Louisiana First Birthday Photographer - Cake Smash Photographer - Leslie Whitaker Photography

Shreveport Birthday Photographer

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First Birthday Photographer

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Cake Smash Photographer

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Louisiana Birthday Photographer

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Shreveport Maternity Photographer - Daisy's Newborn Session, and Megan's Maternity Session

I’ve now worked with Megan twice. She signed up for my maternity model call earlier this year, I was revamping my maternity style. She then booked newborn with me too, and has already booked Daisy’s Sitter Milestone Session and her cake smash!

I absolutely love Megan, we’ve become friends, and I’m so excited to see sweet Daisy in the studio again. :)

What made you choose Leslie Whitaker for your Maternity session?

The opportunity for a low cost model call was what inspired me to get photos with Leslie. Otherwise I would have missed out completely on getting any professional maternity pictures done.

What were you nervous about going into your session?

I was mostly worried about looking fat in my final photos and not having the beautiful round belly look I had always hoped for in maternity photos. I was also worried that Leslie was going to want me to take my clothes off……... Lol

What was your favorite part of your session experience?

Leslie made me feel extremely comfortable very early in the session and felt more like a friend than just a photographer.

How do you feel now that you have completed your session and received your images?

I LOVED every second of it!!! I feel beautiful seeing every single photo she took!

Would you recommend Leslie to other ladies looking to book a maternity session? Why?

Absolutely! She is a great photographer and does amazing work! Her ability to make everyone who walks into her studio feel like a million bucks is uncanny! 10/10 will continue to recommend and hope to book again with her one day!

Family Newborn Photographer in Shreveport

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Natural Posing Newborn Photographer

It’s best to book your maternity session during your second trimester, we typically schedule your session for around 30-34 weeks. Newborns can be scheduled up to 6-8 weeks old, but the earlier the better!

Shreveport Newborn Photographer - Georgia's Lifestyle Newborn Session, by Leslie Whitaker Photography

The studio has the most beautiful natural light, I’m really obsessed with it. I’ve been specializing in newborn photos for more than 5 years and I’ve always done a lifestyle style of family photos, and I’m so excited to announce that I am now able to offer a Lifestyle Newborn Session all of the time.

These sessions take less time, because baby is wrapped for most of the session. Baby is also able to be in a natural environment and we capture natural posing as well. She might have always stuck her left hand up in the womb, she’ll probably do that during the session too and I’ll get to capture that. How special will it be to look back on that as she gets older, maybe show it in the slideshow at her rehearsal dinner.

We will still get detail images of lips, lashes, toes and fingers along with gorgeous images of your family with the new addition.

I do my best to make sure the entire experience is as easy as possible for my parents. We have a toy area for older siblings with books, coloring activities and toys for all ages. We even have a stocked fridge with drinks, snacks and treats. Mom can even add on hair and makeup styling by our licensed stylist. Let us handle the fuss, you just show up and relax while we capture your memories.

You’ll be in studio about an hour and then we will meet in person 3-5 days later for an image reveal appointment; we can also do this over zoom. If you’d prefer an online gallery so that you can view in your own time, an additional fee is required. I can also promise you that you’ll LOVE more than 8 images, so just prepare yourself. :)

Check out Georgia’s sweet gallery below. Her parents have been trying for many years to have a baby, had given up and then Georgia appeared. She really is a blessing, and is such a sweet baby. I’m so glad Marti allowed me to capture these sweet images for her.

Shreveport Maternity Photographer - Fine Art Maternity Photographer, Brooke’s Maternity Session

Shreveport Maternity Photographer - Fine Art Maternity Photographer, Brooke’s Maternity Session

Brooke drove almost an hour to her session with me and she was absolutely AMAZING! Brooke’s entire gallery deserves to hang in her home. I hope she sees these photos and sees who she truly is. As a mom of 5, I know how hard pregnancy can be on your mental health. Especially when you in it, thank goodness you forget a lot of the bad stuff after the baby is here.

So many of my clients tell me that they didn’t do maternity photos with their first pregnancy, and they regret it. But, don’t let that hold you back. Do it, every time, even if you missed the first pregnancy.

I love studio sessions because we don’t have to fight with the weather, we aren’t hot or cold. It isn’t windy, unless I point the fan at you. :)

I provide EVERYTHING you need for your session. Licensed hair and makeup artist are on staff to pamper you! I even provide what you wear. Sometimes clients bring an item or two that they want to wear, and that is fine too. I just want you to love your experience with me, and of course I want you to love your photos too.

What made you choose Leslie Whitaker for your Maternity session?

I loved your pictures that you’ve done of others.

What were you nervous about going into your session?

Not knowing what to expect, if I would like photos of myself.

What was your favorite part of your session experience?

Feeling so comfortable.

How do you feel now that you have completed your session and received your images?

Loved it and can’t wait until I lose my baby weight to get them done again.

Would you recommend Leslie to other ladies looking to book a maternity session? Why?

Yes, because Leslie takes awesome pictures and makes you feel so comfortable in your own skin.

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https://insleyphoto.com/how-to-choose-maternity-photographer/

Ela's Newborn Session by Leslie Whitaker, Shreveport Newborn Photographer

Ela is such a sweet blessing. Her parents, Lauren and Eli, are SMITTEN with her. Eli has the biggest smile when he looks at her, and when he looks at Lauren too.

I get so many parents who are having their second baby who regret not getting newborn images for their first baby, and they are determined to have the works the second time. We do maternity photos and newborn and sometimes even an extra family session, or in home fresh 48 session too! Don’t regret missing out on documenting these milestones. You can’t go back and do them, so make sure to get them done right the first time.

Don’t you just LOVE her hair?! I seem to have had a ton of sweet newborns in for newborn sessions lately with hair, and I am here for it!

All of my babies arrive pre-dressed in a white cotton onesie. Every single baby is documented in this timeless way, and parents always choose at least one of these images, but most of the time three of four. There is something about the focus being directly on baby that every one loves, especially me! Doesn’t Ela look so perfect, just like this?

I love documenting details! Ela’s profile, her sweet little hand and her toes! So precious, and things that deserve to be captured during every newborn session in my studio.

Parent images are so special too! I don’t think I’ve had any parents skip this part in a LONNNNNNG time. My newborn sessions come with COMPLIMENTARY professional hair and makeup services, so why skip it? Hailey did Lauren’s hair and makeup for her session and she looks so dang pretty, don’t you think? She has a snow white vibe! :)

I’d love to talk with you if you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Shreveport, Louisiana. My studio is stocked with everything needed to execute your dream newborn session! Fill out my contact form and let’s start planning!

-XOXO, Leslie

Check out my friend Vanessa’s blog about why digital images are not enough when investing in professional photography: https://www.vkeophotography.com/post/10-reasons-why-digitals-are-not-enough

Shreveport Maternity Photographer | Charde's Mommy and Me | Motherhood by Leslie

Motherhood is special. Motherhood is hard too. Pregnancy isn’t always rainbows, though it can be. The best part is you forget all of the hard stuff after baby is born, why else would we do it again?

I’ve know Charde’ for a long time, well at least 5 years. I first met her when she hired me to take her headshots. She was starting a wedding planning business and needed some marketing maternity. That seems like a 100 years ago. Since then I’ve been her engagement, wedding and now maternity photographer. I was so excited when her husband, Andy, texted me to set something up as a surprise for Charde’.

This will be Charde’s second baby, a sweet boy. And, he doens’t have a name yet! If i’m honest we didn’t name our third baby until a couple of hours before we left the hospital. In Louisiana you can leave the hospital without a name, and you have 30 days to figure it out and file for the birth certificate, but I DID NOT want to deal with all that! So, I texted my husband while he was gone to pick up the older kids and told him to send me 3 names, and I’d choose one. LOL

Hopefully Charde’ wont have to deal with that, it’s not any fun not having a thing with your baby’s name on it for his birth day. I can’t wait to meet her sweet boy, and I hope he’s as sweet as Amilia. She’s a complete doll, every time I see her.

If you’re looking for a maternity photographer in Shreveport, Louisiana I’d love to talk with you! All of my maternity clients receive a complimentary newborn petite session, as a gift from me! I take care of all the details, so you don’t have to take on any more stress. You have enough to deal with.

What made you choose Leslie Whitaker for your Motherhood session?

I admire the simplicity and beauty of her photography. She is always kind and yet super professional!

• What were you nervous about going into your session?

  That I wouldn't like my pictures because I just wasn't feeling very confident in my appearance at my appointment.

• What was your favorite part of your session experience?

  Leslie always makes the atmosphere very relaxing. The session was stress free.

• How do you feel now that you have completed your session and received your images?

  I love the images! I didn't feel like I was at my best during the session but the images captured were simply gorgeous.

• Would you recommend Leslie to other ladies looking to book a maternity session? Why?

  Absolutely! She is professional, down to earth, and passionate about her projects. She has never disappointed me after hiring her multiple times so of course I would highly recommend based on my personal experiences.

https://dreadonphotography.com/how-to-look-great-in-photos/

Daniel's ‘Super Man' First Birthday Cake Smash | Shreveport Portrait Photographer | Leslie Whitaker Photography

Daniel, aka Dani, might be the REAL Superman. He was born early, and on his due date had surgery on his little heart. Before his smash we did some photos to celebrate his journey too. Mama called it his ‘heartiversary'. Yoana has been coming to me since her oldest was brand new.

I hand made Daniel’s city backdrop and built his balloon swag too. :) I am so stinking obsessed with this one. It came out perfectly and the colors POP off of the white background. This cake smash is adorable all the way around.

Why did you choose Leslie to capture your child's first birthday portraits?

I’ve used her since I was pregnant with my first child and LOVE her work.

Were you nervous about anything going into your child's session? Please explain.

I was nervous that he wouldn’t cooperate. Which he didn’t the first day but Leslie was very understanding and she was even able to accommodate us and squeeze us in the next day for a session that he did better in.

What was your favorite part of the session experience?

The setup was perfect! I loved everything about it!

How do you feel now that you have completed your session and received your images?

100% satisfied with the moments she was able to capture!

Would you recommend Leslie to other parents looking to book a first birthday session for their child? Why?

Yessss because she’s so easy to get along with and her pictures are amazing. She makes the backgrounds herself and is so creative! I loved how it turned out!

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Mommy and Me - Britney, Eli +Beaux - Shreveport Motherhood Photographer - Leslie Whitaker Photography

Mommin’ is hard, a lot of the time. We lay down at night and think about all the things that we didn’t finish, didn’t do right or certainly could have done better. The laundry is never completely done, and most of the time their are dishes in the sink ( at least at my house). Regardless of all of the shortcomings we think we have, our babies don’t see any of that. Give yourself some grace, take photos with your babies. It won’t be this way for long.

Mommy and Me - Dana + Noah - Shreveport Photographer - Leslie Whitaker Photography

Our babies are going to grow up so quickly. We’ll wake up, and they’ll be off to college, married and having kids of their own. We’ll be celebrating their dream jobs, or their first home purchase. We will barely remember them this little. Take the time to document your babies, and make sure you’re in the photos too!

The Real Fear of Raising a Child of Color // Ashley + Ashton // Leslie Whitaker Photography

I’ve been taking photos of Ashley and Ashton for a little over a year now. She and Ashton came by recently for motherhood photos. The photos are beautiful, but most importantly I hope you’ll take the time to read her words below.

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Please tell me about your childhood. Where did you grow up, do you have siblings, etc?

I grew up in the small town of Grand Cane, Louisiana; in a neighborhood referred to as Ranchland Acres (predominantly white). I was the only child for 14 years until my younger brother was born.

As a child: Do you remember your parents ever talking to you about race?

On a few occasions my parents told me stories of some of our older neighbors and how they were labeled racist. I remember my dad having an encounter with one neighbor in particular. Firewood fell off my dad’s trailer in the ditch, in front of the neighbors home. The neighbor was outside, and as my father was turning onto the next street the neighbor literally flagged him down to come back and remove a couple pieces of firewood from the ditch in front of his home.

Please tell me about a time you feel you judged based on the color of your skin. This could be at any point in your life, or something more current.

Working in retail I’ve witnessed first hand experience. One time in particular, myself and another employee were referred to as the colored girl/woman in reference to a mistake that was made.

During your pregnancy with Ashton, do you ever remember having fears in relation to racism?

Yes, after all of the incidents related to officers killing African American men and women and getting away with it. I myself have only had a few encounters with law enforcement during traffic stops . When I found out I was having a son I feared that one day he would miss an opportunity based off the color of his skin. I then knew i would choose a name for him that if he filled out a job application they wouldn’t automatically assume he was a person of color.

People are talking more openly now ( in the past few months) about race and their understanding ( or lack of) how their actions make others feel. What fears do you have, in relation to racism, for Ashton?

I fear that one day he will be wrongful accused or even killed based off the color of his skin. I refuse to teach him to dislike or judge anyone based on how they look different from him.

Like all mothers do, I'm sure you sit up thinking at night about the things you hope for your children. What hopes and dreams do you have for Ashton?

I have no doubt that he will encounter racism, but my hope for Ashton is that he can grow up in this cruel world and be any and everything he wants to be.

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I have three children of my own. Landry is 6, Cadiana is 5 and Cameron is 1. I can honestly say that when naming my children I never worried about them being discriminated against based on their name, I’ve never worried about them be wrongly accused because of the color of their skin and I’ve never worried about any of them being passed over for a job just because of the color skin they were born with.

Racism is real. All mothers worry about their children, but NO MOTHER should have to worry about their child’s safety because they weren’t born white. I hope that when you read Ashley’s words you take the time to look inside your heart. I hope that you’ll take the time for self reflection and you’ll move forward actively thinking about how you act towards all people, and you’ll change if need to.

Ashton is a beautiful baby. Ashton deserves all the things that my children deserve. Ashley is a wonderful mother. Ashley deserves to raise her child in a world that treats both her and her child with love, respect and forward thinking. It’s 2020, let’s do better.

Declan - Quarantine Babies - Shreveport Newborn Photographer, Leslie Whitaker Photography-

Morgan, Dakota and Declan are such a beautiful family! Declan is a perfect little boy with an olive tone complexion and what look to be blue eyes. On the day of his session he was a complete gentleman and went right to sleep once I swaddled him! He was six weeks old the day of our session, and chunky already. I love working with older newborns, I find that they actually do better than most younger babies and settle into positions with less fuss. I’ve already gotten to see Declan and his parents again, at the sunflower fields - but read below to hear more about Morgan’s final weeks of pregnancy, their session from her perspective and how Covid-19 affected her and her family during Declan’s birth, before and after.

Covid-19 has changed many of the ways we live our life. I'd love to hear from you how it has directly affected your pregnancy. Do you feel like you've missed out on anything during your pregnancy with Declan that you looking forward to? Do you recall any emotional differences related to the changes you faced towards the end of your pregnancy or postpartum experience?

Luckily, I was well into my 3rd trimester before Covid-19 related restrictions set in, but my husband wasn't able to attend my last few doctor's appointments. We even ended up going to a different hospital for Declan's birth because my original hospital was only going to allow my husband to stay for the "Golden Hour" before being asked to leave while I stayed another 48 hours. It was very stressful to think that my husband wouldn't be with me or be able to spend the first couple days with his first newborn. I definitely cried in the doctor's office when I found that out, but thankfully it all worked out.

How was your hospital stay? Do you recall any differences in what you had imagined your birth experience to be like? How did those differences make you feel?

So, we solved the problem of my husband not being able to be with me, but there was no getting past the 1 visitor rule! Our family had to wait until we were all home. It was definitely much different than I imagined. Part of me is very thankful that it was quiet and my husband could spend that time meeting our new little one, but it also would have been great to have family there for extra support and to meet their first grand baby.

Where was Declan born and at how many weeks gestation? How old was your baby on the date of his newborn session?

Declan was born at Willis Knighton in Bossier and was 40 weeks (born 1 day before his due date)! He was 6 weeks during our session.

What were you nervous about going into your session?

I wasn't worried about much. I had heard great things about Leslie, but with Covid-19 still lingering in our community, I did feel a little anxious about the possibility of exposing him to anything.

What was your favorite part of your newborn session experience?

It was very relaxed! Leslie was great & coached us non-models into family positions that made for such sweet photos.

How do you feel now that you have completed your newborn session and received your images?

Great! Wouldn't change it for the world. The pictures are beautiful and are a wonderful presentation of us as a new family.

Would you recommend Leslie to other parents looking to document their newborn with a professional newborn photographer? Why would you recommend Leslie as a photographer in Shreveport, Louisiana?

Of course, Leslie has a fantastic selection of props to use. She's very personable and easy-going. Plus her editing skills are A++. Can't wait to get more pictures made with her in the future!