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.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Carolyn & Greg

Carolyn contacted the studio to reserve a newborn session and didn't have maternity on her radar. When she viewed the maternity portfolio on the website, she decided that she did want maternity photos in the field because my photos "were not cheesy or contrived." Her husband's sister is a successful photographer in Manhattan but does not specialize in maternity and newborn. She and I share the philosophy that it is best to reserve your specific session type with someone who specializes in that niche. Jack of all trades, master of none is definitely something that I see far too often and it makes me a little bit sad. 

Carolyn came into the studio for a maternity fitting and arrived in scrubs. I found out that she is a speech therapist, and informed her I'd been in speech therapy for the majority of my childhood. For those who don't know, I wear hearing aids! I don't use sign language to communicate, but have no issues understanding my clients and communicating verbally. :) During the fitting Carolyn decided that she loved this one dress with a shawl so much that she didn't want to wear anything else.

Carolyn also opted to add on hair and makeup services and worked with Margaret. She absolutely loved working with her and stated that she felt gorgeous and natural but not overdone. Our HMUA's are amazing and professionals at what they do. They specialize in classic clean beauty but can kick it up a notch if you prefer a more dramatic look.

When we arrived at the field, we started shooting and had a lot of fun. During my sessions, I'm all about relaxing and joking and having fun.  When you are having FUN, it will show in your images. The joy will be evident, and you will look back on your session and smile when you see them. You can't fake real emotion...and why would you want to? Authenticity is what I strive for with every aspect of your experience with me.

I can't wait to share Carolyn and Greg's newborn session with you! Here are some of my favorites from their 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 Maternity Photographer | Caroline & Eduardo

Caroline contacted me for a last minute maternity session in the field. She and her husband had recently moved here from Brazil and she has two years of English under her belt. I frequently work with clients from all over the world and even when English isn't the first language, we always figure it out! 

Caroline let me know that she had chosen two of her own dresses because she preferred short and fitted and that they were in line with what she had seen on my website as far as color goes. She definitely nailed it with her choices! 

We met at the field on a hot summer night, and got to work. The two of them were so loving towards each other, and have been together for a very long time. They moved here for Eduardo's job and are enjoying everything that Atlanta has to offer so far. Caroline expressed relief that she was pregnant here in America since the Zika virus was a big problem in Brazil at the time of their session.

How sweet are these two? I loved working with them, and can't wait to see them 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 Newborn Photographer | Baby Emma

I first met Yetsie and Roger when they came in for a studio maternity session, which can be viewed by clicking here. They chose to reserve a newborn session also, and I was so excited to hear that sweet baby Emma had arrived safely! Yetsie chose to work with Margaret again and added on hair and makeup services. The family arrived at the studio with Grandma in tow, and I started working with Emma for her solo portraits while Yetsie slipped into the hair and makeup chair. Yetsie already knew exactly which dress she wanted to wear from the studio wardrobe as she had tried it on during her maternity fitting. Most of my clients have a pretty good idea of what they'll want to wear for their newborn sessions since they've already seen the wardrobe! 

Emma looks SO much like her mama, and was a sleeping angel during her session. She was one of my easiest babies that I've had in the studio, and it was evident that they had followed the instructions that I provide in my newborn preparation packet. 

After I finished with Emma's solo portraits, we moved on to the family images, and Emma decided to wake up. She was so cute with her eyes wide open and perfectly happy to be held by her mom and dad. We all laughed about how alert she was and how she kept looking right at the camera and making funny faces. She was the sweetest little thing, and I loved working with this family again. I can't wait to see her in the studio again for her First Birthday celebration! 

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 | Millini & Cedric

Millini contacted me in November to discuss my offerings and knew that she wanted to work with the same photographer for maternity, birth, and newborn. She came into the studio for a consultation, and we spent an hour getting to know one another. She told me that she would be giving birth at DeKalb Medical Center and attended by Dr. Brad Bootstaylor of SeeBaby Midwifery. I have worked with Dr. Bootstaylor and SeeBaby midwives multiple times for births, and have greatly enjoyed it. At the consult, Millini decided to book all three sessions with me, and this studio maternity session is the first in the series. 

Millini and Cedric are the sweetest. They weren't sure if they would be able to have a baby due to some challenges, but when they found themselves pregnant they were elated. Millini loves the vintage look and fell in love with an off the shoulder lace medallion gown in the studio wardrobe, as well as a simple lace gown with straps. I absolutely loved working with these two for their maternity session. Cedric has one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen, and is just one of those incredibly sweet and genuine people. Millini is the same way, and it was special to watch the two of them interact during their session.

You will not see Millini's birth story and images shared on the blog in the future. I do not share birth stories on my website other than the few that have been shared in order to protect what I consider to be the most sacred of experiences. The only people sharing their birth story with the world should be the person who gave birth, not their photographer. I am simply a guest who is honored to be in the room to document one of the most important days in the lives of clients. Clients interested in The Birth Session Experience come into the studio for a complimentary consultation and view birth stories with me in the studio, with client permission. As of this blog post, I am fully booked for the remainder of 2017, but there are still waiting list spots available for select months. 

I look forward to posting and sharing images of Millini and Cedric's long awaited baby boy on the blog soon! 

*This session photographed before the installation of the all 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 Newborn Photographer | Raquel

Leslie inquired about a newborn session in her third trimester, booked, and then attended a studio Open House with her own mom so that she could meet me and see the studio. I love meeting my clients in advance and welcome them to make an appointment if they don't have the opportunity to attend an Open House. We talked about how the session would flow, and about what her husband and stepson should wear. The whole family prefers to be casual, which is never a problem! I gave her ideas for colors and pieces that everyone could wear. She told me that her stepson was incredibly excited to be a part of the session as well, and that Hector, her husband wasn't much for having his photos taken. 

On the day of their session, the family arrived in my studio along with Hector's mom. Leslie requested that no tiebacks be used and that we keep it very simple with more focus on family images than solo portraits. That's never a problem to do when a client requests this. Otherwise, the final gallery is a 50/50 between baby alone and baby with parents and family. The family wanted to include Grandma in some of the images, and I was more than happy to do this. 

I started with Raquel's images, which I finished quickly since she was sleeping so soundly. Then I moved on to sibling shots with proud big brother. He is just the SWEETEST. I loved watching him with his baby sister! (Leslie surprised him by ordering a matted print of his favorite image for his bedroom at home) 

We then moved to images with Leslie and the children, and then gathered everyone together. Even though Leslie had warned me that Hector didn't enjoy having his photo taken, he seemed to have a pretty good time! Sessions in my studio are always relaxed and not rushed. I never want anyone to feel stressed or that we're in a hurry - because we are not. When everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves, the session flies by that much faster! LOVED working with this family, and cannot wait to see them 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 | Morgan & John

Morgan contacted me to schedule a studio maternity session with her partner, John. When she came in for her fitting, I found out that she was delivering her baby girl at Atlanta Medical Center and was a patient at Intown Midwifery. This is the same hospital and practice that I worked with for the births of all three of my own children, so I was more than happy to give her all the details on what to expect. She was disappointed that she missed out on being able to book The Birth Session with me, but was elated that I had room for her maternity session. We had a lot of fun trying on dresses and chatting during her fitting.

Two weeks later, Morgan and John came back to the studio for their session. I loved the white gowns that Morgan chose. She knew she wanted to show off the bare belly for some images, so she chose a cream split front gown. She loved how she looked in our form fitting gowns and chose an off white lace one with a flared bottom. John and Morgan also have quite the height difference between them! This is never a problem, and you won't see me asking men to hunch over to make themselves shorter. I embrace height differences! I'm a tall person myself at 6 feet tall, and I remember how self conscious some photographers made me feel about my height by asking me to bend my knees a little bit. I never want one of my clients to feel that way.

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite images from Morgan & John's maternity session!

*This session was photographed before the installation of our all 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 Newborn Photographer | Baby A, 12 days new

Kristel contacted me in her third trimester to schedule a newborn session for her baby girl, and I was happy to add her to the schedule. When Kristel and her husband John arrived at the studio, I squealed at Little Miss A's fluffy strawberry blonde hair. Kristel's mom also tagged along for the session and when I asked if she wanted to step in for some images, she waved me off and told me that she didn't have anything to wear. I pointed at the studio wardrobe and said, "Ah, but you do!" I pulled a lace sheath dress for her that was very similar to the cut of the dress she was wearing and it was a perfect fit. Problem solved!  I will absolutely never tell a client that a grandparent cannot be involved with their newborn session. Grandparents are so important, and if you want images of them with your tiny newborn, I am more than happy to accommodate. If you don't want the grandparents to be present for the entire session, we can arrange to have them stop in at the very end. 

How adorable is she? I loved working with this family, and can't wait to see them again when she's older! 

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.