move seamlessly from indoors to outdoors, allowing families to enjoy a variety of backdrops during a single shoot.
Photography has been part of Veronica’s life since she was young. She grew up on nearby Arasapha Farm with her parents, Anne and Randy Bates, and her five siblings. Life on the farm was busy and full of activity, but it also gave Veronica an appreciation for the natural beauty that now often appears in her photographs. She attended Saints Simon and Jude School before moving on to Padua Academy in Wilmington, Delaware. At Padua, Veronica played volleyball and discovered a passion for creative arts, especially ceramics and photography.
“I loved taking photos and working with the film in the dark room,” Veronica explained. “My father saw how fascinated I was with the process, so he built me my own darkroom in the basement of our house.” That early encouragement allowed her to experiment, develop film and learn the craft in a hands-on way that many young photographers never experience.
After graduating from Padua Academy, Veronica continued pursuing her artistic interests at Rosemont College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art with a concentration in photography. She graduated magna cum laude while also competing as a member of the college’s volleyball team. Balancing academics and athletics required discipline and dedication, qualities that continue to guide her work today.
During her time at Rosemont, Veronica also volunteered with the Edgmont Fire Company as a photographer documenting fire and rescue scenes. The work was important and sometimes intense, but it gave her experience capturing real moments under pressure. “My photos often played a key role in investigating the circumstances surrounding an event,” she said. “My work as a photographer and my success as a student athlete earned me recognition and a full-page article that appeared in the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s newspaper in 2005.”
Today, Veronica’s photography focuses on the joyful milestones that families want to remember forever. Through Veronica Brown Photography, she offers family photo sessions, maternity photography, newborn portraits, individual headshots and seasonal packages. She also photographs special moments such as First Holy Communions and holiday portraits. One of her most popular seasonal sessions takes place right at home on Arasapha Farm, where families gather among the Christmas trees for festive holiday photos.
“I love to capture special moments for families, whether it be newborn photos or large family portraits,” Veronica said. “My favorite part is working with young children. I find so much joy in those smiles and laughs.”
Veronica’s easygoing personality helps families relax in front of the camera, something parents especially appreciate when young children are involved. As a mother of four herself, she understands the unpredictable nature of family life and knows how to keep sessions fun and stress-free. She is well-versed in lighting, posing and composition, and she gently guides families through the process so that everyone looks and feels their best.
Her approach focuses on capturing authentic expressions and natural interactions rather than stiff poses. Veronica encourages clients to be themselves, to laugh and to enjoy the experience. She also welcomes family pets in photo sessions, knowing that four-legged companions are often
just as much a part of the family story.
Veronica is happy to photograph clients at her studio or travel to a location that is meaningful to them. Whether the setting is a favorite park, a backyard gathering or a local landmark, she enjoys creating images that reflect each family’s personality and story.
Readers may also remember seeing Veronica and her family featured on the cover of the September 2024 issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors. Veronica and her husband Matt are raising their four children, Becky, Dylan, Aubrey and Luke, right here in the community they both love. Matt serves as a detective with the Willistown Police Department and has spent many years serving the community through law enforcement and volunteer fire service.
Even with packed schedules, the family makes time to enjoy the simple things. They often spend evenings fishing at the pond on the farm or playing basketball in the driveway. When they want to get away for a change of scenery, they head to Veronica’s parents’ vacation home in Mount Pocono, where the family enjoys time together in every season.
Through it all, Veronica continues to build a photography business rooted in the same values she learned growing up on the farm. Hard work, creativity and a deep appreciation for family remain at the heart of everything she does. Those values are visible in the photographs she creates, which capture not only how families look, but who they are.
For more information or to schedule a photo session, contact Veronica at 610-721-1082 or visit VeronicaBrownPhotography.com.