(I promise these are easy and I can help you – we are NOT adding more to your plate around here)
You’re a few days into have this new little person at home and you’re sitting there wondering, “how is it already going so fast?” Every new mom’s struggle. Those first days are both so long, while the weeks are literally flying right by and you’ll be wondering how your tiny baby has grown so much already.
A newborn session is one of the few moments where time slows, where you get to simply breathe in your baby and be fully present with them. After photographing newborns for more than 15 years, I’ve learned that the most meaningful, effortless sessions all have a few things in common.
Here are the five things that help create those soft, timeless images that you’re wanting in these early days so you can have the best Nashville newborn session for your family.
1. Let your baby lead the pace
The best newborn sessions unfold gently and naturally. I follow your baby’s cues, not a strict checklist. If they need to pause for a feed, burp, diaper change, or a quiet snuggle on your chest, we can give them that time. When parents let go of expectations and settle into the natural rhythm of the morning, everything feels calmer – and that comfort & calm translates beautifully in your images.
2. Keep the environment warm and soothing
Newborns love to be warm and held. In the studio, I keep the temperature intentionally cozy so your baby feels secure and relaxed. If we’re photographing at your home, a warm, softly lit corner becomes the perfect backdrop. A calm environment helps babies sleep soundly or stay peacefully awake, which is exactly what allows for those serene, organic portraits. Most of all, newborns feed off of our energy. The calmer & cozier we are? The more your baby is as well.
3. Choose simple, neutral clothing
Styling plays a huge role in creating that elevated, timeless look my clients love. Think soft textures, neutral colors, muted tones, and pieces without distracting patterns or logos. And it’s often not even about the colors, but the way something fits, the overall pattern, etc. One of my favorite newborn sessions has mom in a black dress, dad in muted black jeans and lots of warm ivory colors in baby’s clothing and dad’s sweater to balance out the black. In the studio, I provide a full wardrobe for moms and the rest of the family to make things effortless and can also bring those items to your home. I’m also happy to help style your session from your own clothing, I recommend keeping outfits soft and simple — so the emotion and connection stay at the center of your images.
4. Prepare for a slow, cozy morning
Whether your session is in my private, downtown Franklin studio or in your home, the morning is unhurried by design. Plan for extra time so you don’t feel rushed walking in the door. Have a snack or light breakfast before you come, bring anything your baby loves (a pacifier, a favorite swaddle), and allow yourself to ease into the experience. The slower we move & the less stressed you are about rushing, the more natural everything feels.
5. Embrace being in the photos — even if you’re still healing
This season is brief, and you deserve to be seen in it. So many parents tell me they “don’t feel ready,” but when they look back at their newborn images, the ones that become the most meaningful are the ones they’re in. You don’t need to worry about how you look – I’ll guide you into flattering, relaxed positions, soften the light, and make sure you feel taken care of. What matters most is that your baby sees you there, loving them from the very beginning.
A newborn session isn’t about perfection – it’s about presence.
If you follow these five gentle steps, your session will feel calm, natural, and truly reflective of your family’s story in these early days.
Hi! I’m so thankful you are checking out my work here at my website and blog. A little more about my studio… I have a full, size inclusive, studio wardrobe, with of over 200 dresses and robes for moms (size 0 – 26) from my favorite places like some of the clothing above along with hundreds of choices for babies, children, and shirts for men. Hair and makeup is also available before your session to make your session as simple and stress free as possible. All you need to do is arrive and snuggle your family and follow these tips above to prepare for the best Nashville newborn session.
If you love these photos, and you are looking for a Nashville newborn photographer I would love to begin planning your session. With over 15 years of specializing in my favorite ages of tiny humans, maternity, newborn, and young families and I would love to photograph your family’s session. To see more of my maternity & newborn portfolio please click over here and get in touch if this is something you would love for your baby.
Wondering what full sessions look like? I would be happy to show you what an entire gallery looks like while this blog space receives new posts, including older sessions mixed among new session sneak peeks. I feel strongly that potential clients are able to see many full galleries of real sessions so you know exactly what to expect from your portraits as well! If you are interested in a custom portrait session with Jenny Cruger Photography and would like more information, please click here to learn more about me and this experience.
I’m currently reserving newborn sessions into 2026. If you would like to reserve your Nashville area newborn photos, in my downtown Franklin studio or your home, on my calendar I would love for you to contact me today.
