Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Candace & Brandin

Candace contacted me in her first trimester to learn more about maternity and newborn sessions, and came to the open house back in May to meet me. When she attended the open house, she fell in love with the studio setting and decided to shoot her maternity session there. She wanted to avoid the heat of the summer outdoors, and she just loved the look. 

Two weeks before her session, she came in to try on dresses, and fell in love with two. She wanted to show off her belly, but didn't want all bare belly images. The dresses in the studio wardrobe can be worn open or closed depending on your preference. Not everyone wants a bare belly image, and that is more than ok! All booked clients have access to the wardrobe which has pieces that fit sizes 0-16 and suit a wide array of tastes from boho to glam.

On the morning of their session, I met Brandin, Candace's husband. He was a bit apprehensive about photos as most dads are, but he knew how excited his wife was so was willing to participate. Most guys don't enjoy having their photos taken, but I make the experience fun and painless for them. I can't tell you how many clients have later remarked at how surprised they were at what a good time their partners ended up having! I'm not going to tell your husband to kneel and kiss your belly, or put his hands in the shape of a heart. My sessions are about genuine emotion and authentic connection. All you have to do is show up, and I will take care of the rest in a natural way that isn't awkward. I promise! 

During their session, we talked about our guesses whether baby was a boy or a girl! That's right: Candace and Brandin decided to wait to find out... just like I did with all three of my babies. You'll have to check out their newborn session to see if they had a son or daughter! 

A lot of clients ask if they will receive all color or all black and white images in their gallery, and the answer is...both! Candace and Brandin's session was such a gorgeous one, and I've chosen to share all black and white images from their session 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 when it comes to shooting and to see how I work in the studio so you can determine if I'm the right fit for you. Come to the Studio Open House this weekend on Sunday, September 25 from 2-5 PM if you're free. It's the last one in 2016 and the next one won't be until late January 2017. 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 | Caleb

Hannah contacted me a week before her induction was to take place to ask if I had availability for a newborn session. I was excited to let her know that I would be able to work with them since some of my babies had arrived earlier than expected, opening up a couple of spots in my schedule. I always try my hardest to fit in last minute requests, but once my calendar is closed with my maximum number of reserved newborns due in that particular month, it's closed and inquiries who want to reserve will have to be on a waiting list, subject to availability. 

The morning of their session, they let me know they had arrived early and I told them to come on up. When they walked into the studio, they explained that they had driven all the way from Buford! I'm always honored when a family chooses me to document their newborn session, and when clients drive from well over an hour away...well, that means a lot to me. Hannah explained that no one in her area shot the way that I did, and she knew when she saw my portfolio that my images were exactly the style she was looking for. 

Caleb was SUCH a sweetie! He was a little snuggle bug, and snoozed away for his entire session. His parents watched through the observation window, and took some time to relax on the couch with snacks and drinks from the studio fridge as well. 

After I finished photographing just Caleb, we moved into the larger studio area for my favorite part of newborn sessions....parent and family images! These are the images I just love the most because it's so beautiful to see a brand new baby in the arms of his parents. New moms are just glowing naturally! Sometimes parents are a little nervous about what they should do, but it's easy in my studio... all you have to do is love your baby. I'll step in and take care of the rest, and subtly adjust you if needed for the most flattering angles while capturing authentic moments. The images will be the ones you'll reach for to reminisce about those first days and how tiny they were...and you'll be able to remember and see exactly how perfectly they fit on your shoulder nuzzling your neck. I wish photos could also have scratch and sniff capabilities for that heavenly new baby smell...but alas, technology hasn't come quite that far yet! 

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 & Ruben (and Snack Pack)

Caroline contacted me early in her pregnancy to reserve her maternity and newborn sessions. She came to the studio to visit early in her second trimester, and brought her adorable pup Snack Pack along!

Two weeks before her maternity session, she came to the studio to try on pieces from the wardrobe and decided on her favorites. All clients have access to the studio wardrobe which has a wide range of styles in sizes 0-16. Most dresses are based on bust size, not overall size, and accommodate your growing belly. Even if you choose not to wear something from the wardrobe, I still love to meet when possible and see what you and your partner are planning to wear so that we can make sure it's cohesive and makes the most sense for the location you've chosen for your maternity session! 

The maternity fitting is also a chance for us to get to spend some time together so when your session takes place you don't feel like you're being photographed by a complete stranger. I love getting to know my clients as people.  I firmly believe that a huge part of why my sessions are so much fun is because of the initial time spent together before the shutter even clicks.

Caroline also chose to add on hair and makeup services with Margaret, our HMUA, which I always strongly recommend. You're pregnant, and you deserve to be pampered. Why not make a fun day of your maternity session experience and then go out for a date with your partner after it's all over to show it all off? Margaret is incredible at what she does, and will make you look and feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. You will not look in the mirror and think "Who is that person?", but you'll think, "Wow - I didn't know I could look like this with makeup!" 

Some couples don't need much direction in the way of natural interaction because they just ignore the fact there's a camera there. That would definitely describe these two: I simply placed them where I needed them, and they took care of the rest. I loved shooting this session and working with this sweet couple and soon to be family of four. Here are just a few of my favorite images from their session! 

Ready to reserve your maternity session? Contact me today to begin planning - 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 Photography | 100 Days Old

Amy contacted me to ask if I had any availability to photograph her son at 100 days old. I offer studio milestone sessions to capture your baby at the times in their life you want to remember. I mostly see babies in when they are sitting unassisted (usually between 6-9 months) and then again at age 1. 

In Amy's culture, the milestone of being 100 days old  is celebrated, and I think it's just the neatest thing! I was not prepared for what a big boy Axel was - he was already in 6-9 month clothing! He was the sweetest little chub and since he was still too little to sit unassisted or lift his head up for very long, I suggested that Amy be in the photos to hold him.  Amy hadn't brought anything to wear, so we picked out a dress for her from the studio wardrobe. She also chose a sweater romper for Axel to wear for some of his images. 

Axel fell asleep in his mommy's arms towards the end of the session, so I took that opportunity to take some images of him sleeping soundly away.

Amy was a bit reluctant to participate in the session at first since she did not want photos of herself but after she saw them, she was so happy she was in them. Photos of your baby are important. How else will you truly remember how little they were in your arms? How they snuggled up against your shoulder or clutched your arm? You are their safe place, and years from now they will cherish the images they have with you holding them. Children know their parents love them. Give them the gift of images that illustrate your relationship and how much you love them! 

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 Newborn Photographer | J.R., 14 days new

Chantel first contacted me in February to let me know she was due at the end of July with her first child and that she wanted to reserve her newborn session. I love advance planners since it's never too early to book. Because I take a limited number of sessions each month, my calendar closes when I reach that number. I unfortunately have had to turn inquiries away who waited until the last minute because I could not fit them into my schedule. 

I hosted an open house for the studio in May, and Chantel stopped by to see the studio and say hello. She loved seeing the studio wardrobe and the studio, and we chatted and got to know each other a bit as well. We both live in the same intown Atlanta neighborhood, and both suffered from morning sickness in our pregnancies! 

I kept in touch with Chantel over the months via email to see how she was doing. Her due date came and went, and she then let me know that J.R. was here! We scheduled their newborn session to take place when he was exactly two weeks old, and I met her husband, John for the first time. Seriously, they are the sweetest and kindest couple. Their son is so blessed to have them as parents!

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite images from their 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. You can also sign up for my studio open house this month on Sunday, September 25th from 2-5 PM. 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 | Priti & Paras in the Gardens

Can you believe it's September already? My next studio open house is coming up on September 25th from 2-5 PM. Come check out the studio and meet me, or if you're a previous client, come say hi! You can click this link to sign up. 

This year has flown by, and I have loved working with so many clients here in Atlanta over the past few months for their newborn and maternity sessions! 

When Priti contacted me, she was so excited to learn that she could borrow from the studio wardrobe for her maternity sessions. She was very busy at work and didn't have the time or desire to go shopping for something to wear. She picked out two gorgeous and comfortable dresses for her session in the gardens, and we discussed what her husband should wear. 

I love the gardens location for the sweeping stone staircase, Grecian columns, hedged paths, and beautiful architecture. This particular session was actually shot in March on a cold day, and it is gorgeous year round! I love so many of the images from their session, and am sharing a few of my favorites from their session in this 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 Maternity Photographer | Angela & Brandon

Angela contacted me to reserve a maternity session in the midst of moving to the Grant Park neighborhood, where my studio is located. They came in for their maternity fitting, and Angela asked me if we could incorporate her mom's scarf in their session. Angela had been very close to her mom, and had to say goodbye to her when she passed away from cancer. I thought this was such a wonderful way to honor her mother and make her a part of their experience since she isn't physically with Angela anymore. The scarf matched the dress she chose perfectly. When she wrapped the scarf around her standing in the field, we all teared up thinking of the special relationship with her mother and the fact that Angela would soon be a mother herself. 

Photographing Angela and Brandon was fun and relaxed, and seeing the love these two have for each other was very heartwarming! 

When I look at this image, I imagine Angela's mom giving her the biggest, longest, warmest hug. I know she's so proud of her.

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. You can also sign up for my studio open house next month on Sunday, September 25th from 2-5 PM. 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 | Kofi, 12 days new

Kofi's mama scheduled a very last minute maternity session, and the morning of her maternity session informed me she'd gone into labor and had a gorgeous baby boy!  She knew that this was a risk with a last minute maternity session, and elected to transfer her maternity session to a newborn session in the studio. I loved working with their sweet family! The crown you see in some of the images was knitted by Kofi's grandmother and was perfect for their little prince, and matched my neutral setups! I don't typically use props other than wraps and very simple and dainty tiebacks for girls, because I want the focus to be on your baby and all their little details. 

Here are a few of my favorites from their newborn session. Kofi was such a sweet baby. I just love his hair and his little lips! 

After I was finished photographing Kofi alone, it was time for my favorite part of newborn sessions: the family sessions! These are shot with guided direction from me if you need it. My studio is the perfect blank canvas to capture these emotive and authentic images that you will look back at many many times over the years. When your baby looks at them, they will see the love you had for them and what that looked like. This part of the session is easy. It's fun, relaxed, and over before you know it. 

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. You can also sign up for my studio open house next month on Sunday, September 25th from 2-5 PM. 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 | To bare the belly or not?

Many of my clients want to show off their belly in a discreet way for their maternity session images. My studio wardrobe has several split front gowns available to accomplish this, and we will talk about what your vision is and how much you want showing. Not every pregnant woman wants her legs to show, or wants her entire belly to show. There are lots of things we can do in terms of draping to achieve the vision you have for your images. If you have stretch marks or a scar from a navel ring that you feel self conscious about, these are things that can be removed in the editing process if you so desire.

I also have many clients who want more of a budoir feel for their images and wear a chemise, robe,  or just a bra and panties. I do not post more revealing images online on my portfolio or social media in the interest of privacy and discretion. 

Don't want any bare belly photos? That's totally okay too! Your comfort and vision is what I honor. The beauty of the split front dresses are that they can also be worn closed... and the studio wardrobe has many, many other options where no bare belly is shown.

If you're pregnant and looking for a photographer for your maternity and/or newborn sessions, I would love to work with you! We will create images that you will love for a lifetime and pass down to your children.  Want to learn about my philosophy and how I work? View this short 1.5 minute film which sums it all up.  Want to stop by the next studio open house? Sign up here.  Ready to reserve your session? Contact me to begin planning! 

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

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Myka & Navarro, a 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 | Jackson

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 | Oliver

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 | Kiv and Chris, a studio 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 | Katy & Rob

Rob contacted me to schedule a last minute maternity session in the field as a surprise for his wife's birthday!  He is not the first person this year to schedule a surprise maternity session, and I'm pleased to report that all of the recipients have been absolutely thrilled. Rob brought Katy to the studio the day before their session to try on pieces from the wardrobe, and she fell in love with two of the dresses. All booked clients have access to my studio wardrobe which has pieces that appeal to a wide variety of style preferences and can fit size 0-16. I will work with you to choose the most flattering pieces for your body type and skin tone. If you choose not to wear anything from the wardrobe, I'm still here to assist you in styling your session wardrobe for the best results. Sometimes it's hard to shop your own closet and you just need a little help from another set of eyes who knows what will photograph well!

We headed out to the field the next day, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Katy had done her nails for the session in a pastel blue since they're expecting a baby boy in just a couple of weeks.  Our session was relaxed and a lot of fun. It's safe to say that Rob's birthday surprise was a success!

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 | Rich & Devi

Rich and Devi initially came to the studio to meet me and talk about The Birth Session. During their visit, they decided they also wanted to work with me for maternity and newborn!

Devi knew exactly which dress she wanted to wear for her maternity session as she had seen it on worn by another client on my Instagram and she had a clear vision for what she wanted from our time together. During her maternity wardrobe fitting, she tried the dress on to confirm it was what she wanted, and we discussed what Rich should plan to wear.

Devi knew she wanted all of her maternity images to have an open front since she loved the look of bare belly images. Not all of my clients do - and this particular dress can also be wore closed for those who prefer not to show their belly. 

During their maternity session, we got to know each other and I learned all about how they met each other and fell in love. They both have a great sense of humor and were great to work with! Rich loves his wife, and it's very evident in how he looks at her.  I can't wait to photograph the birth of their son and his subsequent 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. 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 & Matt in the Gardens

Lindsay and Matt had just relocated here from Tennessee and didn't know of any photographers. When Lindsay joined a local online moms group, I was recommended by other members of the group.  She checked out my website, loved what she saw, and contacted me to reserve a very last minute maternity and newborn session since she needed to get in that same week due to her husband's work and travel schedule.  Fortunately, I had availability and was able to work them in! 

When Lindsay came into the studio for her wardrobe fitting a few days before her scheduled session, we instantly hit it off. We have very similar personalities and approaches to life, and by the end of our time together it felt like we were old friends. 

A couple of days later, we met at the gardens for their session before sunset, and took our time walking around the gardens. The most common question I'm asked is "What do we do?" The answer? "Love each other. That being said, I do help with flattering posing and guided natural interaction so you are not on your own there.

Here are a few of my favorite images from Lindsay & Matt's maternity session. I can't wait to meet their baby boy when he arrives in a few weeks! 

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 Photography | Roxanne & Zach, a field session

I first met Roxanne this past summer in mid-August when she scheduled a complimentary consultation for The Birth Session. Many of my clients schedule their sessions with me months in advance, and I love advance planners! I cannot guarantee my availability if clients wait until the last minute, and it's always so disappointing when I have to turn a client away because I don't have the room. 

After our initial meeting, Roxanne chose to book The Birth Session and a maternity session in the field. We scheduled her maternity session for February, and she came into the studio a couple of weeks beforehand with her mother to choose a dress from the studio wardrobe. We also discussed what her husband should wear, and I enjoyed getting to know her lovely mama during their visit.

Roxanne and Zach had gotten married in Boston in the month of March, and had outdoor wedding photos taken so they weren't at all fazed by the idea of an outdoor winter session in Georgia. Many clients are worried about what winter images will look like, and I always assure them that they're beautiful and are not at all drab or dreary. The weather the day of Roxanne and Zach's maternity session was a bit chilly, but not bitterly cold, and the sunset was absolutely gorgeous in the field. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a photographer for your maternity and/or newborn sessions, I would love to work with you! We will create images that you will love for a lifetime and pass down to your children.  Want to learn about my philosophy and how I work? View this short 1.5 minute film which sums it all up.  Want to stop by the next studio open house? Sign up here.  Ready to reserve your session? Contact me to begin planning! 

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

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Mary & Matt

When Mary contacted me, she was interested in quite a few sessions! She chose to book maternity, Fresh 48, and newborn sessions. I love when clients decide to book more than one session because it means I get to see them more than once. I really enjoy getting to know my clients and encouraging them as they become mothers for the first time, or for the second, third, or fourth!

Mary and Matt met me at the field location, and we spent the entire time laughing despite Matt's initial misgivings because he's "not a picture person".  I hear this a lot from so many men who had a bad experience with their wedding or engagement photographer. Dads are always thrilled to hear that I am not going to make them stand in front of my camera for two hours, strike a pose, or hold their hands in the shape of a heart over their partner's belly. Instead, all I ask you to do is love your partner. I'll take care of the rest.

 These two love to joke and laugh, and were a lot of fun to be around. The sunset light was absolutely gorgeous! Here are a few of my favorites from Matt and Mary's session. 

(click here to view images from their 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. 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 Photography Studio | Kristina & Tony

Kristina contacted us at 36 weeks pregnant asking if there was any availability for a studio maternity session. She knew exactly which dresses she wanted to wear from the studio wardrobe from reading through the website. and we scheduled her to come in that same week. Even though my general scheduling guideline is for maternity sessions to take place between 30-34 weeks, this is not a hard and fast rule. Sometimes shorter clients or clients carrying multiples want to schedule between 24-28 weeks. Others wait until the very last minute and schedule at 40 weeks pregnant. The risk of scheduling a session past 37 weeks is that you'll miss out if you end up delivering early. This happened to me with my third baby. I had my session scheduled for a Saturday and he decided to come the Wednesday before at exactly 37 weeks. I'm still a little bit sad about it because he was my last baby, and I have maternity images from my pregnancies with his older sisters, but not with him.

When Kristina and Tony showed up at the studio, I was delighted to see that he had chosen an outfit that worked perfectly. He informed me he had researched and looked at the website before selecting what he would wear. If it had been a test, he would have passed with flying colors. 

There was quite a big height difference between the two: 15 inches to be exact. Kristina was 5'2", and Tony was 6'5". Big height differences are not a big deal, as I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to that!

Kristina brought a gorgeous flower crown with her, and it went perfectly with one of the dresses in my wardrobe. This is a split front dress, which means that you can choose to wear the dress open or closed. Every client is different in terms of preference, and I photograph what you are comfortable with! 

All of the dresses that Kristina is wearing below are available in the studio wardrobe for clients to use for their sessions. 

If you're in or near Atlanta (some clients have driven 4 hours each way for their sessions!) and looking for a maternity and/or newborn photographer, I would love to work with you! Contact me today to begin planning - it's never too early to book. If you wait until last minute, I can't guarantee availability as I limit the number of sessions I shoot per month. 

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

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Raphael, 12 days new

I was so excited to have Raphael come into the studio in January with his family for his newborn session. The last time I had seen and photographed their family was less than two weeks earlier when he was born! Emily and Matt are two of the most fun and loving parents, and their daughter Penelope is darling. They were so sweet, they brought me a latte from Octane Coffee on their way in to the session. You'll also recognize their family from the video here on my website which sums up my philosophy and how I work. 

I always like to capture my clients as they are during newborn sessions. There is some guided posing, especially with some of the more traditional portraits, but for the most part all you have to do is hold and love your baby! Older siblings that are toddlers can be more challenging, but since Penelope already knew me from their maternity and birth session, she was comfortable with me and enjoyed participating in the session. You can see their mommy and me maternity session here. For younger children who have never met me, I have my methods and I discuss how I work and what I'll do to encourage cooperation in advance of your session. 

When they arrived, Emily immediately spied a printed bohemian dress in my studio wardrobe that she loved and selected to wear. Penelope wore one of my studio dresses for little girls, and Matt came in his own clothing that we discussed prior to their session. 

I like to start my sessions with siblings whenever I can if the newborn is in deep sleep. This allows for those treasured sibling images before big brother or sister gets tired of being in front of the camera. Penelope was just adorable and so excited to hold her baby brother for a picture. 

Since Raphael was sleeping so deeply, we moved right into solo baby images, which his parents wanted a few of to always remember his tiny little details. 

How adorable is that little pucker?! 

I work with two beanbags in my studio so that I can easily and quickly move babies from one setup to the next with minimal interruption and jostling. This greatly reduces babies waking during the session and needing to be settled back down, which in turn reduces the total time my clients spend at the studio. 

Penelope wanted to steal a kiss during the session. Some of the sweetest moments happen when you step back and wait. These images are exactly why I don't rush through my sessions. Patience is key when working with babies and children. 

After we finished with the solo baby images, we moved on to father and son. These are some of my favorite images to create. The perspective really shows how tiny your baby was at the beginning, and being able to look back at these images is amazing. They're only this small for such a short period of time. Emily really loved the little whorl cowlick that Raphael had, so I made sure to capture that detail for their gallery.

Emily then joined Matt for some images of them snuggling with Raphael together.

Penelope hopped in when she was ready and willing. I never pressure my little clients, and encourage parents to let them join in when they're ready as the session is a lot more fun for them (and everyone else!) that way. 

Then we wrapped up with mama and baby images... the mother and son relationship is so incredibly special. I never understood it until I had a son of my own. 

If you're pregnant and looking for a newborn and/or maternity photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will treasure for a lifetime When you are no longer here, your children will be able look at your family and parent images and remember how much you loved them, from the very beginning. Contact me today to begin planing your session, as it's never too early to book. I can't wait to work with you and your growing family! 

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