I'm Dolly, a Nashville-based family and newborn/motherhood photographer.
Since 2008, I’ve had the honor of capturing all the beautiful seasons of motherhood—from maternity to family photography. Through this site, I share some of my most cherished sessions, offering both inspiration and helpful tips to get you ready for your ideal family session. Consider this your go-to resource for all things family photography!


NASHVILLE-BASED FAMILY & MOTHERHOOD PHOTOGRAPHER

meet DOLLY

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A special thanks to the sweet Grace Paul (of Grace Paul Co) for inviting me to her beautiful home to take maternity portraits of her and her little girl. Fun fact about Grace, she is a boy mom of 5 boys, so the arrival of this sweet girl is full of joy and anticipation. I loved this session for so many reasons...

Spring Maternity Portraits in Nashville

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Your family photos capture cherished memories that deserve to be shown off! Inside your home, they can bring you joy and make your space feel more cozy and put together.  Framing them is always a great first step, but if you’re not sure how to showcase them, these creative photo display ideas can help your […]

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When we think about family milestones, we often think of birthdays, anniversaries, and engagements, but there are so many more moments that are perfect for our photo session. I usually take photos of younger families, but I love it when parents want to capture some sweet memories with their older kids as well.  Just recently, […]

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When it comes to branding photography, my goal is always to tell a story. Not just any story, though—one that feels as unique and vibrant as the person behind the brand. That’s exactly what I aimed to do during my recent session with Jenn from Just Encourage Health, a holistic nutrition and health coach based […]

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So, you just got your family photos back from your photographer—and wow, they are absolutely gorgeous! You’re thrilled with how they turned out (because you know all that careful planning paid off), but now you might be wondering: What do I actually do with these photos? They deserve more than just living on your phone […]

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The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year to help families create meaningful portraits. It’s a magical time filled with cozy traditions, festive moments, and memories you’ll want to cherish forever. Holiday family photos are the perfect way to celebrate the season, whether you’re capturing the joy of togetherness for your holiday […]

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Capture unforgettable Vanderbilt University college graduation portraits to celebrate your accomplishments and memories with friends. Read more about the Vanderbilt University Graduation Portrait Session Experience with Dolly DeLong Photography here

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Candid vs. Posed Family Photos: Why You Don’t Have to Choose

When planning your family photo session, deciding between candid and posed photos can feel overwhelming. But the good news? You don’t have to pick just one! Candid photos capture your family’s genuine, unscripted moments—like belly laughs or shared glances—while posed photos offer timeless, polished portraits perfect for framing or holiday cards. As your Nashville family photographer, I blend both styles to create a gallery filled with memories you’ll treasure forever. Whether it’s playful candids or beautifully arranged portraits, every moment will reflect your family’s unique connection and joy.

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There’s something truly magical about milestone sessions. This is especially true when they are set in a place as timeless as Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville. I recently had the pleasure of photographing the sweetest family to celebrate their daughter Nora’s 1st birthday. This Cheekwood Gardens first birthday session was one of the highlights […]

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Fall in Nashville is one of the most beautiful times of the year. With the leaves changing color, the sun setting earlier, and the weather cooling off, it’s the perfect time to schedule your family photo session. Here are a few reasons why you should take advantage of this beautiful season for family pictures!

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Explore a joyful one year photo shoot with the Beasely family, complete with family portraits and an adorable cake smash to celebrate a special milestone.

free family portrait style guide —

a free style guide

Planning a family photo session can feel overwhelming, but I’ve got you! Grab my free guide to plan, prepare, and get excited for your next session with confidence.

Family Photography Session Planning & Style Guide

plan & style your session