Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Bridgette, Aaron, & Case

Bridgette contacted me to schedule a maternity session in the field in her second trimester. When she emailed me, so told me how much she loved my backlit and glowy images, and was so excited that she had found me. She lives in South Carolina, three hours away from Atlanta, and is a photographer herself. Finding the right photographer for her family maternity session was extremely important, and she had a specific vision and style that she wanted... and found that when she came to my website. Because Bridgette lived three hours away, she opted to bring her own dresses for her maternity session and style her own family. You'll see in the images that I am not averse to the usage of color at all when it is used and coordinated well. Bridgette nailed that in her mix of colors, patterns, and textures.

The evening of their family maternity session was windy and a bit chilly. I love wind, as it adds such a beautiful and natural element of movement. For mamas worried about their hair when they have a windy session... I just have you face the wind when possible so it's not blowing all over your face, or hold your hair with one hand which you'll naturally reach up to do.

   Their son, Case, was absolutely adorable. He was so loving to his parents, and so inquisitive. I love the bond that this whole family shares together, and was honored to be chosen as their photographer. I can't wait to see them again in the future after their second baby boy arrives later this spring! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Henry

I last worked with Katharine and Howard for their winter maternity session at the park location which you can view by clicking here. I was so excited to hear that Henry had arrived, and we scheduled his newborn session to take place two weeks later.  Katharine chose to add on hair and makeup services and worked with Megan. 

When they arrived, Henry was sound asleep in his car seat. Katharine and I looked through the studio wardrobe, and she chose a beautiful champagne pink dress. I began working with Henry for his solo portraits while Howard relaxed on the couch and Katharine was being pampered by Megan. Henry was the cutest little squish and so easy going. I loved photographing all of his little details, and was amazed at how he curled up in my lap while I was wrapping him. I never force babies into poses, and tend to wrap them as they naturally fold. He was definitely one of my easiest babies in the history of the studio. 

After I finished with Henry's solo portraits we moved on parent and family images. Katharine is so in love with Howard and her son, and was just radiant and beaming. Howard is such a sweet guy, and he's a great dad. I was pretty sure he would be a doting father when I first met him, and I was right. I loved watching this new little family of three together in the studio, and was so happy to get to be a small part of their passage to parenthood. It's an honor to be chosen as the photographer for each family, and it's one that I don't take lightly.

Here are some of my favorite images of sweet Henry and his loving parents! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. You can hear about my philosophy and see how I work in the studio by watching this video 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Isabella

I first worked with Clarissa for her maternity session in the studio, which can be viewed here. She had already booked a newborn session with a photographer before she had found me for her maternity session. Because she'd already reserved her session with that photographer, she went ahead with it.

I heard from Clarissa after she viewed the images from her initial newborn session with that photographer. She was unhappy with her experience and felt that her daughter didn't look like her daughter. I asked what she meant, and she stated that her baby's skin looked fake and that she didn't even recognize her when she saw the gallery. The photographer she worked with also did not prioritize mother and baby images as Clarissa had requested, and only took one photo of them together. Clarissa wanted a do-over, and she wanted it to be with me. So, a few days later, she brought sweet little Isabella all the way from Hampton, Georgia for her newborn session.

Isabella had the thickest head of hair on a baby that I have ever seen! So many curls and such gorgeous creamy skin. And those perfect little lips! She was such a sweet little sleeper, and I had so much fun photographing her.  After her solo images, we moved on to the most important ones... Isabella in the arms of her mother. Moms, these images are going to mean so much to you when your children head out the door for college. They're going to mean so much to your children who will look at them and SEE how much you loved them and how you looked at them when they were tiny. They're going to be images that your children will always have of you expressing your love for them even when you're not here anymore. They're so important. 

Clarissa loved her images, and emailed me to tell me that I had given her what she had envisioned in the first place. All she wanted were natural images that showed off how beautiful her baby was, and that showed the relationship and unique bond they shared. I can't wait to see them again in April for a family session in the park, and then again this summer when Miss Isabella turns ONEI 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity, Newborn & Family Photographer | Take the stress out of finding something to wear for your portrait session!

Let's talk about the biggest stressor when it comes to portrait sessions.

WHAT DO I WEAR?! 

For expecting mamas, figuring out what to wear for their maternity session can be a super stressful experience. Trying to shop while pregnant in a body that you're not used to (especially if it's your first baby) and dealing with horrid store lighting is no fun. As a matter of fact, it was after receiving a few panicky texts from clients that I decided to start building a studio wardrobe. I'm pretty particular about what joins the wardrobe. You can rest assured that every piece photographs beautifully.  I'm looking for gorgeous flattering neutrals, colors, fabrics, and drapes. The majority of the wardrobe isn't even maternity specific, and is super comfortable to wear. We're always adding to it as we come across gorgeous pieces that we just can't pass up. Maternity clients come into the studio about two weeks before their session. We chat for a bit about what you're looking for, and I take a look at your skin tone. I'll then pull pieces for you to look at, and we'll narrow down choices from that. Then, you simply try them on and check them out. No horrid store lighting in the studio - and a nice full length mirror. I will give you my input as well, as I want to make sure that you're wearing the most flattering options to your skin tone and body shape possible. The below dresses are just a few of the ones we have in our studio collection! 

But, it doesn't stop at maternity. 90% of our newborn mamas choose something from the wardrobe for their maternity sessions. Not knowing what your bust size is going to be if you're planning to nurse, or trying to find something to wear with a brand new baby in the house is stress that you just don't need. Imagine showing up in comfy yoga pants and a sweatshirt and then choosing something from the wardrobe and slipping into the hair and makeup chair. Guess what? You don't have to imagine: that is reality for many of our Lily Sophia Photography newborn mamas every single week. 

But, wait! We're not finished yet. It doesn't stop at newborn sessions either. As babies grow and mamas return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, they're often comfortable in their own clothing. The studio wardrobe is available for family and milestone sessions too! However, if you'd rather pull from your own closets, no need to stress. I'm here to help you pull together a gorgeous and cohesive look that is perfect for your entire family and reflects who you are. I'll work with you by sending over a style guide in the month before your session, and I'll schedule a complimentary appointment in the studio for you to bring over options and we'll mix and match. Planning a session shouldn't be stressful - let me help make this an amazing and relaxed experience...the best you've ever had! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a maternity, newborn, or family photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Claire & Antonio

Claire contacted me to see if I had last minute availability for a maternity session in the field.  I actually was totally booked, but then had another client request to change her maternity session location to the studio due to some health reasons.  I let them know that a spot had opened for a field session, and Claire snatched the date up. 

She and Antonio came to the studio for a maternity fitting and she absolutely LOVED the dresses. She narrowed her choices down to a flowy taupe gown with a crinkle shirt and a pleated ivory dress. Antonio didn't really have anything he felt would work, so he tried on some studio shirts and was pleased with how it looked, so he elected to borrow it for the session.

We met at the field on a very cloudy and overcast day. Claire was so concerned and asked if we should reschedule because she was afraid there wouldn't be enough light. I asked her to trust me, and reminded her that overcast days are still gorgeous and that her images would still be stunning without the sun. She relaxed and we shot the session, and had a blast!

When Claire viewed her images after the session, she emailed me to tell me that she was so pleased and surprised with her gallery since she really didn't have any idea that images could look like this on a cloudy day. She and Antonio chose to have one of their images printed in a 16x20 mounted print to display in their home. They've since had their ADORABLE baby girl! Congrats!!!! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Fresh 48 Photographer | Pace & Rush

Pace and Rush are fraternal twin sisters born to the sweetest parents... and they're the SECOND set of fraternal twins to join the family! Going from three to five children in one day....no big deal, right? :) Morgendee and Neal actually live in Florida, but traveled to Atlanta to be under the care of Dr. Bootstaylor at SeeBaby for their delivery, which ended up being a family centered cesarean. I was hired to document the birth of the twins, and was in the OR with them sitting next to Neal at Morgdenee's head as the baby girls were delivered. It was truly an amazing day for their family, and the experience was so calm and uplifting. Both girls were each placed on Morgendee's chest immediately after delivery, and they weren't taken away from her. I left the family in their recovery room to head home at around 2 AM so I could get some sleep before returning later that day. 

After a few hours of sleep, I arrived at DeKalb Medical Center in advance of the siblings arriving to photograph just the babies and their parents first. For Fresh 48 sessions, it's highly recommended that I arrive in advance of siblings or extended family so that I can do this first, and then photograph those first meetings between loved ones. 

Morgendee and Neal had not told their older children Cross & Briggs (fraternal twin brothers), and big sister Fischer that they were having another set of twins. So the big kids thought they were coming to the hospital to meet their little sister.... SURPRISE! TWO little sisters. The joy on Fischer's face when she realized she had not one, but two baby sisters was absolutely adorable. There was so much love and laughter and excitement in the room. Morgendee and Neal definitely have their hearts full, and they love (almost) every second of it. It was such an honor to be invited to walk alongside this family and freeze all of these moments in time for them. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Penelope, 26 days new

Danielle contacted me to see if she could schedule a newborn session, but was a little bit concerned because her daughter was already three weeks old. I explained to her that this wasn't an issue at all, and that we could definitely make it work! She was so excited that I had last minute availability in my calendar and showed up a couple of days later with her sweet little girl, Penelope. Proud daddy came along for the session too! 

Penelope was over 9 pounds at the time of her session, so she wasn't quite as flexible as a smaller baby is likely to be. She loved being wrapped up like a burrito and slept soundly throughout. Your baby's comfort and safety is my primary concern, so if they don't like being in a certain position or don't easily curl up, I am not going to force it. Most babies resist change, but there's a big difference between a squawk of protest and some squirming versus screaming and flailing. I aim to soothe your baby and work with them so it doesn't ever get to that point. Being a newborn photographer who photographs multiple newborns every week definitely requires lots of patience...good thing I have a pretty big supply of it, and I really love what I do! 

After Penelope's solo portraits, we moved on to parent images. Danielle and Nick were just the sweetest, and had such a great sense of humor in their dynamic. They weren't afraid to laugh and make fun of each other, but did so in a very caring and affectionate manner. Nick had quite an interesting childhood growing up in England, and they both had been all over the world. It was lots of fun chatting about their adventures and what led them to where they were today. 

The images during this session, especially of their new little family together, are some of my favorite images ever. Capturing brand new families just as they are, sharing quiet and tender moments together that are REAL and not staged... that's what I'm all about. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Caroline & Blair

Caroline contacted us to schedule a maternity session in the field, and scheduled a newborn session as well for when her daughter arrived. She and her husband Blair came to the studio all the way from north Alpharetta for a maternity fitting, and I was treated to listening to their very cool Australian accents! They're from Perth and here in the states working. I'll definitely be contacting Caroline in a few years for some insider tips when we take an anniversary trip to Down Under. 

I love working with so many clients from all over the world. Most of you know from watching my video that I have a hearing impairment, so I have an accent also. Understanding clients and communicating with them is never an issue, and we've had a couple clients in the studio who have only been speaking English for a year or so. We always find a way to communicate. The beautiful thing about photography is that it doesn't need words. It just needs emotion and mutual basic understanding.  I absolutely love meeting and working with clients from all over the world. So far we've had clients from England, Australia, Nigeria, Botswana, Japan, China, Korea, Germany, France, and Malaysia. I can't wait to see what other countries will be represented in our studio this year. 

Caroline chose to add on hair and makeup services with our HMUA Margaret for her maternity session. We met at the field on a humid summer night. Blair is a very stoic kind of guy that doesn't enjoy being in front of the camera, but with a few jokes and getting snuggled up to his wife, he started smiling and having fun. Some of my favorite images from this session are the ones at the very end, when Caroline and Blair were standing looking at each other as the sun set. Unprompted, she reached up to touch her husband's face, and it was magic. These are the real moments that I live for, and the moments that show who you are as a couple. The moments that you can show to your child printed out where your child can see how much you loved each other and how tender you were with each other while waiting for their arrival. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Robert

I first worked with Kea, Bob, and Blythe for their family maternity session in the field, which can be viewed by clicking here.  Like myself, they had waited to find out if they were having a boy or a girl until birth - and I was so excited to get an email from Kea informing me that they'd had baby boy named Robert after daddy! My son is named after his daddy also, so I just love that.

When the family arrived at the studio, they brought along Grandma to help with Blythe. When a toddler participates in a newborn session, we always encourage families to bring along a helper if possible. It makes it more relaxing for mom and dad, and that way big brother or sister gets to have some fun too!  The studio is located right down the street from Zoo Atlanta, and some families plan for their older children to head off to explore the Zoo when their part in the session is finished. Grant Park is also located right down the street and has a playground that children enjoy as well. 

Kea had added on hair and makeup services with Margaret at her maternity session, and elected to do so again for the newborn session. She settled into the makeup chair, and I got to work. 

Since Robert was in such deep sleep when he arrived, we started with some solo images, and when he began waking up, moved to sibling and dad images. By the time I was finished with these, Kea was ready to go. We took some of the sweetest images of Kea with her children. She brought her own clothing from home and told me that the newborn preparation guide was perfect in helping her determine what to bring from their closets. When we finished with the family images, big sister Blythe left with Grandma to head home. Kea and Bob chose to change into some more casual outfits, and we finished up the session with Robert and his parents only. They're just the sweetest family!

When Kea came in for her ordering session, she came with her mom. She ordered a gorgeous linen album, and we had fun designing it from the proof prints. Album design involves us spreading out all the proofs on the floor and deciding which edit version (color or black and white) of each image would go best in the album. Most clients leave me to the album design, but I include up to two proof revisions if any changes are requested. I can't wait to see Robert for his First Birthday session in a few months! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Whit

When Nicole contacted me last March to inquire about a newborn session for her baby boy due in September, I was impressed with her advance planning! She didn't absolutely love her wedding photos, and was on the hunt for the perfect photographer for her baby's first portraits. My natural light style and natural posing with a focus on emotional connection is what drew her to my work, and she reserved her spot on my calendar right away. Booking in the second trimester is a great way to ensure my availability. While we always try to accommodate last minute requests, we simply just can't say yes to everyone. 

When Nicole and Jay brought sweet baby Whit to the studio, I just fell in love! Not only were Nicole and Jay the sweetest couple (they're high school sweethearts!), they were just so in love with their new son. He was absolutely precious and such a little sweetheart. He even gave me a couple of grins during my time with him.

After I finished with Whit's portraits, Nicole chose a dress to wear from the studio wardrobe, and we started the family session. As you'll, see there is quite a height difference between Nicole and Jay. I will never ask a husband to minimize his height by slouching down or bending their knees to make themselves closer to their wife's height. I have so many couples with large height differences, and I'll get up on a ladder and use other techniques. Just as your baby has unique characteristics, so do you and your husband. If you have a height difference - you're already aware of it and comfortable with it! The last thing you need is a photographer that treats that difference like it's a problem or a detriment to your images and makes you feel self conscious about it.

When Nicole viewed her images, she told me, "These are beyond what I imagined them to be! So so perfect!". That's what I always love to hear from my clients!  

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Jennifer & Johnson

Jennifer and Johnson contacted me to schedule a maternity session in the field at the end of the summer, and I had spots available due to backup dates not being used. When I schedule outdoor sessions, I always block another date on the calendar. My clients don't have to worry about me being overbooked and not being able to shoot their session before they have their baby! 

Jennifer came to the studio and tried on several dresses. The use of studio dresses is included with your session! She fell in love with two, and elected to add on hair and makeup services with Margaret. We met at the field in the hour before sunset, and started shooting. It was such a gorgeous evening, and the two of them had so much fun during their session. There was a lot of laughter, which I love - because when we're all laughing, we're relaxed and true personalities shine through. Since we will have already met during your styling appointment, there is no ice to break when it comes to getting to know each other! It takes about 5 minutes on average for my clients to "warm" up and feel comfortable. You don't need to worry about how you look or what you should do. I will guide you through your session every step of the way and help you adjust as necessary for the most flattering posing and to connect as a couple if you need a little help. Every client has remarked "Wow, that was so easy!" when we conclude their session. Our goal is for every session experience to be a relaxed and enjoyable one. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | The Patrick Family

Jason contacted me to schedule a studio maternity session as a surprise for his wife. Yomaira, for a Mother's Day gift. They were expecting their third baby, another little girl! Professional photos were not something they had done before, other than their wedding, and he wanted to go all out. He asked if he could bring her to the studio for her maternity fitting (unbeknownst to her) and surprise her with the session there. 

I loved that he was gifting her with a maternity session and images to have forever of their growing family. I mean, I would personally just be so excited if my husband gifted me a photography session! It's truly a gift that lasts a lifetime and that means so much to me personally. Plus, I have something to show and give to my children as well!

The day they arrived for the maternity fitting, I had expected him to have already told his wife why she was there... but no. They walked in and she asked, "Okay, so why are we here?" I said...."Surprise! Happy Mother's Day!" She was a little bit concerned we were going to shoot the session right then and there without having had the time to do her hair and makeup to her liking, but I assured her the session wasn't until the following week and that she was only here for the fitting. Her older children, Tony and Julie were also along for the ride and they are just the CUTEST and sweetest kids! Julie tried on dresses from the children's wardrobe and found one that she loved. While Yomaira was trying on dresses, Patrick and I chatted about what he and Tony should wear. 

The day of their session, the family arrived, and we began shooting. Family sessions tend to take a little bit longer since we have so many different groupings to do. We shot Yomaira alone, with just her husband, the entire family together, mother and daughter, and mother and son. And I just had to take a few of just the kids lounging on the studio bed while their mother was getting changed. They were just too cute not to! Baby girl is so lucky to be coming into such a close and loving family with the best big siblings ever. I so enjoyed working with the Patrick family, and can't wait to have them back in the studio again in the future! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | A foggy and drizzly winter maternity session

Katharine contacted me to schedule a maternity and newborn session. She and Howard were expecting their first baby, a little boy! At first, Katharine didn't think she cared about the location of a maternity session, but then realized she really wanted an outdoor session at the park location. No problem! She came to the studio with Howard, and chose two dresses that she really loved. Howard is one of the funniest people I have ever met, and he kept me laughing with his jokes and wit while Katharine was busy trying on pieces. We discussed what he should wear for the session, and Katharine asked to add on HMUA services as well. 

The day of her session, she came to the studio where Margaret, our HMUA was waiting for her. Margaret created a gorgeous waterfall hairstyle for Katharine and a beautiful clean beauty look for makeup. When I arrived it was starting to sprinkle and there was an incredible amount of fog. 

So, why didn't we reschedule the session? Simple: why should we? It wasn't pouring rain. The fog was incredibly unique and beautiful.  I actually LOVE overcast weather for shooting just as much as I love the bright and sunny days. The weather was a part of the story and it made their final images absolutely stunning. Katharine and Howard were up for it, so we headed to the location and the sprinkling rain turned into more of a mist and then stopped completely. 

We had a lot of fun during their session. Howard kept us laughing throughout, and Katharine looked absolutely stunning. When you feel beautiful and confident, it shows! 

Here are some of my most favorite images from this foggy winter session. I'm so glad it all worked out the way it did! I can't wait to share Katharine and Howard's newborn session images on the blog later this month! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Sophia, 10 days new

Martina contacted me a couple of months before baby Sophia was due, letting me know that she wanted to schedule a newborn session. We scheduled her on the calendar tentatively since Sophia had a scheduled birthdate. Babies sometimes arrive earlier than their scheduled c-section or induction, so any dates we place on the calendar for a client are not set in stone. We'll adjust them if necessary! 

When the family arrived at the studio for their newborn session, they brought along Grandma and Grandpa who were visiting from their home country of Germany. It was pretty neat to hear German being spoken in the studio. We've had so many clients from all over the world in the last year: Australia, England, France, China, Malaysia, Korea, Nigeria, and now Germany. I wonder what other countries clients will be from this year?! Big sister Celina and dad Felix were also on hand. The family chose to dress Celina in one of the studio dresses for little girls, and Martina chose a champagne pink dress for herself. We started with the family images first so that Celina wouldn't have to be cooped up in the studio for the entire session. Celina was not interested in holding her sister or being next to her. This is absolutely normal for toddlers! I will not force a child to do something they don't want to do, so we just work around your child's comfort level. Your baby's safety is my paramount consideration. Placing a toddler who doesn't want to participate next to a baby is a recipe for injury, so I simply won't do that. In Celina's case she preferred to interact with her baby sister while being held by her daddy. My goal is for children to feel safe and secure during their sessions in the studio, and often that's in the arms of a parent. Sometimes a child will warm up to me later and be willing to take some solo images with baby, but sometimes not. 

When Celina was finished with her part, her grandparents took her down the street to play at a playground. Siblings coming to sessions are always welcomed! If it is possible for the family to do so, we usually arrange for siblings to arrive later after the baby's solo portraits have been finished. Sometimes that just isn't doable for families, so we work around what can be managed and is easiest for families! 

After Celina departed, we finished up with parent images. Martina and Felix were so sweet to each other, loving and enjoying each other and their new daughter. Sophia fell into a very deep sleep during this part of the session so when we finished, I quickly wrapped her back up and took some more baby only portrait images (the last images you see in this post on the rug) in the newborn shooting room. 

*this session was photographed before the installation of the new white studio flooring

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Clarissa

Clarissa contacted me for a studio maternity session. She was pregnant with her first baby, a little girl. She had previously gone the DIY route with a hobbyist friend, and realized that hiring a professional would ensure the results that she envisioned. She drove all the way from Hampton, Georgia to work with me! 

When Clarissa came into the studio, she told me that she had fallen in love with the images on the website and knew I was the perfect photographer for her. She tried on several pieces from the wardrobe and chose a lace dress and a split front dress as well since she knew she wanted a few bare belly images. All clients decide their comfort level. Some clients know they want bare belly images, and others know they don't. This is YOUR maternity session, so we will craft it to fit what you envision within the setting you choose.  We talked about all things pregnancy and afterwards, and had lots of fun chatting. She works as an ER trauma nurse, so I told her that it was likey that very little about being a mother would faze her since she's seen it all at this point! Clarissa definitely has the perfect personality and demeanor to work in the nursing field: she is calm and serene, and makes others feel at ease immediately. 

The day of her studio session, we arrived and began shooting. She had brought a flower crown with her to wear with one of the dresses. We do have a couple of options for flower crowns in our studio wardrobe as well! There was lots of laughter during the session and we had a great time. She looked absolutely beautiful in the dresses that she chose. When she saw her finalized images, she let me know how much she loved them and that she would let me know when her daughter was born. I'm excited to share images from her newborn session later this month, and the story about how that newborn session happened! 

*this session was photographed before the installation of our new white studio floors

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Baby Photographer | Mommy & Me Sessions Event

The Mother's Day Sessions are now open to the public! We opened booking to our existing clients last week, and are already 50% sold out of our spots. Our booking calendar is now open to everyone and spots are still available on both April 23rd and April 30th.

A few important notes!

1) Sessions are for mothers and their children only. Babies should be at least 8 weeks old, with no upper age limit. If your oldest baby is 12, they're NOT too old!  If you have multiple children, bring them all to participate! There is no limit to the number of your children. We'll talk about if you want individual images with each of your children in your gallery or prefer to have everyone together. If you are a same sex couple, this is for one mom. 

2) Professional makeup application is complimentary! You'll need to arrive 35 minutes BEFORE your scheduled time slot. If you are late, our makeup artist will not be able to accommodate you. If you don't want makeup application, feel free to skip it or ask for very light makeup. Tips are not suggested or expected. 

3) If you're pregnant with an older child, you're welcome to participate. If you're pregnant with your first baby, you'll need to contact us about booking a maternity session instead as this is not designed to be a maternity session. 

4) You can opt to dress casually (jeans and white t-shirt) or dress it up a bit! A What to Wear style guide will be emailed out to you in advance of the session. 

5) 50% is due to book with the remainder due April 9, 2017. You can also opt to pay in full at booking. 

Want to see all the details and book your spot?! Click here. 

Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Fresh 48 Photographer | Camille, 12 hours old at Northside Hospital

When Crystal emailed me to tell me that she was expecting her second baby and wanted to book a Fresh 48 and newborn session, I was so excited! I had worked with Crystal for her maternity and Fresh 48 sessions with their first child and loved working with their sweet family. She elected not to do a maternity session this time around since she was so close to her due date when she contacted me. 

Crystal let me know that she was scheduled for an induction so that I would have the heads up on scheduling their session. Well, little Miss Camille had other plans and decided to start the process the day of her induction. :) Beat them to the punch! Crystal let me know that Camille had arrived, and I was able to schedule their session to take place before she was even 12 hours old. I arrived and started photographing Camille and her mommy. Phillip (dad) arrived with big sister Grace and it was so sweet to see Grace meeting her new baby sister and talking to her. Many families schedule Fresh 48's so that they can document their older child meeting their new sibling. I did the same thing with my children, and I can state from personal experience that it's so nice to let a professional document the meeting so you can soak those precious moments in without missing things by being behind an iPhone or your own camera. Live in the moments that will never happen again and be fully present for them! That's what I'm here for. 

You can see some images from big sister Grace's Fresh 48 session by clicking here. It's so neat to see both girls and see how different and unique they looked. I am sure they will be the closest and best of friends as they grow up. My two older daughters have an age difference of 22.5 months and they are inseparable. They love each other just as fiercely as they sometimes fight. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Harper

I had last seen Candace and Brandin at their studio maternity session with me, which can be viewed by clicking here. I was so excited to hear that they had welcomed a little GIRL! They waited to find out if they were having a boy or a girl until birth, and since I did that with all three of my children, I always love getting to find out after their maternity session and see the excitement (and sometimes disbelief!). 

When they came in for their newborn session, I (quietly!) squealed a little bit. Baby Harper was a tiny little peanut just under six pounds. She was an adorable tiny little peanut, and she slept like a champ. Candace and Brandin were just so sweet with her, and I loved seeing them as a brand new little family of three. 

Candace elected to have Harper in some tiebacks for a portion of the session. I will never put a tieback on a baby's head that is not proportionate to them. There are no giant flower headbands the size of Texas here. All of my tiebacks are small, sweet, and dainty. It is ALWAYS up to mom whether or not they are used! Some mamas prefer that no tiebacks be used at all, and that's totally okay. Others like a mix, and others want one for every image. I'll work within your specific preferences!

We sailed through Harper's solo images and then started the parent and family images portion. Candace brought a taupe dress from home, and also chose a white lace dress from the studio wardrobe that caught her eye. 

Isn't this family the cutest?! I love how in love Candace and Brandin are with each other and their new daughter. Images that capture that are my absolutely favorite and the ones that will be the most important in the future. 

*As a note, this session was shot before the new white studio flooring was installed. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Traci & Lee

Traci contacted me to schedule a studio maternity session. She was expecting TWINS, and wanted to make sure she had photos to remember her pregnancy with them. I typically schedule twin moms at around 26-30 weeks since they tend to show sooner, and are less and less comfortable the further along they are. 26-30 weeks seems to be a great timeframe for a beautiful round belly and ease of physical movement. She and her husband Lee came to the studio for her maternity fitting, and she tried on several dresses. She chose a simple pleated dress and a split front chiffon one, since she knew she wanted to have some bare belly photos also. Lee and I discussed what he should wear while she was trying on dresses, and also got to know each other a bit. Dads can't always make it to the maternity fittings, but I always love it when they do. It gives us a chance to chat and makes the actual session day easy and comfortable since they've already met me and know what to expect. If your husband hates having his photo taken, I promise it will be as pain free as possible with me. Your husband won't be asked to do anything he's uncomfortable with, nor will he be forced to spend two hours having his photo taken. So far, I've gotten high fives from every dad that has worked with me and they all told their partner that I was pretty cool and I made the experience way more fun than they thought it could ever be. 

On the day of their session, Traci arrived and we got right to shooting! She looked absolutely gorgeous and I LOVED the way she chose to wear her hair! 

I'm such a lover of black and white images, and this session's images just look so beautiful in black and white. Clients receive both color and black and white edits of their final edited images in their gallery, but I'm choosing to share only black and white ones for this blog post.  

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Logan

I last saw Adrienne & Dave at their studio maternity session, which can be viewed here. I was so excited to find out that they had welcomed a little BOY! They waited to find out what they were having until birth, and because I did the same with my own three children I always just love the guessing and wondering, and then finding out from the elated parents. 

When Adrienne had tried on dresses for her maternity session fitting, she tried on a short lace one that she loved. She didn't think it was the right fit for her maternity session, but told me to remember it because she was pretty sure she would want to wear it for her newborn session. So many clients find their newborn session clothing while they're trying pieces on for maternity! 

She had also worked with Margaret to add on hair and makeup services, and worked with her again for her newborn session. 

When Dave, Adrienne, and baby Logan arrived at the studio, Adrienne got into the makeup chair, and I took Logan into the newborn shooting room. He had some of the longest eyelashes I have ever seen on a newborn, and Adrienne had specifically requested that I capture those for her. He was such a good little sleeper so that proved quite easy! I always love capturing the tiny little details of newborns such as their nose, toes, lips, belly button, eyelashes, hair swirls, etc. I always talk to my clients about if there are any special features they want captured. When I was finished with Logan's solo portraits, Adrienne was almost finished with her hair and makeup. I kept working and shot daddy and son images with Dave and Logan, and Adrienne joined in for family images. My sessions do have a general flow that I loosely follow, but they're always adaptable and tailored to each unique baby and family. Sometimes babies have a harder time settling, so we'll switch it up a little and focus on parent images first until they're sleepy. Whatever the case may be, the top priority is the comfort of your baby and family. No stress is allowed at the studio! Newborn sessions are time for you to come and relax and enjoy each other as a brand new family.

These are just a few of my favorite images from Logan's session. I wish I could share them all! As a note, this session took place in October in our studio before our new white flooring was installed. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Be sure to view this short 1.5 minute film 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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.