Cindy Baxter's Children's Set Design Series

Want to Create Extraordinary Children's Portrait Sets That Stand Out in Your Market?

Discover the 6 DREAMS Principles behind realistic, storytelling portrait sets designed with intention.

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“There is nobody greater than you, Cindy… I learned so much from you.”

— Jeanine Shevlin McLeod

From Simple Beginnings to Extraordinary Sets

My very first set was a simple pond. I've refined it again and again over the years, and that one set has generated over a million dollars.

Cindy Baxter's first pond set from 1994

Where I Began

My very first pond set, 1994

Same love for children… a deeper understanding of design.

Cindy Baxter's pond set as it looks today

The Same Pond Today

Decades of refining one idea

The DREAMS Principles™ Guide

The principles behind profitable children's set design. Six keys to creating sets with purpose, depth, and lasting impact.

Yours free!
DREAMS Principles guide cover by Cindy Baxter, showing two boys fishing at a pond with ducklings
  • D

    Depth

    Create dimension that draws the viewer into the scene.

  • R

    Realism

    Design authentic environments children belong in.

  • E

    Experience

    Craft a memorable session from start to finish.

  • A

    Artwork

    Create portraiture families are proud to display.

  • M

    Meaningful Storytelling

    Design with purpose and emotion.

  • S

    Showcase-Worthy

    Produce images that stand out in your market.

Imagine Creating Sets Like These

Every set on this page was physically built in my studio and photographed with real children. None of these images are AI.

Two sisters in purple gowns playing lutes in a garden set

Once Upon a Time

Where imagination becomes art.

Boy on a barrel with baby chicks in a farmyard set

A Day in the Country

Every detail tells the story.

Two brothers on a vintage tractor in front of a covered bridge

Country Roads

Storytelling never goes out of style.

Fairy girl watching a frog on a moss mushroom

Forest Fairies

Where wonder meets design.

What Photographers Are Saying

“
I took your class and bought your program. It was so inspiring… and changed my life and my work! I went on to win many PPA awards.

Rosanne Rainville

Former student, PPA award winner

“
I have used Cindy's materials for 20 years and you won't find any better child photographer anywhere. Fantastic ideas and inspiration.

Thomas Morelli

Photographer

“
No one knows how to create set designs like you!! Your knowledge is priceless.

Carol Nichols

Photographer

Portrait of Cindy Baxter

Meet Cindy Baxter

  • 42 years in photography
  • 30+ years designing children's sets

I'm a professional photographer, set designer, and educator. I built my very first set in 1994, a simple pond, and I've been designing children's sets ever since.

For about 15 years I taught and spoke nationally, helping photographers learn how to design, build, and photograph extraordinary sets of their own. The DREAMS Principles are everything I've learned, distilled into one guide.

“Children inspire me to see the world with fresh eyes.”

— Cindy Baxter

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