This little ham had the best facial expressions EVER

Seriously, how could you not be in love with this little guy! Every time the shutter clicked, he had a different expression. He had me laughing the entire way through the session. I just couldn't get enough of him! I can't wait till he is sitting up to do another session with him and his wonderful mommy!

©Lyn Taylor Photography / Mobile Alabama Photographer

@ Lyn Taylor Photography / Mobile Alabama Photographer 2015

Baby F is all smiles for the camera

Baby F's mommy had warned me that she might not be in the best of moods and had a rough day. So when she woke up from her nap I was prepared for the worst. Boy did she prove us wrong lol. She was smiling and laughing the entire time. She loved the birdcage next to the teepee and wanted to play with all of the pine straw surrounding her. We thought we had it all picked up and she would find another piece. Sneaky little girl ;)

She had a blast in the chair. Bouncing back and forth from side to side, giggling away and giving us all a heart attack (mommy and daddy are standing right out of frame for safety). We couldn't have asked for a better session. It was truly one of the hardest sessions I have had with picking my favorites.

I am so excited to photograph this little beauty again. She was an absolute gem to work with as is her mommy!

Sweet little Bryce is growing up!

I've been photographing Bryce for quite some time now. His bright blue eyes are always shining and full of wonderment! He's in love with planes and helicopters and would have been perfectly happy to sit on the blanket and watch them all day. He gives lots of hugs and loves to race his mommy around. I wish I had 1/4 of his energy!

Mobile Alabama Child Photographer

Sharnell and David's Engagement

On May 1, 2015 I was finally able to meet the fabulous David. Sharnell and I had met a few times before for the wedding consultation and clicked instantly. She's such a laid back bride to be and was a blast to sit and chat with over coffee.

The setting was a country field in Mobile, Alabama, sun setting through the trees and the overgrown field glowing in the background. I envisioned something traditional but fun to show their personalities. David is a huge teddy bear full of laughs and has the most amazing smile ever. You can't help but laugh when he laughs and smile when he smiles.

Sharnell and David

Sharnell is sweet, laid back... the perfect compliment to David and it was evident from the first moment I saw them together. We laughed and joked around throughout the entire session and I felt like I had known them for years. I am so excited to be photographing their wedding in June and I know the big day is going to be just fabulous!

© Lyn Taylor Photography / Mobile Alabama Photographer

Ethics and business...sounds boring but very important!

"I won't post your child's photos all over the internet....for a fee."

Where does this mentality come from with photographers? I've seen it a few times and it's usually frowned upon. Yet...it's out there and I just shake my head.

I completely understand if a photographer is portfolio building in the very beginning stages and does free sessions in exchange for using the photographs. I do several sessions that you will never see because some families just don't want their faces on social media. Whether it be for regular privacy concerns, going through an adoption, going through a divorce...there are just SO many reasons why a client might not want their images used. And that is OK. Let me repeat, THAT IS OK!

I am not here to portfolio build, I have other clients that don't mind their images being used. Yes I've had sessions where I am absolutely itching to use the photographs for marketing but if the parents are against it, it's a no go and I DO NOT PUSH the matter. There will be others that are fine with posting images.

If I have a setup that I absolutely NEED photos of to show clients, I'll use my own daughter. Actually, she's my number 1 model.

So my take on the situation is this. You hire me as a photographer. I do my job and photograph your event or family. I work for you. Not the other way around. So you, as a paying client, have every right to tell me you do not want your photos online. Period. Not every photographer will agree with this, and if it works for them then so be it. But for me, I would rather have clients that know I respect their privacy and their wishes that will continue to use me through the years because I care about their feelings more than I care about padding my own portfolio.

Maternity session in Mobile, Alabama

Maternity sunset session on the Gulf

Cute as a button!

Mobile, Alabama Photographer

©Lyn Taylor Photography 2015

Clothing Fit For A Princess

Dollcake Gowns

I am often asked where I get so many of my daughter's beautiful gowns. 90% of the time they will be from Dollcake clothing. Yes, the dresses might seem a bit pricey to some but when you are investing in portraits that will be displayed in your home, wardrobe is very important. And just a heads up, Dollcake holds it's value, so if you keep it in great condition you can sell it for the same price you bought it for. 

Tattered Wardrobe Frock by Dollcake

When perusing the site, also remember that you need to click the USD conversion in the upper corner to make sure you are seeing the prices for the United States.

I learned the hard way that if you want a dress from Dollcake, you don't wait. You buy it THAT VERY INSTANT. People around the world go nuts over these gowns and they will be gone in the blink of an eye. I have missed out on three gowns I wanted because I decided I would "wait until tomorrow". Bad move. They were gone. Not to be restocked. 

 Dollcake Can Can Parasol Frock

Dollcake Can Can Parasol Frock

Many of the gowns on Dollcake do not get restocked. They are limited in quantity and sizes. If you try to find the same gown used hoping to get a better deal...you are likely out of luck. Most of the gowns will be for resale at 2-3x the original cost. Your best bet is to order straight from Dollcake brand new. It's one of the few brands of clothing other than vintage, where you will end up paying more for a used out of season item.

Also, Dollcake is out of Australia. So their seasons are opposite of ours as will there clothing line often be. It's in the 80s here today but Dollcake is listing their Winter stock of long sleeved gowns right now. So you will need to keep an eye out and possibly buy a size larger so it will fit when your "season" comes around.

As for fit of the Dollcake clothing, it can be a little tricky. It varies with each season it seems. Typically the stretchy dresses run a tad large. My daughter wears a true 4t and the gowns are a tad large on her but look beautiful and still give her room to grow. However if you buy a dress with a fitted non stretch top be careful on sizing. We bought a 4t Golden Hour gown from Dollcake for my daughter for Christmas and we couldn't even get her arms in to it. There just wasn't any give to it at all and fit more like a smaller 3t. In recent months, Dollcake has been fabulous about posting how the dresses are running in size on each dress. If in doubt, just email them and they will happily let you know how the fit is.

Fabtutus

Another of my favorites is Fabtutus. They have dresses in various price ranges and a brand new couture line out that will make you swoon. They also carry dresses for mom and maternity wear. I bought the adorable Ruffles & Bows Petti Dress for my little girl about 2.5 years ago and even after her own photo sessions in it and several client's photo sessions in it, it still looks absolutely amazing. You truly get what you pay for with these gowns. They are very well made and have great attention to detail.

Client wearing the Ruffles & Bows Petti Dress

Such a fun and fluffy gown!

Millie Mae

Oh how I adore Millie Mae gowns! We have bought two from her and they are all custom made. I picked the design and the fabrics and they are out of this world. Each gown has been able to be worn for almost 2 years because of the stretch of the fabric. Pair it with a petti skirt underneath for some extra flair. These are fabulous and you will not be disappointed. 

Custom ruffle back gown from Millie Mae

Our second gown from Millie Mae

Rosie Posie Boutique

Rosie Posie makes some truly beautiful ruffly gowns and pant sets. We bought a shantung and lace ruffle pants with flutter sleeve boutique top from them in a 3t and 5t because, well...I love it that much lol. 

All of these outfits are available to use for your photo session plus many more petti rompers, tutus and dresses at no additional charge when booking with Lyn Taylor Photography of Mobile, Alabama

©Lyn Taylor Photography 2015

Teepee and Tea Party Sessions In Mobile, Alabama!

Spring is here!

And I am SO excited! It's finally time to pull out all of those adorable outfits for the kids and do Spring portraits! And what better way than with an adorable teepee session or tea party session?

The teepee session has two different teepee options and each teepee has two different setup options.

With the Bianca teepee you have the choice of pink or purple props. These are absolutely stunning at sunset and I have several outfits available for little girls to wear for their sessions at no additional charge.

The fields in Mobile, Alabama at this time of year are fabulous. Tall grass, wild flowers, the sun coming through the trees with a soft golden sunset. Sigh, it's my favorite time of the year for photography, and also my busiest. Teepee sessions can be kept simplistic or go as over the top as you want with long pearls, elaborate dresses and huge feathery hats that give that extra umph to the girliest photographs you could ever dream up!

Our other teepee is the Lucas teepee that I had custom made with a particular vision in mind. I wanted something that would be great for a world traveler vintage theme or a fishing/camping theme. The designer did not disappoint me. It was exactly as I envisioned it! Made of a tea stained canvas and blue denim accents, it's perfect for the outdoor explorer! We've even had families bring in special flags from grandparents during the war, family heirloom world globes and old family books that have been in the family for several generations. These sessions can be detailed exactly how you want it to be and don't be afraid to add in those special touches that make it truly unique to YOUR family!

Then there is the epitome of Southern elegance and old world style. The Tea Party Sessions! Oh, these are SO much fun! One family brought their family dog along, which was the most well behaved dog I have ever seen in my life, to participate in the tea party portrait session. Long flowing dresses, feather boas, large brimmed white hats, lace gloves, long pearls...you name it and it goes! These are all about getting all dolled up for that special tea time.

If you would like further information about these sessions please feel free to contact me using the contact page here on the website. We would love to discuss a special session for your little one!

© Lyn Taylor Photography / Mobile, Alabama Photographer 2015