Bringing home your newborn is one of the most emotional and ‘gone in a moment’ seasons of your life – and you only get one chance to preserve it beautifully.
But if you’re anything like most new parents, you’re already overwhelmed with decisions. And when it comes to choosing a newborn photographer near you, the options can feel endless. Do you go with a friend who owns a camera? Someone affordable on Instagram? Or the professional whose work gives you goosebumps, but feels like a bigger investment?
In this post, I’ll walk you through what to look for when choosing a newborn photographer – especially if you’re in the Nashville area – and how to avoid the most common regrets I’ve been told by families after their photos are done.
Spoiler alert: This isn’t just about finding someone who “takes good pictures.” It’s about finding someone who knows how to make your life easier – and who you’ll thank again and again every time you walk past that framed image on your wall.
Why Choosing the Right Newborn Photographer Matters
The newborn phase is short. You blink, and it’s over. Your baby will never curl up in quite the same way again.
That’s why hiring a professional newborn photographer in Nashville, TN isn’t just a luxury – it’s peace of mind. It’s knowing that even when you’re exhausted, hormonal, and running on caffeine, you don’t have to stress about anything.
You just show up, and everything else is taken care of.
The right photographer doesn’t just take photos – they provide an experience. One where you feel confident, seen, and cared for (yes, even if you still have hospital bands on your wrist they can cut off and preserve for you to take home because they know how important those are to keep).
3 Common Mistakes People Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Choosing a Friend with a Camera
We all have that one friend who “does photography on the side.” And while they may mean well, photographing newborns is nothing like taking headshots or senior portraits.
From soothing and safely posing your baby, to working with natural light, to knowing how to gently navigate postpartum emotions – it takes experience and training.
The newborn phase is not the time to roll the dice. If you’re searching for “newborn photography near me,” look for someone whose body of work is focused on maternity and newborns – the way YOU want them photographed. It makes a difference.
2. Choosing Based on Price Alone
I totally get it – having a baby is expensive. But when it comes to your baby’s first portraits, cost shouldn’t be the only consideration.
The truth just is, you get what you pay for. And with something as personal and irreplaceable as newborn images, it’s not just about price – it’s about the value of what you’re getting in return.
A professional newborn photographer in Nashville, TN will offer more than digital files. They’ll provide guidance, styling, emotional support, high-end hand editing themselves (not outsourced to a stranger who has never met you), safety expertise, and heirloom artwork that’s meant to last.
3. Waiting Until the Last Minute
The best newborn photographers often are reserving sessions months in advance.
I recommend reaching out during your early second trimester – especially if you want both maternity and newborn photos or are hoping for a very specific timeframe.
Sometimes based on other babies arriving very early or very late I can squeeze a couple last minute newborn sessions in per month, but I highly suggested not rolling the dice here and hoping for a last minute opening. That’s why early planning matters – especially if you’re hoping for the most relaxed, custom experience vs. scrambling with a 3 day old baby already in your arms.
What to Look For in a Newborn Photographer
If you’re searching for a newborn photographer near you, here are some green flags to look for:
✔ Experience with Newborns
Look for someone who specializes in newborn photography – and has years of experience to back it up. Not just with babies, but with lighting, posing, wardrobe, sibling chaos, and working with parents who are still deep in the newborn fog. What do their reviews look like?
I’ve been photographing Nashville families for over 15 years, and I can tell you: the more experience someone has, the more seamless your session will be, the less the chaos will phase them, and the easier getting those beloved images will be.
✔ Full-Service Offerings
The best photographers make your life easier, not make you deal with everything on your own. For my studio that means helping you with:
- Wardrobe for the entire family
- Hair and makeup recommendations
- Studio or in-home options
- An easy, done-for-you experience
Parents especially love that I provide a wardrobe that photographs beautifully and is designed to flatter postpartum bodies. You don’t have to shop, guess, or stress. You just show up – and everything else is taken care of.
✔ Studio and In-Home Options
Some families love the simplicity of my private downtown Franklin studio. Others want to include their nursery or home design in the story. A great photographer will walk you through the pros and cons of each and help you choose what fits your style best.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. That’s the beauty of custom newborn photography.
✔ Consistent Editing + Style
Look through their website portfolio (yes, they should have one of those) and social media. Does their editing style stay consistent across different sessions? Can you imagine your own family in their work? Can you imagine the colors and style of their images fitting into your home design well?
A consistent, timeless aesthetic is a sign of a seasoned professional – not just someone chasing trends or offering cute props.
What Makes the Experience Truly Exceptional
3Beyond photos, your experience should feel calm, supportive, and personal.
Newborn sessions can be emotionally loaded – especially for first-time moms or parents navigating sleep deprivation and hormones. That’s why my approach is centered on gentle guidance, calm energy, and genuine connection.
- Dads are never left wondering what to do.
- Toddlers are invited to be their silly, unpredictable selves.
- Moms get to feel like themselves again (yes, even if your hair hasn’t been washed in days or you don’t even know what day it is).
And when your session is done, you won’t have to fumble through your images wondering what to do next. While you can have digital files, for sure, I can also guide you through heirloom artwork, albums, and framed pieces that make your images part of your everyday life to actually enjoy – not just files on a hard drive.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Newborn Photographer
Whether you’re in Nashville or elsewhere, here are some helpful questions to ask:
- How long have you been photographing newborns?
- Do you offer in-studio and in-home options?
- Is wardrobe or styling included?
- Do you work with siblings and families as part of the session or are family images extra?
- What’s the process like after the session?
- Do you offer prints, albums, or framed artwork?
The answers will tell you a lot – not just about their work, but about how easy they’ll make things for you.
Searching for a Newborn Photographer in Nashville, TN?
Searching for a newborn photographer near you? If you’ve made it this far, you already know you want something more than just a few phone snapshots of your baby. You want artwork. You want peace of mind. You want a photographer who understands what this season feels like.
As you can probably tell, I’d absolutely love to be that person for you.
Whether you prefer the soft light of my downtown Franklin studio or the familiarity of your own home, together we’ll create a session that feels like you – beautiful, effortless, and honest.
Contact Jenny for more information & to get started.
