Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Chris & Hong

Chris contacted me to schedule a maternity session in the field for his wife. He is a hobbyist landscape and wildlife photographer and also shoots Canon, so we had a fun discussion with technical camera terms and the best portrait lenses. Chris and Hong have literally traveled all over the world, and it was awesome to hear about their latest trip to Patagonia. After the session, he ended up picking up a 50mm lens at my recommendation for when their baby boy arrived so he could photograph him. 

Funny story about this session...it took three tries to make this happen. The third time really was the charm. The first date we went to the field, and there was no rain forecasted but when we arrived it started pouring. We agreed to try again in a few days. The day of, there was rain forecasted, but we all mutually agreed to give it a try and met at the field... and it started pouring before we even got out of our cars. FINALLY the next week the weather cooperated, and it was worth the wait. Believe it or not, my sessions are rarely rescheduled due to weather. When clients book outdoor sessions, we always schedule a backup date in the calendar too. It may seem a little crazy to have two dates blocked off on the calendar since that limits my availability to other inquiries, but my clients are my top priority. I don't want you to stress about what will happen if your session has to be rescheduled - because you'll already know the date of the reschedule and have it blocked on your calendar too! As sessions take place, the backup dates are released from the calendar so we frequently have last minute availability for outdoor sessions as a result. So if you waited until the last minute to book an outdoor session, call us and see if we have a last minute opening for you or get on our waIting list. We go down the waiting list in the order of interest when a backup date opens and it's first come first serve. 

I loved working with Chris & Hong, and here are some of my favorites from their session! 

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 | Bennett, 3 weeks old

I worked with Megan & Steve for their field maternity session, which can be viewed by clicking here. Megan had a little bit of a rough recovery, so we delayed their newborn session until Bennett was three weeks old. She was a little bit nervous that it would be too long to wait, but I reassured her that we have LOTS of older babies in the studio. Many of our clients didn't think they wanted newborn photos, but then realized that they did when their babies were already two or three weeks old. We try to fit in last minute requests, but it's schedule dependent. If you're one of those mamas who didn't make newborn portrait arrangements and are looking at your sweet little baby right now and regretting it - pick up the phone and call us to see if we can fit you in! Sometimes we have availability the very next day. If your husband is already back to work, we can schedule it so he can pop it over his lunch break to participate! We have a lot of dads who don't have any paternity leave at all, so we make it work for those families by having dad there for 30 minutes or less. 

Bennet was absolutely adorable with little kissable puckered lips. He slept like a champ and mom and dad were just absolutely smitten by him. I love seeing the joy on the faces of my clients as they look at their little one and then at each other. The realization of "We made this little tiny human being!" makes for the perfect expression of joy/disbelief/amazement/awe/insert your adjective here. I truly do feel like I have the best job in the world to be able to witness brand new families in their first days and weeks. There is nothing else like it, and I'm honored to be chosen to share in that with 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 | Megan & Steve

Megan booked her maternity session and her newborn session at the same time. Clients who book both receive a credit towards a Newborn Signature Collection when booking both maternity and newborn at the same time. When Megan came into the studio to try on dresses, she chose one that she loved and opted to wear a strapless eyelet dress of her own that she had. Steve was so sweet and the two of them had lots of little moments where they were giggling. I have no idea what they were laughing about, but I love that they were so comfortable with me behind the camera that they could truly be themselves. When you are relaxed and having fun, it shows! I want all my clients to look back on their images with fondness and remember how much fun the experience was. While this is a maternity session, for many couples it's the last session they have as a couple before kids. Capturing your love, emotional connection and the excitement before you take that big step into parenthood is what my maternity sessions are about. You won't see dads kneeling on the ground kissing bellies or awkward poses like the hand hearts over the belly. That's not what we're about here - we are about authenticity and the real moments that matter. 

Here are a few of my favorite images from Megan & Steve's field session! 

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 | Lindsay & James

Lindsay scheduled a studio maternity session and chose to add on the hair and makeup services of Margaret. 

Lindsay came in for a maternity fitting a couple of weeks before her session, and she chose an off the shoulder flowy dress from the studio wardrobe. The studio wardrobe is a perk for booked clients! There are no additional charges to use clothing from the studio, and you can rest assured that all of it photographs beautifully and will give you the gorgeous aesthetic that you're looking for. We have an assortment of sizes that will fit 0-16 and accommodate a pregnant belly. We've had moms as short at 4'10" and as tall as 6'2" borrow clothing from the wardrobe, and we have seen every kind of baby bump there is! Twin bump, high bump, basketball bump, wide bump, low bump, you name it. Shopping for yourself isn't always fun when you're pregnant, and it can be stressful trying to find something you'll likely only wear once or twice in your life. The studio wardrobe solves all of those problems with the bonuses of no nasty store lighting, snacks and beverages, and me on hand to help you choose the most flattering options for your shape and skin tone. ;)  

When I arrived at the studio, Lindsay was in Margaret's makeup chair having the final touches applied. Margaret is lots of fun to work with, and nails it every single time. You'll learn a lot about makeup and application techniques while you're in her chair! I met Lindsay's sweet husband, James and set up while Lindsay was getting dressed. Then we started the session, and it was a lot of fun. James was a sweetheart and a bit of a jokester, so there was definitely laughter - which is always a good thing! I'm always looking for those real smiles and those real moments. Most clients need a few minutes to warm up and feel comfortable in front of the camera. It's MY job to get you there, and I will. All I need from you is a willingness to participate and have fun. It's that easy. No cheesy poses or awkwardness happens in my studio. 

Here are just a few of my favorites from this maternity session! 

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 Slade

I first worked with Caroline and Blair for their maternity session in the field, which can be viewed by clicking here. I was so excited to hear that their little girl, Slade Ivy, had arrived!  The new family of three drove an hour from their home in Alpharetta to the studio, and Caroline opted to work with Margaret again for add on hair and makeup services. Many of our moms comment on how easy it is to have this taken care of for them. Having a newborn can be a bit stressful in the first few weeks when you're tired and sleep deprived. Our clients simply have to show up with their baby, and we will handle the rest for them if they so choose! 

Slade was a snuggly little girl with incredibly long and lush eyelashes. She strongly preferred to have her legs fully stretched out and extended, and was not interested in curling up, which is perfectly fine! I will never force a baby into a position they don't want to be in. Instead, babies lead the sessions around here. If they don't want to move a certain way, I'll work around them. Your baby's comfort and safety during their session is my top priority. Slade woke up towards the end of her session and started wiggling around. She had great eye contact with the camera, so I took the opportunity to capture her cute little faces and personality. Those images ended up being some of her parents' favorites that they chose to print.

After I finished with Slade's portraits, I photographed her daddy with her. He's a man of few words, but he was clearly smitten with his little girl. It's always so sweet to watch a new daddy interact with his tiny little baby. I don't know if it's because I have two little girls of my own, but I am such a sap when I photograph a daddy with his new baby girl. It takes me back to when my own girls were that tiny, which seems like a lifetime ago AND only yesterday all at the same time. (if you don't have children, that statement won't make sense to you...but when you do you'll know exactly what I mean).

We then wrapped up with family images and then just Caroline and Slade. I always tell clients that the family and parent portion of the session is the "easy" part. Your job is to love your baby and admire them, which you're already an expert at. My job is to photograph these connections and do so from flattering angles, and adjust all of you as necessary. 

***This session was photographed before the addition 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 Maternity Photographer | Stephanie & Nick

Stephanie contacted me about possibly booking a maternity session last summer. She brought her husband along to the Studio Open House to meet me and chat a bit. They decided at the Open House to go forward with booking their session, and I was super excited to work with them! Stephanie and I had a lot in common - personality wise, and she was even delivering with the same midwifery practice that I used. We spent a good bit of time chatting and getting to know each other. 

When Stephanie came in for her maternity fitting a couple of weeks before her session, we had to laugh because she informed me that she had bought a dress for the session and wanted to wear it. I asked to see it, and she pulled out a dress that I already had in the same size in my studio wardrobe! You know you're on the same page with style and aesthetic when this happens! Fortunately she loved the dress so much she wanted to have it permanently in her wardrobe. The perk of borrowing from the studio wardrobe is not having to purchase something that you might only wear once. 

The evening at the field was absolutely beautiful. Stephanie brought along a cool black hat and asked if we could incorporate it into some of her images. Nick was such a sweetheart, and kept us laughing during. The two of them definitely were made for each other and balance each other out.

Here are some of my favorite images from their maternity session! The light was just gorgeous that night, and I love Stephanie's huge smile. You can't fake happiness like this! 

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 Caellum

I first worked with Theresa and Jabari for their field maternity session, which can be seen by clicking here. I was there the day that their son Caellum entered the world and documented his birth as well. I was so excited to see them a couple of weeks later for Caellum's newborn session! This little baby boy has some of the most perfect little newborn lips I've ever seen, and was just so, so squishy and cute. It's hard to believe he's going to be turning one this summer! 

I've selected just a few of my favorite images from Caellum's newborn session to share! 

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 | Angelica and Paul

Because I shoot so many sessions, I don't always have time to blog them, and most of the sessions are blogged some time after they are photographed. I also tend to prefer to wait to blog sessions until my clients have had a chance to share with their own friends and family first.

Angelica knew exactly which dress she wanted to wear in my studio wardrobe as she had seen it in my portfolio. She had the longest and most beautiful hair, and was so excited for her maternity session. We talked about what her husband should wear, and then we met at the field a couple of weeks later.

During their session, we talked about childbirth and labor. Paul is actually a nurse and has a little experience in labor and delivery, so he knew exactly what to do if Angelica had a fast labor. He was a little concerned about when she would actually go into labor since if it happened during a shift, he would need to get coverage to leave...which isn't always as easy as you might think. 

During the session, Angelica and Paul interacted as if I weren't even there. I loved Angelica's confidence and their tenderness towards one another, and it was such a gorgeous evening that night. 

 I shot this session when I was pregnant with my last child the first week in September 2015. Fun fact: Angelica and I were due 2.5 weeks apart. We actually ran into each other in our pediatrician's office in November 2015 with our newborns and their son was SO cute. Here are a few favorites! 

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 | Adeline

I last saw Carolyn & Greg at their field maternity session, and was excited to meet their baby girl Adeline. The new parents were absolutely smitten with her, and it was so endearing to watch. Carolyn chose a simple white lace dress from the studio wardrobe, and elected to add on hair and makeup services with Margaret who she worked with for her maternity session. 

I started working with Adeline for her solo portraits while her mom was in the hair and makeup chair. Carolyn requested the use of tiebacks during her session, and we chose a few that were proportionate to Adeline's head. Some mamas choose not to use any tiebacks and that is totally okay! It all comes down to your personal taste and preferences. There are no bows or flowers the size of Texas in my studio. 

After I finished with Adeline, Carolyn was still being prepped so we started with daddy and daughter images. When we had finished with those, Carolyn stepped in for family images and we then moved to mommy and baby. Every session will have a unique flow as it's led by your baby. If they need to take a break to nurse or just snuggle, we'll work with that. The comfort of your baby and family is my paramount consideration, and we'll do what it takes to ensure that.

Shortly after their newborn session, this family found out they were moving to New York City for a new job for Greg! I was sad to hear this since I knew I probably wouldn't get to photograph Adeline again. BUT....I turned out to be wrong, and photographed her six month session up in New York, and have her First Birthday Session scheduled for July as well! I'll share the story behind all of that when her six month session is blogged.

Here are just a few of my favorite images from Adeline's newborn session! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer here in Atlanta, 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. 

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

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Christian

I last worked with Chris and Lisa for their field maternity session, which can be viewed by clicking here. I was so excited when they let me know that baby Christian had arrived!

Christian was the most adorable baby. He had the most delicate little features and the cutest head of hair that stuck up all over. I love when baby hair sticks up because it's so unique to each individual baby, and they will only look like this for a short time. Lisa let me know that she wanted mostly white for Christian's portraits. I love all white setups, and primarily use white, so I was more than happy to oblige. Macro images of all of his little details (lips, fingers, toes, etc) were important to Chris, and I assured him that I always take these during every session. 

After Christian's solo portraits were finished, we moved on to the family portion. Lisa chose a dress from the studio wardrobe to wear, and Chris wore the same shirt of his that he'd worn for their maternity session. We took our time and they enjoyed being together as a family and holding and loving their new son. Christian decided to give us a few smiles as well during his session, and he sure does have the cutest little smile! 

This gallery shows just a few of the images from their final gallery. Chris and Lisa emailed me a few weeks after their move to NY state and attached a photo of their nursery so that I could see it. I was touched to see two two matted images from the newborn session hanging on the wall above his crib. 

Here are just a few of my favorite images from Christian's newborn session! 

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 Family & Baby Photographer | Gabriella's 3 Month Milestone Session

Genise contacted me to schedule a three month milestone/family session for her daughter Gabriella. Gabriella had spent time in the NICU after her birth, so they weren't able to schedule a newborn session. She really wanted to have family photos with Gabriella as a baby, and I fit what she was looking for in terms of style.

Gabriella was absolutely adorable with big brown eyes and chunky cheeks. The family was lovely and so much fun to work with. It was hard for Gabriella to lie on her tummy and lift her head very far, but we still managed to photograph her alone this way. Not every three month old can hold their head up for a long period of time (or at all!) so I typically photograph them in parent arms and on the floor. It was so sweet to watch her daddy interact with her. I think it's safe to say that she has him wrapped around her little pudgy finger!

I look forward to seeing this family again in the future for more milestone sessions!  Here are some of my favorite images. 

*This session photographed before the installation of the all white studio floors

If you're looking for a 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 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, family and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Oliver

Blake contacted me in advance of her due date to schedule a newborn session for her second son when he arrived. She and her husband had just relocated to Atlanta from Austin, Texas and loved the simple and natural light style in my portfolio.

On the day of their session, the family arrived at the studio and I began with Oliver's newborn portraits. Big brother Harley was having some challenges adjusting to his new role, and didn't want to hold his brother or lay next to him. Toddlers decide what they want to do, and trying to force or threaten doesn't work. Bribes sometimes do, but parents should be prepared for their toddler to not cooperate how they envision. I will work with your toddler and do my best, but I won't lay them on the floor alone with your baby for them to hold if they don't want to cooperate. Your baby's safety and comfort isn't worth that risk. In Harley's case, he was happiest to sit next to his brother and play with some of our studio toys with his parents just out of the frame watching carefully and ready to intervene if needed. Not what Blake had envisioned for sibling photos, but she did love how it worked out in the end. 

Blake chose to dress her family from their closets and stayed true to their own personal and casual style. She also brought the cutest little outfit for Oliver that she wanted him to wear for their baby announcements that also reflected the cool hipster style the whole family has. 

Here are some of my favorite's from Oliver's session. Doesn't he have the most adorable blonde eyelashes?!

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 | Lisa & Chris

Chris contacted me to schedule a maternity session in the field as a surprise Valentine's Day gift for his wife, Lisa! I thought that was such a sweet surprise for her... but unfortunately Chris left open my email on his computer so she found out about it. He emailed me to let me know that he had been busted, but that the good news was that she was ecstatic about it. Lisa leaves the photographer selection up to Chris because she's busy being an oncologist specializing in breast cancer.

The two of them came into the studio for a maternity fitting and we got to know each other. Chris is originally from Signapore, and they moved to Atlanta for Lisa's residency with the plan of returning to New York after she finished up. Lisa chose two dresses from the wardrobe for her session, and we met at the field a couple of weeks later.

Chris and Lisa brought along their first baby - Milo, who is just the sweetest pup. I welcome well behaved and well trained dogs to be included in outdoor sessions but caution that you'll want to bring along another person to spend time with your pet when they are not in the images. There are other people and dogs around during outdoor sessions, and they must remain leashed unless you are able to hold them in your arms. 

Lisa looked absolutely stunning in the dresses she chose, and I loved the white lace gown on her. This gown is often loved by clients who come in: but as a warning, it fits petite mamas with small bellies.

After Chris and Lisa viewed their gallery, they told me how much they loved their images and asked to book a newborn session for when their baby arrived and grabbed the last spot on my schedule for their due date month! 

Here are some of my favorites from Chris & Lisa's session. I can't wait to share newborn photos of their adorable baby in a couple of days! 

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 Cake Smash Photographer | Lachlan is ONE!

Kelly and Dustin last worked with me for their newborn session shortly after my own son was born. I was excited to have them come to the studio for Lachlan's first year portraits and cake smash. Kelly and Dustin pulled pieces from their own wardrobe following my styling suggestions, and came to the studio after Lachlan's nap. I always schedule these sessions for after your baby has napped and eaten. A well rested baby with a full tummy is always much happier... I guess I could say the same for adults! 

We started the session with family images. I love starting with family because it establishes a level of trust with your baby. They see that mom and dad are okay with the lady who has the camera, and they relax and show their true personality. Sometimes they're shy at first, and this is totally ok! It can make for some very sweet snuggling images. 

We then moved on to portraits of just Lachlan, and then I set up the paper backdrop for the cake smash. I also have a high chair in the studio for cake smashes, but each parent chooses what they want to do. Parents are assigned to be baby herders if the backdrop is chosen, since most babies will eventually move on from the cake and want to explore the studio. 

Lachlan enjoyed smashing his cake but wasn't too wild about eating it! Not every baby will stuff their mouth with cake and make a huge mess. Every baby is different, and the way they approach their cake smash is unique to them. Some babies just don't care for the taste or sugar or the way the icing feels, and that's ok! The point of First Birthday session is to create portraits of your baby at the age of one, and then to document their authentic reaction to the cake smash experience. 

If you're looking for a baby and 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 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, family and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Family Photographer | Arden is 3 months!

I last worked with Claire and Antonio for their field maternity session, which can be viewed by clicking here. I was so excited to hear from them after their sweet little girl, Arden was born, and scheduled them for a three month family session in the studio. 

When they arrived, Claire had brought the cutest little dress for Arden, and Antonio wanted to borrow one of the shirts from the studio wardrobe. Claire loves the studio wardrobe and chose one of the dresses to wear from it. I provide a styling guide and assistance when requested so if you prefer to pull from your own closets, we'll make sure it's cohesive and gorgeous for your session! 

Antonio is such a doting daddy to little Arden, and the whole family was just so cute together! At three months old, some babies can't quite lift their heads up for long periods of time, so we shoot these sessions with baby in the arms of their parent(s). If a parent just wants to document the milestone and doesn't want to be in the images, we'll work around it by shooting from above while on the floor, or have a parent hold their baby and not photograph the parents' face. I strongly encourage parents to participate though! You will love having these images of yourself with your baby when she heads off to college someday. We can't keep them little forever, but at least we can freeze time in a tangible way with portraits. 

If you're looking for a 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 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, family and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Kate & David, a field session

Kayte contacted me for a field maternity session and knew that I was the one she wanted to work with after viewing images in my portfolio. She loved the glowy and backlight images with the focus on emotional connection. Kayte works as an interior designer, and her husband works at a very popular French eatery in the Atlanta area. I am always honored when other creatives choose to work with me and love my aesthetic. 

We met at the field for their maternity session one hot summer evening, and Kayte wore a gorgeous dress that I fell in love with.... so much, that I added it to my own studio wardrobe! She knew she wanted an image of the sun shining through the dress to show her beautiful pregnancy shape and I loved that she had the same ideas that I did. Because it was so hot and Kayte was already feeling uncomfortable, we shot this maternity session quickly. I don't like to ask my expecting mamas to move around any more than necessary so that they can save themselves the physical exertion. Instead, I move around as needed and have dad move too. 

After their maternity session (literally just days after) Kayte was admitted to the hospital with pre-eclampsia. Fortunately, baby Ford arrived perfectly healthy and safe and is just the cutest little baby! This is why I recommend scheduling your maternity session between 30-34 weeks if possible. It's a good time frame to have a beautiful round belly but generally before potential swelling and/or complications. That being said, we have had lots of last minute clients between 37-40 weeks so it's a general guideline, not a rule.

I absolutely adore the images from this session, and the black and white images are some of my favorites.

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 | Lincoln

I first worked with Millini and Cedric for their studio maternity session, which can be viewed by clicking here. 

Lincoln was born at DeKalb Medical Center at exactly 42 weeks by family centered cesarean section attended by Dr. Brad Bootstaylor and the SeeBaby midwives. I know this because I was there in the OR to document the entire beautiful experience. His mama was such a trouper and they were so proud to bring him into the studio for his newborn session! 

Because Lincoln was two weeks overdue, much of the skin protecting vernix was gone when he was born. Babies who are born later tend to lose most of their vernix in utero, and tend to peel more after birth. Lincoln was one of those babies. Millini loved his peeling skin because it told a part of his story, and asked that I not completely edit it out. She also wanted to be sure to document his umbilical cord stump as it is the last physical connection between her son and herself. Not everyone likes a photo of the umbilical stump, and that's totally ok! We will talk about your preferences when you arrive for your newborn session if it has not yet fallen off. 

Millini chose a simple white gown from the wardrobe and worked with Margaret to add on makeup services. Cedric wanted to be more casual in a simple white v-neck tee with jeans. Every family is different, and I send a newborn preparation packet with wardrobe suggestions for dad based on his personality and comfort level. I've had dads be most comfortable in a button down with a sport jacket, and others in a simple tee. The most important thing to me is that you feel comfortable and love the way you look and feel. That will translate to your final images. 

Here are some of my favorite images from this long awaited baby boy's newborn session. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer here in Atlanta, 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. 

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

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Theresa & Jabari

Theresa contacted me in her first trimester to schedule a consultation at the studio. She chose to reserve The Birth Session Experience, maternity, and newborn with me. Theresa is a physical therapist and Pilates instructor who owns her own practice in the Dunwoody area, and is such a lovely person. I loved working with her and her sweet husband, Jabari. You will see their newborn session featured on the blog in the future, but you will not see her birth story. Out of respect for what I consider the most sacred of experiences for a new family, I never share birth stories publicly on the Internet. The few images that you do see shared on the website were shared a few years ago, and by request with permission. Sharing a birth story with the world online should solely be a decision of the new parents, not their photographer. There are so many private and special moments during birth that you will want to keep to yourself and those select few that YOU choose. As such, birth stories are only shared in the studio sitting next to me at a consultation, and only with specific client permission. 

Theresa came into the studio and loved a specific dress and shawl. The day of the session, she spent four hours doing her hair since it's so long, thick, and curly. Hearing about the process required to do her hair made ME tired to think about! The day of their session, it was sweltering hot outside. I have mamas move as little as possible and dads do all the moving. This cuts down on physical exertion and perspiration for you. A handkerchief to dab as needed and some Photoshop magic take care of the rest! The final images are definitely worth being a little uncomfortable in the summer heat. If being outdoors in Atlanta isn't your thing, the studio is a perfect alternative with air conditioning. 

Here are just a few of my favorites from Theresa and Jabari's field maternity session!

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 | Reagan, 10 days new

Rosanna contacted me for a Fresh 48 session and a newborn session after she was referred to me by another client. She came to a studio open house to meet me and see the studio. 

When Reagan was born at home attended by Birth By Grace Midwifery, Adam and Rosanna let me know and I traveled to photograph her Fresh 48. I met several extended family members and it was just a fun family to be around. Before I left, we scheduled her newborn session to take place at 10 days of age. I like to schedule between 8-16 days of age, but often have newborns that are as old as a month! The older the baby, the bigger and less curly they tend to be. Reagan was perfect, and her mom let me know she wanted her to wear some tiebacks for her session. I have a wide array of dainty and neutral tiebacks available for my newborn girls, and use them based on client preference! Some babies startle more easily, but Reagan slept deeply for her session and was such a sweetie! 

While I love photographing babies and all their sweet details, my favorite part of newborn sessions is when baby is in the arms of their parents... exactly where they belong. It's impossible to do anything "wrong" during this portion of the newborn session and many of the photos that I I take are of you and your partner doing the things that you would normally do at home... admiring your baby, loving your baby, snuggling your baby. The difference is that your hair and makeup are done, you don't have a burp cloth over your shoulder, and the lighting is perfect. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn or maternity photographer here in Atlanta, 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 | Sara, Chris & Jaxon

Sara and Chris came in with their sweet two year old son for a studio family maternity session. I had worked with them previously when they were pregnant with their son, and it was so fun to see them again. Sara chose a split front gown and a lace gown for her dresses, and an outfit from the studio wardrobe for her son complete with suspenders!  Aren't they the cutest?! Chris also elected to borrow one of the men's button down chambray shirts that I keep on hand.

Sara also decided to work with Margaret for add on hair and makeup services. We started the session on the bed for some snuggle time with her son. Children of toddler age love snuggling with their mamas and some of the sweetest images are captured this way. Jaxon was quite the bundle of energy and didn't want to stay in one place for long. I pulled out some of my tricks to keep him happy but still in the frame, and some toys to play with for when I was photographing just Sara and Chris together. 

I loved working with this family, and can't wait to see them again in the future! 

*This session photographed before the installation of our 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.