You last saw this sweet couple’s maternity session at the field here on the blog a couple of days ago. If you missed it, no worries! Just click here to see those images.
I was so excited when Heather let us know that little Ava had arrived! Heather asked to work with Margaret again for add on hair and makeup, and we scheduled the date for Ava’s newborn session. Adding on hair and makeup is super easy! You just let us know that you’d like to do so, and we take care of determining who is available, and send you a date. You have enough going on taking care of your new baby, so we’ll take care of the coordination for you. As a note, our HMUA’s are often busy on the weekends with weddings and other events, so the vast majority of our newborn sessions are booked on weekday mornings.
When the new family of three arrived at the studio, I couldn’t get over Ava’s full head of dark hair! I had a sneaking suspicion that would be the case, but babies have surprised me before and looked nothing like their parents or I thought they would. It’s always so neat to see a newborn with their parents and see what features they have from each parent. Some newborns look like their very own person with no features from anyone! Genetics are such a cool thing.
Heather settled into the hair and makeup chair with Margaret, and I took Ava to the newborn room to begin her solo portraits. Some of our clients are concerned that adding on hair and makeup services will cause their session to last longer… I think the opposite is true! I’m going to be photographing your newborn alone anyway, so you’ll just be sitting twiddling your thumbs and waiting for me to be done. Why not choose to get pampered by one of our incredible artists while you’re waiting anyway? They are MAGICAL at helping newborn moms look like they’ve had a full night’s sleep. ;)
Ava was a good sleeper for me, and even cracked a few sleepy smiles. Her big cheeks and perfect little lips were absolutely adorable. Since she was such a good sleeper, we moved through her solo portraits pretty quickly, and finished up right before Heather was finished being prepped. I took the time to pull a few options from our wardrobe for Heather, and Ava needed a diaper change and a feeding, so the timing was perfect.
Heather chose a gorgeous blush pink lace dress which was perfect for her skin tone and looked amazing on her. Jason had brought along a few different shirt options, and I chose a white one with tiny blue dots all over. Subtle patterns are great! If you’re worried about what your husband should wear, don’t be. We send out a handy newborn prep packet in advance of your session that goes over all of that. Most dads bring a few options along, and I make a decision on what will work best in about 5 seconds. All you have to do is make sure that it fits the subject well and is ready to be photographed (ie: no wrinkles).
Once Heather and Jason were dressed, I wrapped Ava up and we began the parent and family portion of the session. I LOVE getting to see parents with their new baby, especially when they’ve worked with me for maternity! The changes that happen in their dynamic and relationship as new parents are beautiful, and I can clearly see it. I hear maternity clients confess to me that they’re a little bit nervous about being a first time mom and then I get to photograph them confidently holding their new baby. I see the slightly nervous anticipation of what is to come between my couples at their maternity session, and then I get to photograph them looking at their new baby with loving awe and wonder. How incredible is that? Welcoming a new baby is, without a doubt, one of the most momentous times to happen in your life, and sometimes I pinch myself that my job is to photograph that for my clients.
Because Heather and Jason had previously worked with me, they were pretty comfortable during their session and knew my main “rules” what what to do and what not to do in terms of where to stand and how to turn their heads. Even if a client has never worked with me before their newborn session, it’s no problem. I’ll guide you through the entire experience and gently make adjustments or demonstrate what I need for you to do. You’ll catch on in no time at all. Sessions here in the studio are laid back and relaxed: there is no place for stress here, because it’s so unnecessary!
Enjoy a few of my favorites from Ava’s newborn session. I can’t wait to see this little sweetheart and her parents again in the fall for her six month milestone session!
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.
