Irene is a long term client turned into dear friend. She has been coming to see me since she was pregnant with her oldest, and I have loved watching her girls grow up over the years. Irene is one of those genuine people who is just so much fun to be around and I feel so fortunate to have met her.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR A STUDIO SESSION?
When you book a session with us, we send you an easy to follow style guide that sums up everything you need to know! It goes over recommended color palettes and how to best mix and match textures and patterns. If you want more hands on assistance, I offer studio visits for wardrobe consultations, and can conduct these virtually as well with a few back and forth emails. I am here to make your portrait session experience with me FUN!
Irene always has fun with her girls, and has them wear things they’re excited about. She braided their hair and dressed them in adorable purple dresses with sparkly heels. The girls had a blast clacking around all over the studio and showing off their special outfits. Irene opted for a grey dress with a denim jacket layered over it.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR SESSION
My sessions are FUN and designed to bring out the best of your personalities. I’ll give you natural prompts to play games that involve dancing, snuggling and tickling your little one during our time together. EVERY child’s personality is very different, and Mina & Oona are a perfect example of that. Oona is much more outgoing and smiling, and Mina is not a child who smiles a ton and has a more reserved approach to the world. This is who she is, and her parents are wonderful about respecting and honoring her natural personality. Oona actually used to be the same way when she was younger and is MUCH more outgoing now, so Mina will probably follow suit as she grows!
I go with the flow. I observe your child’s mood, and I meet them where they’re at. If a child is reserved and shy, getting up into their face with a peppy cheerleader voice is NOT going to win them over. I’ve been known to put my camera away, and sit on the floor playing with blocks by myself. Eventually the curiosity and fear of missing out takes over, and they come over to see what’s happening! That allows me to interact with them at THEIR pace and establish a relationship of trust. It’s so important to let things unfold naturally. I don’t have a pre determined playbook during sessions with young children, because it’s impossible to predict how they will be.
Regardless, I have endless patience, I think outside the box for ideas to win them over, and can adapt to any situation presented. When children realize that I respect them and their preferences, I earn trus. This philosophy is truly the “secret sauce” to successful sessions (and to pretty much all relationships in life if you ask me!).
WHAT IF MY CHILD WON’T SIT STILL OR LISTEN?!
I understand that you have a lot riding on a session. You’ve carefully planned every detail, and you want it all to go smoothly. So when your child isn’t acting like you had envisioned or is having a tough time, you can have that sinking feeling that all your hard work was in vain.
I’m here to tell you that is NOT true.
During sessions with me, there is no need to worry about your child being perfectly still and “cooperating” like a little angel. Little people have big emotions. We’ll take care of those emotions as they surface and use the art of distraction to redirect. I have three kids of my own and have photographed well over 1,000 little ones (I’ve lost count at this point) - so you are in the hands of a very experienced professional. Don’t worry about not knowing what to do during your session either, because I’ll be giving you easy to follow prompts. The truth is, the prompts I give you are things that you do ALL the time with your child so it will flow 100% naturally for you both. There is no prompt in which I direct you to do jumping jacks or stand on your head, I promise. ;) All you need to focus on is being present with your little one(s), and let me handle the photos!
If you're considering a session with me, I would love for you to reach out to discuss your vision and learn about the amazing portrait experience that we offer our clients at our studio!
Enjoy a handful of my favorites from this family session with Irene, Mina, & Oona!
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.
