Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Shola & Olu, expecting TWINS!

Shola contacted us after being convinced by a friend not to skip images documenting her pregnancy. She fell in love with the portfolio on our website, and contacted us to see if we could fit her in for a maternity session. We set up a styling appointment and she had lots of fun trying on dresses and choosing the two to wear for her maternity session. We discussed what her husband should plan to wear for the session, and went over what to expect. She let me know that her husband was quite taller than her, and I assured her that's never a problem.  If you have a significant height or size difference, you will not be made to feel like it's unusual or that it's a problem. I don't ask people to hunch over or minimize themselves because I think that's silly and inauthentic.

Shola opted to add on hair and makeup services and worked with our lead HMUA, Margaret. Olu joined us right as Margaret was finishing up, and we got started. The two of them were so much fun to work with and Olu kept Shola giggling throughout. 

All session images are delivered in both color and black and white. I adore the black and white edits of this maternity session, so I'm sharing just those for this post. 

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.

Atlanta Baby Photographer | Adeline is ONE!

I first worked with Adeline's parents for their maternity session in the field and then again for Adeline's newborn session. When Carolyn came to the studio to pick up their newborn collection, she told me they were moving to NYC! I was so sad to say goodbye to them as clients....except we didn't say goodbye! I was able to photograph Adeline for her six month session in NYC and then again for her 1 year session on Long Island. My travel is limited to certain areas, but I DO travel for clients, and loved doing this for this sweet family. 

Carolyn and I exchanged a few emails discussing what to wear, and met up in July on Long Island. New York was going through a crazy cold snap when it was only 70 degrees outside at the time! I can't say that I was mad about it, because it made our session weather very pleasant and we didn't have to deal with hot muggy weather or bugs. 

We started our session with family and parent images and then plopped Adeline down on the ground to enjoy her cake! She showed off some of her standing skills and dove right in. First Birthday sessions can take place in any of our outdoor locations rather than in the studio. We suggest bringing a towel, lots of baby wipes, a jug of water, and washcloths. The cleanup for Adeline was pretty minor, but we've had babies COVERED in icing afterwards. :) 

I can't wait to travel to see this family again in 2018! 

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.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Tiffany & Logan at the park

Have I mentioned that we have a lot of last minute clients? We do. I've lost count of how many clients have called us at 37-38 weeks pregnant and told us that they didn't think they wanted maternity photos, or that they had put it off, and then they stumbled across our website and saw that we frequently take last minute clients.

Tiffany was one of these clients. She and her husband met later in life, and their pregnancy was something they were very excited about. We scheduled her to come in for a maternity fitting and had an opening a couple of days later for a park session. If you're someone who waited until the last minute, know that your chances of being able to book a session are much higher if you're able to shoot on a weekday. Weekend days typically book up months in advance especially months when we have beautiful weather here in Atlanta. 

The day of their session, we met at the studio for Tiffany to change into her first dress choice and I went through the options that Logan had brought with him to quickly style his outfits. Tiffany showed me her jewelry options, and I assisted in choosing the best pieces for each of her dresses.  After that, we then headed down the street to the park and got started. The light was absolutely magical that evening, Tiffany was glowing and so happy, and we all had a wonderful time. 

Enjoy some of my absolute favorite images from this park maternity session below! 

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.

Atlanta Baby Photography | Emma is ONE!

I first worked with Emma's parents for their maternity session, and then again for Emma's newborn session and have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past year and a half. They are such warm and wonderful people, and Emma is such a sweetheart who looks JUST like her mama! Yetsie chose to work with our HMUA team just as she did for her other sessions, and also worked with our private baker who is located near the studio for Emma's smash cake. When you choose to work with our baker, the cake is ready and waiting for you at the studio so you don't have to worry about the hassle of picking it up and transporting it. 

Emma's mom had ordered a darling little dress from an Etsy shop for her first birthday portraits. We always start sessions with family and parent images so babies and children can become comfortable with me. We then photograph just your baby alone and end with some cake smashing fun.

I really love when parents decide to get in on the fun during a cake smash! It's hilarious, and babies love to share. Icing may end up everywhere, but it's the end of the session, so it doesn't matter. I want you to look back on your images and smile when you remember how much fun all of you had that day. 

It's never too early to book your baby's First Birthday session! Many of our newborn clients reserve their date right after their baby's newborn session. 50% of our parents like to plan the session to take place on their baby's actual birthday. 25% prefer beforehand to use images for party decor, and others prefer afterwards. It's your choice! PS: you don't HAVE to include a birthday cake smash as part of your session, but 95% of clients do. We have a lot of clients tell us that their baby was completely underwhelmed with their cake at the party or simply wouldn't touch it. I think it's pretty normal for a one year old to take a look at a large group of people staring at them, feel the pressure, and decide they want nothing to do with it. In the studio, it's just us, and there is no pressure. Everything unfolds naturally, and sweet memories are made. 

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.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Alison & Sean

Alison was one of our very last minute clients... she called the studio phone and we booked a time for her to come in the very next day for her maternity fitting. Are maternity fittings necessary? Well.... yes and no. I strongly believe in getting to know my clients before photographing them, and the maternity fitting is an excellent way to do that. Even if a client isn't planning to borrow from the wardrobe, they still usually schedule time to come in with what they're planning to wear so that I can offer suggestions and input. When it comes time for me to have a camera in my hand, my clients are SO much more comfortable in front of it. This means we spend less time warming up during your actual session and you look comfortable and relaxed much sooner. Sometimes we simply don't have time to do a fitting - especially when we have an out of town client. In those cases, I ask clients to arrive earlier than they normally would for their session so that we still have some time to chat.

Let me be really honest here....if you're looking for a photographer who doesn't want to get to know you at all and wants to treat your entire experience like a business transaction, I'm not the right photographer for you. My business focuses on relationships and I genuinely care about my clients. Don't worry, I won't ask your to tell me your entire life story or expect for us to be BFF's, but we won't be strangers either.

Alison and Sean came in the day after her fitting for their studio maternity session, and while Alison changed into her first outfit, Sean and I chatted and I filled him in on what to expect. Alison was a little bit nervous and told me she didn't really know what to do. I reassured her that very few of my clients do, and that's totally okay. It's my job to walk you through your entire session experience, and I will tell you exactly what to do and step in to adjust you as necessary for the most flattering angles and beautiful images. I'm a very hands on photographer, so an adjustment means that I'll step over and gently turn your body or move your arm to where I need it to be. It beats me standing feet away repeatedly saying "A little to the left... no, to the right.... now a little bit higher.... and over to the left again..." Nobody has time for that, and you don't need the stress of trying to listen to instructions and adjust based on vague verbal direction. 

I loved working with Alison and Sean, and was so excited for them when they welcomed their baby just a couple of weeks later! Here are some of my favorite images from their studio maternity session. 

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.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Leo

I first worked with Melissa and Alex for their maternity session in the park, which can be viewed by clicking here. Alex doesn't love being in front of the camera (most guys don't!) but I made the experience so much fun for them that he requested to come back for newborn images. Melissa jumped on that, and we had just as much fun during Leo's newborn session.

The new family of three arrived at the studio the morning of their newborn session, and Melissa settled into the hair and makeup chair while I took Leo to the newborn shooting room. The newborn shooting room is kept nice and toasty warm, and everything I need is within reach of where I sit. I very carefully designed it so that my newborn sessions would be as efficient as possible. So much depends on each individual baby: but the factors that I can control are all squared away. The newborn room also has two observation windows so that you can watch from our main area inside the studio without having to get too warm yourself.  Leo was such a sweet little chunk and snoozed contentedly away while I photographed him. He flashed a few little grins during as well. I keep newborn sessions very simple here. No crazy unnatural poses, and 2-3 setups. The focus is on your baby and their sweet little features and details. Giant Texas sized flowers atop heads and sticking babies in a bucket simply doesn't happen here. 

Melissa chose a dress from our studio wardrobe, and Alex opted to stay more casual in a crewneck t-shirt and jeans. Not every husband likes wearing khaki pants and a button down. Guess what? They don't have to. My main priority is making sure the colors they're wearing will work well with their skin tone and overall color palette, but as far as the level of casualness or dressiness - that is entirely up to you. We've have moms opt to wear jeans and Chuck Taylor tennis shoes, and others wear a tulle skirt. I want you to be you, and to feel comfortable in what you're wearing. These images will be looked at for a lifetime, so please, please... don't feel like you have to put your husband into an outfit he never wears in real life because that's what you're "supposed" to do. We're all about authenticity here! After all, being comfortable in what you're wearing directly translates to how much fun you have during your session. 

The parent images are always fun, and I walk you through every step of the way. Sometimes first time parents are still getting used to holding and handling their tiny babies and marvel at how quickly I can move while wrapping and handing babies over. I've had three of my own, and we see 3-4 newborns per week on a regular basis... trust me, I get a lot of practice. You'll gain the same dexterity with time and experience as your baby grows, promise! That being said, I will help you make sure you're holding your baby correctly for the best camera angles and that you're also comfortable with how you're holding them. I don't ever want a parent to hold their baby and worry that they're going to drop them. If a parent doesn't feel like they can securely hold their baby how I ask them to, no worries! We simply modify it to work for that parent and baby. One of the key traits to being a successful newborn photographer is flexibility. Adapting to the unique needs of each individual baby and family is something we're well versed in. 

Enjoy a few of the images from Leo's newborn session! 

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.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | A Family Field session

Jessica came to the studio for her maternity fitting, and was a bit worried we wouldn't have anything that would fit her since she's all of 5'1". Our shortest client has been 4'11", so we are used to it! With maternity sessions, it doesn't look strange for our gowns to pool around the feet on the ground, and we do have a few options that are shorter as well for clients to borrow from. Jessica and I were laughing as we went through the wardrobe together because she personally owned many of the pieces that I have! She chose two dresses for herself, and we went through our little girls' wardrobe for options for her older daughter. Jessica also chose to work with Margaret for her hair and makeup for her session. 

On the evening of their session, I brought along several choices for her daughter to look through and she chose one of them, which looked so sweet on her. We have a smaller studio wardrobe for little girls that range from 6 months to 7/8 years of age.  So if your little girl wants to wear beautiful dress, and you don't want to deal with shopping for one, check out our options for her and you just might find something perfect! 

The whole family was so loving and sweet to one another and made my job easy. I love for families to be who they are together, and will provide some guided direction for natural interaction between you. Then I stand back and photograph what unfolds. Every family looks different in how they express their affection for each other. I want your images to be genuine and authentic, not filled with stuffy poses and forced smiles. Who wants that?!  

We took some time during their session for some father and daughter images too - as a mom with two little girls who think their daddy hung the moon, I know how special this relationship is. I hope that someday when Scarlett is my age, she looks at these pictures of dancing with her daddy and hugging him tight and smiles. Listen closely: moments like these are why I love what I do. Being able to freeze these moments and turn them into something tangible to be treasured forever is what Lily Sophia Photography is about. 

Without further ado, here are some of my favorites from their session! 

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.

Atlanta Baby Photographer | DJ is ONE!

DJ is one of my spunkiest and happiest little clients. I absolutely love seeing him and his beautiful mother in the studio! Senika booked a one year session with him, and brought along a banner and little outfit for him to include in the cake smash portion.

Senika opted to borrow a dress from the studio wardrobe, and sent over ideas of what she was considering for DJ's outfits. I think the outfit she chose for him is just darling, and completely timeless too! We always start our sessions with family and parent images to get your baby comfortable with me and the sound of the camera. When they're in your arms they feel safe and secure and naturally open up to me as we progress through the session. We then move to baby only portraits, and then end with the cake smash. Senika had actually forgotten her cake, so a quick run to Kroger solved that problem. I always strongly recommend a small and simple cake... and as we learned from this session - best to skip the edible chocolate candles lest your baby be most interested in eating that instead of their cake! :) 

Enjoy the cuteness of this little guy's session ... I can't help but smile every time I see his mischievous little grin and that little twinkle in his eye. 

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.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Thomas

Kate contacted me at the last minute to schedule a newborn session for her son, Thomas. She and her husband arrived at the studio with grandma in tow. While I typically do not utilize hats in sessions (we do have some sweet knit bonnets for newborns for those who love them), Grandma had knitted her grandson a white hat that they requested be included in one of his setups. I was happy to accommodate their request. The majority of our clients do not bring something along with them, but if they have something meaningful that they would like incorporated, I do my best!  Sometimes what a family brings along just doesn't work with how we photograph newborns in the studio. Because we use light and delicate patterns and palettes, a brightly colored or super chunky knit would look very out of place and not flow well. I always want the focus of solo newborn images to be your newborn and their sweet little features and details. 

After I wrapped up the solo images, we moved on to parent and family images. I love this part of newborn sessions because watching new parents with their baby is an amazing thing to see. The looks between each other and the awe and wonder on their faces as they look at the tiny little being they created together. Parents are often worried they won't know what to do, but no worries! All you need to do is love your baby, and I'll take care of the rest with gentle guided direction for natural interaction. No cheesy or unnatural/stiff/awkward posing goes on in this studio. 

Grandma stepped in at the very end of the session for some three generation images and a couple with her grandson. I absolutely love including grandparents in sessions, and they are more than welcome to participate! Most grandparents plan to arrive at the end of the session for their part in it and then depart with the rest of the family when we wrap up. If you're all coming together from a further distance away, there's a couple of eateries right across the street from the studio where they can go and grab a coffee and a bite to eat. 

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.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Brittany

Brittany came to the studio for a maternity session geared towards boudoir, and worked with Margaret for her hair and makeup services. She told me that she was feeling uncomfortable in her pregnant body, and wasn't sure if she should even have maternity photos done. Prior to being pregnant, Brittany had invested in a boudoir session for herself and felt like it was incredibly empowering, so she decided she wanted to do the same for pregnancy but with someone who specifically specialized in maternity rather than just a boudoir photographer. There really is a major difference in working with someone who specializes versus someone who doesn't with ANY session type that you're thinking about. I photograph an average of 20 maternity sessions per month and I have seen it all... every kind of belly shape, every kind of pregnancy woe (stretch marks, swollen feet, acne, etc). I have become an expert on angles and what to dress clients in, and what lens to shoot with for specific body types. You're beautiful pregnant, so let's document it! We'll discuss your vision for your final images, and create a gorgeous gallery for you! 

When Brittany arrived at the studio she brought a bag of things from home, and we had fun going through what she'd brought and discussing the different options. We also pulled a few things from the studio wardrobe as well and got started. We had a lot of fun, and I was so excited to show her how beautiful she looked with her image gallery. She was absolutely blown away and so happy with her images that she gave permission to share the ones below. I will never, ever share images from a maternity boudoir session without express permission from the client. So if you're reading this now and thinking that you'd like a boudoir session but are scared I'm going to share images without your approval, rest assured that's not at all the case! 

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.

Atlanta Baby Photography | Isabella is ONE!

Isabell's first birthday session is the culmination of over a year of sessions!

• View her mother's studio maternity session by clicking here
• View Isabella's newborn session by clicking here
• Viewing Isabella's sitting up milestone session by clicking here

I was so excited to have these two lovely ladies back in front of my camera to celebrate Isabella's first birthday. Clarissa borrowed a dress from the studio wardrobe that she fell in love with, and brought special outfits with her for Isabella. We started the session with Clarissa holding Isabella, and this is how we typically begin all sessions with young babies and children. It gives them a chance to get used to me and the sound of the camera while feeling safe in the arms of their parents. As they become comfortable, we transition to solo portraits. For first birthday sessions, we end with the cake. Babies tire out easily and don't have super long attention spans, so we move quickly and keep things interesting! 

Enjoy the images of this little cutie! 

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.

Atlanta Child & Family Photographer | Four generations!

When Maria contacted the studio, she asked if we photographed children. The answer is yes, we do! She wanted to book a studio session for her toddler granddaughter to continue on with a family tradition. When Millie's mother was little, her grandmother booked a session to create portraits of her, and Maria wanted to do the same for her granddaughter. Sweet little Millie came in wearing a special dress that was very similar to the one that her mother wore... and her mom, grandmother, and great grandmother all joined in! It was truly a very special session with four generations, and a little baby on the way to boot. 

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.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Madeleine

Emily contacted us in her third trimester to inquire about a newborn session. She decided to book a session with us, and we stayed in touch throughout the remainder of her pregnancy as I like to check in with my clients to see how they're doing! When Madeleine arrived, and Emily let us know she had arrived and requested to add on hair and makeup services to her session. We know you have enough going on with a newborn, so we make adding on services SUPER easy. When you contact us to let us know your baby has arrived, you also tell us you'd like to add on HMUA services. We will then do the back end work for you and send you dates that an artist is available when I am and connect you directly with them to book their services. Simple as that! 

On the morning of their session, Emily and George arrived at the studio with Emily's mom. Emily hopped into the hair and makeup chair with Margaret after a choosing a dress from the studio wardrobe. I started photographing Madeleine for her solo portraits in our newborn shooting room. Some clients think that adding on hair and makeup services will extend the length of their session but that's not the case. You're either sitting on the studio couch waiting for me to finish photographing your baby, or sitting in a makeup chair being pampered. (which sounds better to you?)

 I found out that Emily had grown up in Charlotte (where I also grew up) while chatting with her mother. Madeleine was such a sweetie, and slept so well during her session. She took a couple of breaks to nurse, which is never a problem for our babies to do! Your baby leads the session and their comfort and safety are always the first priority.

Emily asked for a couple of images with her mom, and I was more than happy to oblige. I love when grandparents participate in sessions and they are always welcomed and encouraged to do so. Her mom looked lovely in what she had chosen to wear to the session, but it didn't work well with Emily's dress. So I made a few suggestions of pieces from the studio wardrobe, and her mom chose one to wear. Lots of our grandmothers borrow from the wardrobe - and we send a newborn prep packet ahead of your session to help you pick out pieces from your own closets! 

I just loved working with this family - here are a few of my favorite images! 

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.

Atlanta Baby Photographer | Fraternal twins David & Sania

David & Sania are just the cutest brother-sister duo. I first photographed them as itty bitty newborns, and you can see their newborn session by clicking here. I was so excited to have them into the studio for a 6 month session and see how BIG they had gotten. Janell worked with our amazing HMUA, Megan, for makeup services and absolutely loved the final look. All of our HMUA team members are incredibly experienced and some of the best in Atlanta. They'll work closely with you to achieve the vision that you have for your makeup while also ensuring that it photographs beautifully. 

Janell loves being a mama, and it shows. Her two are just so cute, and she's a gorgeous and loving mother to them. I loved spending time photographing Janell and her babies, and capturing all the special in between moments that they had. Janell's husband was also present, but glad to have a break from being in front of the camera and just acted as an assistant baby holder for this session. 

Here are just a few of my favorites of the twins' six month milestone session! 

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.

Atlanta Maternity Photography | Intimate studio maternity

Rachel came in for a studio maternity session geared towards boudoir. These images are shared with express permission! Rachel had made the decision to wait to find out if she was having a boy or a girl - just like I did with all three of my children. Margaret did her hair and makeup, and we went through a few things that she had brought from home and mixed them up with some pieces from my studio wardrobe. 

The pregnant form is absolutely beautiful to me and deserves to be celebrated! There are many clients who wonder if their children will even want to see their maternity images. I can tell you this: I have two little girls who ask to see my maternity images with their pregnancies. They are very proud that they're inside my belly, and their faces light up when they see them. I also know that I was fascinated with seeing snapshots of my own mother pregnant with me, even though maternity images weren't a thing back in the 80's! I'll also add that every baby is once in a lifetime... therefore every pregnancy is once in a lifetime. You will never look just like this again. And mama, you're gorgeous! Your body is doing an absolutely incredible thing in growing a tiny human. That's amazing. 

 I know that it can be nerve wracking for many people to strip down into a bra and underwear. We always start out maternity boudoir with clothes on and then as you get comfortable, reduce the clothing. I shoot many, many, many sessions and I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to get you comfortable and having fun! While Rachel did not have any stretch marks (lucky girl!), many of my clients do. Stretch marks are always removed in post processing, but if you prefer them to stay we can leave them as they are or lighten them a bit.  

Here are just a few of my favorites from Rachel's session! 

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.

Atlanta Newborn Photographer | Baby Hannah

Samantha booked her newborn session in her second trimester and dropped by the studio with her husband just to say hi. She asked me about hair and makeup services as she had noticed that most of our clients add that on. I answered her questions, and she decided she wanted to add it on too. Let me quickly address two things about adding on services!

(1) Adding on HMUA services does NOT extend the length of your newborn session. When you arrive at the studio, you slip into the hair and makeup chair and I start with photographing just your baby. We are usually finishing up at around the same time, and if I finish before you're ready, we'll take some daddy and baby images.

(2) For newborn session, all you need to do is let us know that you want to add it on to your session and you can wait until you contact us to let us know your baby has been born. We will then send you dates to choose from that both of us are available, and you simply pick one! The HMUA will be in touch with you directly to take care of booking from their end. Simple as that - we make it easy! 

Another note: I always welcome meeting clients in advance of our booked session, as it allows us to chat for a little bit and get to know each other a little bit before you bring your brand new baby in. So, if you have booked a session and would like to come in and meet, just let us know and we'll schedule you to stop in. 

I was so excited when Samantha emailed to let me know that little Hannah had arrived! When the family came up to the studio the morning of their session, Megan and I were both waiting for them. We always love peeking into the carseat and (quietly) squealing over how cute the babies are! Samantha chose a tunic from the studio wardrobe that she really liked, and settled into hair and makeup while I began photographing Hannah. It's striking how much Hannah resembles her daddy! You'll see what I mean once you see the images of them together. 

Hannah was a sweetheart and she started smiling once she was in her mommy's arms for the parent and family portion of our session. I know that smiles are "just gas" but part of me doesn't really believe that. I like to think that babies feel happy, secure, and loved, and sometimes they smile to let us know.  Without further ado, here are some of my favorite images from Hannah's session! 

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.

Atlanta Baby Photographer | Peyton is ONE!

Peyton is such a little ham with big brown eyes and adorable dimples, and the whole family is lots of fun. 

For this First Birthday session, it was really important to Peyton's daddy to make his birthday cake for him. I thought this was just about the sweetest thing I've ever heard. His wife made fun of it (just a little!) but said that even though it wasn't the most beautifully artistic cake, the meaning behind it made it special. I think even the Cake Boss would agree. 

We started our session with family and parent images, which is how I typically begin sessions with little ones. It allows them to get used to the click of the shutter and to me approaching them while feeling safe in your arms. Once they're comfortable with me, we move on to solo portraits... and then the cake smashing fun begins. I always encourage parents to participate. I love capturing the look of anticipation on your baby's face as you present them with their cake. I've found that babies really like to share their cake with their parents - so I tell everyone to jump in near the end! Parents, you are part of your baby's story. Be in the images with them. We all make the very best decisions we can for our children, and want nothing but the best for them. Someday we aren't going to be with our children anymore, but they will forever have the images that we chose to create with them and always be able to SEE how much we loved them. Make being in the images a priority. Your child will be so glad you did. 

Here are just a few of my favorite images from Peyton's First Birthday session! 

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.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | A Family Field session

Ann contacted us to book both a maternity and newborn session, and let us know they had an older seven year old son. I absolutely adore working with older children for maternity sessions, and they're always so excited about their new sibling. Andrew loves his mama, and I just adore their special mother-son connection. 

Ann came in a week before her session and had an idea of what she might like to wear. She had chosen the field as her location for their session because she loved the light and the beautiful and wild background. I pulled one of our newest additions to the studio wardrobe based on what she told me her preferences were. I shoot so many maternity sessions every month, so I can pretty accurately size up every client when they walk in and pull pieces that will fit and that will be a good match for their skin tone. I provide feedback and input during our time together so that we can choose the best pieces for you that you feel beautiful in and are flattering to your body type and skin tone. 

We met at the field and it was a hot, hot, hot evening. While we were there we talked a little bit about how hot it was and then we saw a bride and groom arrive in full wedding regalia. The bride had on a long sleeved heavy satin dress, and the groom was in a long coat with tails. Suddenly we didn't feel so hot ourselves anymore! The sunset was absolutely GORGEOUS at the field that evening, and we had such a good time laughing and having fun. I can't wait to meet and photograph the newest addition to their family this fall! 

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.

Atlanta Family Photographer | A late summer park session

Abby contacted us to schedule an outdoor family session for the spring. Unfortunately, Atlanta went through a crazy cold snap during the week of their planned time with me and we mutually determined that the weather wouldn't work well. When babies are cold they are usually grumpy and uncomfortable, which doesn't make for the best images! A lot of things happened with Abby's family and personal life during the following months but we eventually were able to meet up in late August at the park location. 

It was definitely worth the wait! Abby chose outfits for the entire family based on clothing recommendations that I sent over, and everyone looked fabulous. We started the session by playing and exploring, and were lucky to have a very mild evening as far as temperature and humidity. The sun was also gorgeous that evening, and we had such a good time.

Family sessions are photographed year round, but the most popular times are in the fall and spring. As a note, outdoor sessions always begin one hour before sunset with no exceptions. If you're in love with the outdoor images you see here, that's wonderful! Every single outdoor session you see started one hour before sunset. It is known as the "golden hour" and the gorgeous light cannot be replicated any other time of day except the hour before sunrise....and even then, it doesn't have the same richness that sunset light does. 

 If you have a child who needs to be in bed at a certain hour and will be unable to function even with a late nap and a full belly, choose the best time of year for that. If you're interested in booking a family session, it's recommended to get on the calendar as soon as you have a date timeframe in mind. We fill up quickly, and already have quite a few sessions on the books for spring 2018.

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.

Atlanta Baby Photographer | Lincoln & Mommy

Millini first worked with me for her studio maternity session when she was pregnant with her son, Lincoln. You can view those images by clicking here. I attended the birth of Lincoln as his birth photographer, and also photographed his newborn session. While I do not share birth images as my client privacy is my highest priority, you can view his newborn session images by clicking here.

Millini had her makeup applied by Megan for her session, and chose outfits or herself and Lincoln based on my recommendations for what to wear that I sent prior to their session. 

Lincoln is such a joy and such a happy little guy! We had so much fun playing peek-a-boo and blowing kisses in the studio. I love how expressive and joyful he is... I think babies with two bottom teeth sticking out are just the cutest things ever! 

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.