Welcoming Baby Cece With a Studio Newborn Session in Nashville

Newborn Photography

Getting to photograph a family through multiple seasons of life is one of my favorite parts of this work. And this sweet family? They’ve been such a joy to capture from the very beginning. I had the honor of photographing their maternity session back in December 2024, and now, just a few months later, I got to welcome them back in front of my camera to document their studio newborn session with their beautiful baby girl, Cece.

Y’all, Cece is a little star. From the moment I met her, I knew we were in for a special session. Check out our shots below!

Is your heart ready to capture those tiny toes, sweet snuggles, and first precious moments? Let’s preserve this beautiful chapter of your family’s story together. Click here to see my newborn photography style and schedule your session. I can’t wait to meet you and your little one!

A Studio Session Full of Sunshine and Softness

We held this session in one of my favorite natural light studios in Nashville. The space was filled with soft, glowing sunlight that poured in through the windows, creating the perfect setting for an intimate, peaceful newborn session.

One of my favorite spots to shoot in the studio is right by the window. It’s amazing how the sunlight wraps around new parents and their baby, creating a warm and almost angelic feel to the images. With Mom and Dad holding Cece close by that window, the light highlighted every tiny detail, from Cece’s fuzzy newborn hair to her sweet little nose. It felt like time stood still, just for them.

They also chose to use an elegant drapery backdrop for some of the shots, which added such a timeless, classic touch. The soft folds and neutral color gave the photos a cozy and elevated feel, especially in black and white. I loved how the textures of the fabric complemented the gentle flow of this session. Nothing felt rushed. It was calm, joyful, and filled with so much love.

Sweet Cece and Her Big Blue Eyes

Let me tell you, Cece’s big blue eyes are absolutely stunning. Every time she looked up at the camera, I couldn’t help but smile behind the lens. Babies don’t always keep their eyes open during a session (and we work around that, of course), but Cece gave us so many alert, wide-eyed moments. It was such a gift.

She was calm and curious, soaking everything in. Her expressions, even at just a few weeks old, already told a story. And the way she looked up at her mama? Pure magic.

Baby girl looking up at camera during newborn photo session

A Variety of Looks for a Beautifully Full Gallery

I always encourage families to bring a couple of outfit options to their session—especially for newborns—because those tiny wardrobe changes can add so much visual variety to a gallery. Cece had the perfect balance of sweet and vibrant outfits.

She started in a darling floral dress that was as delicate and feminine as you’d imagine for a spring baby. Later, she changed into a colorful floral onesie that popped beautifully against the neutral studio setting. The bold colors brought out the brightness in her eyes and added such fun energy to her photos.

In between outfit changes, we also captured some more relaxed moments—Cece swaddled and snuggled in her crib, laid out in the softest blanket, and even rocking a cute little t-shirt that read “The little embryo that could.”

As a mama myself, those kinds of personal touches always tug at my heart. That shirt said so much about this family’s journey and their joy in welcoming Cece into the world. It’s little details like that that make your session feel uniquely you, and I love capturing them.

Solo Moments and Sweet Snuggles

This studio newborn session had a little bit of everything: baby-only portraits, each parent taking solo time with Cece, and of course, lots of cozy family snuggles. I made sure to create space for mom and dad to each have quiet moments with her. Holding her close, whispering to her, brushing her hair back—it’s in those little gestures that I see so much tenderness and pride.

Those individual shots of parent and baby are often some of my favorites, and I know they mean so much in the years to come. It’s a reminder of how much love was poured out from day one.

Of course, we also captured the three of them together. Whether they were cradling her in their arms or just gazing down at her tiny face, every frame spoke of connection and overwhelming love. This family radiates warmth.

Dad blowing kisses at newborn baby

From Maternity to Newborn—A Full Circle Moment

It’s always incredibly special when families invite me to document more than one chapter of their story. Just a few months ago, we met up for their maternity session on a chilly December afternoon. I remember how excited (and maybe a little nervous!) they were as they counted down the days to meet their baby.

Now, seeing them with Cece in their arms—confident, full of love, completely wrapped up in the wonder of new parenthood—it felt like such a full circle moment.

These kinds of transformations are why I do what I do. Photography allows us to freeze time in the most beautiful way. Before we know it, our babies grow up, their tiny onesies no longer fit, and we forget just how little they once were in our arms. These photos become a way to hold onto those moments forever.

Why Studio Newborn Sessions Work So Well

I know choosing between an in-home session and a studio newborn session can feel like a big decision, so let me share a few reasons why studio sessions like this one can be a wonderful option.

First, the natural light and clean, clutter-free space provide a consistent and dreamy aesthetic. You don’t have to worry about tidying up or making room since everything is already set up to help your session flow smoothly. The neutral tones allow your baby and your family to be the focus of every image.

Second, it’s a great way to simplify your morning. You pack a few outfits, head to the studio, and we take care of the rest. I always work at a relaxed pace, giving your baby time to eat, settle, and snuggle as needed. There’s no pressure to “perform,” just time to be present with your newest love.

And third, if you’re looking for a way to incorporate variety into your newborn gallery, a studio session gives us so much flexibility. From window light to curated backdrops to minimalist props, we can create a beautiful, well-rounded collection of images in a short amount of time.

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are also plenty of Nashville locations that are great for photos with your growing family. I’m happy to work with you to make sure we pick the best spot!

Family portrait with mom and dad kissing while holding newborn

Your Family’s Story Matters

Whether you’re expecting your first baby, welcoming your third, or just beginning to think about growing your family, I want you to know this: your story matters. The quiet, tender, joyful moments of early parenthood are worth remembering.

Newborn sessions like Cece’s remind me that there’s beauty in the little things, like soft newborn skin, the way a dad cradles his daughter for the first time, a tiny shirt with a message that says it all.

If you’re getting ready to welcome a little one, I’d be honored to help you document these moments, too. And if you’re still in the planning phase, I’d love to gift you my free family portrait style and planning guide to help you feel confident and prepared.

Let’s tell your story in a way that feels timeless, joyful, and uniquely yours. Get in touch with me today!

Meet Your Friendly Nashville Family Photographer 

a dad mom and toddler son are all smiling at eachother at a lavender farm by Erin Fox photography in Nashville

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 other family photographers. 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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