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 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 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 Family Photographer | Oona is 6 months!

Earlier this week, we featured Oona's newborn session and her parent's maternity session in the field. For Oona's 6 month session, we went back to the field where it all began. Irene chose to borrow a dress and shawl from the studio wardrobe again, and she fell in love with one of the sweet little dresses we keep on hand for baby girls in the studio. 

Sessions in the spring and summer can sometimes be harder for babies since we start in the hour before sunset, and that's typically past the bedtime of most babies. A later nap and a full belly help quite a lot, and most babies are too distracted to remember they're tired until the end of the session.... and then we have some adorable sleepy images. 

Oona is such a happy little girl and her parents dote on her. They're always so much fun to work with and whenever we're together there's a lot of laughing that happens. I love that they chose me as their photographer because they wanted the photographs of their family to focus on the real moments and emotional connection. When Irene told me that was what drew them to me, I know they were my perfect clients. While I will always attempt to create a portrait with everyone looking at the camera, that's not the goal of my sessions. The goal is to create images of you playing with your child and being her mom and dad. The goal is to capture those in between moments of tenderness and sweetness that happen when nobody is looking. Parenting is hard as it is... let's grab hold of those moments that make it all worth it. 

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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 Maternity, Newborn & Family Photographer | Take the stress out of finding something to wear for your portrait session!

Let's talk about the biggest stressor when it comes to portrait sessions.

WHAT DO I WEAR?! 

For expecting mamas, figuring out what to wear for their maternity session can be a super stressful experience. Trying to shop while pregnant in a body that you're not used to (especially if it's your first baby) and dealing with horrid store lighting is no fun. As a matter of fact, it was after receiving a few panicky texts from clients that I decided to start building a studio wardrobe. I'm pretty particular about what joins the wardrobe. You can rest assured that every piece photographs beautifully.  I'm looking for gorgeous flattering neutrals, colors, fabrics, and drapes. The majority of the wardrobe isn't even maternity specific, and is super comfortable to wear. We're always adding to it as we come across gorgeous pieces that we just can't pass up. Maternity clients come into the studio about two weeks before their session. We chat for a bit about what you're looking for, and I take a look at your skin tone. I'll then pull pieces for you to look at, and we'll narrow down choices from that. Then, you simply try them on and check them out. No horrid store lighting in the studio - and a nice full length mirror. I will give you my input as well, as I want to make sure that you're wearing the most flattering options to your skin tone and body shape possible. The below dresses are just a few of the ones we have in our studio collection! 

But, it doesn't stop at maternity. 90% of our newborn mamas choose something from the wardrobe for their maternity sessions. Not knowing what your bust size is going to be if you're planning to nurse, or trying to find something to wear with a brand new baby in the house is stress that you just don't need. Imagine showing up in comfy yoga pants and a sweatshirt and then choosing something from the wardrobe and slipping into the hair and makeup chair. Guess what? You don't have to imagine: that is reality for many of our Lily Sophia Photography newborn mamas every single week. 

But, wait! We're not finished yet. It doesn't stop at newborn sessions either. As babies grow and mamas return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, they're often comfortable in their own clothing. The studio wardrobe is available for family and milestone sessions too! However, if you'd rather pull from your own closets, no need to stress. I'm here to help you pull together a gorgeous and cohesive look that is perfect for your entire family and reflects who you are. I'll work with you by sending over a style guide in the month before your session, and I'll schedule a complimentary appointment in the studio for you to bring over options and we'll mix and match. Planning a session shouldn't be stressful - let me help make this an amazing and relaxed experience...the best you've ever had! 

If you're pregnant and looking for a maternity, newborn, or 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 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 | The Cook Family

I had so much fun shooting this family session for the Cook family in December! Liz didn't have time to shop for her family before their session, but I assured her that we could work with things from their closet. Many clients like to purchase special outfits for their family sessions, but it's definitely not necessary! The most important thing is for you to be comfortable in your clothing and for it to reflect who you are as individuals. No one wants to look at a photo from twenty years ago and wonder why on earth they chose to wear what they did. As part of your experience of working with me, I provide complimentary style consultations over email and sometimes in the studio depending on schedules. I'll even send over links of suggestions of where to purchase pieces that fit within your budget. As always, the studio wardrobe is available to clients who are interested in borrowing from it. 

Liz chose to have her hair and makeup done, and I just loved the gorgeous textured braid she chose! When we arrived at the field, I informed the family that it was time to have fun together! So many dads hate having their photos taken because photographers drag out the session longer than it needs to be or expect small children to be perfectly behaved and sit with their hands folded on their laps. That's just not how I operate. Sessions with me are a time to have fun, love each other, and laugh... a lot. I'll give you tips and tricks to best prep for the session, and we'll work with whatever curveballs your threenager lobs our way. All you need to do is be a family, and I'm there to help with simple and easy direction for natural interaction. There is no need to fake moments or connection... the moments you see here are authentic. 

Without further ado, here are some of my favorites from this sweet family's session.  

If you're looking for a family photographer who will document genuine emotion and authentic moments of you together, 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 Photographer | Fun family sunset session in the park

    Oh, this family. How I love them!  I was so excited to shoot their family session since I last saw them for their son's newborn session, which can be viewed here. 

    Emily came to the studio for a style consult and fell in love with a floral maxi dress. A lot of clients think that they need to wear a neutral palette, and while this is lovely and beautiful - it's not the right fit for every family. I welcome colors, and work closely with my clients to choose the best colors and setting for the most beautiful results. Color can work well if they are carefully chosen and planned, and that's what I'm here for! I will personally walk you through every step that you need some help with to make sure your images are the best they can be.

   Emily had her hair and makeup done by Margaret, the lead of our HMUA team, and I helped select an outfit from Matt's existing wardrobe. Penelope and Raphael borrowed pieces from my studio wardrobe, and we pulled together a fun and classic look built around Emily's fun floral dress! My biggest rule of thumb is to ALWAYS dress mama first. It's so important that my clients feel beautiful because when they feel beautiful, they shine in their family photos. And we all know that most of you are the ones taking the pictures and not in them with your families. Let's change that, and make sure you look amazing at the same time. 

My family sessions are meant to be fun and relaxed. If we manage a photo where everyone is looking and smiling, that's great, but it's not the ultimate goal of family sessions. What I want for all of my family clients is to have images of real and authentic moments that show love and joyfulness. It means tickling your children and swooping them up into your arms. It means eskimo kisses and bear hugs, and taking some moments to quietly hold your babies tight. It's okay if your toddler is a bit grumpy or isn't into the session. We'll work with it, and there are lots of "tricks" in my bag to help them forget about being grumpy and have fun. All you have to do is be a family, have fun, and love each other. Sound easy? That's because it is!   

PS - I always, always grab my moms and dads for a few photos with just the two of them. Most of the time the last photographs of just them together were taken at their wedding! Your family would not exist without the both of you, so taking some time to celebrate your love is so important too! 

Atlanta Family Photographer | Fall in the field

Ashley contacted me to book a family session in the field because she loved my natural approach to family and child photography. She didn't want stuffy formal images of her two children and family, and loved the playful and loving images that result from my session. 

We scheduled a consult at my studio in advance of the session and went over clothing options for her family from their own closet. My wardrobe is always open to booked clients, but most of the time families like to use their own clothing for family sessions with my assistance and guidance. The most important goal is for your family to look like who you ARE, with a cohesive look. That's where I come in to help guide you so you aren't overwhelmed and worried about what to wear.

Since their family is more casual, we went that route with choosing outfits and chose varying shades of neutral tops and jeans for the family so they wouldn't meld together in a big blob of the same color. Ashley chose to dress her little boy in the CUTEST shirt - I loved it so much that it's now a part of the studio wardrobe in sizes 12 months through 5T! 

When we met at the field, we immediately got to playing and having fun. A laid back attitude is the best way to approach sessions with small children. High pressure and trying to force a child to "cooperate" often goes nowhere. This is why my sessions are all about fun, games, and play! When you look at your images, you will see natural and authentic responses to you from your children. The looks of love that they give you in return for your attention are as beautiful as it gets. Seriously. I know I want to always remember how my children looked at me like I was the only person that mattered to me. I want to remember how my husband and I looked at each other in the midst of all the craziness and chaos that comes along with being parents. I want to remember the glee on the faces of my children when their daddy tossed them high in the air or made funny faces at them. 

I want you to remember too. 

Here are some of my favorite images from this family session. I can't wait until next year's session with them! 

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 | Cameron, 3 weeks new

When Rhonda called the studio back in December to find out if I had availability for her brand new baby, I was pleased to inform her that we could have her in that week. Rhonda asked if we could focus more on family shots - and my answer was yes. I will always customize newborn sessions for my clients if they prefer no or few solo newborn images and want to focus on siblings and family. We also discussed the best colors and tones for her husband and older son to wear, and Rhonda elected to borrow from the studio wardrobe. She was so glad she didn't have to worry about going shopping for something. When they all arrived at the studio for their session, we set straight to work. I was so impressed with big brother Charles... you'll find a picture of him on the list of "World's Best Big Brothers". He was so kind and gentle with his baby brother. The entire family was just absolutely beautiful and so much fun to photograph.  

We started the session with Charles and Cameron. Charles was a little bit nervous because he wasn't sure what he had to do. He was thrilled when I told him I just wanted him to hold his  baby brother and look at him, and confidently assured me that he could definitely do that. My newborn sessions involving siblings are fun, and zero pressure. I don't want your child to feel stressed or pressured to "perform". I want to capture them as they naturally are. When you have younger toddler siblings, bribes are sometimes necessary but most of the time when you have siblings aged 4 and up, they LOVE participating in the session and no bribing is necessary! I'm excited to share some of the images from this session below - I often do not have time to blog sessions right after they happen due to my busy studio schedule, but I often post images to my Instagram.

Aren't they just the sweetest duo? This won't be the last of their snuggles over the years to come. Cameron is so lucky to have such an awesome big brother to show him the ropes.

Mom then stepped in for some mother and son images. I just love how happy they were during their session and how it was captured so beautifully for them to always have and look back on. 

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. 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 | Golden Evening

I was contacted by this mom when she saw a friend's maternity session on social media. She was so excited to have found me because she described my style as exactly what she had been looking for. In her words, "I want the beautiful light and the real connections between us, not some cheesy staged photos that don't show who we really are." My response? "You've found the right person." Emotional connection showing your family together and the love you have for each other are exactly why I love to photograph families. I want to photograph families as they are. No fake cheesy smiles. No cheesy props. Instead, laughter and joy. Big squishy hugs. Quiet moments together just being who you are. 

A couple of weeks before their session, I went to their home to help her "shop" from her own closet and we pulled together great outfits for the whole family. Ultimately, clients decide what they want to wear: but images always look so much more beautiful if they choose to have me help style them for their session. I shoot in my specific locations weekly, so at this point I know what will produce the best images for my clients. Working with clients who share the same vision for their images and trust my input and expertise is an absolute dream.

Here are just a couple of images from their session, which we shot on Thanksgiving weekend... we could not have asked for a more beautiful day!

Ready to reserve your session? Contact me today to begin planning your dream family session. We'll have fun and your husband won't need to bring a hidden flask to get through it. Promise! 

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

Atlanta Family Photographer | Daddy's Little Girl

Maybe it's because I have two daughters who adore their daddy, or maybe it's because I have a wonderful relationship with my dad - but there are few things that I love more than capturing daddies and their little girls together. I still remember my father coming home from work and running out to the driveway to greet him. He would always put down his briefcase, stretch out his arms, and swoop me up into the air before grabbing me into a big bear hug. I wish I had a photograph of him doing that, but the memory will have to suffice for me. 

This little girl won't have to rely on memories though. She has a tangible photograph that she can look at fifty years from now and remember how much fun her daddy was and how much he loved her. She'll be able to show her own children this photo and tell them "This was your grandfather when I was a little girl!" These moments are why I'm a photographer. 

I'd love to work with your family to make your own moments into tangible memories. We'll have fun, and the whole process is zero stress! I help with everything from wardrobe selection, to tips for the session, and help you decide the best way to display your images as beautiful artwork in your home. Contact me today to begin planning your session!

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

Atlanta Family Photographer | Capturing those little moments

One of my favorite things about being an Atlanta family and baby photographer is getting to see my clients more than once! This lovely mama and her family are such a joy to work with.  I first met them when Harry was just a tiny eleven pound baby (okay, maybe not so tiny) for their newborn session, and was excited to see them again for his 6 month old session. He's SUCH a doll, and such a happy boy! 

His mama let me know before the session that she wanted the session to focus primarily on Harry, and I reminded her that I shoot the connection between parents and children for my family sessions. I did shoot half of the session to be of just Harry, but the other half was focused on capturing moments between Harry and his parents. This moment is one of them, and I just adore this image so much. This is what motherhood is all about! Getting down on the ground with your baby and seeing the world through his eyes. Who knew grass was so fascinating? Someday Harry will be a grown man, and he will have this image of his mother on the ground next to him exploring the world right alongside him. He will know how much she loved him - because he will SEE that in this image. This is why I am so passionate about photography and what shapes the way I shoot sessions...emotive, connective moments where you feel the love in the images. 

Ready to book your session? Contact me today to begin planning. I can't wait to meet you!

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