Nashville Newborn Photographer

As a Nashville newborn photographer, I can say there is nothing better than holding a newborn baby. The feel of their brand new skin and that fresh baby smell are things you will want to hold on to forever. They say the days go by slowly, but the years go by fast. I know firsthand the truth behind this. If only I could go back and hold my boys as newborns again! This is such a fleeting time and one you will never regret documenting.

Scheduling Your Session

I recommend booking your session during your second trimester. This allows us time to communicate and get to know each other before our session. I take a limited number of newborns each month. This will guarantee a spot on my calendar. One of my most frequently asked questions is “How do you know when to schedule the session since I don’t know when the baby will arrive?” I put all of my newborn’s due dates on my calendar. Some babies come early, some come on time, and others come late. I give myself a 2-week window before and after your due date. This allows me to be flexible when it is time to schedule your session and prevents me from overbooking. Once the baby arrives, I ask that you contact me. I prefer to photograph newborns during days 8-14. Sessions are scheduled Monday-Friday. I will send you all of the available days and times during your baby’s 2-week window.

Preparing for Your Newborn Session

Of all the ages to photograph, I think the newborn session is the one that stresses new parents out the most. I do everything I possibly can to ease this stress. Once you book your session, I will send you my Newborn Planning Guide to help you prepare. After the baby is born, I will send you another reminder email to help you prepare for your session. I will include a list of items to bring. I always want parents to be informed and know what to expect from their session. Feeding a baby before leaving home is the most important piece of advice that I give. A full belly and a car ride are the perfect combinations for a sleepy baby. Many clients worry if they have a 45-minute drive to the studio. I love these! Drives longer than 30 minutes and get the baby nice and sleepy! Once you arrive at the studio, I take the baby from there. You don’t have to clean diapers, change clothes, or even soothe the baby. After years of experience, I know exactly how to handle newborns. You just get to enjoy the moment.

Newborn Props

My studio is full of gorgeous fabric backdrops, wraps, textured layers, headbands, floral crowns, bonnets, props, and more. There is no need to bring a thing. The baby will be undressed or wrapped during the session. Clothing tends to overwhelm newborns. We want to focus on every ounce of your new baby. When you book your session, you will fill out a form that gives me information about you. You have the opportunity to tell me your style, favorite colors, and even requested poses. I use all of this information to plan your session. This ensures that I select colors, fabrics, and props that you will love. I will have everything set up and ready when you arrive at the studio. I invite you to look through my newborn photo galleries and blog posts to tell me images that speak to you.

Posed Newborn Photography

If you are looking for a Nashville newborn photographer who specializes in posed newborn pictures, our studio is the best place for your session.  Everything is controlled at the studio from lighting to temperature.  This ensures that the baby will be comfortable.  It also helps get the baby nice and sleepy.  Many people worry about getting out with the baby so soon after birth.  The studio is cleaned and sanitized after every session.  Another concern is the length of the drive to the studio.  The drive is one of the most helpful parts for me!  It helps get the baby to sleep.  Almost every baby I meet is already asleep when they arrive at the studio!  I have the car ride to thank!  Once you arrive, everything is set up and ready for the baby.  I will handle everything from there.  Dressing and undressing, diaper changes, even feedings if you bring milk…  You just get to sit down and relax.  Clients leave their sessions talking about their wonderful experience and how stress-free it is. I know you have had a busy few weeks and not much sleep, and I want to make this a great experience.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Are you more interested in documenting your family in your home?  I offer lifestyle sessions in your home to capture your family in your own environment.  These sessions do not include studio poses.  Since the studio contains special posing equipment and lighting, I can not replicate that same look at your home.  Instead, we will use your home as our backdrop and your windows as our lighting.  I will capture you in your home, loving on your family. Please visit this blog post to see more about the difference between posed and lifestyle newborn photography.

 

Shannon came highly recommended from my sister and was a DREAM to work with! Shannon did a “Fresh 48” session with our newborn as well as our newborn session at Shannon”s studio. I was so impressed with her talent! She was very prepared and brought all the swaddles and props for the “Fresh 48” shoot, and provided everything she needed for the studio shoot. She made us all feel at ease. I could not be happier with the photos she took at both sessions. We will be using Shannon for all of our future sessions, no question. The photos are beautiful and I can”t get enough! Thanks again for taking such good care of us, Shannon! ~Clair

I have used Shannon for maternity & newborn pictures for both of my boys. She is friendly & professional from start to finish. She does a good job of getting to know you & what you envision for your session. She is also exceptional with the newborns when handling them. She is the newborn whisperer! ~Beth

Shannon is absolutely the BEST at what she does! She made our Daughter comfortable and cozy and we weren’t sure what to expect as we’re new parents, but she made us feel so at ease with how she would position her and work with her. She’s so professional and goes above and beyond. We highly recommend Shannon Payne Photography! ~Jami Lynn