Every now and then, a session comes along that feels extra special—not just because of the photos themselves, but because of the people in front of the camera. That’s exactly how I felt during this recent motherhood studio session with my friend and fellow photographer, Grace Paul. Grace has played such an important role in my own journey as a photographer. She’s been encouraging and inspiring me since I first picked up a camera. So the fact that she entrusted me with her motherhood portraits means the world to me.
Grace is a mama of six (yes, six!) incredible children, and photographing her with them was such an honor. The clean white backdrop, soft blues and creams, and each child’s sweet energy made this session one of my favorites.
Studio sessions are some of my favorite ways to capture families because they’re simple, versatile, and timeless. With the focus on connection and emotion rather than a busy background, the white backdrop gave these images a fresh, modern look. It also kept the attention right where it belongs—on Grace and her sweet kids.
The neutral backdrop also made it easy to highlight their coordinated outfits. Grace really hit the perfect balance between looking cohesive without being too matchy-matchy. The family dressed in shades of blue and cream, which felt natural and calming while still adding depth and variety to the photos. These tones are also perfect for black-and-white edits, and I loved seeing how effortlessly this gallery translated into both color and monochrome.
One of the sweetest parts of this motherhood session was spending time with each of Grace’s six children individually. Photographing siblings one-on-one allows their personalities to shine through in a unique way, and I loved capturing that here.
As I moved through the session, it struck me how each connection was different, yet all were rooted in the same love. Grace has created a home where each child feels seen and cherished, and these images reflect that so beautifully.
The oldest boys showed maturity and pride as they posed with their mom. The younger ones overflowed with giggles and energy. Each portrait told a story. Grace’s young daughter appeared with tenderness, her privacy respected but her place in the family honored. The baby girl was a true highlight. Those tiny newborn details paired with the joy of her siblings surrounding her made my heart so full.
As a photographer, it’s always moving to watch kids interact with their mom during a session. There’s something about the way they look at her (so much love, admiration, and comfort in every glance!) that makes the images powerful and emotional. Maybe that’s just my own mama heart talking, but you can see it in the photos.
Some of my favorite images from this session were those of Grace surrounded by all her children. You can see the joy on their faces, the playfulness between siblings, and the deep bond they share as a family.
For a mom, being photographed with all of your children together is such a gift. It’s easy to stay behind the camera, especially when life feels busy or chaotic with little ones. But these photos are a reminder of just how beautiful and important it is for mothers to exist in their family’s story. One day, these kids will look back at these portraits and see not just their childhood selves but also the way their mom showed up for them, day after day, with love and grace.
Photographing six children at once might sound daunting, but this session was a reminder of how much joy can come from leaning into the natural energy of a family. The kids were so engaged and happy to be there. You could tell that being together with their mom in this way made them feel special.
Instead of asking everyone to hold still or pose perfectly, I encouraged a mix of structured moments and candid interactions. The result was a gallery filled with real connection. Laughter, hugs, and expressions that felt completely genuine.
When families bring their young children into the studio, I always remind them not to stress about perfection. The most memorable photos happen in the in-between moments. A child rests their head on Mom’s shoulder. A silly joke sparks giggles. Siblings pile close without being asked. Those end up being everyone’s favorites.
Another reason I love this motherhood studio session is how versatile the photos are. The simple backdrop, neutral palette, and variety of poses mean these images can be displayed anywhere. Whether framed in the living room, printed in an heirloom album, or shared as black-and-white prints, they’ll look timeless in any context.
I can see Grace displaying these photos in her home and using them in her photography business. They capture the balance of motherhood and artistry. These timeless images celebrate not only this newborn season but also the beauty of her growing family.
As a photographer, one of the things I’m most passionate about is encouraging moms to get in the frame. It’s easy to put it off—waiting for the kids to grow, for life to slow down, or to feel more “put together.” But sessions like this are proof of why motherhood portraits matter right now. They’re for the kids who will one day look back and see how deeply their mom loved them. And for the mom who deserves to see her own beauty and presence reflected in her family’s story.
Grace’s session reminded me of that truth in such a powerful way. Watching her with her six children, I was reminded that motherhood is messy, busy, and full of motion, but it’s also breathtakingly beautiful. Capturing that balance is why I do what I do.
Photographing Grace Paul and her sweet children was an incredible honor and a session I’ll never forget. From the tender newborn details to the energy of five lively boys, from group shots filled with laughter to quiet one-on-one portraits, this gallery tells the story of a mother who is deeply loved by her children.
Grace has been such an important part of my journey as a photographer. Photographing her sweet family truly feels like a full-circle moment. More than anything, I’m grateful she trusted me to capture her motherhood story—and I hope these photos will serve as a reminder of this beautiful season for years to come.
If you’ve been thinking about booking your own motherhood or family session, I’d love to help you create images that feel just as meaningful. Let’s celebrate the connections that matter most.
Contact me today to schedule your session.
P.S. If you’re a fellow family photographer reading this, I’d love to support you too! My Family Photographer’s Marketing Society is a monthly membership designed to help you stay consistent and visible with your Instagram and email marketing. No more second-guessing what to post—just simple, strategic content to keep your business growing.
Dolly DeLong is a Nashville-based family & branding photographer AND a creative business owner who educates other family photographers (aka creative business owners) on systems, SOPs, workflows, marketing, and launching (aka how to run the backend of your own family photography business as a one-woman show)! Dolly loves serving families with her bold, elevated, and radiant photography. She also loves educating other creative business owners on how to set up systems and workflows to help them save time in their businesses. Dolly produces weekly blog posts, podcast episodes on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, and weekly YouTube Episodes.
She has a heart for serving the larger business community. Dolly shares her knowledge of launching, Email Marketing, and Business Systems with new creative business owners and family photographers in an encouraging and supportive way because she believes anyone can find joy in systems, workflows, and intentional SOPS! Plus, BONUS: Systems are where the magic happens! You can streamline and automate the backend of your creative business with ease!
Dolly’s faith and love for her family motivate her to help other business owners find the joy and freedom she’s seen in running a successful small business.
Whenever she has a spare moment, she enjoys watching TV, loves eating way too many sweets, and listens to podcasts while running or walking. Fill out her contact form to work with Dolly DeLong Photography for a family photography session.
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