You might remember this sweet family from their maternity session at Studio Ivoire, and it feels so special to now welcome their baby into this next chapter with a newborn studio session in the same beautiful space. There’s something really meaningful about documenting both seasons, from the anticipation of waiting to finally holding your baby in your arms.
Studio Ivoire in Franklin, TN continues to be one of my favorite locations for a newborn photo session. The light is soft and natural, the tones are clean and neutral, and the entire space feels calm in a way that just fits these early days so perfectly. It creates an environment where families can relax and focus on being present with each other.
Hi, I’m Dolly DeLong, a family photographer serving Nashville and the surrounding areas, and I’m so happy you’re here. I love working with families who want a guided, full service experience, especially those who choose to include hair and makeup and trust me to help style their session from start to finish.
If you’re thinking about booking a studio session this year, I’d love to help you plan every detail so you can actually enjoy the process and feel taken care of every step of the way.
And if you’re a fellow photographer trying to stay consistent with your Instagram and email marketing while serving your clients well, The Family Photographer’s Marketing Society is such a helpful resource to keep you visible without burnout.
Let’s take a closer look at how this newborn photo session came together and why it felt so effortless and connected.
What Makes a Newborn Studio Session Feel Calm and Natural
Newborn sessions have a completely different rhythm than maternity or family sessions, and that’s exactly what makes them so special.
Everything is slower. There’s no rush. We follow the baby’s lead, pause when needed, and lean into the quiet moments.
This session felt incredibly relaxed from the very beginning. Baby was cozy and content, the parents were calm and present, and the older siblings were free to come in and out of moments naturally. That’s always my goal with a newborn studio session, guiding gently while allowing moments to unfold naturally.
Some of the most meaningful images came from:
parents gently swaying with their baby
siblings peeking in with curiosity
quiet moments of everyone sitting close together
soft, in between transitions that weren’t planned
This is what makes a newborn photo session feel real instead of overly posed.
The Kind of Families I Love Photographing
This studio session is such a perfect example of the families I truly love working with.
Those who trust the process. Who don’t want to overthink every detail. And who are willing to be present instead of perfect.
The Kemp family leaned into the entire experience. They invested in hair and makeup, followed my style guidance, and showed up ready to simply enjoy time together. That trust makes such a difference. It allows me to focus on connection instead of constant adjustment, and it gives you a gallery that feels cohesive, emotional, and effortless.
If you’re dreaming of a newborn photo session that feels like this, relaxed, elevated, and genuine, you’re in the right place.
Including Siblings in Your Newborn Studio Session
One of my favorite parts of this studio session was watching the older siblings interact with their new baby. Toddlers and young kids don’t always follow direction, and honestly, I don’t expect them to. Instead of forcing perfect poses, I guide gently and let their personalities lead.
During this newborn photo session, we saw:
sweet, gentle touches
curious little glances
moments of excitement mixed with playfulness
quick transitions from cuddles to giggles
That mix is what makes sibling moments feel authentic. It tells the full story of what this season actually looks like in your home. And yes, there’s always a little movement and unpredictability, but that’s part of the magic.
Why Studio Ivoire in Franklin, TN Works So Well for a Newborn Photo Session
There’s a reason I keep coming back to Studio Ivoire for sessions like this.
The natural light is consistent and soft, which is perfect for newborn skin tones. The neutral design keeps the focus on your family instead of distracting elements. And the overall atmosphere feels peaceful, which matters so much during a newborn studio session.
You don’t need a lot of props or elaborate setups. The simplicity of this space allows connection to stand out in the most beautiful way.
It’s especially perfect for families who want:
a clean, timeless look
minimal distractions
an elevated but still cozy feel
This is the exact aesthetic I’m always drawn to.
Styling for a Newborn Studio Session That Feels Effortless
Wardrobe played such a big role in how this gallery came together. Everything felt soft, cohesive, and easy. Nothing was too structured or distracting, which allowed the focus to stay on connection.
For newborn studio sessions, I always recommend:
soft neutrals and light tones
flowy fabrics for moms
simple, comfortable outfits for kids
minimal patterns and subtle textures
And of course, having professional hair and makeup makes such a difference. Not because you need to look “done,” but because it helps you feel confident and relaxed walking into your session.
When you feel good, it shows in every image.
The Moments You’ll Want to Remember From Your Newborn Studio Session
Some of the most meaningful parts of this newborn studio session happened in the in between moments, when everyone simply settled into being together. It’s not always the “perfect” photo that matters most. It’s the way your baby fits into your arms, the way your child leans in close, or how everyone naturally gathers without being asked.
There was such a gentle rhythm to this session. One moment felt quiet and tender, and the next shifted into laughter as the older siblings moved in and out of the frame with curiosity and excitement. It felt like a real morning together, just captured in a soft and beautiful way.
Ready to Plan Your Newborn Studio Session?
If you’re dreaming of a newborn studio session that feels calm, connected, and beautifully simple, I’d love to help you bring that vision to life. From styling support to optional hair and makeup, everything is designed to help you feel prepared and taken care of so you can actually enjoy this season instead of stressing over it.
And if you’re a photographer looking for support behind the scenes of your business, The Family Photographer’s Marketing Society is such a helpful way to stay consistent with your Instagram and email marketing without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether this is your first baby or another beautiful addition to your family, a newborn studio session is such a meaningful way to pause and remember it all.
I’d love to help you document it!
Meet Your Friendly Nashville Family Photographer
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, and marketing (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.
Dolly shares her expertise in Marketing, Email Marketing, and Business Systems with family photographers in an encouraging, 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.
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.
