The Best Mother’s Day Gift Idea: Motherhood Portrait Mini Sessions in Franklin, TN

As a Nashville motherhood and family photographer, I hear the same thing from mamas over and over again: “I am always the one taking the photos. I am never in them.” If that sounds familiar, this post is for you.

I am Dolly DeLong, a Nashville-based family photographer, and every spring I set aside a very special day to serve moms right here in the Franklin, TN area. I host motherhood mini sessions at Studio Ivoire in Franklin, and the whole idea is simple: you show up, you be present with your children, and I take care of the rest. No stress. No chaos. Just you and your kids, and photos you will actually want to hang on your wall.

If you have been putting off getting professional photos taken because you are not sure it is worth it, or because you feel like you need to lose weight first, or because your kids are too young or too wild, I want to gently tell you: now is the time. This season passes faster than you think (believe me, I know, because I have two kids who seem to have “grown up” overnight)! 

What Are Motherhood Mini Sessions?

Motherhood mini sessions are short, focused portrait sessions designed specifically to celebrate the relationship between a mom and her children. They are not full family sessions, and they do not require hours of your time. A 20-minute session is genuinely enough to capture real, meaningful moments when the session is planned with intention.

My Franklin motherhood mini sessions take place at Studio Ivoire, a gorgeous natural light studio right in Franklin, Tennessee. The space is airy, neutral, and completely indoor, which means no worrying about Tennessee weather, no muddy shoes, and no squinting into the sun. The environment itself does a lot of the heavy lifting. It feels calm, and that calm transfers to your kids.

These sessions are perfect for:

• Moms with babies, toddlers, and young children
• Mamas who are expecting and want maternity portraits with their older children
• Grandmothers who want portraits with their grandchildren
• Any mom who has never had professional photos taken with her kids
• Dads who want to give Mom a meaningful Mother’s Day gift

And yes, if Dad wants to hop in for one or two frames, that is absolutely welcome. But the heart of these sessions is Mom and her babies. That is where the magic is.

Why Franklin Moms Are Choosing Indoor Studio Sessions

I get asked sometimes why I choose an indoor studio for these sessions rather than a Nashville park or a golden-hour outdoor location. Honestly? It comes down to consistency and comfort.

Studio Ivoire in Franklin, Tennessee, offers something outdoor locations simply cannot guarantee: a controlled, beautiful environment every single time. The soft, natural light that fills the studio creates a warm and timeless look in every image. The neutral tones mean your outfits truly pop. And because the studio is climate-controlled and enclosed, little ones feel safe and settled much faster than they do in an open outdoor space with all its distractions.

For mamas with babies and toddlers, especially, this makes a real difference. When your child feels comfortable and contained, they are more likely to relax, play, and give you those genuine smiles and snuggles that make a portrait truly special. Also, let’s just keep it real, there is a BATHROOM located inside the studio, and you don’t have to worry about locating a bathroom at a park for your little one before or after your session (as a mom who has potty trained her own kids, this is one less thing to worry about!) 🙂 

Studio Ivoire is also centrally located in Franklin, TN, making it easy to reach from Brentwood, Spring Hill, Nolensville, and the greater Nashville area. If you are a Franklin mom looking for motherhood photos near you, this location was chosen with you in mind.

What Happens During a Motherhood Mini Session?

Here is what a typical session looks like from start to finish:

Before the Session

After you book, I will send you my motherhood style and prep guide. This covers what to wear, how to prep your little ones, what to bring, and how to set realistic expectations for a mini session. A little preparation goes a long way, and I want you to feel confident before you even walk through the door. I also recommend considering professional hair and makeup if that helps you feel your best. You deserve to feel like yourself in these photos. If you want recommendations for a specific hair and makeup artist, I have my go-tos in the Middle Tennessee area! 

Day of the Session

Arrive at Studio Ivoire about 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Since sessions are booked back-to-back on this special day, starting on time helps everyone. Once we begin, I spend the full 20 minutes guiding you and your children through natural, relaxed moments. I do not do stiff poses. I prompt genuine hugs, nose-to-nose moments, giggles, and quiet connection. My job is to create the environment. Your job is just to be with your kids.

After the Session

I will send a sneak peek while I carefully edit your full gallery. Within a few weeks, you will receive access to your private online gallery where you will choose your 10 included edited images. If you fall in love with more, which happens often, you can purchase the full gallery as an upgrade.

The Investment

Each motherhood mini session is $300 and includes:

• A 20-minute portrait session at Studio Ivoire in Franklin, TN
• 10 beautifully edited images delivered in a private online gallery
• The option to upgrade and purchase your full gallery

Spots are limited and booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your contract is signed and your session is paid in full, your spot is officially secured.

Not sure if $300 is worth it? Think about what you spend on a single family dinner out, or a seasonal wardrobe refresh. A set of 10 professionally edited portraits of you and your children will outlast all of it. These are the photos your kids will look at when they are grown. These are the images that will sit on your mother’s shelf for decades.

A Note for Dads: The Best Mother’s Day Gift

Are you a husband or dad reading this, wondering what to give Mom for Mother’s Day? Here is your answer.

A motherhood portrait session is one of the most personal and meaningful gifts you can give the mother of your children. It says: I see you. I see how much you love our kids. I want you to have proof of that love, in photos, forever.

Booking is simple. You can reach out to me directly through my contact page, and I can walk you through the process. Surprise her, or let her pick her own session time. Either way, she will be so glad you did.

What to Wear for Your Motherhood Session

Outfit choice matters more than most moms think, and I want you to walk away feeling like the photos truly look like you. Here are a few guidelines:

• Choose soft, neutral, or muted tones that complement the studio’s natural palette
• Avoid large logos, busy patterns, or neon colors that can be distracting in portraits
• Dress your children in tones that coordinate with but do not necessarily match your outfit
• Wear something you feel genuinely comfortable in. If you feel stiff or self-conscious, it shows.

After you book, my prep guide will walk you through this in much more detail, with specific color palette suggestions and outfit inspiration. I want you to feel prepared and confident, not overwhelmed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin Motherhood Mini Sessions

What ages are welcome at a motherhood mini session?

All ages are welcome. I have photographed newborns, toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, and even adult children with their moms. If you are expecting and want maternity portraits alongside your older kids, this session is a beautiful fit for that too. Grandmothers are also warmly welcome to book a session with their grandchildren.

What if my child is shy or does not cooperate?

This is one of the most common concerns I hear, and I want to put your mind at ease. I am a mom myself, and I have photographed hundreds of families over the years. I know how to work with kids of every temperament and age. We do not need your child to perform. We need them to be themselves, and I will capture the real moments that come from that.

Can my husband or partner be in the photos?

This session is designed around the mother-child connection, but yes, a partner can step in for one or two frames if they would like. The focus will remain on Mom and the children throughout most of the session.

Where exactly is Studio Ivoire located?

Studio Ivoire is in Franklin, Tennessee, and is easily accessible from Nashville, Brentwood, Spring Hill, and surrounding areas. The exact address and parking details are shared after booking.

How do I book a motherhood mini session with Dolly DeLong Photography?

You can visit the motherhood mini session page at dollydelongphotography.com/mommy-and-me-photos-nashville to book directly. If you would like to be notified first when new session dates are announced, joining my email list is the best way to hear about upcoming opportunities before they are shared anywhere else.

You Deserve to Be in the Photos

I want to close with something I believe with my whole heart: your children need photos of you. Not a blurry selfie. Not a photo where you cropped yourself out. Real portraits that show the love, the warmth, the way you look at them when they do not know you are watching.

Someday, your kids will be grown, and they will want to remember this season. What you looked like when you held them. How you loved them. The way your face lit up when they ran to you. Those memories deserve to be preserved with care.

I would be truly honored to be the photographer who does that for your family. I approach every session with faith, intentionality, and genuine care for the mamas I serve. You will not feel rushed or self-conscious. You will feel seen.

If you have been waiting for a sign to book, this is it.

Visit dollydelongphotography.com/mommy-and-me-photos-nashville to reserve your spot, and if you happen to have missed the specific date, no worries, I host these motherhood sessions every spring, and spots go fast. The easiest way to hear about new dates before anyone else is to join my email list.

Ready to Book A FULL Studio Ivoire Session With a Franklin TN Photographer?

If Studio Ivoire in Franklin, TN feels like your kind of place, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels calm, beautiful, and connected. If you want to take the pressure off and feel extra confident walking in, my hair and makeup packages are such a great add-on, and they pair perfectly with a studio session like this, where everything is clean, bright, and timeless.

Want a little extra help as you plan? Download my free Family Photography Session Style and Planning Guide so you can feel prepared and excited for your photos.

And (as discussed in this blog), if you are a mama looking for a MINI Session version of a motherhood session, I usually announce all of my motherhood minis here. 

And to my fellow photographers, if you’re juggling client work and trying to stay consistent with marketing, The Family Photographer’s Marketing Society was built to help with exactly that. It includes monthly tools, prompts, and guidance to help you stay visible with Instagram and email marketing without burning out

Whether you’re a Nashville family looking for a studio session in Franklin or you’re searching for a Franklin, TN photographer who can guide you through a polished, relaxed experience, I’m so glad you’re here.

I can’t wait to help you capture something beautiful!