Take a picture, just because...

Today is a Friday as ordinary as ordinary can be. We have no particular plans evident by the fact that we are both still in our pajamas as the clock strikes dangerously close to noon. And you know what? That's fine. Fridays like this are reserved for eating cereal for lunch, napping on the couch, reading an actual book with a hot cuppa, AND taking photos. 

The house is as messy as messy can be. Because we have no particular plans today, I did not particularly tidy the day before. There are used cups on the coffee table and the kitchen sink may be very occupied. The house may not be particularly ready for an impromptu photoshoot but Friday Lucy don't care. Friday Lucy runs for her D750 and snapped these moments that are forever captured. 

You may think it's silly. You may judge me. You may even agree! These are the moments of our lives and they must be recorded as the stories we recount traveling down this long road. We recount heroic adventures and achievements but also these quiet moments when you find your husband so endearingly adorable, your heart skips a beat. You may roll your eyes but Friday Lucy don't care. Friday Lucy is too busy doing absolutely nothing - except keeping her camera very very close, in case Mike breaks out in another dance session. Friday Lucy will probably leave the camera and go join him this time. 

Toodle-loo and a peaceful yet memorable weekend to you,

Lucy

5 tips to prepare for your hospital newborn session aka the Fresh48

You're days away from meeting your brand new baby, you can feel it in your bones. You are packed and ready and have briefed all your family members and friends on appropriate and expected behavior when the big day is here. You are ready as ready can be and have even booked a photographer for your birth and/or a Fresh48 session. (click here if you've never heard of the Fresh48). 

Now what?

Consider these 5 tips from me to you. Whether or not I'm currently on call for the arrival of your new little, I'd like to share these tips with every expecting mom so that you can have the most seamless and stress-free hospital lifestyle newborn session possible. 

Tip #1 - pack all your toiletry/styling tool/makeup essentials in your hospital bag. You may or may not look or feel your best the day of your Fresh48 and don't want to be without that magic in a bottle of a concealer or your favorite mascara. Your hair might also need a little TLC and before your brain completely goes to mush, make sure that they're packed and ready for you come shoot time

Tip #2 - pre-educate all potential visitors on expected behavior before and during the shoot which essentially boils down to, clear the room or schedule visitation outside of the session time. Your photographer will most likely just be photographing immediate family, the session can take upwards of 45 minutes depending on the cooperation of your new little one

Tip #3 - if sibling/s are present for the shoot and under an age where verbal negotiation and agreements don't always work reliably, be sure to have on hand treats of high value that have a proven history of bribing success

Tip #4 - give your cell phone to Dad for day-of communication with the photographer. Make sure Dad knows when to expect texts/calls from the photographer and keeps an eye on the phone. You won't remember to, your brain and heart will be fully focused on baby

Tip #5 - do nothing else! Don't move furniture around that might be in the way, don't change the baby into new outfits, don't clear up space, don't fret. Your photographer should be able to do all of the following should he/she need to during the shoot. The idea is for you to relax and interact with baby, be candid and have fun! Stressing before the shoot will be counterproductive. The photographer is a fly on your wall, so I make it a point to tell moms to do nothing in preparation for me except the above mentioned tips. I will handle the rest

Bonus Tip: in case you were wondering, because I always wonder about tipping etiquette, you are not expected to tip for any of your sessions with me. While I've received tips from clients before, it is always unexpected but nonetheless appreciated. Please understand that this is not an expectation of LLP. 

Are you currently expecting and intrigued by the Fresh48? I'd love to chat with you about it!

Know someone who might find these tips helpful? Share it for us please!

Fresh48 (?)

If I were completely honest, Fresh48 sessions are my very favorite type of session to shoot. In case you’ve never heard of this type of newborn session, here is some basic info (getting right to the point for once, I've heard your feedback ahem):

When: hours or days after birth! Just as long as you're still in the hospital/birthing center

Where: in the place of birth, BEFORE you go home; unless it was a home birth, of course

How: sometime after the baby is born and before you are discharged, your Photographer (me hopefully!) comes to photograph the lifestyle hospital session

Who: your baby! And immediate family. Due to the nature of the shoot, extended family and friends are asked to schedule visitations outside the hours of the shoot

Length: short and sweet to accommodate mom and baby’s rest, roughly 30-45 minutes

Fee: head on over to my investment page to see details

That’s the short of it! Here’s some other info you might find enlightening. The Fresh48 is such an up and coming session in the newborn photography industry. While these sessions are still relatively unknown to expecting moms, that makes these precious photos all the more compelling and memorable for you and your family. If becoming a parent is a crazy blur, the first couple of days is probably the most blurry of all! This is especially true for first-time moms. While you certainly can pack a camera/camcorder/smart phone on you, it is so assuring to know that even if you never took a photo, this monumental event in your life will be beautifully and artistically documented. Another thing is, you will ALL be in the photos without needing to take a selfie or ask your nurse.

Consider booking a Fresh48 and check that off your list of to-dos. Pregnant and thinking of booking a Fresh48 session with me?  

-contact me to book your session today!

-check out this blog posts on 5 tips to prepare for your hospital newborn session

-check out these recent Fresh48 galleries: Baby Cyan, Baby Max,  Baby Zoe

San Gabriel Valley Newborn Photographer - Fresh48 with the Mars

Oh happy day! When one goes to visit a brand new little peanut who was born on the exact date of your husband's birth, one feels particularly excited about the shoot. Baby Zoe looks JUST like her papa, it was almost comical. And of course, dad's beyond taken with his new little princess. It was such a delight capturing baby Zoe in all her newness and even a bigger delight to watch first time parents interact with their newborns before they've gotten that practiced confidence. Another reason Fresh48's are a favorite session of mine. 

Skip to baby Zoe's newborn session

Are you currently expecting and looking for a newborn photographer? Let me know, I can't wait to meet you!

San Gabriel Valley Newborn Photographer - Holiday Family Session for J&E

Auntie Lucy is giddy. GIDDY. My beautiful baby niece, my very first newborn client, came for her holiday session with her mama and papa. Baby J is so big I can't believe my eyes. Was there a cuter baby in the entire world? The answer is no and I'm not even sorry. 

Mike was able to assist during the shoot but to be completely honest, he did more harm than good and totally scared baby J during her shoot. She took one look at him and cried and cried. We did manage though, I mean, didn't we manage? So in love with this family and even more in love with being an aunt. 

Let's do this again soon! I want more pictures!! Auntie wants more pictures!

Did you like the photos in this portfolio?  We are so glad! Picking a newborn photographer is so much more than finding one with a style that you like.  Click over to get to know about me to see if I'm the right fit for you!

San Gabriel Valley Newborn Photographer - Holiday Family Mini Session for J&C

I met Christina when I was still a college student, living in Manhattan, studying to pass my CPA exams. Little did I know, in just two short years, I would pack up my whole life, move across the country for the man that I love, right into Christina's little neighborhood. We've been friends since and I'm so honored to be able to capture these photos for you this holiday season. 

How blessed you are my friend...this is your lot in life, to be surrounded, loved, and worshipped by 4 handsome men.

Did you know the best time to book a newborn session is in your 2nd trimester to ensure a booking on our calendars? Book yours today!

San Gabriel Valley Newborn Photographer - Taraneh's Outdoor LA Maternity Session

The beach maternity session is here! We totally got in trouble...Did you know that you're not allowed on the lifeguard thingy? I mean, everyone's always on it. I even once saw a woman literally stay there for hours reading...anyway, the second we got there, a beach security person came by and "yelled" at us. They then told us Max couldn't be on the beach when all around us, I see dogs (albeit smaller than Max). 

Taraneh was so beautiful in a purple knit dress she took my breath away. I can't wait to see these 2 as parents, they certainly are ready. Love being able to capture these candid moments where Leo made her laugh, kissed her belly, and whispered sweet nothings to her and their new baby daughter. I loved today...thank you for allowing me to photograph this amazing celebration

xoxo, cant wait to meet your little princess!