Newborn Family Photos

Welcome to my little slice of the Internet! My name is Shannon Payne, and I’ve been a Nashville newborn photographer for over 15 years. I’m also a proud boy mom. My boys are nearly grown now, so being able to snuggle babies on a daily basis is a special treat for me.

As a mom, I know firsthand how quickly these newborn days pass. I can still remember the sleepless nights that felt endless, yet here I am with young men wondering where the time went. Looking back, the photos of my boys and our family through the years are absolutely priceless to me.

That’s why newborn family photos are some of the most meaningful images I create in my Nashville studio.

If you’re wondering whether newborn photos are truly worth it, I wrote more about why parents cherish these images in this post. 

Why are Newborn Family Photos so Important?

You just had a baby. You’re tired, emotional, and probably not feeling your best. The last thing you want to think about is getting in front of a camera. I get it—I’ve been there. In fact, I waited until my second son was a month old to schedule his newborn photos for that very reason (PS: I don’t recommend that!). That’s exactly why I make it my mission to help you look and feel your best during your session.

Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of families, and not once has anyone ever told me they regret having newborn photos taken. What I do hear, time and time again, is regret from parents who didn’t capture those early days.

Newborn family photos document so much: new parents bonding with their baby, siblings stepping into their new roles as big brothers and sisters, and the love that surrounds your growing family.

I believe family newborn photos are so important that I’ve included them in every single one of my Nashville newborn photography packages—because these are moments you’ll never want to forget.

Check out what makes a Nashville newborn session truly special at my studio.

What to Wear for Newborn Family Photos

Choosing outfits for your newborn family photos can feel overwhelming, but I promise it doesn’t have to be. I always recommend soft, neutral tones—think creams, tans, light grays, or muted pastels. These shades photograph beautifully, feel soft and natural, and most importantly, keep the focus on your baby. Simple, classic clothing helps create images that will never go out of style.

To make things even easier, my Nashville studio offers a carefully curated Client Closet with dresses for moms, coordinating pieces for siblings, and options for dads. This means you can skip the shopping trip and the stress of second-guessing your choices. Every piece is designed to work together so your family looks effortlessly polished, allowing you to focus on soaking in these special moments with your baby.

When families come to me for Nashville newborn family photos, I want them to feel comfortable, confident, and cared for from the moment they arrive—and wardrobe styling is a big part of that experience.

Backdrop Options at My Nashville Studio

When it comes to newborn family photos, the backdrop plays a big role in setting the overall style and feel of your portraits. At my Nashville studio, I offer two signature backdrop options so we can create the look that best fits your family.

1. White Seamless Paper — Clean & Timeless
This option creates a clean, modern, and emotional look. The simple white backdrop keeps the focus on your family’s connection while giving your images a timeless quality. I recommend wearing whites, creams, or muted pastels for a cohesive and polished style. Families who love a simple and classic look are often drawn to this option.

2. Textured Daybed — Cozy & Natural
For families who prefer a warm, lifestyle-inspired look, the textured daybed is a beautiful choice. With layered fabrics and cozy textures, it creates a relaxed, boho-inspired feel. Creams, neutrals, and earthy tones photograph beautifully here, blending seamlessly with the natural textures. This setup is perfect if you want photos that feel soft, inviting, and full of warmth.

No matter which backdrop you choose, I’ll guide you through wardrobe styling and posing to ensure your newborn family photos feel effortless and reflect your family’s unique personality.

My Client Closet: Styling for Newborn Family Photos

One of the most common questions I hear from moms is, “What should we wear for our newborn family photos?”  I know the thought of shopping for outfits, especially when you’ve just had a baby can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created my Client Closet, a carefully curated collection of pieces designed to make styling effortless.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll find inside:

• Flowy, flattering dresses for moms in soft neutrals and timeless styles

• Coordinating shirts and tops for dads in muted, natural tones

• Big sister dresses that pair beautifully with both backdrops

• Shirts for big brothers in neutral colors to easily coordinate with the whole family

• Simple, cozy baby wraps and knits for your newborn

Everything has been chosen with newborn family photos in mind, so the colors, fabrics, and styles all work beautifully with my studio backdrops. Instead of stressing over shopping or wondering if your choices will photograph well, you can simply borrow from the collection and know your family will look polished and perfectly styled.

My goal is for you to walk into my Nashville studio and feel completely taken care of, so you can focus on what matters most: soaking in these first moments with your baby.

Inspiration for Your Newborn Family Photos

Every newborn session looks a little different, because every family is unique. Some families love soft, snuggly poses full of connection, while others prefer a more polished and timeless look. My goal is to guide you through both, so you end up with a gallery that feels natural, emotional, and true to your family.

Here are just a few of the ways we capture your Nashville newborn family photos:

• Cuddles and kisses that show your love and connection

• Baby in parents’ arms for timeless, classic portraits

• Siblings snuggling together as they step into their new role

• Relaxed family poses that feel effortless and authentic

The beauty of newborn family photography is that there’s no “right” way—just the way that feels most like you.

Newborn Family Photos FAQ

Do we have to include family photos?
Nope! While family photos are included with every newborn session, you can absolutely choose to focus solely on baby if you prefer. That said, I do recommend getting in a few photos, even if it’s just your hands.

How long does a newborn family session last?
Most sessions take about 1.5–2.5 hours, giving us plenty of time to photograph baby, parents, and siblings at a comfortable pace. I keep things flexible so we can follow your baby’s schedule and make sure everyone stays relaxed.

Can siblings be included in newborn family photos?
Absolutely! Including siblings is one of my favorite parts of a newborn session. I don’t stress over that perfect sitting and smiling photo. Instead I try to get older siblings loving on their new baby.

Where are newborn family photos taken?
All newborn family photos are captured in my Nashville studio, where I have a variety of backdrops, props, and a fully stocked Client Closet. The studio is designed to make your session stress-free, comfortable, and beautiful.

When is the best time to schedule newborn photos?
Newborn photos can be taken anytime during your baby’s first 3 weeks and up to 8 weeks old. I recommend days 8–21 as the best time for posed newborn photos, but beautiful images can be created anytime during those early weeks. You can read more about the best time to schedule newborn photos in this blog post.

Let’s Capture These Precious Memories for Your Family

Newborn days fly by in the blink of an eye, but the love, connection, and tiny details of this season are worth preserving forever. At my Nashville studio, I guide you through every step of your newborn family session.

Every newborn session includes family photos, because these portraits are just as important as the photos of your baby alone. My goal is to create images that feel effortless, authentic, and completely you.

If you’re ready to capture your newborn family photos in Nashville and create memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime, I’d love to chat about your session. Contact me today to secure your spot!