Atlanta Family Photographer | Dawn & Cady

::clears throat and steps up onto my soapbox::

It’s so important for MAMAS to be in photos with their babies. That means you, mama, if you’re reading this.

So often, we are the ones who document the special family moments. Sometimes it’s because we don't want to be in the picture. We don’t feel pretty, we haven’t lost the baby weight, we don’t prioritize ourselves as being important enough for photos… and the list goes on and on for all the reasons why. I get it. I have three children and they're all two years apart and I’m just as guilty of it as most. While the selfie option is better than no photos at all with your little one(s), I absolutely LOVE it when mamas take matters into their own hands by deciding to prioritize being IN the photos and book a session with me.

Dawn is such a fabulous long time client of mine who drives nearly an hour to Atlanta from her home in the north metro suburbs for her sessions. I first started working with her when I photographed her maternity session, and have gone on to photograph yearly sessions of her and her daughter, Cady. It’s been such a joy to watch Cady grow from a tiny baby to a big kid with a personality to match.

WHAT TO WEAR: IS COLORFUL CLOTHING OKAY?

Dawn emailed to ask if I thought wearing brighter colors for their session would be “too much”. She had fallen in love with a mommy and me set of dresses, but wanted to be sure they would photograph well. We get this question a LOT. While there are some colors that we will steer you clear of (ie: neons) because of color casting, color is GREAT if that’s what you want to do. The majority of our clients to prefer to stay in the neutral range since it’s very timeless, often the most flattering to skin tones, and much easier to coordinate multiple family members. We are here to assist you with making suggestions of what to wear, and are more than happy to look over what you’re thinking and give you our honest assessment of how it will photograph. Our studio is designed in neutral tones, so your colorful outfit won’t clash with our studio! As you’ll see from the photographs - their dresses looked amazing and oh so cute!

MOMMY AND ME SESSIONS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Mommy and me sessions in the studio are all about loving and interacting with your child(ren). It really is just as simple as that. You get to be mom and have FUN. We’ll play some fun games designed to draw out natural interaction, you’ll dance together, you’ll have a tickle fight. The possibilities are endless. I’ll be behind the camera waiting for the magic to unfold - and it will, it always does. We have a saying here in the studio, and it’s this: “The more chaotic the session feels with your little one, the more amazing the photos are.” It’s true, I promise. Sometimes it feels like your child’s energy is a bit amped up, and that we can't possibly be getting anything good. Let me take this opportunity to remind you: it takes 1/800th of a second for me to create a beautiful image. All the little microburst moments in between the wildness are where the magic happens. You worry about having fun and present with your little one(s), and let me handle the photos!

This session makes me smile when I look at it because there is so much love and joy! We had such a wonderful time creating these images.

If you're considering a session for yourself and your children, I would LOVE for you to reach out to discuss your vision and we can get you taken care of.

Enjoy a handful of my favorites from this family session with Dawn & Cady.

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.