It’s important to preface this post by making sure you know that we do NOT offer the gardens as one of our locations. We used to, but then they enacted a policy that requires a rental fee. I don’t have an issue with a rental fee, but I DO have a problem with one that is non-transferable and non-refundable even if there is inclement weather. I cannot get on board with a policy that doesn’t allow for reschedules for portrait sessions if there’s a lightning storm, but the venue has declined to change it.
If a client is just DYING to shoot there, I’ll still go - but the client is responsible for making the reservation with the venue with the understanding that if there is bad weather on their session date, they’re going to be out the money from the venue. If it’s a risk a client is willing to take, I’m happy to shoot there. On another important note: this is a wedding venue, so your chances of snagging it on a weekend are next to none, especially during peak wedding months. Your BEST chances are Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, and even then it sometimes is rented out for non-wedding events which makes it unavailable. Some clients will wait to reserve until right beforehand, and luck out that way.
Samata is one of my favorite clients - she’s so funny, and is such a great person to be around. I’ve worked with her twice, and I LOVE working with her family. When she reached out to schedule her third session, meant to be a special memory for Mother’s Day, I was so excited to make it happen for her!
Samata REALLY wanted the gardens as her location, and was determined to make it happen. She decided that she’d wait until the day of to make the reservation, and we stalked the weather that week. She was able to snag the reservation, and we met up at the gardens that evening. Samata’s goal was for this session to be a special one for her mother, herself, and her son. She and her mom arrived dressed in the most beautiful saris, and her little guy looked absolutely dapper in his blazer with fun Adidas kicks. Contrary to popular belief - I’m a fan of color! It just has to be chosen intentionally to avoid color casting in photographs and to work well with the setting and the other members of your group. Don’t worry though - I’m here to help you with that!
The gardens has tons of different areas to shoot in, so I admit that I do miss shooting there on a regular basis. It’s really beautiful year round even when flowers aren’t blooming. It also has stunning stonework and paved paths throughout. If you fall in love with the gardens and want to try and reserve it, you can always have our other intown Atlanta park location (which is about 10-15 minutes away from the gardens) as your backup if it falls through. Call us and we’ll chat about options and potential workarounds. Just remember: weekends are a no-go here unless it’s in the dead of winter when nobody wants an outdoor wedding!
Samata, her mom, and K walked around the gardens with me, and we had a blast. K thinks I’m pretty funny and always gives me big smiles and laughs. I was able to keep him interested in participating by staying on the move - which is key with young children. The second it gets boring, they’re ready to check out. Engaging with kids while having FUN but without ramping them up to the point of being overhyped is the best course of action and how I run my photo sessions with children. It’s a fine line - but as a mom of three, I’m a pretty good tightrope walker on that one!
Would you like to talk about scheduling a special family session for yourself and your child’s grandma or grandpa (or both!)? Contact us and we’ll have a conversation about what you envision for your session, as well as your goals and our approach, and we’ll find out 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.
