Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Serena & Dan

Serena emailed the studio to inquire about maternity sessions and had some questions about the process and how everything worked. Caroline (our full time studio manager) spent some time with her answering all of her questions, and Serena decided she wanted to book her session at the gardens location. Serena had contacted us VERY late in her pregnancy, and we only had one date open for her - which fortunately worked for her schedule! As a reminder, if you want to schedule your session in the gardens location: be sure you are available on a weeknight as they are typically not available on weekends.

Serene came into the studio a couple of days before her session for her maternity fitting and I enjoyed getting to know her and her husband. They had a lot of questions about what shoes they should wear and what Dan should wear. I told them that we needed to choose options for Serena before we could address those questions, so we set about looking at all the options!

Serena really enjoyed trying on dresses from the studio wardrobe, and fell in love with two options: a steel blue lace dress, and another purple lace dress paired with a sheer white shawl. Now that she had chosen her wardrobe, we talked about what shoes she could wear that would look great, and options for Dan as well.

On the evening of their session, we met at the gardens. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and I teased Serena that she had hit won the lottery with her maternity session scheduling! Dan and I looked at his outfit options that he had brought along with him while Serena was changing into her first dress. He had brought along a pullover argyle sweater that worked perfectly with Serena’s options, so we were all set!

We started in the blue lace dress that Serena had chosen and headed into the gardens. The gardens have quite a few options within it to photograph in. I always look at what my couples are wearing and then decide where it makes the most sense to shoot. The sweeping stone stairs were a gorgeous setting for her blue dress, and we also went into a specific area of the gardens with hedges and lots of blooming flowers.

After we finished the first portion, Serena changed into her purple lace dress and we headed into the gardens to incorporate the hydrangeas and other plants as well as the Grecian columns and walking bridges. There was no need for Dan to change, and the majority of my dads stick with just one outfit!

Some of my favorite images from this session are towards the end. Most of my clients have relaxed quite a bit after a few minutes in, and are comfortable with being photographed - and that’s when their true personalities and connection becomes evident. When couples almost forget that I’m there and follow my prompts for guided natural interaction, everything unfolds naturally and beautiful images are created as a result.

Enjoy a few of my favorites from this 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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | A studio session with Rachel

I first worked with Rachel for her maternity session when she was pregnant with her second child. She had already booked an in home newborn photographer before meeting me, so I didn’t photograph that baby’s newborn session for her. The experience that their family had with their in home session was pretty stressful for a host of reasons. Even though she lives an hour away, when Rachel found out that she was expecting baby number three, she immediately contacted the studio to get on the calendar for a maternity and newborn session because she didn’t want to risk our calendar filling up. She did not want a repeat of the experience she’d had with her last baby, and she knew that a session with us would be easy and seamless because all she would have to do was show up.

I was so excited to see Rachel again for her second maternity session with me! She came into the studio for a maternity fitting a couple of weeks beforehand to look through the wardrobe and try on pieces. Almost immediately, she chose a gorgeous white dress that fit her vision perfectly. Rachel also chose to add on hair and makeup services. She had worked with Margaret for her first maternity session with me, and was paired with her again for this one!

The day of her session, she arrived at the studio all ready to go. Margaret preps non newborn portrait clients at her home studio which is located close by. If you’re a newborn client, your HMUA will come to the studio to prep you while your baby is being photographed alone. Because Rachel just wanted a handful of images, she had chosen our smallest collection which is available for in studio sessions only. It’s a short session (20ish minutes) and has one outfit and up to two participants. So, if you’re being photographed solo or just want a few images of you and your partner. this might be the right choice for you! While most of our clients choose to book higher collections, this was the perfect fit for Rachel and what she wanted. She loved her gallery so much that she wasn’t able to narrow it down to the included number and ended up adding some images to what was included. If you’re not sure what’s the best fit for you, we can help you decide that!

Come back in a couple of days to see the newborn session of Rachel’s THIRD baby boy, and enjoy the handful of her favorites!

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Eden & Gizachew

When Eden called the studio to ask about scheduling a maternity session, she mentioned that she wanted to wear a linen dress with embroidery to honor her Ethiopian culture. I visited Ethiopia as a teenager, and knew exactly what she was talking about. She decided that the studio would be the best setting for her because she was concerned about our infamous Atlanta humidity affecting her hair. She came to the studio for a maternity fitting beforehand, and brought her dress along with her. After looking through the wardrobe, she fell in love with an off the shoulder ruffled sleeve dress that was a perfect complement to her Ethiopian dress, and we were all set for her session! We chatted about what her fiancé, Gizachew, could wear from his wardrobe and what would look best with each dress. We provide our clients with a style guide that is super easy to follow, and have a great Pinterest inspiration board as well. So many of our clients have the perfect clothing in their own closets and don’t realize it until they look through the boards and review the guide. We’ll provide as much assistance as you need: I’m available for style consults in the studio where you can bring in options for what session participants are wearing and I’ll help you put it all together, or you can email your outfit combinations and I’ll provide feedback. We’re here to make your session experience as easy as possible!

The day of their session, we met at the studio, and got started! Eden looked absolutely gorgeous, and it was clear how devoted Gizachew is to her and their unborn baby. He was a little bit nervous about what to do and told me he wasn’t sure where he should put his hands, and I reassured him that I would take care of all that for him and direct him along the way. The truth is, most of my clients aren’t really sure what do to. And that’s TOTALLY ok. I’m the one that can see what it looks like through the camera, and you can’t! I’ll make adjustments as needed and tell you exactly what to do the entire time: from where to look, how to stand, etc. It’s all taken care of for you. Most of my clients express relief that I take care of this for them, and comment on how easy it all was when we’re finished!

As we moved through the session, I photographed Eden alone and would call Gizachew in every so often. This is the most efficient way to photograph a session! Who wants be stuck for two or three hours being photographed?! I often hear from my dads that they hate photos because of their engagement session (not their wedding!). These poor guys were trapped in front of the camera and apparently got their fill of being photographed for life. Honestly, that sounds pretty awful to me! An hour is all I need for portrait sessions, and many sessions are more in the 45 minute range. As a note, newborn sessions are an exception as we need a couple of hours for those due to the time it takes to photograph a tiny baby with all of the nursing and diaper changes happening during that time!

Here are a few of my favorites 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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Heather & Jason

Heather was referred to us by another long term client of ours. We love working with referred clients! Heather and I had actually met briefly at a party at that client’s house the year before, so we weren’t total strangers to each other. She contacted us in her second trimester to schedule a maternity session at the field location because she loved the look and feel of what she had seen on the blog and portfolio. She also opted to add on hair and makeup services and was paired with Margaret. Most of our clients reserve their maternity sessions when they are in their second trimester. To clarify: they are booking their session when they are in the second trimester: not scheduling their session to take place in the second trimester. Maternity sessions are scheduled during the third trimester -generally between 28-34 weeks! Reserving your session early helps with having more date options to choose from - especially if you need a WEEKEND date outdoors! I only photograph outdoor sessions in the hour before sunset, hence the limited availability on the weekends. Weeknights are also available as well.

Heather came to the studio for her maternity fitting, and we discussed her style preferences. She mentioned that she wanted to go ahead and reserve her newborn session as well, so I sent Caroline a quick message to get that taken care of for her. After she tried on multiple pieces from our studio wardrobe, she chose a gorgeous off the shoulder dress and a taupe backless dress. Before she left, we discussed what her husband Jason should wear and I made some suggestions based on what she told me about his personality and style preferences. Caroline followed up later that day by sending her our style guide so that she could refer to it while going through Jason’s clothes! The style guide is super simple and SO easy to follow. If you have any questions or want more input, I’m available via email. Many of my clients bring some options with them to their session if they’re not sure, and I make a quick decision to pull it all together. Every client decides the level of support they need from me, and I ensure they get it!

On the evening of their March session, it was sunny and gorgeous. Mild late winter days are another reason why I love living in Atlanta so much - I photograph sessions outdoors all year round because it’s rarely cold enough to not be able to shoot outside.

Heather had told me at her fitting that she and her husband weren’t pros in front of the camera and that Jason was a little camera shy. If this is you, know you’re not alone. I’ve had a few clients that work as professional actresses or models, and even they sometimes feel a bit nervous in front of a camera. It’s completely normal. Don’t stress - I’ll take great care of you. My direction for what to do during your session is very straightforward. I’m known to demonstrate exactly what I want my clients to do, and we’ll have a lot of fun during your session. Just come ready to have some fun and connect with your partner, and I’ll handle the rest.

During the session I asked how brave they were, and they said, “We’ll do whatever you ask!” So we made our way through tall grass and briars to get to a little spot that I love, and the resulting images were absolutely gorgeous. I love when clients are willing to go outside of the box a little bit for creative purposes, because it’s always worth it. Jason was a little bit nervous at first, and I could tell by how he was standing. About 15 minutes in, he started having fun, and that’s when I started REALLY photographing them together. I usually photograph mom a bit by herself and have dad jump in and out until I can see that they’ve both relaxed and let their guards down. I get it: being yourselves as a couple can feel weird and awkward at first when someone you don’t know all that well is standing and literally watching your every move. As you’ll see from their gallery, by the end of the session they had all but forgotten I was there and were totally comfortable and at ease. I adore the images - the way they look at each other is just so loving and beautiful.

Enjoy a few of my favorite images from this beautiful session at the field. As previously mentioned, Heather’s look was created by our lead HMUA, Margaret. Serious hair goals here: her hair is so thick and gorgeous! She commented on how much she loved her makeup and truly felt like herself, and made sure to let me know she wanted Margaret again for her her newborn session. Check back in a couple of days to see images from their beautiful little girl’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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | A Field Session with Jessica & David

Jess contacted the studio to ask about scheduling a maternity session at the field with add on hair and makeup services. We also went ahead and scheduled a time for Jess to come to the studio for a maternity fitting.

On the afternoon of her maternity fitting, Jess came to the studio and we discussed her style preferences. Jess was so much fun to talk to, and I really enjoyed getting to know her. We have very similar laid back personalities, and meshed well. After talking about her likes and dislikes in terms of color and style, we looked through the wardrobe, and Jess tried on quite a few options! She ultimately chose a long sleeved cream dress and a silk moss off the shoulder dress. We then discussed ideas of what her husband, David, could wear from his closet that would work well with her choices but stay true to his personality and style.

A couple of weeks later, I met Jess and David at the field. The weather was absolutely perfect and a bit cloudy with the sun shining through in some spots. Even though the sky was slightly overcast, it wasn’t a problem and is beautiful in its own right! I love the cloud details that you get from these days, and it also gives us more flexibility in the directions you can face and shoot from. Nobody wants to stare at the blinding sun!

Jess and David were a little bit nervous at first, which is normal! I reassured them that I would make sure they didn’t look awkward even if they felt like it at first. A few jokes later, and we were laughing and having fun, and they visibly relaxed. Pro tip: I can tell when guys are inwardly panicking a bit by their posture. If they’re standing ramrod straight, we’ll work on relaxing him a bit more. :) Jess looked gorgeous and I directed her as we went through the session with the best way to stand and where place her hands. My direction is straightforward and to the point, so you’ll never be left standing there bewildered and wondering what the heck you’re supposed to do. Many of my couples are surprised when I ask them to do things they naturally do on their own! I make a few simple tweaks for the most flattering images! I want your images to show who you are as individuals and as a couple and showcase your unique dynamic. All my couples are so different, but the one common thread they have is that they deeply love each other. Sometimes it can take a little work to get couples to show that love in front of the camera, but once they relax and forget about me a little, we’re golden.

Here are a few of my favorites from Jess & David’s session! Check back in a couple of days to see their adorable little girl’s newborn session on the blog.

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Gloria & Andres

Gloria found us while searching online and loved what she saw in the portfolio. She went over to our Instagram feed and really enjoyed looking at all the images and reading the captions, and decided she wanted to work with us. She contacted the studio and asked to book a maternity session at the park location and newborn session with added on hair and makeup services as well.

Gloria and her husband, Andres, are from Brazil. They are some of the loveliest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! Warm, kind, and so loving. Because Andres has an interesting work schedule with weekdays off, we scheduled their maternity fitting and maternity session for a weekday.

When they arrived at the studio for their maternity fitting, we spent some time talking and getting to know each other. They had some questions about how I run the sessions, and I was able to answer those for them. We started looking through the studio wardrobe, and Gloria loved so many of the pieces she didn’t know how she would ever narrow it down to two! We had a lot of fun as she tried them on, and she was able to narrow it down to five before leaving. Andres took photos of her in each of the dresses, and she sent me her final two choices once they had decided. Andres and I talked about what he should wear in terms of color and texture, and we said our goodbyes.

On the afternoon of their session, they arrived at the studio to get ready with Brielle. They had a lot of fun and I heard lots of laughing from my office, so I know they all had a great time. Gloria loved working with Brielle so much that she specifically requested her for their newborn session, and I told her I’d do my best to make sure it happened!

Once Gloria was ready, she changed into her first dress and we headed to the park location. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the sunlight was GORGEOUS. We started with just Gloria and had Andres jump in and out. I do my best not to make my pregnant clients work too much when it comes to moving around, and we have dads so all of that!

Nearly all of my clients are a bit rattled when we first get started with any type of session. This is completely normal! There is no need to worry or stress, because I’m going to guide you throughout your entire session. I want your images to look natural, and I also want them to be flattering. So I’ll walk you through some things to avoid doing during our time together and make gentle adjustments to your positioning if needed throughout. My verbal direction is to the point, and you’ll never be standing there wondering what on earth you’re supposed to do. I promise!

I will also quickly discuss your specific dynamic and ways that you physically connect with each other on a daily basis, and I’ll come up with guided prompts for you so that we can capture who you truly are as a couple. For many of my clients, their maternity session is the first time they’ve had professional images taken since their wedding, and it will be the last session they have as just a couple before welcoming their little one. It’s such an incredibly special time, and I’m SO thrilled to be able to work with so many expecting couples. If you’re pregnant and considering a maternity session, I’d absolutely love to work with you and your partner!

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Caroline, Blair & Slade

I LOVE when I get an email from a client telling me that they’re expecting their second baby! I first worked with Caroline and Blair when they were expecting their daughter, Slade, more than two years ago. You can view their field maternity images by clicking here, and you can view Slade’s studio newborn session by clicking here.

When Caroline emailed, she let me know they were having a boy this time and they wanted to schedule their maternity session in the field again. Their first session took place at the height of summer, so the field looked very different in April as opposed to August. Because they lived in north Alpharetta, I suggested a different field location that was closer to them to make it easier for Slade since the session time was close to her bedtime. They were totally on board with that suggestion, so we scheduled their date.

Caroline knew she wanted to borrow from the wardrobe again, and because I had worked with her before I had a pretty good idea of which dresses would work well for her. When she arrived, my assumptions were confirmed after seeing her belly shape. The shape of your belly will affect which dresses I recommend for you! No two bellies are the same, and every woman will look different in the same dress. We’ll chat about if there are any parts of your body that you would rather have covered. Some women don’t want a sleeveless or strapless dress, and that is totally fine. Others prefer solids over florals. My main consideration is whether the dress works for your skin tone, followed by how it fits. Above all, you should feel beautiful and comfortable in the dress - and if those four things are checked off, we have a winner!

Caroline loved what I pulled for her, and chose two of the dresses. Once she had chosen her options, I pulled out dresses for Slade for her to consider. I wanted to make sure that Slade’s dresses coordinated well with her choices, so that’s why I waited until Caroline’s dress decisions were made. She absolutely loved one of our toddler dresses for Slade that is a peachy pleated dress. It’s so comfortable and actually fits a wide variety of toddler body shapes because of the cut and style. Since I had not seen Slade since her newborn session, I also pulled a backup dress just in case the first choice wasn’t the best color for her skin tone.

Caroline had worked with our lead HMUA, Margaret, for her previous sessions and it was a no brainer for her when it came to whether to add on hair and makeup services again. She absolutely loves working with Margaret, and this time Margaret designed a gorgeous updo for her that showed off her beautiful features and kept her hair up and out of the way. When you’re handling a toddler, or if you get hot easily, an updo can be the perfect solution! Our HMUA’s will discuss your preferences and style in great detail with you and craft a look for you that enhances your best features but keeps you looking like you. We want our clients to recognize themselves in their photographs!

I needn’t have worried - when Slade walked up I was immediately mesmerized by her gorgeous green eyes and peaches and cream complexion. She was a bit shy, and a total daddy’s girl. In fact, so much of a daddy’s girl that she didn’t want to go to Caroline at all. We worked around that as best as we could. When I shoot a family maternity session, I save mom and dad images for the end. I want to make sure we get as many family and child images as we can and once they’re over it, we’ll hand them an activity to occupy them and photograph just the two of you. In this case, they handed her an iPhone with a quick show to watch and that did the trick perfectly. I do caution parents not to let their young children see their phones or to offer them as a reward or bribe because it almost always backfires terribly. I have lots of techniques and tricks, and as long as you’re willing to follow my guidance for natural interaction with your little one(s), we can often distract them and they start having lots of fun… which results in the sweetest and most natural images of your family truly being a family!

When Caroline viewed her proof gallery, she emailed to tell me she was so shocked at how many wonderful images I photographed of Slade. Slade was a typical toddler and running around non stop, so they were a bit concerned that she wasn’t cooperative enough. I hear this at almost every family session, and I reassure parents that everything is going just fine. I have worked with just about every personality type of child (and adults) and can handle just about anything that is thrown at me. And yes, I’ve had literal objects thrown at me (by toddlers mind you - no adults have done that yet!). Kids are small humans with big emotions, and I get it. I have three of my own! If you have a child that’s not into having their photograph taken, or is just having a rough day, don’t stress. I’ll give them the space they need, assess what’s working when it comes to engaging them, and make a plan from there. Just give them your love, patience, and support - and the session will work itself out.

Enjoy a few of my favorite images from Caroline’s maternity session! I can’t wait to share baby boy’s newborn session with you here on the blog. Check back to see those next week!

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Katrina & Nick at the field

Katrina contacted the studio at the beginning of her second trimester to inquire about booking a newborn and maternity session. She had visited the website and really loved what she saw, since she wanted a very natural approach to her photographs and felt that we would be a great fit based on what she had read in blog posts. She told us that she and her husband were waiting to find out what they were having, which I just love since I made that same choice with all three of my babies. It’s a surprise whenever you choose to find out, but I definitely have a soft spot for those who choose to wait like I did since I know what that’s like!

After chatting with Caroline, our studio manager, she determined that the field was the right location for her vision and and preferences. We scheduled a maternity fitting for her to come in a couple of weeks before her session as well! Maternity fittings are usually held in the late afternoon, and sometimes in the later evening after sunset depending on the studio schedule and your work schedule!

Katrina drove all the way from Cumming, Georgia the day of her maternity fitting, and we looked through the dresses together. She is quite petite at 5’4”, so she was a little concerned about things fitting her. The good thing about maternity is that it’s okay if the dress is long on you if you’re shorter! It looks beautiful pooled around your feet, and I have a few tricks to make walking in them a bit easier. Plus, you can always wear a shoe with a heel if you want some extra height. After trying on several pieces, Katrina chose a pretty blush pink floral dress and an empire waisted cream one. We talked about what colors would work for her husband, Nick, as well as suggestions for what he could wear that would work well with her choices. We also sent her our style guide which goes a bit further and is extremely helpful to all of our clients when it comes to coordinating colors and patterns. We’re here to help you as much as you desire! So many of our clients will send over photos of their outfit combinations beforehand for feedback and input, and some will arrive to their session with an armful of choices. I am a very quick decision maker and can instantly tell what will work and what won’t. The only thing I ask clients to make sure of is that the clothing they are bringing for me at their session time fits well and is ready to wear (ie: free of wrinkles).

The evening of their session was a bit cold, and it had been raining that week. Fortunately it did not rain on the day of their session, and we had a gorgeous overcast sky. I shoot regardless of sun or clouds, and either way is equally gorgeous! We have more flexibility with angles and direction when the sky is overcast, so it’s not a bad thing at all. Plus, an overcast sky diffuses the light so beautifully and is so soft. At first Katrina was a bit worried that it was too dark outside because of the sky, but when I reassured her that it wasn’t at all, she was ready to go! I loved the outfits that she had chosen for her husband, Nick! They were casual and comfortable and complemented her choices perfectly.

When we started off with our session, Katrina was wearing heeled boots. After about 10 minutes she couldn’t take it any longer and kicked the boots off. She didn’t have a pair of backup shoes, so she’s just wearing socks! But you wouldn’t have known that unless I had told you. Moral of the story: if you’re not sure you can make it through a session in the footwear that you want to wear, bring a backup pair of shoes so you don’t have to walk around a field in socks. I loved how go with the flow she was about the whole thing, and it didn’t affect their images at all.

They had both warned me before we got started that they weren’t sure what they should do. I reminded them that I would guide them through the entire session and they didn’t need to worry about that. Sessions with me are very laid back and relaxed, and lots of joking and laughing is involved. My typical client is nervous for about 10-15 minutes and then it all falls away. You really don’t have to worry about where to place your hands or where to look, because I will literally tell you! My guidance is gentle and I will give you prompts for a natural action that you do on a daily basis and don’t even realize. At the end of my sessions I am often told “Wow, that was actually a lot of fun, and way more so than I expected!” Your session is a collaboration between us - it’s not just all me. Your relationship with your partner and unborn baby has a unique dynamic all on its own. My goal is to bring that out and to photograph the feeling and emotional connection of one of the most exciting and special times in your life together. There is nothing quite like expecting a new little baby, and I absolutely love being invited to document that for clients!

Here are just a few of my favorites from their maternity session at the field! Check back in a couple of days to find out if they had a boy or a girl and see how cute their baby is!

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Amber & Chris in the gardens

Amber called the studio to inquire about maternity sessions and had some questions about the process and how everything worked. Caroline (our full time studio manager) spent some time on the phone with her answering all of her questions, and Amber decided she wanted to book her session at the gardens location.

I love all of my locations equally - the gardens location is a perfect choice for the client who wants interesting architecture in the background. While flowers are not always in bloom there, it’s still pretty in the winter months too! As a reminder, if you’re considering the gardens: be sure you are available on a weeknight as they are typically not available on weekends.

Amber came into the studio a couple of weeks before her session for her maternity fitting and I enjoyed getting to know her. She has the coolest job working in neurology! I always enjoy asking clients questions about their lives and getting to know what makes them the person they are. Bonus: my clients are so much more comfortable on the day of the session than they would be if we had never previously met! As a side note: we do have tons of clients who come from out of town for their sessions and aren’t able to meet me beforehand. I always allot some extra time before the session gets started for getting to know each other a bit before we dive in!

Amber really enjoyed trying on dresses from the studio wardrobe, and was able to narrow it down to her two finals. We talked about what her husband, Chris, could wear from his own wardrobe and what kind of jewelry she could wear with her choices.

On the evening of their session, we met at the gardens and I absolutely loved Amber’s hairstyle and makeup! Her hair was in such a gorgeous and glamorous updo, and the shade of lipstick was the perfect pop of color. While Amber was changing into her first choice, Chris and I chatted a bit and he told me she definitely had the more exciting job of the two! Chris was such a sweetie and told me that he wasn’t so great in front of the camera, but he’d do his best. I reassured him he was going to be just fine, and that sessions with me aren’t hard or complicated. I literally guide my clients through everything - so if you’re worried about how to stand or where to put your hands, you can put those to rest. I’ll tell you exactly what to do and make modifications and adjustments if I see they’re needed. All you need to do is relax and have fun! You’ll be a seasoned pro by the time we’re finished with your session.

We started in the white off the shoulder gown that Amber had chosen and on the sweeping stone staircase. I always consider the style of gowns before determining where we will be shooting for each. The gardens have quite a few options within it to choose from! After we finished that portion, Amber changed into her purple dress and we headed into the gardens to incorporate the hydrangeas and other plants as well as the Grecian columns. Chris also opted to change shirts as well! The majority of my dads stick with just one outfit, but there are definitely a few who opt to change when their partner does. It all comes down to your personal preference!

Some of my favorite images from the session are towards the end. Most of my clients have relaxed quite a bit after a few minutes, and are comfortable with being photographed - and that’s when the authentic connection begins to show between them. The two of them were able to forget that I was there and follow my prompts for guided natural interaction, and I just love the sweet moments between the two of them that unfolded as a result!

Enjoy a few of my favorites from this 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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Jazmine & Chander

Jazmine contacted the studio to inquire about all of the sessions we offer! Caroline (our full time studio manager) spent some time on the phone with her answering her questions and learning about what she envisioned for her maternity session. Jazmine chose to book both maternity and newborn with us, and wasn’t sure if she wanted to have her maternity session in the park or gardens location. After looking through our Instagram feed and reading through the blog, she fell in love with the gardens. The gardens are a perfect choice for those who live in intown Atlanta if they don’t want to battle traffic. Be aware that they are only available on weeknights, and weekends are generally not an option for scheduling - ESPECIALLY during wedding season.

Jazmine had ordered a dress to wear for her session, but also came to the studio for a maternity fitting just in case what she had ordered online didn’t work. Good thing she did - the dress she ordered did not fit her and she didn’t like it. The good news: she loved our studio wardrobe and had chosen two dresses from it to wear!

She also elected to add on hair and makeup services, and she worked with one of our HMUA team members, Hope . All the members of our HMUA team are amazing and very skilled. They’ll take your inspiration images and preferences into consideration and craft a gorgeous look for you that enhances your features and showcases the natural beauty that’s already there. Many of our clients, like Jazmine, prefer a very natural look, while others request a bit of drama and glam. Whatever your preference is: any of our team members can accommodate it! Jazmine has the most beautiful freckles across her nose, and I was thrilled to see she hadn’t covered them up when she arrived!

The evening of our session was absolutely gorgeous and perfect weather wise. Some of the garden flowers had started blooming, and the light was warm and pretty. Jazmine had brought a couple of different shirts for Chander, and asked me to choose which he should wear for the session. LOTS of clients do this if they’re not 100%, so don’t be afraid to bring different options along with you! I’m more than happy to look through it, and I can make decisions immediately upon first glance. Your only job is to make sure that what you have brought along as options fits them well! :)

Maternity sessions if you’re expecting your first child are really more like a couples sessions with a baby bump involved. This is the last time that you’ll have images with the two of you before your new addition arrives! A lot of my clients comment on how they want the “lovey dovey” images that they see from my other sessions, but they’re not sure how to do that. Worry no more - I handle that for you. We’re going to spend some time shooting and getting you comfortable in front of the camera at the beginning of our session. Once I see that your partner and you are relaxed and having fun, then we’ll bring on those snuggles. While I do place my clients into specific positions, the interaction that you see is all unique to each couple’s individual dynamic. I have yet to put two people who love each other extremely close together and not see any emotion or smiles! :) And don’t worry - telling your partner to drop to his knee and kiss your belly is definitely not part of my repertoire.

I can’t wait to meet their sweet little baby sometime in the next month! Enjoy a few of my favorites from Jazmine & Chander’s maternity session in the gardens.

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Michelle in the studio

Michelle had recently relocated to Atlanta, and was searching for the right photographer. When she found my website, she spent some time looking through it and picked up the phone to call the studio. Caroline, our studio manager, answered and spent time chatting with Michelle about the process and how it all works. Michelle was thrilled to hear that she could borrow from the studio wardrobe as it was one less thing for her to worry about. Caroline took care of scheduling her maternity session in the studio and also made an appointment for her to come into the studio for her maternity fitting the next week.

When Michelle walked in on the day of her fitting, I was glad to meet another tall person! I’m six feet, and the vast majority of my female clients are significantly shorter than me. Actually, the vast majority of people I encounter in life are! So it’s always fun to meet another tall person! :) We discussed Michelle’s style preferences and favorite colors (your least favorite is also good information to know!) and pulled a few of the pieces for her to try on. After trying on several, she narrowed it down to two gorgeous gowns - both split front. All of our split front gowns can also be worn closed if baring your belly isn’t your thing. I had fun chatting with her during our time together. Maternity fittings serve a dual purpose - they’re for pulling together your look, but they’re also for getting to know one another! I’ve found that clients come in for their session much more relaxed and ready to go when they’ve spent time with me first. When we have out of state clients who are unable to come in a week or two beforehand, we simply schedule the fitting to take place right before the session. This enables us to spend some time getting to know each other before I start photographing you.

On the day of her session, Michelle arrived at the studio and I had her dresses prepped and ready to go! She looked absolutely gorgeous, and was excited to get started. She warned me that she wasn’t quite sure of what to do, and I reassured her that she didn’t need to know. I guide my clients through the entire experience from start to finish. Maternity sessions are what I photograph the most of in my studio, so at this point, I think it’s safe to claim expert status. ;) From leg to hand positioning, to gentle adjustments of your head angle, I’ve got you covered! I’ll also be on the lookout for a bra peeking out, fix stray hairs, and make sure you look your absolute best. Your job is simply to relax and have fun!

Enjoy a few of my favorite portraits from Michelle’s maternity session! I can’t wait to see her again in the future!

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity & Family Photographer | Nick, Jasmin & Olivia in the Gardens

Nick and Jasmin had just moved here from Virginia, and didn’t know of any photographers in the Atlanta area. Jasmin looked around online, looked through my website, and fell in love with my maternity sessions in our gardens location. She contacted us and then told her husband that she had found the perfect photographer for their maternity session, and then he contacted us too! We straightened out the crossed wires after speaking with both of them and booked their maternity session on a weeknight. The gardens are not available on weekend evenings, so if you want your session to take place there, you will need to arrange for your schedule to accommodate a weekday.

When the family came in for their maternity fitting at the studio, I was delighted to meet all three of them! Big sister Olivia was absolutely adorable and reminded me of my middle child with her spunky personality. She was so excited to be a big sister, and said she would share her toys with her new baby sister once she was here. Nick will be surrounded by women, and he couldn’t be happier about it!

Based on the olive green dress that Jasmin was wearing when she arrived, I could tell she leaned towards bohemian inspired style and pulled out a few options for her. She had a lot of fun trying on the different options and Nick seemed to have fun giving his feedback on each! She settled on two dresses and let me know that she already had the perfect outfit for Olivia so they were all set.

On the evening of their session, we met at the gardens, and Olivia’s dress and floral crown were indeed perfect! I always start with family and child images just in case they decide they’re over the session and don’t want to participate anymore later on. That way our bases are covered no matter what! The gardens are a fun location to shoot in since there are so many different places to shoot in that provide a lot of variety. We will often be working around other photographers and their clients, so if you’re hoping for seclusion and privacy during your session, this is likely not the best location choice for you. I can assure you that nobody is paying any attention to anyone else as we’re all there for our own sessions!

The family had a lot of fun playing together and walking around the gardens. As we walked, we chatted about all sorts of things and I learned that one of my photographer friends in the same town their from is a co-worker of Jasmin’s mother! I also learned that Jasmin and Nick met in high school but didn’t start dating until after college. I can honestly say that one of my favorite parts about what I do is getting to know my clients and listening to their stories. I am constantly reminded of what a small world we live in and how much we can have in common with others from my conversations with them.

When Jasmin changed into her second dress, I took the opportunity to photograph Nick and Olivia together for some daddy-daughter images. I am so close to my own dad, and my husband is the same way with our daughters, so I think these images are really important to create. When Jasmin came out, she was holding Olivia’s flower crown and asked if it wold be silly to wear it. I told her I loved the idea, so on her head it went, and it was perfect with the dress and the garden setting!

I LOVED working with this sweet little family of three (soon to be four!) and can’t wait to see them again in the future!

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Deepa & Sumesh

Deepa was looking for a photographer for her maternity photos, and asked friends if they knew anyone. Her husband asked around as well, and a former co-worker and friend of his strongly recommended me. Deepa called the studio to book a maternity session, and we scheduled a time for her to come for a fitting the next week.

The fitting appointment is for you to bring what you’re planning to wear for your session, or try on studio pieces to borrow for your session! The vast majority of our maternity clients opt to borrow from the wardrobe. Even if you’re not planning to utilize the studio wardrobe, I love meeting clients in advance when possible. It allows us to get to know each other a bit, and for me to provide assistance with styling your final look. It’s a quick 20 minute appointment, and we schedule in late afternoons or evenings during the week and sometimes on weekends depending on our studio schedule.

When Deepa arrived for her fitting, we talked about her style and body coverage preferences. I pulled several pieces from the wardrobe that I knew would fit her and work well with her skin tone. I’m somewhat of an expert at sizing up bellies and knowing what will work for each one! As a photographer, my biggest concern is the color working with each individual client’s skin tone. Not everyone looks good in a specific shade of white! My job is to make sure your photos are as gorgeous as they can be, so choosing the right pieces for you that you feel beautiful and comfortable in the foundation of your session. This goes for any session with me, not just maternity! After trying on a few dresses, Deepa fell in love with a beautiful lace overlay sleeveless dress, and a cream long sleeved dress. My wardrobe pieces are chosen in such a way that the majority of them flow very well with each other so your final gallery will look cohesive between looks. We discussed what her husband, Sumesh should wear based on his personality and style preferences. She wanted to know if jeans would be ok, and my answer was “Absolutely!” It’s so important for your guy to feel like himself and like what he’s wearing.

On the evening of their session, Sumesh and Deepa arrived at the studio. While Deepa was getting changed into her first dress, Sumesh and I chatted and got to know each other. We talked about the coworker and friend who had sent them to me, and about his job, the baby girl they were expecting, and how he and Deepa met, etc. If I don’t meet your partner at your fitting, I always like to spend a few minutes before our session time getting to know them so they don’t feel like I’m a total stranger.

Once Deepa was ready, we headed down the street and got started. Sumesh is one of the most jovial and hilarious guys I’ve ever met, and it made for a really fun time! Deepa is more quiet and reserved, but even she was laughing at our jokes throughout. I want your session to be relaxed and lots of fun. Don’t worry about what you’re supposed to do, because I will guide you through the entire thing. My verbal direction is very clear, and I’ll step in to fix a piece of hair or turn you a few inches in the right direction. I’m always demonstrating for my clients, and am often told how easy I made it for them when we’re finished! Most of what I photograph involves me getting you situated and then stepping back to capture what unfolds naturally, The emotion you see in my photographs cannot be manufactured or faked - it’s real. The only involvement that I have in that area is getting you positioned for a beautiful photograph, choosing the best lens from my bag, and photographing from the best angle. It’s a marriage of many elements, and I love it!

Doesn’t Deeps look absolutely lovely in her dresses?! Enjoy some of my favorites from this couples’ 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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Claire & Chris

Claire found us while searching online and loved what she saw in the portfolio. She contacted the studio and asked to book a maternity session at the park location and newborn session with added on hair and makeup services as well.

Claire is a teacher, so we scheduled her maternity fitting to take place after her school day. We often schedule maternity fittings outside the 9-5 window during the week to accommodate work schedules! Some weekend fittings are also available as well and always take place first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon depending on the studio schedule that weekend!

When she walked in, she mentioned how much she loved the studio and how calm and peaceful it was. We started chatting and talking about travel - something both of us love to do. Her husband is Finnish, and they have been so many places all over the world. My husband and I also traveled quite a bit before children, but have not been out of the country since our oldest was born. We plan to go for a two week trip somewhere in 2020! I’m taking suggestions: we’re currently considering a European country hop tour, Argentina, Australia, or ____? I’m totally serious - I’m open to suggestions!!! So if you have been somewhere wonderful that you think everyone should visit in their lifetime, let me know and tell me all about it.

Claire had brought along a dress she purchased in Italy during their travels that she had worn for their engagement photos. I loved the sentimental meaning of the dress and thought she looked beautiful in it! However, she loved SO many of the studio dresses that she ultimately decided to wear pieces from the wardrobe instead of her dress. I suggested that she consider wearing the dress she brought with her for her newborn session and she thought that was definitely something to consider. It was fun watching Claire’s reaction each time she came out of the room and saw herself in a dress. She had such a hard time narrowing it down, but I really love what she chose to wear as it suited her free spirit and complemented her skin tone and brown eyes beautifully. We discussed what her husband, Chris should consider wearing as well.

On the afternoon of their session, they arrived at the studio. I was there working in my office and Margaret had not yet arrived, so I took the opportunity to get to know Chris a bit. The two of them are just so much fun, and Chris is hilarious. I knew from Claire that Chris and I share a love of Cherry Coke Zero, so I presented him with one from our studio fridge. He and I agree that drinking a Cherry Coke Zero is like having dessert. I can’t stand Diet Coke, but Coke Zero? Sign me up. It’s actually the most popular drink in our studio fridge next to Lacroix water - I struggle some weeks to keep it stocked with how fast it flies out!

Margaret arrived and got set up in the studio, and Claire and Chris followed her. I stayed behind in my office to finish working for the afternoon and joined them when it was time to start steaming Claire’s dresses. We picked right back up where we had left off in the office and talked about different countries and the experiences we had there. Claire and Chris are headed to Finland late this spring to introduce their son to his family. Ooooh maybe we should go to Finland? Iceland is another place I am DYING to go visit.

Back on track! Once Claire was all finished, she changed into her first dress and we headed to the park location. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the sunlight was GORGEOUS. We started with just Claire and had Chris jump in and out. There’s a pretty significant height difference between the two of them! You will NEVER see me try to diminish a height difference between a couple. Why? They already know there’s a height difference, and so does everyone who knows them? There is absolutely no reason to make a man crouch down. It’s part of the couples’ story and who they are, so I embrace it. I often hear from these couples that they were made to feel very self conscious about it from other photographers when I ask why the guy is hovering down by his partner’s shoulder. If this has happened to you, I’m sorry, You’ll be standing up straight when you get in front of my camera!

Almost everyone is a bit nervous when we first get started with any type of session. This is totally normal! It’s also not something you need to worry about, because I’m going to guide you throughout your entire session. I want your images to be natural and unforced, but we also want them to be flattering. So I’ll walk you through some things to avoid doing during our time together and make gentle adjustments as needed throughout. My verbal direction is clear and to the point, and you’ll never be left wondering what you’re supposed to do next. Promise!

One of my favorite images from this session is the hand kissing photograph. Before you roll your eyes (yes, it does sound cheesy, doesn’t it?) check it out! I think you’ll be surprised at what a beautiful and natural moment it was - which is exactly what the goal is. And if you’re wondering - yes, this is something that Chris does with Claire on his own, so it’s not unusual for them. We’ll discuss your specific dynamic and ways that you physically connect with each other on a daily basis, and I’ll come up with guided prompts for natural interaction during your 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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Michelle, Kalyan & Henry

I first met Michelle and Kalyan in their labor and delivery room. It’s not exactly the normal initial meeting that I have with my clients, but I was there to photograph the birth of their baby and they had literally just booked me the evening before while heading to Northside for their induction. So, there wasn’t time to meet beforehand!

Since Henry’s birth, I have photographed multiple sessions for their family over his first year. When Michelle texted to let me know that she was expecting again, I was SO excited for their sweet family! Michelle and Kalyan are such loving parents and some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet. Michelle had not done a maternity session during her pregnancy with Henry and decided she wanted to do one for this pregnancy. We scheduled her maternity session for the park location and reserved her newborn session as well with hair and makeup add on services for both. Michelle has worked with our HMUA team since Henry’s newborn session and absolutely loves working with all of them!

A week before her session, Michelle came to the studio to look through the wardrobe. Since she’s been in the studio a few times, she already knew exactly which dresses she was thinking about wearing. The dresses she had in mind ended up being exactly what she chose. Every time she comes in and looks through she’s always thinking ahead to the next one!

The evening of their session, we met at the studio parking lot and headed to the park. Henry was FULL of energy that night much to the bewilderment of his parents. They could not figure out why he was so excited and running around at full speed. I’m used to it and basically expect it, so it didn’t throw me at all. I reassured them that everything would be fine, and to run around with Henry and make it a game. When they saw their gallery later, they told me that they were amazed because Henry didn’t seem to stop for one second. I love the images that they chose of Henry - pure glee! He’s a little boy having a blast, and it shows. Those real smiles during moments of genuine fun are what I love the most.

Kalyan handled chasing after Henry and I just rolled with Henry and his proximity. There is no set standard flow for any session I photograph involving babies or children. I’ve been working as a professional photographer for six years now, and if I have learned anything - it’s that you must be flexible and meet the little ones where they’re at. They may not be in the mood for photos one minute, and then two minutes later they’re ready to engage. I’m always ready for that and waiting for it! A great example of this is when a child doesn’t want to be in the photos and protests. I ask mom and dad to simply ignore them and we take a few couples images. Their child watches from the distance and realizes that we aren’t including them! Their little brain starts spinning at the injustice, and sure enough, almost every single time runs back over not willing to be left out.

Enjoy some of my favorites from this family’s session - and check back in a few days to see their adorable baby girl’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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Amber & Kason

Amber contacted the studio to schedule a maternity session in the studio. Her husband was only in town for a limited amount of time over the holidays and she needed it to be scheduled during that period. Our weekends were already fully booked, but because they were able to make a weekday work, we were able to schedule them!

Amber came to the studio ahead of their session to try on studio pieces. She wanted her husband’s input, so she took photos of herself wearing the top contenders for him to look at later. Lots of clients do this, and this is totally fine! We do need your final choices at least four business days before the session. Our pieces are professionally cleaned after being worn for sessions, so it’s important we have enough time to get them to and from the cleaners if another client wears the same piece in the same week before your session. This doesn’t happen often, but we like to cover our bases just in case!

Amber later emailed with her two dress selections - she chose a fitted strapless lace gown with a sweetheart neckline and one of our glam options - a split front tulle gown with a gorgeous lace bodice and sleeves. Some of our wardrobe pieces are restricted to indoor sessions only to prevent them from being irreparably damaged, and this particular gown is one of them.

Before she left, we talked about what her husband should wear. One of the best sources of inspiration is to look right here through the blog! We also have a Pinterest board that’s super helpful to many of our clients and constantly add pins as well. Some clients choose to purchase items that were recently pinned that they fall in love with, and others look through the style board and realize that they already have something very similar in their own closet. We’ll also send you a super simple style guide that will help you coordinate colors and mix and match pieces and patterns. If you’re still feeling stuck, don’t worry! I’m available via email to look over options, and you can always bring an armful of things when you come in for your session and I’ll help you choose the best one for your session. Above all: I want you ALL to feel comfortable and like yourselves, and confident in what you’re wearing.

On the day of their session, the couple arrived early! I had another client in for a maternity fitting, so I stepped out for a bit to chat with Amber and Kason. Since I hadn’t already met Kason I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to get to know each other and get him comfortable with me before we began our session. Amber had done such an amazing job with his outfit! I absolutely loved the ivory waffle knit henley that she had picked up for him. He looked relaxed and comfortable, and his outfit worked perfectly with both of Amber’s options.

Once my maternity fitting client had left, we went into the studio and got started! The two of them were so sweet together, and Amber looked absolutely gorgeous. You can get a real sense of their dynamic and love for each other by watching the short film after the images shared.

Enjoy!

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Josh & Cassie

Josh contacted the studio to ask about scheduling a last minute maternity session for his wife, Cassie. Believe it or not, we have a lot of dads be the ones to contact us. After looking at the locations, Josh and Cassie decided they loved the field location the most because they enjoy being outdoors and it’s similar to where they live near Peachtree City with wide open spaces. We also went ahead and scheduled a time for them to come to the studio for a maternity fitting. They both had interesting work schedules that involved commuting to different cities from where they lived, so we scheduled for an evening after work that accommodated their schedule. We have limited weeknight availability for fittings, and if you’re in the medical field or another industry with odd hours - we’ll figure out a time that works for you!

The evening of their maternity fitting, they came to the studio and we discussed Cassie’s style preferences. Both of them were so much fun to talk to, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. We looked through the wardrobe, and Cassie tried on quite a few options! She ultimately chose a long sleeved cream dress and a light blue off the shoulder dress with fun lace trim and buttons. The buttons can be unbuttoned during sessions for bare belly images if that’s something that you want to incorporate in your images. We then discussed ideas of what Josh could wear from his closet that would work well with Cassie’s choices but also stay true to his personality and style preferences. We parted ways with a goodbye hug and headed to our homes.

A couple of weeks later, I met Josh and Cassie at the field location. It was a teensy bit chilly, but not too bad. We had been watching the weather for a couple of days and made the call the day of the session since it was literally a coin toss as to whether it would rain. The sky was overcast, but as I’ve mentioned many times on the blog, it’s not a problem and is beautiful in its own right! Since this was a winter session, it lent well to the overall feel of winter too, and the tones looked gorgeous with their wardrobe choices. Winners all around!

Cassie was a bit nervous going in, but as soon as Josh got snuggled up to her, she relaxed a lot. He’s a funny guy, and adores her - and she him. I reassured her that I would make sure she looked beautiful and coached her through the session with the best ways to stand and place her hands. My direction is straightforward and clear, so you’ll never be left wondering what you’re supposed to do. Many couples are surprised when I ask them to do things they naturally do on their own - there are just a few tweaks made for the most flattering images! I want your images to be a reflection of who you are as individuals and as a couple. Every couple has their own unique dynamic: the one common thread that all of my clients have is that they deeply love each other. Sometimes it takes a little work on my part to get couples to show that love, but once they open up the magic starts!

Here are a few of my favorites from Josh & Cassie’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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Ashley & Marc

Ashley is an advance planner, and she contacted us early in her second trimester to schedule a maternity session at the field location. She also booked a newborn session as well, and opted to add on hair and makeup services to both. Most of our clients do reserve their sessions sometime in the second trimester and this helps in having more date options to choose from - especially if you need a weekend date outdoors! I only photograph outdoor sessions in the hour before sunset, hence the limited availability on the weekends. Many clients schedule their outdoor sessions in the summer months for weekdays since the sun sets closer to 9 PM and traffic isn’t an issue when we’re getting started.

Ashley came to the studio after the Thanksgiving holidays for her maternity fitting, and we discussed her style preferences. She was worried that it would be pretty cold for their December session, and I reminded her that there was just no way to predict that in the south! (keep reading to find out what the temperature ended up being on their session date!) After she tried on multiple pieces from our studio wardrobe, she chose a gorgeous off the shoulder dress and a floral gown with fun long sleeves. Before she left, we discussed what her husband Marc should wear based on what she had chosen. I followed up later that day by sending her our style guide so that she could refer to it while going through Marc’s closet! The style guide is super simple and most importantly - easy to follow. If you have any questions or want more input, I’m available via email. Many of my clients bring an armful of options with them to their session if they’re not sure, and I make a quick decision to pull it all together. You decide the level of support you need from me, and you’ll get it!

The week of the session, it rained, and rained, and rained some more. I don’t watch the weather too carefully because who needs the anxiety? I always warn clients not to stalk the weather until we are a couple of days out, but I know it’s hard to not check the forecast. Fortunately for us, the rain stopped and the temperatures warmed up… to a nice and mild 72 degrees on the day of their December session! It was sunny and felt like a gorgeous spring day. Mild winter days are another reason why I love living in Atlanta so much - I photograph outdoor sessions year round because it’s rarely cold enough to necessitate moving inside.

Ashley had told me at her fitting that she and her husband weren’t pros in front of the camera. Guess what? Hardly anyone is! I’ve had a few clients from the film industry that work as professional actresses, and even they sometimes feel a bit nervous in front of a camera. It’s totally normal! Don’t worry - I’ll take care of you. My direction is very straightforward, and we’ll have a lot of fun during your session. Just come ready to have some fun and connect with your partner, and I’ll handle the rest.

During the session I asked how adventurous they were, and they looked at each other and said “We’re up for anything!” So we tromped through tall grass and briars to get to the perfect spot, and the resulting images were absolutely stunning. I love when clients are willing to go outside of the box a little bit for creative purposes, because it’s always worth it.

Enjoy a handful of my favorite images from this beautiful session at the field. Ashley’s look was created by our lead HMUA, Margaret, and both dresses are from the studio wardrobe which is available to all clients (you don’t have to be pregnant!) to borrow from if they so choose.

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Family Photographer | Something Different

I’ve had the honor of working with Holly & Eddie since they were expecting their oldest child four and a half years ago. I’ve photographed so many sessions of their family I may have actually lost count. In 2019, we are offering complimentary video to the First Year Collection members! Enjoy watching one of the sweetest little families you ever did see. I dare you not to smile at little Miss Willow’s spunk and Oliver’s sweet charm.

Want to capture your family just as you are now before time completely slips away and you’re packing their bags for college? Contact us and we’ll chat about your session goals, your vision, and our approach to see if we’re the perfect match for your family photography!

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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Atlanta Maternity Photographer | Katelin & Adam

This session wins the award for last minute scheduling!

Katelin contacted us to schedule a maternity session and asked for the studio as her location. Caroline, our studio manager let her know that we had an opening that same afternoon. I was in the studio that morning photographing other clients. When I checked my messages during a break between clients, I saw that Caroline had added a new appointment for a maternity session to the end of my afternoon. I had some time before my next client, so found out from Caroline that Katelin and Adam would be driving all the way from Buford for their session and that she had a dress of her own that she planned to wear.

When Katelin and Adam arrived that afternoon, I spent a little bit of time getting to know them. Typically this would happen during our maternity fittings which are scheduled for a couple of weeks beforehand but that doesn’t always happen. We have a lot of out of state clients who fly in for a session making that impossible, and sometimes life gets in the way. Since Katelin already had a dress that she loved, she opted to wear one dress for her session. The dress was very wrinkled from being in a bag, so I pulled out out the steamer and took care of getting it perfect while we chatted and got to know each other a little bit. While chatting, I found out that Katelin had a less than stellar experience with another photographer which resulted in her not going forward with her session. She looked for other options, and as soon as she found our website instantly felt that we would be perfect fit for her.

Katelin also mentioned that I’d have to tell them what to do since they didn’t know what they should do. If this is you also, don’t worry - I expect this! It’s my job to get you comfortable and into a place where you relax. I’ll make sure there’s no lipstick on your teeth, that your hair doesn’t look crazy, and that you’re not accidentally creating a double chin. Your only responsibility is to have fun and enjoy yourselves while you’re here!

I always start off slowly to get mamas comfortable in front of the camera, and then add in dads. So many clients comment about how they adore the love and connection they see between couples on my website and then follow up with “But my husband would never do that.” Guess what? The vast majority of my clients said the exact same thing, and they still ended up with those kinds of images! The secret is to save those for the end, when you’re relaxed and comfortable, and to follow my lead. Nothing is forced or contrived. It’s a simple positioning of two people in love close to each other with gentle guided prompts for your own unique and natural interaction. Voila. Then the magic happens.

Can I just say how much fun this session was? I really enjoyed getting to know them both, and loved their sense of humor and personalities. Enjoy some of my favorites from this awesome couple’s 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 family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.