Portfolio
Every photograph is a reflection of my passion and dedication. With a heartfelt, I strive to capture the true essence of each moment, creating images that speak to the beauty of life’s milestones. I am honored to work with joyful clients and create timeless memories.
Newborn Essentials
A newborn session is designed to gently capture the first days of your baby’s life—naturally, safely, and beautifully. The ideal timeframe is 5–14 days after birth, when babies are sleepier and easily settled into those timeless poses.
Sessions typically last 2–3 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, and comforting your baby. Everything moves at your newborn’s pace. Your only job is to relax and enjoy the moment.
Important to Know:
Your baby is the boss. Some poses may not be possible if your newborn isn’t comfortable—and that is completely okay. Safety and your baby’s well-being always come first. We follow your baby’s cues and adapt the session accordingly, ensuring a stress-free and respectful experience.
How to Prepare:
Keep baby awake for a short time before arrival, feed just before the session if possible, and dress baby in loose clothing. All posing, wraps, and details are handled with care and expertise.
These fleeting moments pass quickly—this is your chance to preserve them forever. The goal is not perfection, it’s preserving the beauty of your baby exactly as they are.
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Cake Smash
A cake smash session is a fun and joyful way to celebrate your baby’s milestone—full of personality, expressions, and little surprises. Sessions are relaxed and playful, allowing your baby the freedom to explore at their own pace.
Important to Know:
Your baby is the boss. Every baby reacts differently—some dive right into the frosting, others prefer to take it slow or keep their hands clean. Both reactions are completely normal and equally beautiful. We never rush or force the experience; we follow your baby’s comfort level to capture genuine moments.
Sessions typically last 1–1:30 hours, giving your baby time to warm up, explore, and enjoy (or cautiously inspect!) their cake.
The goal isn’t a messy photo—it’s an authentic one. Whether your baby smashes with excitement or observes with curiosity, we celebrate them exactly as they are.
How to Prepare:
A happy baby makes all the difference. For the best experience, please arrive with your baby well-rested, well-fed, and comfortable. A full tummy and a good nap beforehand help ensure your little one is relaxed and ready to enjoy the session.
Bring familiar favorites. Toys, comfort items, and approved snacks are crucial—especially for babies who need a little time to warm up. These familiar items help keep your baby happy, engaged, and confident in a new environment.
Remember, your baby sets the pace. When they feel secure and content, the magic happens naturally. The goal is joyful, genuine moments—not forced smiles.
Kids
Happy children create the best images. Please ensure your child arrives well-rested, well-fed, and comfortable. A good nap and a full tummy go a long way in helping them feel relaxed and confident during their session.
Things to Know:
Children are incredibly sensitive to energy. Stress travels fast—and when parents feel anxious, rushed, or pressured, children often mirror it. This is when forced smiles, resistance, or tension show up in photos.
Your calm is key. Staying relaxed, positive, and trusting the process creates the space for genuine expressions and beautiful moments to unfold naturally.
There is no need to correct, pressure, or “perform” for the camera.
Let your child be themselves. Let the session flow.
Calm parents = happy kids = authentic images.
How to Prepare:
Bring familiar comforts. Favorite toys, snacks, or small rewards are highly encouraged. These help younger children feel at ease and give us natural moments of joy and interaction. For older kids, letting them know the session will be fun and relaxed makes a big difference.
Most importantly, your child is the boss. Every child has their own personality and energy level, and we always work at their pace. Whether they’re playful, shy, energetic, or calm, the goal is to capture authentic expressions and real connections—never forced smiles.
Family
A family session is about connection, interaction, and capturing your family as you truly are. Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes, allowing time for everyone to settle in and for genuine moments to unfold naturally.
During the Session:
Expect movement, laughter, and real interaction—not stiff posing. Gentle guidance will be provided, but the focus is on authentic connection rather than perfection. Children are encouraged to be themselves, and parents are invited to stay relaxed and present.
How to Proceed:
Trust the process. Stay calm, engage with one another, and let go of pressure. The best images happen in the in-between moments—when you’re simply enjoying your family.
This is not about perfect smiles. It’s about real moments, beautifully preserved.
Small Weddings
Small weddings are intimate, meaningful, and deeply personal. Coverage is focused on capturing genuine emotions, real connections, and the details that make your day uniquely yours. Timelines are flexible and tailored to your celebration, with coverage typically ranging from 2–4 hours.
During the Day:
Expect a calm, unobtrusive approach with gentle direction when needed. The goal is to document your day as it naturally unfolds—authentic moments, quiet glances, joyful tears, and honest laughter.
How to Proceed:
Be present. Trust the flow of the day. You don’t need to perform for the camera—your love and connection are more than enough. The most powerful images come from relaxed, heartfelt moments.
Small weddings may be simple in size, but they are rich in story—and that story deserves to be beautifully preserved.
Portraits
A portrait session is designed to highlight you—your personality, confidence, and individuality. Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes, offering plenty of time to ease in, explore different looks, and capture authentic expressions.
During the Session:
You’ll receive clear, gentle guidance with posing and movement, so no experience is needed. The focus is on natural confidence rather than forced expressions, allowing your true self to come through.
How to Proceed:
Arrive relaxed, open, and ready to trust the process. There’s no need to “perform” for the camera—the strongest portraits happen when you feel comfortable and present.
This is more than a photo. It’s a reflection of who you are, captured with intention.
Let's capture your moments
Ready to transform your precious moments into timeless art? Contact Excellence Photography by Lua Gurgel today, and let’s create something beautiful together.