Dawn contacted us to schedule a maternity session and asked for the studio as her location. We arranged a time for her to come in for a maternity fitting a couple of weeks before her session as well. Maternity fittings are done 1-2 weeks beforehand, and not earlier than that due to the potential for a mama to grow to the point that a dress she had selected didn’t fit! If you try on a dress that’s pretty tight, we will have you choose a backup dress for it just in case you grow to the point where you can’t comfortably wear it for your actual session. This has never actually happened, but I’m all about covering all the bases!
Maternity fittings are about 20 minutes long, We send ahead a tip sheet with directions, where to park, and what to bring along. I also suggest that mamas snap selfies in the dresses they like the most if they’re not 100% sure of which should be their final choice. This gives you time to think about it and poll your trusted friends and family members for opinions if you want their input! Then you simply attach the photos of your choices and email them to me at least four business days before your session date - easy peasy. I enjoy meeting my clients and chatting with them during their fittings. Partners are also welcome to come along too, but not required to. If your guy needs some time to warm up to new people or you think he’d be more comfortable meeting me in advance of your session, then by all means bring him along! He and I will chat while you’re trying on pieces.
Dawn drove all the way from her home in Woodstock to the studio on the day of our fitting. She had lots of fun trying on dresses! She had been worried we wouldn’t have anything that would fit her since she was petite. I reassured her by letting her know that we work with petite clients all the time - our shortest was 4’10”! She fell in love with a backless dress that draped her belly so beautifully and also chose a strapless split front dress with a sweetheart neckline. Our split front dresses can be worn even if you don’t want to photograph the bare belly. We’ll talk about your preferences and comfort level, and go with whatever that happens to be.
In Dawn’s case, her husband had elected to not participate in the session and wanted it to be about her and their baby girl. If this is you or you’re a single mom: you’re in for a treat! We’ll have so much fun during your session, and it’s almost like a girl’s morning out - except you’re having your photo taken!
A couple of weeks later, Dawn returned to the studio for her maternity session, and we had SO much fun. She has the best giggle, and looked absolutely radiant and beautiful. She was a little bit nervous at first, but let me share something with you…almost everyone is. I expect it! It’s my job to get you comfortable and into a place where you relax. I’ll make sure there’s no lipstick on your teeth, that your hair doesn’t look crazy, and that you’re not accidentally giving yourself a double chin. It’s MY job to worry about all those little details… and your only responsibility is to have fun and enjoy yourself!
Dawn went on to have the most ADORABLE baby girl named Cadence and I was just so excited when I got the email letting me know she had arrived! I was able to meet her for the first time when they traveled to the studio a few months later for a mommy and me milestone session, and she was just absolutely adorable. I love seeing my maternity clients later as new moms - they all assume that role so well and are the most loving mamas.
All clients receive their final galleries with both color and black and white images. I really loved Dawn’s images in black and white, so I’m choosing to share my favorites in this post!
If you're expecting a baby or already a parent and looking for a newborn, maternity, or family photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Watch this video to hear about my philosophy and see how I work in the studio so you can determine if I'm the right fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!
Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.
