Community Over Competition

Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of “befriending” in a very loose but altogether heartwarming sense of the word, a few fellow newborn photographers. One is close, so close as to be considered a local competitor, while a few are geographically much farther. All have a singularly impressive thing in common: they’ve provided help and guidance as well as much needed encouragement. 

Starting a small business is no easy task. No longer do I have the luxury of delegating any task or picking/choosing which project I’d like to involve myself. When you own a business, the work never stops. (blogpost on work/life balance post-public accounting coming soon) I’ve felt defeated and discouraged many times this year and have at times questioned if I’ve indeed made a wise decision to leave such a lucrative career. Words truly can’t describe how grateful I am for each of these women on this rocky journey this past year. 

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Thank you all for the ways you’ve guided my thinking, inspired my heart, helped my business, critiqued my work, shared your secrets, and cheered me on. I am endlessly grateful for you, however new that friendship may be. I hope this year brings you each amazing blessings professionally and personally. I am excited to watch your businesses grow. A fan/friend always. Thank you. 

In case you're looking and happen to live in one of these awesome cities:

Chicago: Hannah Drews Photography

Singapore: Bows and Ribbons Photography

LA: Nurture Photography

San Gabriel Valley Newborn Photographer - welcome baby Reina

Baby Reina was a last minute appointment, at 17 days earthside, we totally lucked out in being able to fit her in one of the busier months of the year. It's so important that moms consider and book their newborn photographers way in advance. Babies never play nice with schedules/timelines/readiness of all the adults around them, thus just days old, she had us all wrapped around her little finger. 

After 14 days, sessions can get really tough and baby R was certainly not an exception and boy did she make us work. Babies usually tend to prefer certain poses over others and Reina definitely preferred to be on her stomach. She's also the first little to wear the now oh-so-popular flower halo that just about every mama requests for baby girl shoots. We can't be happier that you were our inaugural. 

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As always, here's my wish for you,

May you never quiet your curiosity and follow that to the far reaches of the earth. May you desire to know a world that is not your own and embrace those most different from you. May you be intrigued instead of fearful of the new and explore the world to the full. 

We loved having you in the studio little one! 

Xo,
Lucy

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!

In 2016 I solemnly swear to...

  • read more
  • stick to my budget when updating my collection of props/accessories/fabrics
  • become more efficient in PhotoShop, ie, learn all my most used keyboard shortcuts by heart
  • make a really good friend in the business
  • shoot 100 newborns (please book today!) heh…
  • buy a macro lens
  • understand SEO better
  • blog consistently
  • not work on Sundays
  • invite one special client for dinner (they don’t have to say yes)
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Personally, I'd love to try some recipes from my ever growing cookbook collection, become a more knowledgeable crazy plant lady, convince my husband to let me get a puppy, consistently keep a clean kitchen (how embarrassing is that?!), and read more for leisure. 

Bring it on '16!

What are some of your resolutions this year? 

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. 

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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. 

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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 - Maternity Holiday Session for A&A

Alex and Amelia are EXPECTING a baby boy! As of now, LLP does not book holiday sessions except for friends/family. And this session, I'm knocking out 2 birds with 1 stone and combining the holiday shoot with their maternity session. I met A&A before I even moved to Los Angeles. When Mike and I were still itty bitty babies dating-wise and one of our very first dates was a double with this lovely couple. How the years have moved us on in life and we couldn't be more happy for them. 

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Now we wait....for baby boy Q, I simply can't wait. 

Congrats friends and a very merry Christmas to you!
-M+L

Do you know someone expecting who might be looking for a newborn photographer?  Share this with them!

San Gabriel Valley Newborn Photographer - welcome HRH's Bao & Xiao

Today’s a big day for me. My clients are royalties. Back in college, I started to follow a YouTube personality, HRH Collection. Never in a million years did I think that I would one day become Alex’s petite assistant. A million and 1 years later, I am a proud member of our little HRH Collection family and was recently retained to photograph the famously famous dynamic duo, Bao and Xiao.

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Sunday afternoon, we rushed over to Alex’s gorgeous beachside apartment and quickly set up for the shoot. We picked to shoot in her living room as it let in the most natural light, proceeded to capture, quite comically, the two bunnies. We repeatedly chased after them as they tried desperately to escape the lens and eventually relented out of exhaustion (I think). Altogether the shoot took no more than 30 minutes and my inner fan girl danced a celebratory boogie. Currently waiting for Alex to pick a photo for a large print and can’t wait to see my work hung up.
 
Can’t believe I photographed Alex’s little angels. I’ve pretty much made it, just say’n. Also say’n I might consider pet photography….
 
Xo,
L

Did you enjoy the gallery?  Click on over to get to know the photographer!

San Gabriel Valley Newborn Photographer - welcome baby Sonia!

This cutie pie came to visit me on Hallow’e Eve for her newborn session! No costume in the studio but I did manage to get a “little red riding hood” set up in. Mom was completely game for any set-up and allowed me the freedom to try some more colorful props on her. Sometimes, a little comes in and you are just so inspired to try some non-neutrals. Although she took some time to settle, once asleep, baby S slept through the rest of her session.
 
We attempted the taco pose with baby but she didn’t seem to settle quite as well in that pose. But we did catch some awesome bum-ups! Allow me to digress for a moment and get on my soap box:

Not every baby will go in every pose comfortably. There is nothing more important than for newborn photographers to understand and adjust flow posing accordingly… Here at LLP, my priority is first to ensure the baby is not only safe but very comfortable during the entire session. No pose is ever worth injuring or creating any discomfort to the baby, can I get an “Amen”?!

Stepping off my soapbox now…

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As always, here is my blessing for you baby Sonia,

May you always enjoy the favor of being a younger sister. May you feel the protection and adoration of your family all the days of your life. May you embrace a curious outlook and discover all the wonderful things this life has to offer. 

Xo, L

 

Are you currently expecting and looking for a newborn photographer? Inquire today!

Check out these other newborn galleries: Baby Zoe, Baby Cyan, Baby Eva

San Gabriel Valley Newborn Photographer - welcome baby Ayla!

This little one made me work today! Right around day 7-8 (I've found, this isn't science....of course) babies go through a crazy growth spurt and will need to feed every 20 minutes around the clock. 

Finished her session covered in sweat…and pee, but boy was she beautiful to photograph. We did little's session on location as mom could not leave the house postpartum due to complications with the delivery. Brought my trusty assistant of a husband with me as I do with all on-location shoots. I wouldn't trust anyone else to spot me during shoots. We set up camp in the corner of her nursery and improvised our butts off! How we managed to set up all the equipment and squeeze dad in to spot the potato sack pose, I'll never know. And boy was it worth it, because this potato sack pose had dad’s protective hands all over it and although photoshopped out in post, Dad will always know that he was right there, holding her.

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As always, here is my blessing for you baby Ayla,

No matter where you go, may you always feel the protection and love of those close to your heart. May you always see the glass as half-full and may you never stop following your heart. It will lead you to the most unexpected places and bring you on delightful adventures. 

XO,
Lucy

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

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). 

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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!