This was the most bittersweet session I think I've ever done! As my nieces 1st birthday fastly approached, I HAD to take her 1 year photos. I wouldn't have it any other way. However, I still can't believe she's 1. Time truly flies, faster than necessary sometimes. My cousin packed up her girls and made the long trek down to my house. We technically only live 45 minutes away from each other but with Houston's traffic & two toddlers it took her a while to make it down to me. Once, she made it down we headed to the park to take pictures cause you can't take pictures of one and not the other! Then, we ventured back to my house and I sat Dana in front of the camera and let her have at the cake. Just to see the joy on her face while we were taking her pictures and she was eating cake made me love her even more. Her & her sister are my world and I couldn't be more grateful to be their aunt.

So without further ado, my sweet baby Dana's Smash the Cake session! :)

Im a little bias, but I have two of the cutest nieces in the history of nieces!!! I want to thank my cousin for getting married and having kids, because without her & her hubby I wouldn't be able to share these photos!!

Enjoy!! xo

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 adore this next lady, we worked together on a shoot one time and we instantly clicked! She's super sweet & her fella isn't half bad either! ;)She contacted me with some super exciting news and asked if we could do a couple of shoots together. I was super excited because of course I love nothing more than being behind the camera! This first shoot is to help announce her exciting news but you have to scroll through the photos to find out what it is.

I won't hold you much longer to find out what her news is!

I asked Jamal to show me his best "swag" and this is what happened! We definitely had a good laugh! ;)

So when Mariko contacted me, she asked me if we could do something a little special. She requested 3 different shoots; one now, one later on & one when her little bundle of joy is born!! Yes, this lovely lady is expecting!!! When she told me I was first off so excited for her & second extremely excited for the different shoots! We brainstormed a few ideas and I have to say I can't wait to 'til the other shoots! We decided to do something simple for this shoot and just make it a couple's session to help announce her pregnancy. We had a great time and I couldn't be happier for her & her man!

Mariko & Jamal, I'm so happy for you guys!! I had a fabulous time with you two & Rocko, he's going to make a great big brother!! Can't wait 'til the other shoots too!!! Much love!! xo layla

Here's the little announcement, their baby is the size of a lime!! Pretty cute baby huh???

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

This little boy melted my heart!!!! We spent the afternoon at Kemah, I bought him dip n' dots & his mama even got me a pass to ride the rides with them!! It was a fun filled afternoon with lots of laughs and goodness all around!! While he was riding one of the rides, his grandmama & mama were telling him happy birthday and he would turn over his shoulder and blow us kisses!! It melted my heart so much because it was so sweet, I immediately snapped several shots and showed grandma & mom and they died when they saw it! See why I love children, they're just so precious!!! He definitely told me at the end that it was a great birthday!

Happy Birthday Hayden!!! Stay sweet!! Much love!! xo Layla

If there's one thing I love to death is children!! I adore children of all ages, something about their innocence and the way they view life never ceases to amaze me. Being able to capture that innocence and joy on their face is what puts a smile on my face at the end of the day. I had such a great time capturing baby Easton's sweetness!! He was the best! I think he needs to be a model when he grows up because he was definitely perfect, he new when to pose and gave me a big smile ever time! He even threw in a couple of cute poses himself! :)

Kelly & Christian,

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your little man! He was so adorable and I had such a great time with you guys!!!

Much love!! xo Layla

I absolutely adore this next couple!! They were so amazing the day of their session, not only did we have a gorgeous day they even let me use test out some new poses & spots for their shoot! We started off on a ledge & ended their session on a rooftop! It was definitely a great session!

Bryan & Cristina,

You guys are SO amazing!!! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your engagement session!!! I had such a great time with you guys! :)

Much love!! xo Layla

Love is such a beautiful thing and to be able to capture it on camera is what I love to do! This next couple was so amazing! We went to Kemah for their shoot and I didn't realize it was Mardi Gras, so we had to duck & dodge a massive amount of people but we were able to get some amazing shots! Everyone around us was kind enough to wait and until we got the shots we needed, at one point there were people around us telling Matt to give his lovely lady a big kiss which of course he did!

Matt & Krystal,

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your love!! I hope you guys have a beautiful wedding!! Party the night away and I hope your lives together is filled with an abundance of love, happiness and prosperity!

Much love! xo Layla

What girl, doesn't want a princess kiss in the middle of Kemah?!!

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 adore this next family!! Meghna's amazing staff surprised her with a gift certificate for a family session as a Christmas present! I have to say it was one of the sweetest gifts and Im so happy they did because I had such a great time photographing them! Their girls are so full of life and so wonderful to be around that it was constant smiles and laughter! It definitely brightened up my day after I start photographing them. :)

Meghna,

You have such a sweet family and Im so happy that we got together to take the photos. You're girls were definitely the highlight of the session with their adorable smiles! I hope you guys enjoy the photos! xo Layla :)

This sweet baby boy is turning 1!!! I don't think I could come up with the right words to describe this little one! He's beyond precious!

I know he's going to have a super-fantastic 1st birthday party!!

Happy Birthday Tristan, sending you big hugs and kisses!!! :)

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

Its always humbling when a family not only loves your work but they come back for more!! I have to say I am very grateful for this next family, they even named me their family photographer. I thought it was pretty cool!

Love you Smith family and Im so happy you guys chose me to take your family photos, again! <3 Much love, Layla xo

The Smith Family :)

The many faces of Miss Aubrey

Little handsome Ben