Newborn Photography FAQs for Nashville Families

Welcome to my Newborn Photography FAQs for Nashville families. If you’re considering a photo session, this page is here to guide you through the most common questions I receive. I’ve included everything you need to know to feel prepared and excited for your baby’s photos at my Hendersonville studio.

Booking Your Photo Session

How do I book a newborn or baby session?

To book your session, just send me an email. I’ll send you a link to my Client Agreement and a $200 retainer fee invoice (applied to your package). Once signed and paid, your session is officially reserved.

When should newborn photos be taken?

The ideal time to photograph newborns is within the first 2–3 weeks after birth. To secure a spot, I recommend booking during your second trimester. If your baby has already arrived, feel free to reach out—I’ll do my best to fit you in.

How far in advance should I book baby milestone photos?

Milestone sessions book up quickly! To reserve your spot with a baby photographer in Nashville, I recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance—especially if you’re planning photos around a birthday or holiday.

What are your studio hours for photo sessions?

My Hendersonville studio is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM by appointment only

• Newborn & Milestone Sessions: Weekday mornings
• Outdoor Family Sessions: Weekday evenings around sunset

How do you schedule newborn sessions if I don’t know when the baby will arrive?

Once you book your newborn photography session, I’ll add your due date to my calendar as a placeholder.

After your baby is born, you’ll reach out to confirm the session date—usually within 7–14 days of birth. I only take a limited number of newborns per month to allow for this flexibility.

What happens if my baby or child is sick before the session?

Please email me as soon as possible. I’m happy to reschedule. Because newborns regularly visit my studio, I ask that you do not bring sick children or siblings.

Communication

What’s the best way to contact you to book a photo session?

Email is the fastest and most reliable way to reach me. I check messages throughout the day. Phone calls are available Monday–Friday from 9 AM–3 PM, but may go to voicemail if I’m in session. I don’t use text messaging for business communication.

Planning Your Photo Session

How long does a photo session take in your Hendersonville studio?

Every baby is different, so I allow plenty of time to work at your baby’s pace. My sessions are calm, never rushed, and always baby-led.

Newborn Sessions

• Typically lasts 1.5–2.5 hours
• Includes time for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing
• I built in extra time so we never have to feel rushed

Milestone & Cake Smash Sessions

• Usually takes 30–60 minutes
• I plan around your baby’s happiest time of day
• Includes outfit changes (1–2 outfits) and prop setups

What’s included with my session?

I love making your session as stress-free as possible. When you book with me, you’re getting more than just photos—you’re getting a full experience.

Props & Styling

• I provide all props, wraps, headbands, hats, and blankets for newborns
• Milestone and cake smash sessions include cake and outfits

Prep Materials

• After booking, you’ll receive a session prep guide tailored to your session type (newborn, milestone, cake smash, or family)
• Guides include what to expect, how to prepare the baby, what to wear, and tips for siblings
• I also send a reminder email with final instructions the week of your session

Digital Files & Printing

• Every package includes a select number of high-resolution digital files
• Files come with a print release, so you’re free to print and share

Should I reschedule if my baby has baby acne or flaky skin?

No need to reschedule. Most newborns have dry skin or baby acne. I carefully retouch skin while keeping it natural—never overly smoothed or plastic-looking. If you’re unsure, feel free to email a photo before your session.

Are family and sibling photos included with newborn sessions?

Yes! Family and sibling portraits are included with the Classic, Deluxe, and Heirloom Newborn Sessions and the Classic and Deluxe Milestone Sessions. Please remember the focus is always the baby, and sibling cooperation can vary—especially with toddlers. Safety always comes first.

Do you offer outdoor baby or cake smash sessions?

All newborn, milestone, and cake smash sessions take place in my Hendersonville studio near Nashville, TN, where I provide everything needed. We may step outside briefly in nice weather, but full outdoor sessions are reserved for family photography only – scheduled at golden hour.

Do you offer outdoor family photo sessions?

Yes! I offer limited outdoor family sessions each month, scheduled during golden hour for soft, natural light. These sessions take place at scenic outdoor locations near my studio in Hendersonville, TN.

What should I bring to my baby’s photo session?

Just your baby! I provide all the props, outfits, wraps, headbands, hats, and accessories. My studio is fully stocked and styled in a neutral, organic aesthetic with vintage-inspired textures.

Can we include pets in our family photos?

Pets are not allowed at the studio or at certain on-location sessions. However, they are welcome in at-home lifestyle sessions, where they tend to be most relaxed.

What should we wear for a family photo session?

For newborn and baby sessions, I provide all baby outfits. For family portraits:

• Stick to neutrals and soft colors
• Choose simple textures
• Avoid bold patterns or neon colors

Start with one outfit as inspiration and coordinate from there. Need help?
 View my Studio Outfit Guide
 Check my Outdoor Family Session Style Guide

Can we do multiple outfit changes during our baby or family session?

• Milestone sessions: One or two outfits + diaper/naked shots, based on baby’s mood
• Outdoor Family sessions: No outfit changes. These are designed to capture real connections without interruptions or outfit stress.

After Your Photo Session

How long does it take to get my edited photos back?

Photo turnaround time is currently 2–3 weeks. If you need images for a birthday party or invitations, be sure to schedule at least 4 weeks in advance of your event date.

Where can I print my digital photo files?

Your gallery comes with a print release. I recommend using mpix.com for lab-quality prints. For wall art 16×20” or larger, I suggest ordering directly through me to ensure proper sizing and sharpness.

Next Steps in Planning Your Baby’s Photo Session

I hope these newborn photography FAQs for Nashville parents have helped answer your questions about a photo session with Shannon Payne Photography.

If you’d like to see more of what a session looks like, I invite you to explore my newborn portfolio, learn about milestone sessions, or browse recent blog posts filled with session highlights and planning tips. There’s so much more to explore—I’d love for you to take a look around and get inspired.

If you are ready to book your Nashville area photo session in my Hendersonville studio or a nearby outdoor location, please reach out so that we can chat.