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.