When Jenny and Ben contacted us, their daughter was already 8 days old. They asked if I had any last minute availability and admitted that with the holiday season and the busyness of pregnancy they had just completely forgotten to make arrangements for their newborn photography session. I frequently photograph babies that are in their third week which is never a problem, but I only had one day open that week and was fully booked for the next two weeks. It's important to book early to guarantee availability since once the calendar is full, it's full. The only day I had open happened to be the very next day which worked for their schedule! Jenny opted to add on the services of one of our hair and makeup artists as well.
The next morning when Jenny arrived, she walked into the studio wearing comfy leggings and a sweater. She chose a dress she loved from the studio wardrobe, and Megan started working on her hair and makeup. I took sweet little Vivian into the newborn shooting room and started with her individual portraits. I use tiebacks during baby girl sessions, but it's totally up to mama if she wants some used for all or none of their baby's images. None of the tiebacks that I use are obnoxiously Texas-sized as I prefer dainty and pretty tiebacks that accentuate features and subtly add to the sweetness of your new baby girl.
After about 30 minutes, baby Vivian was hungry so she took a little break and joined her mama in the makeup chair to nurse. We have nursing pillows in the studio that perfectly fit on mama's laps while sitting in the makeup chair, and our HMUA team is used to working around mothers who need to feed their babies - whether it's nursing or by a bottle. We support however you choose to feed your baby and will make sure you are comfortable!
After I finished with baby only images, I worked with Ben and Vivian for some daddy and daughter images. I absolutely love seeing new daddies with their babies. There's just something about the pride and the love that I can see in their eyes that I'm just so excited to capture. A lot of my dads are a little nervous about what they should do, and when I tell them, "All you need to do is love them", they realize that they're actually going to have fun and get to be themselves, and relax.
As we finished shooting the daddy and daughter portion, Jenny was finished with her hair and makeup which she loved! The vast majority of mothers choose to add these services on because it's so incredibly easy and stress free. I can't tell you how many brand new mamas roll out of their bed, walk into the studio wearing yoga pants, a sweater, and slippers, and we take care of the rest. Imagine not having to worry about getting ready in the midst of caring for a brand new baby. Let's face it: most new moms are pretty tired in those first few months. Professionally styled hair and makeup application is a game changer. The goal is not to make you look like a Pinterest version of yourself, but rather to enhance your natural beauty and help make you look more refreshed and rested!
We concluded the session with mother-daughter images mixed in with family. I know my new mamas are tired, and still physically recovering, so I don't ask them to move around a lot. Instead, I have dad do all the moving! It's a very efficient flow and works beautifully, so you'll be on your way out the door in no time.
Without further ado, enjoy some of my favorite images from this sweet girl'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.
