Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Sara & Jason

Oh Sara, where do I begin? Sara was never supposed to be able to have children, and was a very high risk pregnancy. She fought through it all, and did it with a smile on her face. Her fortitude and positivity are absolutely amazing, and I consider myself a better person to know her. 

When Jason contacted us to schedule a maternity session, he told us their amazing story and that they were expecting a little girl named Mila Raven. They initially wanted a field session, but her doctors advised her that being outdoors and walking in the heat wasn't a good idea with her health issues. So, she elected to shoot in the studio instead. She fell in love with two dresses from our studio wardobe and a flower crown, and decided to book HMUA add on services with Margaret. 

When I arrived at the studio, Margaret was finishing up, and we got started. It was so much fun working with Sara and Jason and seeing how excited they were for their miracle baby, I loved getting to photograph this special time in their life and getting to know them as well. Mila arrived safely and will be ONE in less than two weeks. Sara is still fighting through health issues with a smile on her face, and inspiring everyone else around her. Send all your prayers and/or good vibes their way and follow her story on Instagram at sassysarasmile. 

**This session photographed before the installation of the 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 | 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 Maternity Photographer | Irene and Steve, a field session

This week I thought it would be fun to change it up a bit and showcase a whole year of sessions on the blog with one of my favorite families from maternity to first year. So many clients are interested in doing so but aren't sure what it would look like. This is a great way to see what to expect! 

When Irene contacted me, she knew she wanted a field maternity session, and told me that she loved the emotional authenticity of my work.  She wanted to have images to remember their pregnancy with their baby girl, especially since she had been unsure if she'd ever be able to have children. She and her husband Steve were looking for a photographer who was fun to work with and would help guide them during the session for natural interaction.

Irene is from Malaysia, and Steve is from the tiny town of Chincoteague (anyone else love Misty of Chincoteague like I did as a child?!) and originally met through an online dating website. They went on a date and then didn't see each other again for a few years... and then it all came together. Such a cool love story!  At her maternity fitting, Irene fell in love with one of the studio dresses and opted to wear just that one. We also talked about what Steve should wear from his closet at home.

The day of the session, we met at the field, and got to work. We laughed a lot and had a lot of fun. I know I say this about almost every session, but it's true. I work hard to make the experience fun and enjoyable! You're only pregnant with this baby once, and I want your maternity session with me to be one of the experiences of your pregnancy. 

 I am sharing black and white images from this session in this blog post. Irene and Steve received the images edited in color as well! Check back in a couple of days to see their newborn session with their sweet little girl. 

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 | Bridgette, Aaron, & Case

Bridgette contacted me to schedule a maternity session in the field in her second trimester. When she emailed me, so told me how much she loved my backlit and glowy images, and was so excited that she had found me. She lives in South Carolina, three hours away from Atlanta, and is a photographer herself. Finding the right photographer for her family maternity session was extremely important, and she had a specific vision and style that she wanted... and found that when she came to my website. Because Bridgette lived three hours away, she opted to bring her own dresses for her maternity session and style her own family. You'll see in the images that I am not averse to the usage of color at all when it is used and coordinated well. Bridgette nailed that in her mix of colors, patterns, and textures.

The evening of their family maternity session was windy and a bit chilly. I love wind, as it adds such a beautiful and natural element of movement. For mamas worried about their hair when they have a windy session... I just have you face the wind when possible so it's not blowing all over your face, or hold your hair with one hand which you'll naturally reach up to do.

   Their son, Case, was absolutely adorable. He was so loving to his parents, and so inquisitive. I love the bond that this whole family shares together, and was honored to be chosen as their photographer. I can't wait to see them again in the future after their second baby boy arrives later this spring! 

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, 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 Maternity Photographer | Rich & Devi

Rich and Devi initially came to the studio to meet me and talk about The Birth Session. During their visit, they decided they also wanted to work with me for maternity and newborn!

Devi knew exactly which dress she wanted to wear for her maternity session as she had seen it on worn by another client on my Instagram and she had a clear vision for what she wanted from our time together. During her maternity wardrobe fitting, she tried the dress on to confirm it was what she wanted, and we discussed what Rich should plan to wear.

Devi knew she wanted all of her maternity images to have an open front since she loved the look of bare belly images. Not all of my clients do - and this particular dress can also be wore closed for those who prefer not to show their belly. 

During their maternity session, we got to know each other and I learned all about how they met each other and fell in love. They both have a great sense of humor and were great to work with! Rich loves his wife, and it's very evident in how he looks at her.  I can't wait to photograph the birth of their son and his subsequent 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. 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 | Kisha

You may recognize Kisha from my short video about the studio experience. She was kind enough to participate in the video for me in advance of her actual maternity session. Kisha scheduled her session to take place when she was 30 weeks pregnant, and it was the perfect timing. I like to schedule maternity sessions for between 30-34 weeks, since most expectant mothers are showing well, but are still able to move well. I have had other clients reserve last minute sessions, but there's always a risk of going into labor early before the session takes place! 

Kisha came to the studio in advance of her session start time for our resident HMUA, Margaret, to apply her makeup. Many of my clients add on Margaret's services to their maternity and/or newborn sessions, and her application is absolutely flawless. If you're interested in booking Margaret's services along with your session, be sure to note that when you inquire. 

I always enjoy studio sessions since my clients get to play dress up with the studio wardrobe. I have a wide array of dresses ranging from size 0-16 that look stunning on expectant and new moms. Kisha already felt absolutely stunning with her makeup application, and loved the dresses that we chose for her to wear. I loved working with Kisha, and can't wait to meet her sweet baby girl in a couple of months.  

Without further ado, here are some of the images from Kisha's maternity session! 

Ready to reserve your maternity session? It's never too early to book. Contact me today to begin planning one of the most fun experiences you'll have during your pregnancy! 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 | Manasa and Shiva

Manasa contacted me in November to reserve her maternity session in the field for mid February. We met on a chilly and windy day at the field, and they were both total troupers! I work very quickly and shoot with two camera bodies with my two preferred lenses rather than switching lenses constantly to be efficient for my clients. Nobody wants to stand out in the cold or heat any longer than necessary. My sessions do not incorporate cheesy poses or props because I want you to look natural and have fun together! I'll give my clients some guided direction if they're a little nervous, but in only takes a few minutes before we're all laughing and having a good time. Being photographed should be an experience that you enjoy, not a painful or awkward one! My entire client experience is designed around this philosophy. I love hearing my clients say, "That was so much fun!" after the session is over, and that's exactly what I strive for. 

We took a couple of quick breaks for Manasa to warm up a little bit, and had a lot of fun. Here are some of my very favorite images from their session! 

I'd love to work with you to create beautiful images of your pregnancy to have forever. My spring and early summer are almost full, so please reserve early in order to secure our time together. Maternity sessions are best scheduled between 30-34 weeks. Contact me today, and let's start planning your session. 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 | Happiness matters

When Myka contacted me at the beginning of the summer to ask about a maternity shoot, I was excited! Myka is the mastermind and entrepreneur behind WAX Atlanta, BLINK Brow Bar, and BUFF Nail Bar, which is over by the Krog Street Market. She also has one of the coolest lifestyle blogs over at HighBrow Hippie. I've been a client at Wax almost since it opened, and I can't recommend the salon highly enough. If you're in Atlanta, definitely go and check them out for your pampering or waxing needs and then head over to the Krog Street Market for a bite to eat! 

Myka's maternity shoot was ... in a word, FUN. Exactly how a pregnancy photoshoot should be. I'm not about the forced smiles or the fake cheesy poses where you look uncomfortable or awkward. I want to capture your pregnancy glow, and your real happiness and laughter. This is how you should remember one of the most special times in your life. I want my clients to look at their images and smile. Myka did just that when she viewed her images in the studio today, because she remembered exactly what her partner had said that she was laughing about and how happy she felt in that moment. This, my friends, is what photography is about for me. Emotional connection and powerful images to turn those happy memories into a tangible piece of history to hold onto forever. And when your baby is 5 years old, you can show them how happy you were when you were pregnant with them and how much they were loved and wanted before you had even held them in your arms. 

Ready to book your maternity session? Indoor studio sessions are also offered for those who don't like the outdoors or want a more private location. Contact me today to begin planning your session, and watch this short 1.5 minute film to see what the experience of working with me is like. I can't wait to work with you! 

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

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Waiting on Baby Harper

Gerica contacted me several months in advance of her maternity session. Her maternity pictures were extremely important to her, and she had a specific vision in mind. My work lined up with that vision, so I was pleased to work with her. She sent over several photos of dresses that she was considering for her session, and I gave her my input and advice on the best selection and sizing. The dress she chose was perfect, and had split front to allow for some of the open front bare belly images that she wanted.

Gerica's husband was a real sweetie and lots of fun to be around. He high fived me at the end of our session since it only took about 25 minutes! I keep my maternity sessions easy for expectant parents and don't require them to move around a lot. My sessions are about natural interaction and emotional connection between couples. We always end up laughing a lot - every dad comments at the end about how much easier (and fun) it was then they thought it would be! 

Baby Harper has since arrived and is GORGEOUS just like her mommy! Congrats to the new parents! 

Ready to book your maternity session? Indoor studio sessions are also offered for those who don't like the outdoors or want a more private location. Contact me today to begin planning your session, and watch this short 1.5 minute film to see what the experience of working with me is like. I can't wait to work with you! 

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

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Evening Light

I love when expectant mamas contact me to photograph them at what I consider to be one of the heights of beauty in their lives. So much planning goes into all of my sessions because the resulting final images are dependent on the details. The most important details affecting your session are the time of day at which I shoot, and your wardrobe selection.

I only shoot sunset sessions. It's not always the most convenient time for everyone, but it guarantees the most beautiful light. It's also known as the "golden hour", and I won't shoot at any other time. Why? Because I cannot give clients the sun soaked gorgeous images that I'm known for as my signature style at any other time of day.

Wardrobe is also such an important detail of every session! I walk my clients through every step of the selection process. The choice of colors, the way the pieces fit and drape, and the fabric are all taken into consideration. 75% of clients (like this mama) choose to borrow from my studio wardrobe which fits a wide variety of sizes and body types. If it wouldn't look absolutely stunning during a shoot, it's not in my wardrobe. Other clients prefer to purchase something of their very own to keep, and I love helping them select and pull together pieces. We live in such a high tech world that online shopping via mobile and texting links for feedback is a snap. I'm also available to meet at a few local stores in the area for clients booking a full session. My styling services are complimentary to booked clients and part of the Lily Sophia Photography client experience! I want you to LOVE your images, and I want them to be timeless so that when you look at them decades from now you aren't laughing and shaking your head at the outfit you thought was a good idea at the time. 

Summer is almost full for maternity sessions, so contact me today to begin planning yours to ensure your spot! You can view lots of images from maternity sessions by clicking here. To see what it's like to work with me, watch this short 1.5 minute film. I can't wait to work with you! 

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

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Featured on Lemonade & Lenses (again!)

I'm so honored to have one of my maternity sessions chosen and featured on the blog of Lemonade & Lenses. This outstanding industry publication for photographers published one of my newborn sessions on their blog in January as well. I've met lots of clients who have come my way after seeing the featured sessions, and have loved that they were able to get a great idea of what to expect from a session with me!

Maternity sessions are some of my favorite sessions. I have very limited availability remaining for summer 2015, and fall is starting to book up. Don't miss your opportunity to reserve your session. My pregnancy photos are not cheesy and are focused on the love and connection that you and your partner share. Worried about the Atlanta heat? Want indoors? No problem - my studio is perfect for maternity sessions too. I also have a fabulous maternity wardrobe available for you to use, so you don't even need to worry about shopping. If you're looking for an excuse to shop, I'll happily work with you to help you select the best possible outfit for your images so that they're as beautiful as they can be. I want your pregnancy pictures to stand the test of time and not elicit laughter from your teenager 15 years from now.

You'll only be pregnant with this baby once, and it's going to be over before you know it. You might not think you'll miss being pregnant... but I promise, you'll miss something about it once your baby is in your arms. Document this amazing time in your life! Contact me today to begin planning your maternity session!  

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

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Lovely in Lace

This client found me online and was so excited to shoot her maternity session in my Atlanta natural light studio. She loved the colors and the studio wardrobe, and immediately chose this dress. It's soft lace, floor length, and just makes every mama to be feel elegant and gorgeous. My clients don't have to worry about shopping for something to wear unless they want to. Clients are welcome to schedule a complimentary fitting appointment prior to their session to select something from the wardrobe that works perfectly for them.

There is something amazing about pregnancy and seeing a round belly knowing that there is a perfect little baby curled up inside waiting to be born when the time is right. What a privilege it is to grow and carry our babies, even if it's not always the most glamorous or fun experience at times. This particular client also hired me for her birth session, so I was able to document the process of her labor and delivery and the moment she met her sweet baby girl. As I look at this photo now, I am thinking of the moment she met her daughter and the look of love and joy on her face. As a photographer, I absolutely love being invited to photograph the most special times of my client's lives. 

I'd love to meet you if you're interested in booking a maternity, birth, or newborn session! Feel free to read about what my clients are saying about their experience with me and watch this short video of what it's like to work with me! Contact me today to begin planning - I can't wait to work with you to preserve the moments that matter most. 

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