I was so honored she chose me to be her photographer!! She set photos up early,  like in the first trimester (ha!)

 Her session date finally arrived and it was UGLY. Cold, rainy and gloomy. I typically LOVE me some backlit sunlight so I offered to reschedule, BUT pregnancies are tricky and we just couldn't coordinate a date before her due date/possible induction. We decided to just go for it! I brought an umbrella then trucked her and her hubby a little ways up 
"A" mountain. 

What a trooper!! cold, pregnant, in the rain.. and hiking!! 

We had tons of laughs, and as you can see her session came out perfect. The clouds acted as a giant soft box giving us just the  most amazing light making this red dress really pop. The drizzle "messed up" the hair she just had done but I LOVE this natural slightly messy/wavy look! 

Their baby boy recently made his arrival, we are waiting for him to get out of NICU for his newborn photo session. 

It is a very stressful time, going home and leaving baby in the hospital. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers <3 

Lezley Alba photography is a Las Cruces based photograph specializing in newborn, family, and maternity photo sessions. To inquire about a session please click the info tab! 

Virginia never seems to disappoint when it comes to finding cool little nooks and gorgeous open areas for photos! Every location I've seen is a photographer's dream come true. Downtown Winchester was perfect for this cute couple session-Those old brick walls, historic homes and snow on the ground!!! 

Aren't these two complete #couplegoals? Just look at them, They look like they are straight out of a magazine!! I had so much fun wandering around with them and love their photos SO much!!! 

here are a few of my favorites from their session, 

Urban Couples Session-

Lezley Alba photography is a portrait photographer serving Las Cruces and surrounding areas. For more information on a photo session please click the INFO tab above. 

This session was gift for Grandma!!! You can't go wrong with gifting memories that can be cherished forever!!! 

Here are a few of my favorites... 

Lezley Alba Photography Las Cruces Photographer specializing in family, newborn and maternity portraits. For more information on booking a session click INFO tab above. 

I photographed these sweet boys when their family lived in Las Cruces. I sm so happy we were able to connect here in VA for a session. 

The timing could not have been more perfect!!  We shot right at the peak of fall foliage. All the trees were bursting with beautiful colors. 

The last images with the yellow trees are actually ginkgo trees, which were incredible to see and photograph.

Tweens and teens can be tricky to photograph. Ive found its best not to nag. Agree to let them shoot in some of their favorite things (fort nite shirts!!) and also have some fun. 

I am also not opposed to yelling out anatomically correct body part names (boys find this hysterical FYI)

Farting noises work well also.  HA! 

Thank you Hudson boys for all the laughs and for driving over for your session!! <3 

FORT-NITE FUN AND SOME SWEET DANCE MOVES!!!

Then we ended with some sweet dance moves :)

And just for fun, here is a throwback from years past. Look at those baby faces!!

Lezley Alba Photography is a Las Cruces Photographer specializing in family, newborn, and maternity portraits. Wedding and events also available. For information on a session with me click the info tab above. 

NOPE! This is not Las Cruces :) 

So the family and I are in Virginia for a few months... ( read about that here: VIRGINIA)

It was a bummer to leave during the photographer "busy" season, but I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to 1. be with my husband (he travels frequently) 2. travel and sight see with the kids.  I was planning to take a photography break, but once I got here I was dying to photograph everything! All the green! All the trees! Ive never really experienced a true fall season and now that the leaves are changing colors I am literally in photographer heaven!!! 

I posted some images on Facebook offering sessions here and found that it really is a small world :) After some referrals and post sharing I met this amazing family and got to get behind the lens doing what I love! 

We met at the State of Virginia Arboretum. A popular place here for photo sessions. The arboretum is free and is like a big open park of trees, and flower gardens, and beautiful trails. It literally has every backdrop you can imagine! Although everyone says the foliage is not at its peak because of the massive amounts of rain and weird weather, I still saw some beautiful colors and foliage. I was nervous there was a 20-50% chance of rain and cloudy weather. I was bummed I wouldn't get any sunset with backlit lighting that I love... but the clouds parted and we got some much needed sunshine. 

I didn't get a chance to explore much before the session since it rained a ton a week prior, but I saw a pond on the map and mentioned it to them. The girls was REALLY wanted to explore.. since we scheduled early we had plenty of time and good lighting so we set off on a little hike (just what you want to do all dressed up for photos, right?! hahah!!) I got to know the Trujillos a little better and instantly fell in love with their humor and family dynamics. We ventured all over the park and got a TON of beautiful images with all sorts of different backdrops. 

Here's a peek at some of my favorites from this family photo session! 

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces Photographer specializing in newborn, maternity, family portraits 

to inquire about a photo session please click INFO tab above. 

When my husband and I visited D.C. last spring we covered a TON of ground. I wanted to see EVERYTHING! 

We jogged the entire Tidal Basin. 

saw 99% of the monuments

Holocaust Museum 

Lunch at the Reagan Building

Museum of American History

Happy hour at a cute bar on Pennsylvania Ave.

Saw the white house

Ate stone crab at a fancy restaurant

Took the kids for the first time (alone):

Walked to lots of bathrooms

Saw the Jefferson Memorial

Played with a friendly squirrel

looked at a dead fish on the Tidal Basin walk way

Searched for food trucks (but was unsuccessful)

visited lots of restaurants and cafes that were closed or under construction

Ate a soggy hotdog full of nitrates

Visited the Museum of Natural History 

Successfully used the metro without getting lost

We can't wait to go back. Next week!! :)

Thank you Jekky and Chad for allowing me to be part of your day, We wish you a lifetime of happiness <3 

Second photographer: Amanda Jaramillo/AJ Photography

Lezley Alba photography is a Las Cruces serving southwest New Mexico

Wedding photographer, family photographer, newborn photographer, maternity photographer

For more information visit www.lezleyalbaphotography.com

What's new? WELLL I recently loaded up three kids + three dogs and trucked it across the country!

YES! I AM NUTS! :)

We are currently in Front Royal, Virginia. My husband is on a 3month work detail. 

It is BEAUTIFUL and such a nice change of scenery. The locals laugh, because I just cannot stop saying the word GREEN!!!! But coming from the desert, its weird to see! Im pretty sure people here LIVE on their riding lawnmowers. The area has gotten record rainfall (and will possibly flood in the coming days thanks to Florence) and it is just super duper green and lush. I am literally obsessed with how beautiful the rolling hills covered in trees and grass are. 

I have no idea what is public land around where I am living. The houses are on MUCH bigger lots than what I'm used to and it seems like everyone owns acreage. SOO If I come up missing, its probably because I trespassed and have been shot. Seriously. Im 99% sure I would get shot for trespassing here LOL

OH and there are bears. SO theres also that. 

ANYWAY

This is right down the street from the house we are renting:

(possibly where the bears reside. Not sure) 

ANNND can you imagine when the leaves change colors?! Ahhhh!! I am dying to shoot here. If your in the area and interested in a session please reach out!! 

This spot is a few miles up

My child pointed out the "Private Driveway" sign right after this photo was taken and right before I decided we should walk up and see the whole road. 

Anyway, 

Other than marveling in the beauty and trespassing we have officially got our act together and started school ***

There is so much to do here and so much history that surrounds this area I really want the kids to soak it all up and do a ton of exploring and field trips. The core of the two oldest curriculum is America history, which is absolutely perfect! 

We are using Abekas, Our America 2 for Zoey

and Abekas, The History of the United States for Jaxon

We have a long bucket list and a short time to check it all off. Please help me out and let me know if I'm missing something :) ESPECIALLY if it is educational! 

-visit most of the smithsonian museums. I know there is a lot, but my kids are still young and I think we can go fairly quickly

-visit the monuments

-take a night monument tour

-TOUR the white house. I am submitting a request for this THIS week! We are also hoping the white house will have a Halloween event. Wouldn't it be amazing to trick or treat at the white house?! There is also a lottery you can put in for to try and attend the annual Christmas Tree lighting. Crossing our fingers for that one

-Visit a civil war battlefield

-Dinosaur land ( I have no idea what this is, but its close and Zander died when he saw it lol)

-Caverns

-Skyline Drive in the Fall

- Eat a ton of crab legs :)

-paddleboat the tidal basin (before it is freezing)

-Fish in the Shenandoah River

-Visit the National Zoo

-Visit Arlington National Cemetery and see changing of the guard

-Eat an astrodonut

-Visit Colonial Wialliamsburg

-Hike in Shenandoah National Park

what else? WE WILL ONLY BE HERE THREE MONTHS!!! We need to get busy :) 

*** we homeschool!! The kids have never attending public school!!

I was lucky enough to shoot this family's maternity and newborn portraits. 

Baby girl was one of the most photogenic babies I've ever photographed. Check out all that gorgeous dark hair and rolls!!!! 

She was a dream...

"Newborn portraits, Because they are only this little for a little while"

Lezley Alba Photography, Las Cruces newborn photographer, specializes in newborn, infant, family, and maternity portraits. Serving Las Cruces and surrounding areas. 

To book a session click contact tab at the top of the page. For more information on a photo session please click info. Pricing is under investment <3 

I took a few photos with my first then used my cell phone to take more pictures of the second and third.. but I have less than a handful. Most of them are blurry, or taken with sleepers on that cover 90% of their body, and most is of baby and siblings and baby alone. I think I am in two photos...and  im pretty sure I have zero photos of me with my middle one as an newborn. 

Seven years later I am left with regret and a foggy mind at what they were like the first few days after birth. 

Most moms know that momentos are important but don't realize just how critical these pictures and small memories are until it is too late to capture the moment in time.

Luckily, Newborn portrait photography is becoming more and more popular.

 Newborns are photographed between 4-16 days of life. Tiny, curled up little humans, fresh into the world.  The fingers and toes, the eyelashes, every little detail.  All of these beautiful features will change with each passing day. 

Our children grow up right in front of our eyes, after one week, after three weeks, after six months – they grow, change and develop and nothing that we can do will stop them.

Capturing your newborn baby with a professionally trained newborn photographer will be the first ‘gift’ that you give to them (and yourself!). 

To make this "luxury" a reality for more parents, I have created our baby registry service!

This ensures that gift givers can purchase something truly meaningful and memorable for expecting parents. 

How it works

Baby registry is a complimentary service offered to expecting parents.  

Just contact me to book the baby (just a due date and deposit is required)  Then I supply them will all of the information they need to share their registry with family and friends!  Registry cards  (printed and digital) are provided to be included in baby shower invitations. Friends and family simply log in, pay any amount they choose towards your session, then receive a beautiful packaged card to give at the shower or even after baby arrives. 

All of the information of gift certificate purchases is stored so writing thank you cards is a breeze!

FAQ

How soon do I need to book?

To ensure a spot on my calendar it is best to book during the second or third trimester. 

What payment forms do you accept? 

Friends and family log on to my website and can gift any amount. Debit, Credit and paypal are accepted. Cash and personal check is accepted the day of the photo session. 

What if the amount paid exceeds the session price? 

All extra money can go towards additional digital files, prints, wall art or additional sessions

Can the registry stay active for additional sessions?

YES! The registry is active for an entire year

What type of session is the registry good for?​​​​​​

Maternity, Newborn, Fresh 48 hospital sessions, In home lifestyle sessions, or the complete watch me grow package (this includes 4 sessions, and saves $200!) 

He came all the way to Las Cruces from Alamogordo for his newborn photos. Even after sleeping in the car seat on the drive, he did amazing!

He was seriously the cuddliest and best sleeper. I hope that is still the case and this new family has adjusted to a life as 3 : ) 

Those itty bitty pants.....

If you book your newborn photos with me, while you are still pregnant, AND already have your name for baby I try my best to get a personalized hat for your session. I just love giving the family a little gift and also adding some personalization to your photos. How cute would this shot be on birth announcements?! 

My talented friend from Baby Bug By Jianna creates these for me. Look her up if you need any custom boutique items! She is seriously amazing... and shopping local is the way to go! 

Mom and Dad brought the glove it to further personalize their photos. In fact, this was the ONE shot they had to have. I think it turned out darling!! 

A ton of my session includes intricate poses. Its an art ive mastered and come to love. BUT I also love capturing baby  sort of as is.

After the main posing. I wrap baby and get some natural shots. I let little them wiggle and and get comfy then shoot away. Let him cross his feet, curl his hands up, and pose himself pretty much.  Every session, Mom and Dad have loved these, and made comments like: awwww his hands were always like that on the ultrasound! He loves kicking his feet up like that, I always felt that when he was inside, or I love how close you shot.. I can see his dimples. They are just like his Dads. 

Its important for me to capture these memories... they are fleeting!! 

I love using my macro lens for a portion of these as well for those sweet little details. Eyelashes, lips, wrinkling and peeling skin and of course my favorite the tiny tiny toes and feet. 

These three rocked their family portion. Moms makeup was ON POINT, and made editing a breeze!!! Dad loved to snuggle baby annnd wasn't Grandma the cutest?!?

Thank you to this sweet family for traveling over for you session, and trusting me with your sweet sweet baby!!! 

Stay up to date on my work, and special offerings on facebook! 

For more information on a photo session please click the contact tab up top

Lezley Alba photography

Las Cruces Newborn, maternity, and family photographer 

I loved having them in front of my camera. Emily is hilarious... and her kids are photographers kids, used to being posed and so well behaved!! We focused a ton on "Mommy and Me" Since Mom is a photographer and rarely gets in the photos with her littles. 

I have developed so many friendships with other local photographers. Emily being one of them! She is always quick to offer hep, advice or just make you laugh. She captures some beautiful real life images. So check out her business Coats Creative Photography. 

I LOOOOOVE stealing the parents away for some shots. Love the chemistry between these two <3

I got to photograph Nathan when he was just a week old!! It was so fun seeing and photographing him again. He is SUCH a ham. Just for fun here is a little flashback of this chunky boy!!! 

LOVE this session so much!! 

I met this family at my Christmas Mini session event last year. Since then i've had 5 other sessions with them. I was so excited to hear Alma was expecting baby #2. She chose the watch me grow package.. So I will get to document all of little brothers sweet milestones <3 

I am beyond blessed to get to do this "job" and meet all of these sweet families!!! 

Alma had two separate maternity shoots. We started in first thing in the morning at my studio. Brenda, (makeup by Brenda) met us there and did her hair and makeup. I have wardrobe to choose from there as well as accessories. These shots are typically posed. I use a mixture of studio and natural light. 

 We met again at sunset to capture some golden hour in the dessert. The outdoor sessions are always more candid and about the whole family.  Ill be sharing more from that session soon.... 

Hair and Makeup-Makeup by Brenda

Gown- Roses and Ruffles 

Floral crown-couture phantasies 

These photos are maternity portraits plus mommy and me. There is something SO special about that first born. I feel it with my own kids and can see it between these two. That first one changes you.. makes you a mother. Im so glad I got to document them before they are a family of 4! 

" You can only have one first born child. you may love all of your children deeply and with passion, but there is something unique about the first born." -Raymone E. Feist. 

           I love taking time to get individual portraits during a session. These went something like this. Smile, look away, put your hands like this, turn your head this way... OKKKKKAAY that good we got enough.  your toddler is running away. haha! 

annnnd were done. :) :) LOL!!! 

Ahhh! One of my favorite family seasons to date!! 

I love everything about this family and their photos. We started out in this lush green area near Mesilla then drove out to the Organ Mountains. I love their outfit choices and how they coordinated with each other and the locations. We had lots of fun getting the kids to laugh and smile and caught some of the cutest candid photos ever! 

You can tell in these photos how much fun this family has with one another :) 

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces based photographer specializing in newborn. children and family portraits. Sessions are available in studio or on location. Please click the contact tab for more information. 

Enjoy a few favorites from her family session, 

LEZLEY ALBA IS A LAS CRUCES PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN BABY, NEWBORN MATERNITY AND FAMILIES. TO INQUIRE ABOUT A PHOTO SESSION PLEASE CLICK THE CONTACT TAB

I love this family to pieces. Kinley is a little ballerina soccer princess with such a spunky fun attitude. She is friends with my little girl and me and her mommy always enjoy chatting and share the same sarcastic humor ;) 

This session was so much fun. I am LOVING being more "intentional" with my families these days. Meaning I set them up, get a shot of them looking at the camera then give them a few directions and let them go. This results in true expressions, and capturing JOY LOVE and just  a family being a family. This sweet girl is SO loved, obviously!!! 

The shots with mom and dad kill me. Its apparent how each parent has their own role. She is a snuggler with Daddy. She loves to kiss him, hug him, and just melts in his arms. I loved capturing how she curls up with him and how her little legs dangle down at his sides… This time next year she'll be twice as big!! They grow SO fast. Capturing all these fleeting moments is everything!! 

Kinely is super playful with mommy. You can tell these two have so much fun together.. so much love and laughter! 

Thanks so much for booking a session with me, you guys! I hope you love your photos as much as I do <3 

Here are just a few of my faves..

LEZLEY ALBA IS A LAS CRUCES PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY, CHILDREN, NEWBORN AND MATERNITY PORTRAITS. TO INQUIRE ABOUT A PHOTO SESSION PLEASE CLICK THE CONTACT TAB ABOVE. 

They take photos so often with me, they are used to the whole.. look at me, look at baby, look at each other, dont look at me…. song and dance and SO good at it! The candid shots from all of their sessions are my favorite!! 

Here are a few of my favorites, 

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces Photographer specializing in newborn, family and maternity portraits. To inquire about a photo session please click the contact tab above. 

She did so good for her newborn session and was so fun to photograph. All her little faces made me laugh. Its amazing how these little humans already have a personality and show it. She had her grumpy frown face down pat. I loved using the my macro lens to capture all her tiny little details. She has super long eyelashes and gorgeous lips!! 

I am so in love with all her photos. Her shots with mom and dad are some of my favorites also. Getting pooped on and laying on top of wood for 20 minutes was SO worth it :) 

Here are some of my favorites, 

ADORABLE Custom Hat made by Mom Of marlee 

--Congratulations you two! Thank you so much for choosing me. I had the best time taking your photos!!! 

Enjoy a few of my favorite shots! 

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces Photographer specializing in newborn, baby, maternity, and family portraits. To inquire about a photo session please click the contact tab above. 

She has a "watch me grow" package, as well as 3 month and 9 month milestone sessions. 

It has been such a joy photographing her every few months. I cannot believe the next session will be the first birthday shoot! Time goes by way to quickly! 

Here are some of my faves from this session: 

THANK YOU FOR READING!! 

Lezley Alba Is a Las Cruces Photographer specializing in newborn, baby, family and maternity portraits. In studio and on location sessions available. For more information please click the CONTACT tab above. 

BUT we did get some amazing newborn photos. The family + baby portions is one of my favorites ever!! You can tell they are bursting with joy and love. 

Thank you guys so much for choosing me as your photographer and driving from El Paso to see me! 

Here are a few of my favorite shots from their session: 

THANK YOU JESSICA FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY!!! 

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces Photography specializing in newborn, baby, family, and maternity photography.  To book a session please click the contact tab above. 

Everytime a "watch me grow" clients contacts me to book the next session…. I always say the same thing. ALREADY?! Its true though. This first year goes by so fast. 

Liam is so cute, smiley and has such gorgeous eyes. He looks so different from that itty bitty, fussy newborn :)

 We included the whole family in this session… Liam needed a nursing break,  which gave me time to shoot his fun siblings!! I seriously love this sweet family! 

Enjoy some of my favorite shots from their session! 

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces Photographer that specializes in maternity, newborn, children and family photography. If you are interested in booking a photo session please click the contact tab above. 

THANK YOU FOR READING!! 

I had so much fun capturing their maternity portraits.. I was SO excited when they decided to book my watch me grow package. I am looking forward to documenting the whole first year. 

Robert's session was perfect!! 

I always email a preparation sheet weeks/months to my clients before a session with me. It is very detailed, and I can TOTALLY tell when Mom and Dad follow the "tips" and instructions. This little one was so relaxed and comfortable. He snoozed and let me mold him in all these adorable poses. Then would wake up  for periods of time and make eye contact. Even the awake shots are perfect! We were in and out of the studio in 1.5 hours. INCLUDING set up and clean up. Which is a record for me :) 

I am loving this warm weather and the option to shoot outside as well. 

Here are a few of my favorites. 

Enjoy!

-dont forget to leave a comment and congratulate this new family of 3- :) :) 

-Adorable custom hat by Baby bug by Jianna 

LEZLEY ALBA IS A LAS CRUCES PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN NEWBORN, MATERNITY, AND FAMILY PORTRAITS. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER OR WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON ALL OF MY SERVICES PLEASE CLICK THE CONTACT TAB ABOVE. 

THANK YOU FOR READING!! 

XOXO 

The boys were at baseball practice one evening. I needed to go location scouting, I told Zoey to get ready and she came out in this. An older dress she took her 4 year photos in. She said she wanted a photo shoot and to wear lipstick.. SO of course I obliged :) 

I wanted to practice with my new lens anyway.. and for all you photography enthusiast out there, you'll never guess what I shot ALL these photos with. 

100mm 2.8. YES! a macro. The creamy bokeh is TO DIE FOR! ahhh! 

After 15 minutes she told me she was done, and thanked me for letting her pose herself hahah!! 

love her!!! 

Enjoy some of my absolute favorites

She broke my 3 month streak of cranky 1 year old and non smashing; cake smash sessions :) haha! 

We did this session outdoors in Mesilla and also included some family shots. Love the way their candid moments turned out. You can tell this little on is SO loved <3 

Thank y'all so much for choosing me as your photographer, and driving from El Paso for your session! 

here are some of my faves: 

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces based photographer specializing in Newborn, Family and Maternity portraits. To inquire about a photo session please click the contact tab above. 

THANK YOU FOR READING!! 

I have SO MANY favorites.. But I managed to narrow it down to a few. Enjoy! 

oh- and YES Nova is a real life doll. ahh! I love her!!! 

Thank you for reading!! 

-Lezley Alba Photography is a Las Cruces based photographer that specializes in newborn, baby, children, maternity and family sessions. If you are interested in booking a photo session with me, please click the contact tab above. 

Baby rolls are my faaave and she had plenty of them :) along with the creamiest skin and cutest little features. She looks so much like her brothers to me. It was fun photographing them all together. 

Desiree is a another talented photographer her in Las Cruces. Make sure to check out her business: Deztography 

Enjoy some of my favorites from their newborn session! 

"If you think I'm sleeping and posing anymore.. you are wrong lady" 

hah!

This session is one of my favorite newborn shoots to date. I LOVED incorporating "before and after's" and telling a mini story with the photos from her maternity session. 

These early days are stressful, new moms are tired, and often do not feel like getting in photos… but trust me, you'll regret not capturing this beautiful time! Brittany made her session a "luxe"  which includes hair and makeup AT my studio RIGHT before your session by Brittany Evans (very talented and licensed cosmotologist)  So convenient! 

Here are a few of my favorites from their photo session

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces based photographer specializing in newborn, children, maternity and family portraits. To inquire about a photo session please click the contact tab above. 

​Thank you for reading!! 

Pregnancy is such a beautiful time. Nothing describes the anticipation you feel for 9months and having a sweet baby you created safetly inside of you. Being able to capture this time for a family is so amazing!

Thank you C. Family for allowing me to capture these precious memories from you! 

** Here are a few of my favorites from this family/maternity session. Abigail is looking beautiful in a in this ivory maternity gown which was  provided for her session. 

Lezley Alba Photography is a Las Cruces based photographer that specializes in newborn, children, maternity and family portraits. For more information on a photo session please click the contact tab above. 

THANK YOU FOR READING! 

Here are a few of my favorites from his newborn session! 

custom hat by: Baby Bug By Jianna!! 

Offering these adorable hats to all of my babies ( Must book your newborn photos within 4 weeks of your due date) 

-Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces photographer specializing in Newborn, Maternity, Children and Family portraits. To inquire about a session click the contact tab above. 

This precious little one is enrolled in my watch me grow package, as well as 3 month and 9 month milestone sessions. We've done the same set up with purple flowers for each session. Cannot wait to see all the photos side by side at 1 year!! 

Here are a few of my favorites 

(Adorable Shabby Chic Romper made by Baby Bug By Jianna) 

Lezley Alba is a Las Cruces Based photographer specializing in Newborn, Maternity, Children and Family portraits. To inquire about a photo session please click CONTACT

This little cutie totally ruined our maternity session plans by coming 5 weeks early!! :( so sad! 

On a good note though. He is strong, healthy and feisty! Jaxon's mom purchased the watch me grow package. So excited to capture all of his milestones! 

enjoy some of my favorite shots from his newborn session, 

here are some of my favorite shots from their studio session. Love them!!! 

On Tuesdays Jaxon (my oldest) goes to his great grandmas house for an hour. She is a retired teacher and offered her expertise on reading and phonics. They could both use the company too : ) On those days I usually run a quick errand or do something fun with the two littles. This trip we decided to visit Coas Bookstore. This super cute old bookstore downtown Las Cruces. They have an awesome system where they buy your old books or give you store credit. We always sort through and take books in we no longer read and get new ones. The kids love it! 

I always resolve to take more photos of my own kids. That is so hard though! lugging around the kids and all their stuff is tough. Plus my camera weighs a million pounds. (not exactly a million but close) This trip I just happened to have it in the car! Coas was the perfect spot for an impromptu photo session. 

The little one believes in taking extreme safety measures. You'll find him around town in either this hard hat OR a batting helmet. :P 

Another watch me grow plan has come to an end. Bittersweet. 

I have loved getting to know this family and seeing them every couple months. Documenting Brandon's first year has been so fun!! This job and all of the wonderful people it brings into my life is such a blessing! Grateful for amazing clients. 

Here are a few of my favorites <3 

And a look back at Brandon's first year! 

LEZLEY ALBA IS  A LAS CRUCES BASED PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN NEWBORN, MATERNITY AND FAMILY PORTRAITS. TO INQUIRE ABOUT A SESSION PLEASE CLICK THE CONTACT BUTTON. 

Here are some tips, tricks and places to shop...

(photographers feel free to share with your clients!!)

step 1: Choose a color palette. If you know me well, and take a good look through my portfolio you will see I LOVE neutrals and soft muted colors.  In fact, 90% of all of my newborn props, are cream, ivory, beige, taupe, or other earthy tone. I LOVE this. They are not distracting and go so well with my photography style. In fact I incorporate this style into my editing! 

The key is to COORDINATE and not MATCH. Instead of putting someone in the same exact color, use a color palette to choose colors that go great together. 

tip: keep it simple. Choose mostly solids, and have one or two family members in either a pop of color and/or prints. Think about adding layers and textures!

step 2: Now that you have your color palette, and know you need to have most family members in solids, but also include some patterns/pops of color you can start styling your family. The first person to dress is always MOM. Why? because moms are the pickiest, and almost always the most self conscience. Choose something you love, that flatters your body. It must also be comfortable. You will be sitting, standing, playing with your kids, so choose something that is not binding but looks great. Keeping with this color palette.

I love maxi skirts and dresses. They are comfy, photograph well and mom can move around, sit, stand, and play with kids in them without having to pull down, adjust or expose herself

tip: think about your location. Discuss wardrobe and locations with me when you book. We will want to make sure your wardrobe compliments your surroundings. You don't want to blend in with the background, or look out of place. EXAMPLE: vintagey lace soft muted pieces would probably not look so great in front of an urban session… but would look amazing in a country setting, dirt roads, tall grass and fields. 

Step 3: Little girl(s) If you have more than 1 girl I KNOW that grabbing the same dress in different sizes is easy. but dont! coordinate but don't match.  Try and let them help you decide. You want to stick to your palette, but let their personality shine. Patterns are great for little girls!! Gap usually has adorable children dresses and blouses.  Boutiques and places like zulily are great.  (just remember shipping can take months) . Search etsy. You can also ask a local seamstress to sew you up a vintage dress or romper. Baby Bug By Jianna here in Las Cruces is wonderful!  

Step 4: Boys next! Classic and simple is good. Look at textures. I love linen shirts, khaki's, soft plaids and stripes. Remember to look at the big picture. Do not put two boys in plaid. Break up the patterns. If you have three kids do not put all of them in prints. If you have two boys and a girl a good example would be: girl in floral dress, one boy plaid shirt, other boy plain color. 

H&M, gap and old navy  is a great place for boy clothes.

tip: Head to the salon or barber a week or two before a session. Let hair grow in a tad for the session. 

step 5: Dads.

Dads are the easiest. If you have family members in a lot of patterns then throw him in a plain button up or polo, jeans or khakis. If the family is mostly in solids, choose something with patterns. Plaid or stripes. done!

Gap and Old Navy are great places to purchase clothes for Dad. 

tip: stay away from graphic tees, large logos on clothing and characters. Not only will these date your photos, but they will also be distracting.

step 6: accessorize! show your personality!

simple jewelry, hats for little boys and girls, CUTE shoes! headbands, bows, and anything that makes your personality shine. If your little girl is always in converse… Let her wear them! A fluffy ruffled dress, layered with a chambray and bright pink chucks is adorable! 

tip: Do not wear clothes are accessories that are too big or too small. It will not photograph well. Remember the tiny details, even socks. No bright white socks if they will show! 

I am proud to admit I am an "amazon prime mom" You can't beat free 2 day shipping, especially when you book your session a few days out or procrastinate :) Search women's boho dress for some amazing options. Think free people.. but 1/4 the price. They also carry awesome maternity dresses and gowns. 

Thats it! 

Easy Peasy! 

Remember the most important part of your photo session is not the clothes, not the props, not the location, but YOU and YOUR family!. The best family portraits evoke emotion. Capturing the feeling and love you have for one another. Clothes will not do that. SO on top of everything else remember: Relax!! Have fun!! Show your love!

here is an example of all of these tips tied together.

My good friend ordered a boutique dress online,  then let me help style the rest of her family! Love the way it turned out! Dad, Little boy's jeans and baby skirt is the pop of bright colors. everyone is in textures and solids and cute little Merideth is in floral. Note her adorable boutique headband! Made by Baby Bug By Jianna (las cruces, New Mexico local) 

​They showed their love, played, had fun… and followed the steps! 

Lezley Alba is a las cruces based photographer specializing in newborn, family and maternity portraits. Click contact to inquire about a photo session. 

This little family was one of my first watch me grow packages. The package was purchased as a baby shower gift by an awesome aunt. I will never forget what she told me. "I was thinking of buying a stroller, but it wont get used very long….He will just outgrow clothes, BUT these photos will last a lifetime"            YES!!!!! 

Ive said this sad story over and over again BUT Im going to say it again. lol.

Ive had three babies and NO professional photos with any of them :( Biggest regret ever. We took a couple maternity photos at babies r us with my first. The collage is framed in my room. My poor little girl always goes up to the collage. 
"SO is this one Jaxon in your belly, this one me, :( :( and this one Zander" …..of course I say yes! I don't want her and her brother to think the pregnancy with them wasn't important. How will I explain that we didn't want to spend the money on photos, that we were too busy, that I felt like a giant hippo…?? ... and all the other excuses we made. I don't want them to feel like my pregnancy and their birth was not important enough to document. AND don't get me started on the lack of precious newborn photos I have either. sad sad sad.  SO Anyway. I created the watch me grow package as an affordable way for families to document these precious fleeting moments. The best part.. is there are no additional fees. One price. a year's worth of photos. I include digital images of every session. free.  I am a mom, and I would be sad beyond belief if I paid money for this package then couldn't afford the photos afterwards.  If you are interested in a watch me grow, and would like more information click contact above!! Please cherish and document this precious time in your life. 

Enjoy some cake smash birthday photos as well as a look back on this sweet boy's first year <3 

(amazing cake by Jessicakes, of course :) 

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A look back on the past year. I am SO going to miss seeing this boy every couple months!!!!

Happy Birthday Joaquin!! 

Joaquin was one of the first babies on my watch me grow plan. 

The watch me grow is a great deal for expecting families! You get a whole years worth of photos for a discounted rate.  The package includes newborn, sitting, and 1 year photo sessions and add on sessions for  just $100.00 each. Popular add on session include maternity,  fresh 48 hospital sessions, and a family session around Christmas time. The best part, is there are no additional fees. Each photo session includes a private gallery and ALL the photos can be downloaded free of charge. 

Babies grow and change SO quickly in the first year. Make sure you preserve these precious memories! 

Here are a few of my favorite photos from Joaquin's first birthday session! 

The session was done in my studio. His custom outfit was created by Baby bug By Jianna. Custom cake by Jessiecakes. 

And here is a look back on the past year!

His Cake smash was Dr. Seuss themed! He had an adorable crochet outfit and the cake from Jessiescakes was AMAZING!! 

He was so happy and did so well… 

UNTIL WE BROUGHT THE CAKE AND OUTFIT OUT… 

Ive been doing lots of cake smashes lately.. and have concluded that only 1 out of every 5 babies will actually smash the cake AND enjoy it! haha! soo be flexible. Come with multiple outfits and relax. I promise to still get great shots of your baby :) 

LEZLEY ALBA IS A LAS CRUCES PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY, MATERNITY AND NEWBORN PORTRAITS. CLICK CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON A PHOTO SESSION! 

he is so fresh.. just 5 days new :)

LEZLEY ALBA IS A LAS CRUCES PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN NEWBORN, FAMILY & MATERNITY PORTRAITS. TO INQUIRE ABOUT A SESSION CLICK CONTACT

Well... A luxe session is an amazing experience LAP (that's me!) is now offering!! 

The session includes : hair, makeup, wardrobe, 1 hour of camera time, 20+ digital files, and a gift print! 

The session takes place in my studio. Brittany Evans, licensed cosmotologist with wildfire hair salon, comes TO the studio to give you this amazing makeover. No stress, just relaxation and pampering (and sometimes donuts lol )

You have the option of bringing your own wardrobe or allowing me to completely style your session. I have some maternity gowns to choose from and other wardrobe pieces. 

These are my FAVORITE types of sessions!! The ladies I have photographed are so relaxed, FEEL beautiful and end up having a great time and also capture these precious fleeting moments. Significant others and children are also welcome to join the mom to be. If you are interested in more information on this type of session click contact above and lets chat!! 

Brittany chose the LUXE option for part 2 of her maternity session 

 We ended up having a blast in the studio!! She let me completely style her session and completely made my LIFE!! haha!! seriously, these photos were exactly what I envisioned and I am SO in love with them!! 

Diesel was also an amazing model and sooo in love with his soon to be born baby sister. On the way out he even ran to his car and pulled out an ultrasound picture. So proud.. he announced this is MY baby!! oh my gosh.. I died!!! so cute! Baby Mckenzie will be here soon.. and I cannot wait to photograph her! 

Enjoy some of my favorite shots from her session: 

LEZLEY ALBA IS A LAS CRUCES PHOTOGRAPHER THAT SPECIALIZES IN NEWBORN, CHILDREN, MATERNITY & FAMIIY PORTRAITS. 

I was so honored to capture their maternity and newborn portraits. Daniel is a very talented photographer here in Las Cruces (YES all the local photographers are having babies!! haha!!) Make sure to check out his work. D3 photography, which can be found on Facebook as well as his personal website. 

Here are a couple maternity, and my favorites from his newborn session! 

Congratulations Daniel and family :) 

LEZLEY ALBA PHOTOGRAPHY

LAS CRUCES BASED PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY, CHILDREN AND NEWBORN PORTRAITS

click CONTACT to inquire about a photo session 

Check out her work, her business is called Deztography 

We had SO MUCH fun playing with this gorgeous flowing gown her mom made for her photos. her husband was such a good sport for helping us with "flowing" it  :) 

Here are a few favorites from her session. Enjoy! 

The girls were less than thrilled to take pictures but we got the cutest shots thanks to a nap and candy haha! 

Enjoy some of my favorites from their session!! 

So happy I finally got to meet this family. I was suppose to do their newborn photos, but had to refer them. My little on ended up breaking his arm right before they were scheduled (ugh!!) So happy they still went through with the watch me grow package! Excited to photograph all of their milestones this year!

Here are some of my favorite shots from their session. Enjoy! 

Brittany Miller is a very talented photographer here in Las Cruces, and also a friend!! Always so much laughter every time we get together. This is actually part 1 to her maternity portraits. Her studio session is coming soon! 

Baby Mckenzie will be here a little earlier than expected.  Please keep this family in your prayers for a safe delivery and healthy baby! 

Enjoy some of my favorite shots from this session

This style is so out of my element. I usually shoot at sunset and LOVE sun flare and glowing light. I have also been known to reschedule on cloudy days. BUT for some reason I adore all of these sessions! Snow in the desert is magical :) 

Stephanie is super sweet AND a very talented photographer! So happy I met her on a Facebook photography group. Its so great to mingle with other photographers in the area, and trading services is also nice :) 

Enjoy some of my favorite shots from her session!!! 

Thank You for Reading!!! 

XO 

Lezley 

They needed updated photos, and when I found out they were moving I knew we HAD to shoot in front of the beautiful mountains. Now they can print a giant canvas and remember the beautiful Land Of Enchantment forever!! 

This session took forever to get out. (Sorry Becky!!) I overshot this session by a couple hundred photos, then had a hard time culling (where you pick out the best ones) and ended up editing triple the amount a typical gallery has. ah well.. thats what happens when you have such a sweet photogenic family in front of your camera :) 

I love all the photos from their session. The light on the mountains was exactly what I was going for. I think we did a good job of capturing their personalities as well. 

My favorite part of all my family sessions is the few minutes at the end, when mom and dad get in front of the camera. Life usually revolves around the kids (my life does for sure!!) … so I love taking some time to get sweet couple's shots. I know most married couples with children have few recent photos together. 

Thanks of reading! 

xoxo

Lezley

They are an amazing, wholesome, sweet family.. and I adore these girls!! They are hilarious, and obviously very photogenic. I had a blast taking some fun photos of them during our SNOW DAY!! (which doesn't happen often 'round here ) We had to find a good spot that wasn't melted since snow never sticks around very long… and that snow you see falling? yeah. Thats a lie. Its photoshop. ;) 

Enjoy some of my favorite photos from their session! 

Thanks so much for reading!! 

xoxo

Lezley 

Aiden is 1!! 

1-2 year olds are the hardest to photograph. They are either shy and cry OR wild and run! haha! Letting kids get comfortable is really important to me. I also love to let them run and play while I capture candid moments. This can be hard inside a studio though! Candy canes were the saving grace for this photo session!!  Aiden did good for the portrait part of his session and looked SOO cute in all of his outfits, But was so done by the time the cake came out! 

The pouting cry is still pretty cute though ;) 

-Cake smash sessions typically incude a portrait session with one outfit then cake smash. A custom cake and decor/backdrop is provided! Special THANK YOU to Jessie Cakes who provides all of my beautiful and delicious cakes. Check out her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/JessieCakes/300532173340345?ref=br_tf

Thanks for reading! 

XoXoXo, 

Lezley 

She was such a sweet cuddly baby. Her parents bought the watch me grow package. Which are my FAVORITE!! I cannot wait to plan all her fun girly sessions and watch her grow <3