Nashville Newborn Photo Session at Home Featuring a Hand-Painted Nursery

One of the greatest joys of working with families is being invited back to document the next chapter of their story. That’s exactly what happened with this sweet family in Nashville! I photographed their maternity session a few months ago, and they recently reached out again to schedule newborn photos in their home.

This session included the new parents, their baby, and their two adorable dogs. The entire morning felt calm, joyful, and full of love—exactly the kind of environment that makes an at-home session so special.

Hi, I’m Dolly! Before we get started, are you ready to capture your family’s most treasured moments? Let’s make some beautiful memories together! Click here to discover my photography style and book your session. I’m so excited to meet you and be part of your story!

A Hand-Painted Nursery with Personal Touches

The nursery immediately stood out when I arrived. The mom had hand-painted the entire wall, and it was absolutely stunning. Their attention to detail made the room feel personal and cozy, and the dog-themed decor added such a fun and sentimental touch, especially since the family included their dogs in the session.

Hair and makeup were done by the talented Kati Edge, and it gave mom the chance to feel confident and pampered. That little extra care can really transform a session, especially in the early newborn weeks when energy can be low.

Capturing Natural Moments at Home

We moved through the house during the session, capturing the family in some of their favorite spaces. In the nursery, I photographed them sitting by the crib, snuggling their baby, and admiring the hand-painted wall that mom had worked so hard on. We also took portraits of each parent with their baby, along with several sweet family shots.

Next, we headed to the living room to capture a few cozy moments on the couch. The dogs wandered in and out of the frame, naturally curious and gentle around their new sibling. I love when dogs are part of a photo session! They add so much warmth and help tell the full story of a growing family.

I always make time during these sessions to get a few quiet portraits of each parent with their baby. These moments often feel the most honest—soft eye contact, little smiles, a tiny yawn or hand squeeze. These are the kinds of details parents often remember years later.

Why At-Home Newborn Sessions Work So Well

At-home sessions offer a peaceful and familiar environment, especially for new parents and newborns. Rather than packing up bags, outfits, and baby gear for a location shoot, families can relax in their own space while I handle the rest.

There’s no pressure to have a perfect home. We focus on the areas that feel most lived-in and meaningful, like a nursery, bedroom, or favorite corner of the living room. Being in your own space helps everyone feel more comfortable and confident from the start, including pets and toddlers.

And just as importantly, your home becomes part of the visual story. Whether it’s a hand-painted wall, a favorite chair, or a four-legged friend curled up next to you, those are the kinds of real-life details that help create lasting memories.

Common Questions About At-Home Newborn Photo Sessions

What if our home doesn’t feel “photo ready”?
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect house to have beautiful photos. I’ll help identify the rooms with the best natural light and recommend simple adjustments if needed. A quick tidy-up of the spaces we’ll use is usually all it takes.

How do we include our pets without things getting chaotic?
Including pets in your session can be really meaningful. We’ll start with shots that naturally involve your pets, and I’ll guide you through ways to keep things calm and playful. Most animals adjust quickly, especially when they’re already used to being in the space.

What should we wear?
Choose comfortable, neutral-toned outfits that coordinate but don’t match exactly. Soft textures and layered fabrics work well on camera and help create a timeless look. Keep it simple, and wear something that feels true to your everyday style.

When is the best time to schedule our newborn session?
I typically recommend scheduling newborn photos within the first two to three weeks after birth. During this window, babies are still very sleepy and love to be swaddled or cuddled. That said, I always prioritize the comfort and readiness of the family, and slightly later sessions can be just as beautiful.

Can we include personal or sentimental items?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a handmade blanket, a childhood book, or a gift from a grandparent, these details help tell your story. Let me know if you’d like to feature something specific, and I’ll find a natural way to include it in the session.

Tips to Prepare for Your Newborn Session at Home

Here are a few ways to help make your session feel smooth and stress-free:

• Tidy a few key rooms. Focus on areas with good light, like the nursery or living room. You don’t need to clean the entire house—just clear off surfaces or put away clutter in the spaces we’ll photograph.
• Choose outfits in advance. Aim for comfort and coordination rather than matching outfits. Muted, soft colors photograph especially well indoors.
  Think about your favorite spaces. Let me know if there are areas in your home that feel meaningful to you. We don’t need to use every room, just the ones that reflect your family’s everyday life.
• Limit distractions during the session. Turn off the TV, silence your phone, and create a peaceful atmosphere so we can focus on capturing your time together.
• Consider professional hair and makeup. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, hiring a pro like Kati Edge can help you feel more prepared and confident. In fact, one of my newborn packages includes a hair and makeup artist, so you can relax and look your best for your session!

Feeling overwhelmed about planning your family photo session? I’ve got your back! Download my Family Photography Session Planning & Style Guide to get expert tips on how to prepare, style, and enjoy every moment.

Book Your Nashville Newborn Session

If you’re ready to document this special season in your life, I’d love to help you capture it. Whether you’re welcoming your first child or adding another little one to the family, I’ll work with you to create a session that feels natural and meaningful.

You can reach out to me through my contact form here, and I’ll follow up to schedule a quick consultation call. We’ll talk through your vision, answer any questions, and find a time that works best for your family.

If you’re searching for a thoughtful gift for new parents, a newborn photo session is a beautiful and lasting way to celebrate their growing family. I’d be happy to help you arrange it.

Let’s preserve these moments while they’re still fresh.

Meet Your Friendly Nashville Family Photographer