Part 2 was me letting you see the version of me I don’t usually post — the honest one.
And if you made it through that blog, then you deserve the next piece of the story: the why.

Because yes, I take pictures… but what I really care about is how you feel when you’re being photographed.

But the why? That’s the part that matters. That’s the part that makes this more than “just photos.”

The truth: I didn’t start this to be trendy

I didn’t start Lilley Photography because I wanted to chase whatever style was popular that year.

I started because I’ve always believed there’s something powerful about being seen.

Not “seen” like… people notice you.

Seen like… you feel recognized. You feel like you don’t have to shrink, hide, or perform. You can just be you.

And I know how rare that can feel.

I’m not here to make you look like someone else

Let’s talk about something I care about a lot:

I don’t do cookie-cutter sessions.

I’m not trying to copy the same poses, same props, same edits, same “Pinterest-perfect” look for every person who books.

Because you’re not a template.

You’re a whole human with your own story, your own personality, and your own kind of beautiful.

So when you show up to a session with me, my goal isn’t to turn you into someone else.

My goal is to capture you—the version your people know and love.

What I want you to feel in front of my camera

This is the part I wish every client could hear before they ever step out of the car.

I want you to feel:

• Comfortable (even if you’re nervous at first)
• Safe (no judgment, no pressure)
• Confident (not fake confidence—real, grounded confidence)
• Taken care of (because you don’t need one more thing to stress about)
• Like you can breathe

Because the best photos don’t come from perfect posing.

They come from connection.

They come from that moment when you stop thinking, “What do I do with my hands?” and start feeling like, “Okay… I can do this.”

Seniors: I want you to feel like yourself (not like a stranger in your own photos)

Senior year is a lot.

It’s exciting. It’s stressful. It’s a whole mix of “I can’t wait” and “I’m not ready.” And if you’re a senior (or a parent of one), you already know how fast it’s moving.

So here’s what I care about during senior sessions:

• You don’t have to be “super outgoing” to take great photos.
• You don’t have to know how to pose.
• You don’t have to look like anyone else.

I’m going to guide you, hype you up, and help you feel comfortable—so your photos look like you on your best day, not you trying to be somebody you saw online.

Sports: I want you to remember how it felt, not just what it looked like

Sports photos aren’t just about a clean shot.

They’re about the work behind it.

The hustle. The focus. The nerves. The pride. The teammates. The parents in the stands. The “this season is flying by” feeling.

I love sports photography because it freezes the moments you don’t realize you’ll miss until they’re gone.

And if you’ve ever thought, “We’ll do pictures later,” here’s your reminder:

Later turns into next season. Next season turns into senior year. And then suddenly… it’s over.

Babies: I want you to remember the little things you swear you’ll never forget

If you’ve had a baby (or you’re in that season right now), you already know:

Time is rude.

One minute you’re rocking them at 2 a.m., and the next minute you’re looking at pictures like, “Wait… they were that tiny?”

Baby sessions matter because they capture:

• the tiny fingers
• the squishy cheeks
• the little expressions
• the way they fit in your arms

And they capture you in it, too. Because you’re part of the story.

Why I keep it affordable (and why that matters to me)

I’m going to be honest: I believe photos should be something families can actually have.

Not just the “perfect families.” Not just the families with extra money sitting around.

Real families. Real seniors. Real athletes. Real people.

I’ve built Lilley Photography around being personalized and affordable because I don’t want you to have to choose between:

• getting photos you love
• and paying for real life

And yes—quality matters. But so does access.

So if you’ve ever felt like professional photos weren’t “for you,” I want you to know: they are.

What I want this series to do

This January series isn’t just me talking about myself to hear myself talk.

It’s me pulling back the curtain a little.

It’s me saying: if you’ve been following along, liking posts, watching from the sidelines, wondering what it would be like to actually book… this is what it’s like.

It’s personal. It’s relaxed. It’s real.

And you don’t have to show up “perfect.”

Real talk: if you’re thinking about booking, here’s your sign

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time”…

If you’ve been telling yourself you need to feel more confident first… or your kid needs to cooperate better first… or life needs to calm down first…

I’m going to say this as kindly as I can:

You don’t have to earn the right to be in photos.

You already matter.

Your story already matters.

And I’d be honored to help you capture it.

Want to keep following this series?

In Part 4, I’m going to talk about what a session with me actually looks like—from booking to gallery delivery—so you know exactly what to expect (and you can stop overthinking it).

If you’re thinking about senior photos, sports photos, or baby pictures, message me and we’ll plan it. No pressure—just a real conversation to figure out what fits you best.