I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS GIRL!!! She ROCKED her session! Not only did I do her hair & makeup but she trusted me 100% in styling her as well! Let's just say I was in photographer heaven! Now that we're instagram friends, we're friends for life!!! :)

Michaela,

I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors! I hope you have an amazing time at UT! Hookem'!!!

xo Layla

This pretty girl is graduating soon!!! I couldn't be more privileged to have taken her senior photos! She was a true gem to work with!!

Miss Debbie,

I wish you all the best in college! Stay sweet & live life to the fullest!!

BIG hugs & kisses!! xo Layla

I couldn't be more happy with the way this styled shoot came out. So much went into this shoot & I couldn't be more grateful to everyone that helped to make it possible!!

Some background information:

If I could travel the world, designing and doing styled shoots I would!! (I'm even starting to incorporate custom/personalized shoots for my clients.) It's one of my dreams to collaborate with various designers and artists and come up with amazing styled shoots to be featured in various magazines and online forums. I love seeing my vision come to life! While I was designing this shoot, the more I designed it the more detailed it became. It took over a month of designing and working on the details of the shoot for it to come to life but I do have to say that it was well worth it!

Details about the shoot:

There were so many details that went into this shoot!! Lets start off with the props! The set was vintage inspired and not necessarily a particular period, just vintage. I used my favorite white couch, along with some panels that I custom made myself - I've become a part time carpenter by the way - I LOVE birdcages and found one that was perfect! I even custom made the headpiece that Nneka is wearing in a few of the shots. Yes, Im crafty!! I also used one of my great-grandmother's tea sets along with a phone that she used to have in her house. No shoot of mine would be complete without COLOR!!! So, I sat and thought what would make this shoot even more amazing and it hit me...MACARONS & CUPCAKES!! I have to thank my dear friend, Sukaina of Macarons by Patisse for the amazing macarons & cupcakes!! Not only were they the perfect touch for the shoot but everything tasted uh-MA-zing!!!! The macarons melt in your mouth and the cupcakes were perfect!! I have to say I'm not a huge fan of sweets but I'll eat her macarons all day, any day!! And then just to add some more life to the shoot I decided to add lots of little details.

I have to thank my amazing model Nneka because without her gorgeous face this wouldn't have happened!! Nneka, you're so amazing and gorgeous! I am so happy I got to work with you! I had to refrain myself from editing her entire film because it was that amazing!!

I have to thank my wonderful friend Justin for doing the behind the scenes video!! It will be up soon!! So hang tight!!

I have to thank my amazing brother for helping me carry everything to & from the shoot...he's the muscles in the house so I had to use him! ;)

Everyones contribution to this shoot is beyond appreciated!! Thank you to everyone who had a hand in this shoot, you are truly amazing!

I think that's enough rambling!! Now time for some pictures!!! Enjoy!!! xo layla :)

Many Thanks!!! Photographer: Layla Hillail, Le Zu Photography Videographer: Justin Roelant Model: Nneka M. Tasty Treats: Macarons by Patisse Hair & Makeup: Layla Hillail Set Desginer: Layla Hillail Props: Various Stores & Heirlooms

Hello beautiful people!!!

So with last weeks exciting news, I have some more amazing news to share!!!

Le Zu Photography is celebrating 3 years in business!! Wow!! I can't believe how fast the time has gone and how blessed I have been! I have had some amazing clients over the past 3 years and I couldn't be more grateful for all of the opportunities that have come my way! I want to thank everyone who has helped to make my dreams come true and to everyone whose life I been so fortunate to be apart of to capture memories for many years to come! I absolutely, positively LOVE EACH & EVERY ONE OF MY CLIENTS!! You guys are utterly amazing and I wouldn't be where I am today without you!

In addition to Le Zu turning 3 years old I have decided to do a 2 month special for all of you!! Now just because it's running for 2 months, doesn't mean you need to wait until the last day to book your session. Trust me, my schedule books up extremely fast and I wouldn't want you to miss any opportunity!

For all of you lovely people, I am offering an amazing deal! $300 off any wedding package that I offer AS WELL AS 30% off any event or session package!! HURRY!! DON'T WAIT!! BOOK YOUR SESSION BEFORE TIME & SPACES RUN OUT!!! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at lezuphotography@yahoo.com.

Much love!!! xo Layla

Hi beautiful people!!!!

So many of you have been waiting so patiently for this exciting new that I am about to share!! I wanted to wait until my fan page on Facebook -> facebook.com/lezuphotography reached a 1000 "likes" and as of this morning it did!!! :D It definitely put me in the most amazing mood when I saw that!

So without further ado the amazing news!! Okay here it goes, after much deliberation I am opening up my own studio!! Yes, thats right MY VERY OWN STUDIO!!! I couldn't be more blessed, excited and over all a million times grateful! I will finally have a place to meet the amazing clients that have been coming my way, no more Starbucks meetings! The people at Starbucks might be upset but its okay Im not a huge fan of their overly priced coffee anyway! So much is going into my studio that I can not wait to share photos with you all! I don't want to say to much about it, you'll just have to wait for the pictures! :)

And since a blog post isn't a post until there are some photos on it, here's a couple of photos from the amazing collaboration I did yesterday! It was over a month in the making and I have to say it turned out even more amazing than my expectations!!! A full post will be up shortly so be sure to check back!!

The beautiful Nneka everyone!

Im super excited to announce my 2013-2014 Senior Model Search!! Im trying something new with my seniors this year. Im looking for people to represent Le Zu Photography for the graduating classes of 2013-2014. You can either be an upcoming graduating senior or a junior graduating in the Spring of 2014 AND you can either be a college OR high school student!! All my college gals & guys out there, take advantage of this awesome offer!!

Here's what you'll need to do, submit 2 photos of yourself to me at lezuphotography@yahoo.com to be considered along with a brief description as to why you should be a senior rep for Le Zu! With the session you will receive a FULL session. Whats a full session you ask?? Good question! With a full session comes full hair & make-up services, a personally styled shoot that best describes your personality, personalized rep cards to pass out to all your friends, digital images for your Facebook page AND a chance to win a two hour private session with yours truly!!

Im accepting submissions until March 1st! I've already had a ton of submissions, so hurry and submit your photos too!! :)

Much love!! xo Layla

Here's some of last years seniors for you to take a gander at:

GO COOGS!!!!!! \\n/

In the Hispanic culture when a girl turns 15, its kinda a BIG deal! Traditionally, its the first time a young lady gets to wear high heels, put on makeup, wear a fancy dress and have a HUGE party to celebrate! This next young lady just turned 15 and her amazing mama booked a session with me the day they went out to celebrate her birthday and she was all dolled up! She won't be having her actual party until the summer time but we had just as much fun taking these pictures as I know she'll have the day of her party!

Happy Birthday Lupe!! I hope this year for you is filled with so many amazing things for you! You're such a wonderful young lady and I know you're going to shin the night of your party! Much love! xo Layla

I absolutely LOVE everything about this next session! Everything turned out perfectly! We had a gorgeous day, the colors they wore were perfect and of course her little bump was precious!! Maternity sessions are one of my favorite sessions because the mama is always glowing and of course her hubby will love on her as much as possible! I think these images prove just that.

Maisha & Jyric,

You guys are super adorable and I had such a blast capturing your joy! I can't wait to meet little Sabriya, I know she's going to be perfect!! :)

I absolutely adore this next sweet family! I went to high school with their eldest daughter and I am so happy that I got to capture their smiling faces over the holidays!! AND, because Im such an awesome photographer I let them have a special treat at the end of their session! Scroll down to take a look! ;)

The sweet Hutchinson family! xo

WOW, what a year!!! I don't even know where to start!! I want to first say that I have been truly blessed this year, my business has grown so much and is still growing! I have been so very grateful for all of the amazing clients I have had over the past year and no session was ever the same. I was exposed to so many different clients and I have been so happy for each and every opportunity that came my way. This year was a very trying year for me and I am happy to say that I pulled through and came out even stronger than before. It has been a lot of trial and error and finding out what works and what doesn't definitely takes time and I think Im happy to say that even though Im still very much learning a lot I think I have finally found what works for me and my company.

I hope to continue to grow my company more and more each day and be blessed and honored to photograph more beautiful faces along the way! I can't wait to see what 2013 brings and hoping that it brings everyone health, happiness and prosperity!! It has truly been an honor to work with all of the amazing people I worked with over the past year. I started off last year with a 50th wedding anniversary for one of the sweetest couples I have ever met and I will be ending it today with a family session! Below are just some of the sessions I shot over the year, if I put all of them up you guys would be here too long. ;) I definitely grew a lot as an artist and can't wait to grow even more!

I will be starting off 2013 with some personal projects and a wedding!!! Im super excited and can't wait! Im ready to share with you all the next chapter in my life as well as in the people that I meet along the way.

I hope you all have an amazing New Year and live each and everyday as it was meant to be lived, to the fullest!

I want to leave you all with this: Smile every where you go, laugh when unnecessary, cry when needed, hug a little harder even if its too tight, kiss those whom you love longer and just be YOU! The world needs more people like the one you are. Happy New Year Everyone!! xo~Layla

**WARNING!! THIS POST MAY CAUSE HUNGER!!**Gorgeous Chef Maha is one talented lady! She cooked up a storm for this shoot! She made fish with rice topped with slivered almonds and parsley, lamb chops with mixed vegetables and couscous AND dessert!!! I had to refrain from picking at the food while we were shooting! We definitely devoured it afterwards though and yes it taste's just as amazing as it looks! I do have to thank her amazing dad for being her su-chef, he was pretty awesome for being around a bunch of girls helping us. :) Without further ado, the gorgeous Chef Maha!!

This girl is so stunning its unbelievable!! This is a conceptual piece I was working on and I have to say I ma 100% happy with the way it turned out!

Feast your eyes on the beautiful Zeena!!!

This family holds a very special place in my heart. I've known Mo my entire life and I absolutely adore him and his entire family and Ms. Kaukab well she's just amazing and their two boys are precious! But I'll let you be the judge of that!

The gorgeous Ghuneim family!

Love you guys!!! xo~layla

I absolutely love everything about beach sessions! To me, the beach is one of the most romantic places to take photographs and I love that my past few clients have all opted for beach sessions! This sweet couple and I had such a great time capturing their love and I can't wait to capture their big day as well!!

Jessica & Eugene you guys are absolutely adorable and I am so happy you chose me to photograph you guys! Much love! ~xo Layla

Don't forget about the Black Friday Sale going on!! Book your session before there are no more dates left! www.facebook.com/lezuphotography

www.lezuphotography.com

I had the hardest time picking out the images for this next session because Jordan & Will are fabulous!! I loved every minute with you guys! Will you've got yourself an amazing girl there and Jordan you have a great guy who adores you!

I am so happy you guys chose me to capture your love!! Much love! ~xo Layla

www.lezuphotography.com

I adore these two!! They have so much love and its just so darn cute!! We had a great time photographing their love and sharing a lot of laughs. One of my favorite sessions to date.

Melissa & Jack you guys are two peas in a pod and I can't wait to photograph your big day, its getting close!! xoxo ~Layla

~ The lovely couple ~

www.lezuphotography.com

I have to say this was one of my favorite sessions, the light was perfect, the models were gorgeous and the girls with Image Lifestyle are fabulous!!! I want to thank the ladies with Image Lifestyle for choosing me to help build their portfolio! I had such a great time working with you ladies!!!

Enjoy these gorgeous faces!! xoxo~Layla

www.lezuphotography.com

Hello beautiful people!!

Its been way too long since I've written a blog for you guys. Fair warning...its going to be a little long. :)

Now I know I've been a little MIA lately and just been teasing with photos here & there but I promise that's all about to change! Im going back to blogging and  sharing all of the goodness that is Le Zu Photography! So expect to see a lot more blog posts from me in the near future!

I am also adding a few things to my company! Im super excited about the new additions!

Biggest news is..... I am adding CUSTOM PHOTO BOOTHS!!! That's right! You can now book me for any upcoming event you may be having, put yourself in front of my camera & act a complete fool with feather boas, extra large sunglass and tiny hats and not be made fun of because everyone is going to be doing it! Go spread the word, gather some friends, throw a party & book a photo booth with me! I promise you wont regret it! :)

Secondly, I am going to be doing a lot more fashion/editorial shoots! I am really excited about this one! If you don't already know I have an extreme amount of passion for fashion photography. I live and breathe it more than most people know, I have an addiction for fashion magazines...its pretty bad. It has always been a dream of mine to have my photos featured in a magazine, you'll see one day I'll be posting about it. I love doing different collaborations and expanding my portfolio, if only there were enough hours in the day to photograph gorgeous faces. If anyone wants to get behind my camera & be a model for me let me know, I am pouring with ideas right now!

Now that the holidays are coming up its time to start booking holiday portraits! I am going to start opening up more days to do sessions. Right now, due to my full-time job, I only shoot on the weekends. That's all changing, I am now opening up a few days a week for sessions along with shooting on the weekends. :) This time of the year is one of my favorites to do shoots because it has the most amazing light and the weather is often pretty nice outside so no one gets all sweaty and sticky from the wonderful Houston heat. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT WHILE IT LASTS!!

There are going to be a few more additions and subtractions along the way, but everything is for the better. Owning a business is pretty tough, its a constant learning process and I have to say I have learned so much in the last two years with running my company. I'm still learning what works & what doesn't and how things could be improved. It has been such a dream to capture the moments I have and I can't wait to capture so many more. I have a lot of goals for my company and I am hoping to share them with you all soon! I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch!

I do have to thank all of the secret lovers of my work out there. I am constantly receiving praises of my work when I see people face-to-face and I absolutely love it!!! Now if only the secret lovers would share my work, I'd be even more grateful!! Hint, hint..when you "Like" something on Facebook it shows up in the news feed & ticker, so when people go to stalk you they'll see you stalking my work and then they'll go stalk my work...its a never ending vicious cycle that rocks!! So don't be shy share & hit the "Like" button, I promise the people in the picture will love it as well! ;)

I think that's enough ranting for one blog....more to come soon I promise! And, just to give you a sneak peek a what's coming here's a few images from the past few months that will be hitting the blog very soon!

For now- bear hugs, smiles & best wishes!! Until next time! :)

xo~Layla

Oh, what to say about these next fabulous sisters!! Well first off they are extremely dear to me, our families are great family friends and I've seen these girls grow up so it was bitter sweet taking their senior pictures. I can't believe how fast time fly's! I am so proud of you girlies!!! I wish you two all the best of luck in college!! Go and rock the nursing program!!!

Love you both!!! xoxo Layla Ladies & Gents please meet the fabulous Amirah (dark hair) & the lovely Mai (lighter hair). Please show them some love!!