Oh, this family is so dear to me. I first met Crystal when she brought her second son, Aevan in for his newborn session. She and I had a lot in common and have stayed in touch over past few years since then. She asked to schedule a fall session so that she'd have updated family portraits and images for Christmas gifts and their holiday card. Crystal was smart enough to book her fall session in advance - she chose her date in the month of May. Once our schedule is full, it's full - so if you're hoping for a session during the popular months of April-June and September-December, it's best to get on the schedule as soon as possible. Many of our clients book their outdoor session 9 months to a year in advance if they know they want a specific date.
Crystal and I emailed back and forth about wardrobe, and I sent her our helpful styling guide. She absolutely knocked it out of the park with her choices for the entire family! I think this session is a perfect example of how to incorporate color into your family session if neutrals aren't your thing. I love neutrals AND I love color. Choose what suits your family's style preferences the best.
On the evening of their session, they drove all the way to the field from Powder Springs. They had chosen the field location because they loved the backlight and the wild and rustic look of it. I think it provides the perfect setting and is lots of fun for kids to run around.
I would tell that Crystal was a little bit stressed. It's a lot to get everyone out the door, get them all dressed, and then you have the worry about them behaving. I pulled her aside for a moment, and reminded her that stressed moms equal stressed kids. She took a deep breath, and forced herself to relax... and then the games began.
When I say games, I mean games. We PLAY during family sessions. I want your child to smile naturally, and when they're laughing and having fun, that's what happens. I want you to interact with your children and have real moments with them. I want you to love each other, and enjoy the time together too. This is a lot easier to do when you're actually having fun, right? Family portraits are always a mix of the entire family together, parents with each child and all their children together... and then we can't forget just mom and dad. At the end of a session, you're so glad that everything has gone so well. Now you get a chance to snuggle for a little bit. Crystal and Rae, you two are the sweetest. These images of the two of them together are ALL them. All I did was put them close together, the rest was their natural interaction together. For many of my parents, the last time they had a professional photograph of just the two of them taken was their wedding day. I always want to honor the fact that your family began with the two of you, and give you some images of just you together.
As we were leaving the field, Crystal asked if she could walk with me to my car. I'll take any chance I can get to hang out and chat with my clients, so I of course said yes! We ended up chatting for about fifteen minutes, mostly about mothering three kids and the challenges it can have... but also the joy and the fun! I always want my clients to feel understood and encouraged when they share with me. Motherhood is not always an easy gig - I'm right there in the trenches with you.
When Crystal received her gallery, she was so excited. She told me "These photos are everything, and even more perfect than I could have imagined." I love her gallery and how perfectly they capture her family and the individuals within it. I hope the images bring you a smile as you look through them.
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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.