Erin contacted us right after her son Ian, was born. As in, contacted us from her hospital bed in her recovery room. She hadn't booked a newborn session and decided that she probably should after falling head over heels in love with her new baby. She realized that how he looked was going to change, and she wanted to forever remember his features and when he was this tiny. We were fortunately able to schedule her for a couple weeks out, and she also elected to add on hair and makeup services. She knew that she would be way too tired to attempt to do it on her own - and every mama who adds these services on is so glad that they did! It's such a nice way to pamper yourself after all the sleeplessness... and I'm telling you, the HMUA artists know how to make those dark undereye circles from the sleep deprivation disappear!
Erin also mentioned that she didn't want to try and find anything to wear because she wasn't sure what she had that would fit, and the last thing she wanted to do was go shopping. No worries! That's exactly what the studio wardrobe is for. I can't tell you how many mamas have showed up in sweats and a messy bun and we just take it from there.
The morning of their session Erin, Stephen, and Ian arrived. Erin chose a gorgeous blush lace dress from the studio wardrobe that complemented her skin tone and beautiful red hair. She settled into hair and makeup with Margaret, while I got started with Ian. He was absolutely adorable and I think might I spy a hint of his mother's hair! During his newborn portraits, he needed to eat, so we took a break so Erin could nurse and I then I took him back to finish up. Our HMUA's are completely used to working around nursing moms and they're all very supportive of breastfeeding, and not intrusive at all. I nursed all three of my own children, and I know how difficult the early days can be sometimes. My biggest priority in setting up the studio and crafting the entire experience was the comfort of new moms and babies. Your newborn session shouldn't be a stressful experience. It should be calm, relaxed, and you should feel encouraged and supported during and afterwards.
Erin was finished with hair and makeup right around the same time I was with Ian, so we finished up with the parent and family images. Stephen needed to get to work as he had only taken a few hours away, so he departed as soon as he was finished. This is totally normal for many new dads since not everyone gets paternity leave. We have lots of dads stop by during their lunch break, and we only need dads for 15-30 minutes depending on how your baby is doing! They are absolutely more than welcome to stay the entire time, but please know it's not necessary if they can't or just would rather not.
Erin and I had a great time chatting in between feeding Ian and photographing, and I felt like we were old friends by the time we wrapped up. There are so many topics that are covered in the studio while moms and I are chatting... I feel like at this point there's nothing I haven't heard!
Here are just a few of my favorite images of this sweet family of three... can't wait to see them again in the future!
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 birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.