Thomas called the studio to learn about milestone and family sessions, and asked to book a session to take place in that next month. He requested to add on hair and makeup for his wife, Noi, and scheduled a complimentary studio visit as well to take place a week before their session. We sent over the style guide for his review, and an overview of what to expect.
When Thomas and his family arrived for their style consult, I welcomed them into the studio and we spent a bit of time getting to know each other. They wanted to look through the studio wardrobe and potentially borrow from it, but were coming more for inspiration and to meet me in advance. Noi and I went through lots of different options available, and looked through the limited baby wardrobe as well. I’ve found that the majority of my clients prefer to use their own clothing for their babies - but we do have a limited wardrobe for babies 1 year and under if you’re in a pinch! I welcome and encourage my booked clients to come in to the studio beforehand for a style consult to go through what we have and talk, so if you can make the time - please do! :) The family left feeling confident about how to proceed with their wardrobe and excited about our session in the coming week.
On the day of their session, Noi arrived and settled into the hair and makeup chair. Thomas and Lulu came a bit later, and I started photographing just Lulu since she was curious and friendly. If babies are a bit shy, I’ll have them in your arms instead until they warm up. Lulu was 5 months old at the time of their session, so not quite sitting unassisted, but had great head control! She was such a smiley little thing… and then she fell asleep!
I LOVE when my milestone babies fall asleep during sessions, so if this happens to you, do NOT stress. It’s cause for celebration! This is a wonderful opportunity to photograph their sweet sleeping faces and their lush eyelashes. I even joked that we’d get a few “newborn-esque” images since she was sleeping SO deeply for her short nap!
Thomas and Noi are such doting parents to little Lulu, and the whole family was just so sweet together! When I have a younger baby that can’t sit unassisted, I shoot these sessions with baby in the arms of their parent(s) for the majority of the time. If a parent just wants to document the milestone and doesn't want to be in the images at all, we'll work around it by shooting from above while on the floor, or have a parent hold their baby and not photograph the parents' face. I strongly encourage parents to participate though! You will love having these images of yourself with your baby when they fly from the nest someday (and that will happen sooner than you think). I can't keep them little for you forever, but I CAN freeze time in a tangible way with portraits of them at this stage.
Want to capture your family just as you are now before time completely slips away and you’re packing their bags for college? Contact us and we’ll chat about your session goals, your vision, and our approach to see if we’re the perfect match for your family photography!
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.
