How to Plan and Capture Magical Motherhood & Family Moments in Nashville

How to Plan and Capture Magical Motherhood & Family Moments in Nashville

Capture the magic of motherhood and the beauty of your growing family with this ultimate guide to planning a Nashville family photography session. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned mom who wants to freeze time with your little ones, I’m here to help you turn your dream photoshoot into a joyful and memorable experience.

As a Nashville family and portrait photographer, I specialize in highlighting the emotional connection, milestones, and love that define motherhood and family life. From choosing the right location to coordinating outfits and capturing natural, joyful images, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a meaningful and magical session.

Bookmark this blog or share it with a friend who’s preparing for their own session, because planning your family photos doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! And if you are READY to book your family photography session in Nashville, you can contact me here.

Why Capturing Family Milestones Matters

They say “time flies,” and as a mom myself, I feel that deeply. From baby’s first steps to toothless grins and sibling snuggles, these fleeting moments deserve to be preserved in a way that tells your family’s unique story.

Family and motherhood photography helps freeze time. It gives you tangible memories to treasure—photos that bring back the sounds, smells, and feelings of the season you’re in.

One of my favorite photo sessions was with my own family, just after my youngest son, Jack, was born. Getting a toddler and a newborn ready was chaotic, but my photographer captured that season perfectly. Today, those images are framed all over our home and even in my son’s room. He loves looking at them too. These memories matter, and even your kids will cherish them.

How to Choose the Right Family Photographer in Nashville

The right photographer will make or break your experience (and your photos). Here’s how to find a perfect fit:

1. Look for a Specialist

Search for photographers who specialize in family and motherhood photography. Browse their portfolios to see if their style matches your vision. Can you see your own family in those images?

2. Read Client Reviews

Check Google Reviews and testimonials. Look for notes about patience, communication, comfort during the session, and an ability to connect with kids.

3. Understand Pricing & Packages

While quality photography is an investment, you shouldn’t feel priced out. Look for photographers who offer flexible options—like my Nashville Mini Sessions, which are perfect if you’re looking for a smaller, more affordable experience.

If you know you want to work with me but prefer a mini-session version, be sure to check out my Nashville Mini Session Experience page. It’s a great solution for families who want a smaller version of the full family photography experience.

Planning the perfect family and motherhood photoshoot

Once you’ve chosen the perfect photographer, it’s time to start planning your family and motherhood photoshoot. Planning will ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience.

First and foremost, discuss your vision and expectations with your photographer. Share any specific ideas or themes you have in mind, and let them guide you in terms of what will work best for your family. They will have the experience and expertise to suggest locations, outfits, and poses that will bring your vision to life.

I would say, please be super realistic when you are planning out your session in Nashville. Although Nashville is an amazing city with a variety of beautiful backdrops you need to consider the following key factors depending on the time of year in Nashville: you’ll need to consider the factor of WEATHER and consider the factor of PERMITS.

Yes, I understand you want to have a location that FITS your family’s personality and that represents your stage of life but if it is mid-January and you want to take photos outside, you will need to remember that it will most likely be colder and that the greenery (that makes Nashville so gorgeous) will not be in full effect and it will be damp, gray and cold in your photos.  You need to consider the time of year to FIT your family’s ideal photo location. Remember, if you want spring photos, then plan a photo session in the spring. If you want the foilage of Nashville to be reflected in the photos, plan a session for late October or early November. Be realistic with the seasons, and please do not expect your photographer to photoshop everything in the background.

As far as PERMITS go, if you want to shoot at a specific location in Nashville, you will need to think ahead and think through the permit requirements of the location that you wish to photograph. Be sure to be super communicative with your preferred photographer and ask them ahead of time if the location you desire requires a permit and how much it will be added to the photography package. Please factor that into the planning of your family photography session.

When it comes to outfits, coordination is key. While you don’t have to match perfectly, choosing complementary colors and styles will create a cohesive look in your photographs. Consider the location and season when selecting outfits and aim for a balance between comfort and style. If you want bright, light, and airy photographs to be represented in your photos, make sure you are wearing outfits that represent that look, and make sure you are coordinating well. Do not get mad at your photographer if you show up wearing matching neon pink and green jumpsuits and you expect your photographer to create creamy and dreamy-toned photos. You need to be mindful of your outfit selection and see how it matches with the location as well.

On the day of the photoshoot, make sure everyone is well-rested and fed. A happy and relaxed family will result in more natural and genuine photographs. Bring along any props or sentimental items that you’d like to include in the photos, such as a favorite toy or blanket.

Remember, family and motherhood photography is not about perfection; it’s about capturing authentic moments and emotions. Embrace the chaos and unpredictability that comes with photographing children and allow your photographer to guide you throughout the process. The best photographs often happen when you’re simply enjoying each other’s company and being yourselves.

By planning and embracing the spontaneity of the moment, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, heartfelt photographs that truly capture the essence of your family. But if you do want those dreamy, creamy-toned photos that you have been eyeing on Pinterest and want to achieve a certain look, you will need to speak about this with your preferred photographer and let them help you curate a wardrobe which can help you plan out your family photography experience in a more streamlined way!

Styling and Posing Tips for Beautiful Family Photos

Even with planning, the best photos often come from genuine moments.

• Keep it candid: Tickle fights, hugs, and whispers capture real emotion
• Be yourselves: Let go of the pressure to pose perfectly
• Style with intention: Hats, scarves, or subtle props can enhance photos without stealing focus
• Have fun: Your job is to enjoy the moment; your photographer will handle the rest

Best Family Photography Locations in Nashville

Here are some of my favorite photo spots:

• Centennial Park: A classic choice with the Parthenon and green spaces (a permit IS required here)
• Downtown Murals: Like “I Believe in Nashville” for urban flair
• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Elegant and seasonal blooms (a permit is required here)
• East Nashville or Germantown: Historic charm and cozy vibes
• Tennessee Countryside: For wide-open natural beauty

Want even more inspiration? I have a list of my seven favorite Nashville photo locations available in another post.

7 of the Best Places to Take Family Photos in Nashville

Displaying and Preserving Your Family Photos

Your photos deserve to be seen and loved. Here are a few ways to display them:

• Gallery wall: A timeless way to share your story
• Photo books: Perfect for preserving sessions by season or year
• Framed prints or canvases: Choose archival-quality materials
• Digital frames or slideshows: Rotate favorites with ease
• Backups: Store files securely, both online and on a hard drive

Your photos are more than digital files (and they shouldn’t just live in your phone) because they’re your family’s legacy.

Testimonials from very happy clients

Here’s what some of my satisfied clients have to say about their experience with our Nashville family and motherhood photography services:

⭐️ “Dolly is an absolute dream to work with, starting from first contact with her to gallery day! She is incredibly responsive and professional. She actually responded with a personal video she made when I first contacted her, literally within minutes of my email, which was a wonderful touch!” (Isaacs family)

⭐️”Dolly is absolutely wonderful!! She did my maternity pictures and did a fabulous job!! I did not want to have maternity pictures taken since I have not been feeling like myself but I am so glad that I did! Dolly captured beautiful images that I will cherish forever! Dolly was so sweet and had so many amazing ideas for photos! She definitely made my husband and I feel very comfortable. She will 100% be our ONLY family photographer!” (Benjamin Family)

⭐️”Okay, I don’t leave a lot of reviews but I just had to because I’ve never loved family photos more than these pics by Dolly!!!! The lighting is amazing and she captured my two-year-old perfectly.. big smiles and all! I will cherish these pictures forever and some are going to end up on our walls. Thank you, Dolly! You are the BEST!” (Kacy)

Conclusion

Capturing magical moments with your family is a priceless gift to be cherished forever. From the first steps to the toothless grins, family and motherhood photography allows us to freeze these fleeting moments and celebrate the love and connection shared within our families.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the art of family photography in the vibrant landscape of Nashville. I have provided tips and advice on choosing the right photographer, planning the perfect photoshoot, posing and styling, selecting locations, editing and enhancing your photographs, and displaying and preserving your family and motherhood photos.

I truly hope that this guide has inspired you to embrace the beauty of motherhood and celebrate the love shared within your family. Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned mom, investing in family and motherhood photography is an investment in creating lasting memories and capturing the essence of your unique family story.

So, gather your loved ones, find the perfect photographer, and embark on this journey to capture magical moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Your family and future generations will thank you for it.

If you have read this and want to work with me, Dolly DeLong Photography, I would be so honored to get to work with you! You can click here or click on the banner to get started!