Lynchburg Mommy & Me Session | Jayna & Hailey's Mommy & Tween Session

Jayna & Hailey

Mommy & Tween Session

Jayna is a mom of two and this is her second Mommy & Me mini session that has taken place in my studio here in the New London area of Forest, Virginia. I previously photographed her with her younger son, Evan, soon after we moved into the new studio. I love having this beautiful girl and her infectious laugh in my studio!! 

Jayna has an unparalleled joy for life despite all of the ups and downs she has journeyed through. As a single mom, she has consistently worked so hard to give her children whatever they needed. About a year ago, Jayna closed her in-home daycare to pursue her growing-like-a-weed hair care sales business, Monat. So at the end of this Mommy & Me session we stepped outside to snap a picture of Jayna and her two littles celebrating the brand new Cadillac she was gifted through her business because of all of her hard work. She will tell you all day - every day, it is because of her kids that she works so hard and even took a chance on Monat. What an inspiration she is to me! 

Hailey, her daughter, has the kindest heart of any tween you will meet. She is a wonderful big sister to Evan and is always thinking of others before herself. She is beautiful from the inside out and it was my pleasure to photograph her during this season of life!

Here are a few of my favorites from our time together at the studio!

If you're interested in scheduling your own Mommy & Me Mini Sessions, I would love to work with you to create images you will cherish for a lifetime. Contact me and if you'd like, we can set up a no-obligation consultation here in the studio to answer any questions you may have.

Click here for more information about the upcoming Mommy & Me Mini Sessions.

Click here to see other Mommy & Me Mini sessions. 

Liz Cook is a family, birth and wedding photographer in Central Virginia. She loves to photograph emotional and discreet birth stories, the details of parenthood, and fun and easygoing couples in love.

Lynchburg Mommy & Me Mini Session | Meridith’s Baby

Meridith's Baby

mommy & me mini session

With her huge smile, contagious laugh, and joy for life, Meridith has a special place in my heart. It is impossible not to be encouraged and refueled after spendings just a few minutes with her. While I am always honored when clients choose me to photograph precious moments in their lives, there is something so special about another area photographer asking me to photograph them and their loved ones!

As I was preparing to share these pictures from Meridith's Mommy & Me Mini Session with her fourth (and last) child (so, her baby :)), my heart grew so tender towards the moments I was able to capture. I can practically hear Meridith's laugh as I look at her smile, and the memory of her singing her daughter's favorite lullaby while she rested her head in her safe place on her mama's shoulder is as fresh as if it happened this morning. (These pictures were in fact taken almost a year ago!) The love Meridith has for her daughter is so crystal clear in these pictures and it warms my heart to know that they will both have these images to enjoy for many years to come.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our time together at my studio located in Forest, Virginia (in the New London area of Bedford, Virginia, right outside of Lynchburg!):

If you have been thinking about investing in one of my upcoming Mommy & Me Mini Sessions (there are only a few slots left!), I want you to know that I would be honored to capture images like these for you to freeze the time you have right now with your own babies. These days may feel so long, but the years truly are short. Life right now looks different than it did six months ago, and it will continue to change and look even more different six months from now!

From one mom to another, you won't regret having pictures like these taken! In fact, all this heart-tugging writing is making me want to schedule my own session for me and my girls! 

Click here for more information about the upcoming Mommy & Me Mini Sessions.

Click here to see other Mommy & Me Mini sessions.

Liz Cook is a family, birth and wedding photographer in Central Virginia. She loves to photograph emotional and discreet birth stories, the details of parenthood, and fun and easygoing couples in love.

Tell Me More: Studio Consultations

Studio Consultations

Who, What, When, Where, Why?

Studio Consultations are complimentary, no-obligation meetings available to anyone interested in booking Liz Cook Photography for their baby, family or wedding photography needs.

Most of the time, consultations happen in my natural light studio located in the New London area of Forest, Virginia (just a 10 minute drive from Lynchburg, Virginia). However, there are times when a client lives out of town and plans to travel a few hours for their session in which case our consultation can happen either over the phone or through google hangout. These meetings are simply a low-pressure conversation where we get to know one another a little bit and I ask all the key questions regarding what you are hoping to get out of your photography investment. This is also the time for you to receive answers to any of your questions.

There is no pressure to book a session or wedding at this consultation. In fact, I always encourage prospective clients to go home, think about all we discussed, and then let me know if they would like to move forward with booking. All booking, contracts and payments are handled easily and securely online and can be taken care of from any location. You do not have to be at the studio to reserve your session or make any payments.

Why Should I Schedule A Consultation?

I understand custom photography is an investment and it is imperative that we have open communication about your photography experience.  I want to know all of your expectations and it is important that you know mine as well! If you have hopes and dreams for your final images, this is your opportunity to tell me all about them! I want to do my best to give you exactly what you are hoping for, but I can’t do that without a full understanding of your expectations.

To put it simply, meeting for a consultation helps guarantee you will receive final images you truly love!!

When Should I Schedule My Consultation?

Prospective clients typically schedule a complimentary consultation as soon as they know they are interested in working with me. My calendar fills up quickly, so if you think you may be interested in booking a session with me, I’d recommend you schedule a consultation as soon as possible!

Since consultations themselves don't take very long, it's easy to fit them on the calendar. However, it's not so easy to fit in full photo sessions at the last minute. This is why I recommend you schedule a consultation as soon as possible since we will be discussing the scheduling of your session when we meet. 

If you are looking to book a photographer at the last minute for a baby milestone or newborn session, the latest I can schedule a consultation is about a week out from a pre-scheduled session date. To get an idea of when you should plan for your session (not consultation), here’s a quick list:

• Maternity sessions are typically scheduled between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, but have been scheduled as late as 38 weeks (though that really was risky considering mama went into labor the very next day!).
• Newborn sessions are typically scheduled when baby is between 7-20 days old. These sessions are normally reserved months ahead of time (when mom is about 25-30 weeks along).

How Can I Schedule My Consultation?

When someone is interested in booking a complimentary studio consultation, they can simply inquire with me or click here to access the consultation booking page. It’s an easy process and all are welcome!

How Should I Prepare For My Consultation?

Depending on your photography needs, you may need to prepare a little before you come to the studio. Below are some ways you can make the most of your time with me:

• Any prospective clients coming in for a consultation are welcome to bring any questions you may have for me, as well as a way to show me any of your photography “dreams” for your session or wedding pictures. You can do this through a pinterest board or simply a few images you’ve seen that you love. (You’ll know we are a good match if any of my pictures make your short list! :))
• Brides and Grooms are welcome to bring along a parent and/or a friend to help ensure you are getting all of your questions answered and well-documented. Some also bring along their wedding planning binder with a list of pre-printed questions.
• Maternity, Newborn, and Family consultations are a great time to look through the studio wardrobe and try on a few pieces. If you plan to do this, please bring along neutral undergarments including a strapless bra and one or two pair of shoes you plan to wear for your session.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know Before I Come?

Yes! The studio is attached to Liz’s home in the New London area of Bedford, Virginia. The property is pet-friendly (dogs, cats, geckos and more! :)), and smoke-free. All of the pets are out of reach of the studio with the exception of the cats. If you have allergies to pets, please let Liz know ahead of time so necessary precautions can be made.

Click here to book your complimentary Studio Consultation!

Click here to read more about what to expect at a Newborn Photography Session.

Liz Cook is a family, birth and wedding photographer in Central Virginia. She loves to photograph emotional and discreet birth stories, the details of parenthood, and fun and easygoing couples in love.

2018 Goal Setting, Pt. 2

2018 Goal Setting

With Lara Casey's Powersheets, pt. 2

Yesterday I shared in my 2018 Goal Setting, Pt. 1 blog post about my reflections of 2017 and what I learned throughout the year. Today I am excited to share with you what my goals are and some of the small steps I will be taking to reach each of them!

Much like my goals wayyyy back in 2014, I have found that I am still very content with the idea of enough. I simply want a healthy and happy home life, I want to do everything I can to raise good, God-loving kids, and I hope to contribute to my community in a positive way. So while my goals may not seem all that exciting at first glance, I am really excited at how much I know I'll grow as a person through the work I'll be doing to achieve them!

Without further ado here are my 2018 Goals and the first few steps I plan to take to achieve them this year:

Cultivate a deeper relationship with God.

• Memorize & meditate on one piece of scripture each month
• Attend/participate in 1-3 bible studies at my church this year
• Read: Fervent

Continue to nurture a stronger, healthier marriage.

• Participate in MarriageWorks again during the Spring semester (Locals, come join us!! It's an amazing community!!)
• Continue with weekly date nights
• Pray for Tommy daily
• Read: Fierce Woman & You and Me Forever

Give more focused, quality time with the girls.

• Monthly one-on-one dates with each girl
• Social Media Free Sundays (or total phone-free Sundays?)
• Weekly morning devotions with Sunday before school (create a routine with this)

Improve physical & mental health.

• Be more disciplined with my quiet time/journaling routine and pray about keeping it a priority
• Explore new podcasts and listen to them while editing in the office (instead of music)
• Register for 1-3 5k Fun Runs (I'm already registered to do a 5k Foam Race Obstacle Course with a friend in March!)
• Participate in a 21-30 day yoga challenge/retreat (I hope to do this in the summer when the girls are home and they can do it with me)
• Allow chores around the house to be exercise! Turn on music and break a sweat while working!
• Read: Boundaries & Rising Strong

Work towards becoming more financially responsible.

• Absolutely NO business debt in 2018
• Close my one and only business credit card
• Participate in a contentment challenge before July (I'm considering Nancy Ray's challenge)
• Request a copy of my credit report and analyze it

Continue to seek and implement ways to simplify and automate my business.

• Pray and ask God to show me what this can look like! Social media assistant? Virtual assistant? Batch editing/writing/projects? I don't know just yet.
• Research possible editors for session images, pray about this step.
• Add Monthly Tending dates to my calendar and stick to them!
• Write / plan blog posts in bulk (I've never done this before but am going to give it a try!!)
• Read: The ONE Thing 

Seek and implement ways to simplify, automate, and create routines at home.

• Continue using my weekly planner to keep up with life and stay on top of things
• Work through the Intentional Mom's Toolkit to explore other possible systems that may work for our family
• Make Sunday Meal Prep and Taco Tuesdays a weekly routine
• Design a solid AM & PM routine for the household and make it a habit/rhythm
• Read: The Miracle Morning & The Lifegiving Home

I know that seems like a lot - but it's really not! It's completely doable and here's why I think this: 

Another big change in my mindset this past year is my plan/hope to approach this year with the 12 Week Year mindset. This means instead of planning ahead for an entire year, I will plan for the upcoming twelve weeks. (Because one year from now my whole life could look different! It doesn't make a lot of sense to plan so specifically for a season so far away.) This has changed EVERYTHING! I can look at the list above and not be overwhelmed at all I have listed because I know so many of those items are for the 2nd, 3rd or even 4th quarter of the year! I'll get to them eventually, but right now I am simply focusing on this first quarter and the progress I can make now. That's so exciting to me! 

Here are ten action steps I've either already taken or I plan to take by the end of January to start reaching my 2018 goals:

1. Call and close my one business credit card. (done!)
2. Begin reading Fervent. (started!)
3. Schedule dates in January for special dates with each girl. (done!)
4. Register for the winter/spring semester of MarriageWorks. (done!)
5. Register for the upcoming women's bible study at church. (done! We begin meeting this week!)
6. Register and begin training for the 5k Foam Race in Charlotte, NC in March. (done!)
7. Set an alarm on my phone on Sunday mornings for "Social Media Free" days and move social media apps to another screen. (This plays a trick on my mind and when I go to the usual app location out of habit I am reminded that's a social media free day!!) (done!)
8. Tape this month's scripture card to my bathroom mirror (done!)
9. Begin researching other fun obstacle course races to do later in the year.
10. Gather all of my quiet time / journaling materials and place them in a basket near my favorite reading chair. (done!)

So that's that! Let's see how this goes! 

What are some of your 2018 resolutions or goals? I'd love to hear! 

Liz Cook is a family, birth and wedding photographer in Central Virginia. She loves to photograph emotional and discreet birth stories, the details of parenthood, and fun and easygoing couples in love.

2018 Goal Setting, Pt. 1

2018 Goal Setting

With Lara Casey's Powersheets

It is hard to believe January is more than half over! Between the crazy weather (and countless snow days we’ve had), Izzie’s 3rd birthday, Tommy traveling for work, and wrapping up the holiday season, it’s hard for me to believe this month is almost behind us! I spent the last few weeks of December resting, reflecting, of course enjoying the holidays, and also working through my annual Goal Setting process with my favorite goal setting workbook.

I’ve been using Lara Casey’s Powersheets for my goal planning the past few years (with the exception of last year which I simply declared The Year of My Marriage :)). I love Powersheets because before you even begin to set your goals, there’s an entire section dedicated to walking you through a process of looking back over the past year at what worked, what didn’t work, what your big dreams are, and also asks you big questions like where do you want to be when you’re 80 (talk about perspective!), and more!

Today I want to share a bit about my personal reflection of 2017 and also what some of my goals look like for 2018. I love to document my annual goal setting process here on the blog because it’s fun to reflect years later and read how far I’ve come.

So, let’s dive in!

Cultivated Life Evaluation

Starting with one of my favorite spreads in the Powersheets this year, the Cultivated Life Evaluation walked me through rating myself in eight areas of life: Health, Friends, Spouse, Family Finances, Spiritual + Personal Growth, Work, and Recreation. For the first time that I can remember, I saw more positive than negative about each of these areas of my life (and also gave myself so much more grace than I usually do). While there is always room to improve in any area, it was so nice to look back and see that I really am doing alright in most areas. And the areas where I’m not doing great - at least I can recognize I’m not doing that great - and I can do something about it!

The areas I gave myself a positive rating in were: Health, Spouse, Work, Spiritual + Personal Growth, and Recreation. Mostly I recognized that I have improved in those areas over time and I gave myself credit for coming so far! The other areas (Friends, Family (I considered this extended family relationships versus immediate), and Finances) all have room for improvement, but mostly they simply need more of my time. While all of these categories are important to me, there are always going to be items at the very top of my priority list and I feel okay about where things stand for now. Though I do look forward to moving forward and continually improving in all areas.

What Matters Most To Me

After working through a series of pages and answering a variety of questions, I was brought to this spread which points to one simple question: What Matters Most To Me?

Here is what I wrote: A healthy and happy marriage, healthy children (mentally and physically), a business that brings a steady income and healthy routine to our family while adding quality to our community, a core group of friends to love and support, and connection with our extended family.

I love that every few pages, the Powersheets bring you back to what matters most. They do this by asking specific questions like “Where do you want to be when you are 80?” “What matters most to you today?” Because ultimately, this is the good stuff. Sure, I’d like to put together a freebie download for my website visitors and get my newsletter up and running consistently. But when I’m 80 years old, is that what I will reflect on and be grateful I spent my time doing? Probably not. So while some things matter today, it is always good to remember to focus on what is really important in the long term!

What Did and Did Not Work?

Okay, so here we are at one of my favorite parts of the Powersheets prep work. Looking back at what DID and DID NOT work over the past year. I always open my calendar and look back at every appointment, photo session, family adventure, and any other activity I participated in to get the most accurate perspective. As I did this exercise and my lists grew and grew, I got really excited! What amazing lessons I learned!!

A few of the things that DID work for me were:

• weekend meal prep

• regular date nights with Tommy

• having lunch with the girls at Sunday’s school once a week

• using a scheduling software for my business

• embracing audio for books and podcasts

• family time at the local Jump Trampoline Park (exercise + fun + family = huge win!)

• indulging in a LOT of self-care (cooking, friend time, personal reflection, etc.)

And a few things that did NOT work for me were:

• over-filling our weekends and months

• not planning ahead for busy seasons of work

• putting the girls in extracurricular activities (they really haven’t shown a lot of interest and it only adds chaos to our routine)

• losing a healthy perspective (and focusing on the negative) in certain areas of life

• not having a consistent morning/evening rhythm/routine at home

Some of my biggest lessons I see as I look through the items above are:

• my family thrives on rhythms and routines even if I do not (they are all judgers to my perceiving personality type!! [myers-briggs, anyone??])
• having the right perspective can change everything
• keeping things SIMPLE is good!
• weekly meal prep is completely vital to my success in my personal wellness journey :)

Once I worked through most of the prep I was directed through steps to find a recurring theme in my work. On p.29 “The Big Picture” page, I wrote the following:

          Simplify

                   Automate

                             Routines

                                       Rhythm

                                                 ASK for help!

What can I implement in 2018 to create a peaceful and calm home with predictability for my people?

Turning the page brings me to the “Choose a Word” page. I considered so many words for this year: space, simple, system, slow, rhythm, cycle, surrender. I shared in my Instastory recently how I had settled on the word SPACE until God laid it on my heart to choose “Surrender” as my word instead. I was genuinely fearful of the word at first. But after some thought and reflection, I thought it only appropriate to surrender to Him and begin the year on the right foot. 

My word for 2018 is Surrender.

My question to myself in 2018 is: What will I let go of in 2018?

Tomorrow I will share Part II of my Goal Setting Process: the goals I’ve come up with and the steps I plan to take to make them happen! If you’ve read this far, Thank You!!!

Liz Cook Photography specializes in maternity, newborn, birth and family photography in Lynchburg, Virginia and the surrounding areas.