I first worked with Tiffany and her family in 2018 when she relocated to the area from Tennessee. She had loved her photographer there but could no longer travel back and forth for sessions, and decided it was time to find someone local to her. A Google search led her to me, and she knew as soon as she viewed my portfolio and read about my approach that she had found her new long term photographer.
Last fall, I met the family out at the field location for a family/milestone session around their son Abel’s second birthday. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed working with them. They told me they’d be in touch for another session… and sure enough, they were…. for a family MATERNITY session because they were expecting TWINS!!!! Tiffany chose the park location, and she made sure to get book their newborn session as well so she would be on our schedule.
We book twin maternity sessions on the earlier side for mamas for two reasons. (1) Bellies grow bigger much faster with twins, and we want you to feel comfortable at your session (2) Twin mamas are more likely to go on bedrest or have early deliveries. So, we schedule twin mamas for 24-28 weeks in most cases when we have enough notice! That being said, we have photographed twin mamas even later in pregnancy that were last minute clients, so if you’re past 28 weeks and want to book a maternity session, please don’t think it’s too late! If you’re comfortable and still moving well with no restrictions, you’re good to go.
We scheduled Tiffany’s maternity fitting to take place right after our Santa event ended since they were the last clients for that day. I wanted to save them a trip since they live an hour away from the studio. Abel had fun eating extra holiday goodies and talking to Santa as he packed up to leave, and Tiffany and I got started at looking at the dresses. She chose two really beautiful gowns that looked amazing with her skin tone and eye color. She laughed about choosing the sequin topped dress since it’s not what she would normally go for, but she just loved it so much. We have a lot of clients fall in a love with a dress that they wouldn’t have chosen just seeing it on the hanger - so keep that in mind when you come in! Sometimes a dress that you didn’t think you would even like becomes the frontrunner top pick once you see it on your body. We discussed what the boys should wear for the session as well before they left, and emailed her the style guide to have on hand. She found the style guide super helpful and easy to read, but still wanted my seal of approval on the final choices. She emailed me a photo of two outfit combinations to ask for my input, and I circled the pieces that went best together and sent back an email with my input. Easy peasy! I offer this to all of my clients because I want them to feel confident in their choices and serve them however I can to make things as smooth as possible for them. If you’d rather make an appointment for an in person style consult at the studio, we can schedule one! Mamas just bring the clothes they’re considering and we chat and go through them to pull everything together. It is never an inconvenience to assist our clients with this, so don’t hesitate to ask.
The evening of their December maternity session, it was the very beginning of winter, and it was a bit chilly outside but not too bad! We had a pretty mild December this year for the most part. Tiffany looked at me before I pulled my camera out and said, “For your information, I’m terrible at this. Just wanted you to know.” I laughed and told her she didn’t need to worry about a thing. The vast majority of my clients don’t know what they’re “supposed” to do. Guess what? You don’t have to, because I’ll guide you the entire time. My direction is clear and concise, and I will also demonstrate for you exactly how to stand and look to make it even easier. It’s basically adult “Simon Says” at some points! ;) I promise you will never be left standing there staring awkwardly at the camera wondering what on earth you’re supposed to do next. That’s not the way I work around here.
We started off with just Tiffany and then pulled in Greg and Abel for some family photos. My goal during maternity sessions is to make it as easy on pregnant moms as possible. So I have other participants be the ones that jump in and out and I change up my angles as well rather than have mom constantly have to move around and change it up.
I love to photograph expectant moms with just their child. When kids are participants in sessions, we spend a lot of time playing and having fun to keep them interested and engaged. You are one of their favorite people in the whole world, so this is very natural interaction. I’ll give you guided prompts for things to say or do to get those giggles and smiles if they’re not already happening, and everything will unfold organically.
Abel was a busy little guy, so when I saw him start to get fidgety, we moved on from our spot and explored the park a bit. He loved being able to run and walk with mom and dad, and had fun playing in the leaves as well. While your child is happily playing, I’ll photograph just you and your partner. If you have a child that can’t be trusted to stay close or is just too young, I always recommend bringing along a stroller to hold them for just that bit. I’ve been known to hold a baby on my hip in a pinch, but not every baby is okay with someone other than their parents holding them! Your photos will reflect it if you’re stressed out about where your child is wandering off to instead of safely secured in the stroller in your line of sight.
Enjoy a few of my favorites from this maternity session! I can’t wait to share the beautiful newborn session photos of their new additions on the blog soon!
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.
