Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Set Design

Included in your newborn photography session in my Murfreesboro, Tennessee studio is set design and use of my wide selection of outfits, wraps, accessories and props for your baby. At your consultation at the studio before your scheduled newborn session we discuss your color preferences for baby’s photos. I always do neutral sets so you have images that will look good displayed anywhere in your home. We can also coordinate some sets that will fit into the babies nursery. Once I know color preferences I do also ask if you have any specific must have poses or props used. Then for your session I take those notes and create unique sets for your precious little babies photoshoot.

My style is most often monochrome, so I stick with one color in just different shades and tones for the set that way baby is the focus of the images and not the props and accessories. I spend a good couple or few hours in the studio before the session designing and arranging all the sets, playing around with my props and accessories, etc till I get it just the way I want it. When you arrive for your session I will have all these sets ready to go for the photoshoot. That way I can take baby from set to set with ease to get through many sets to provide you with a variety of images to choose from at your ordering appointment.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Paisley is 3!

I am so honored to watch this little girl grow up and photograph all her major milestones. I’ve always loved all her sessions, from her newborn photos to now her 3 years. She is only a few days older than my nephew so I will always remember when her birthday is :) She is just the cutest and sweetest little thing and I always look forward to having her in the studio for some portraits. One year we did an outdoor shoot and found out upon arriving they were closing so we did the fastest photo session I’ve ever done and with her being so cooperative we still managed to get a full session worth of images in like 20 minutes. It definitely was memorable!

This birthday photoshoot in my Murfreesboro, Tennessee studio is one of my favorites of hers so far. I love, love, love these colors together. Purple is also my very favorite color of all time so I wanted to do a simple set of just that and I love so much how they turned out. She looks so precious in this dress too. I had bought it years ago for my youngest daughters photography session and then added it to my client closet so its extra fun to see it get used on other little girls and brings back memories of my little girl wearing it.

I specialize in maternity and newborn baby photography, however I do love doing birthday milestones of older children too! I love setting up unique sets with balloons to match the theme/scheme of your choosing.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | When to book?

Many parents don’t realize that the best time to book your newborn session is well before baby is born. The window to get the best photos of your adorable newborn baby is when they are less than 2 weeks old. At this age the baby is much more sleepy and therefore certain poses are much easier to get. Those adorable photos from my Murfreesboro, Tennessee studio you see of the baby sleeping on their arms in a bucket, on their belly with their bum up, sleeping on their side, holding a tiny bear, etc. all are made possible by them being so tired they sleep right through. Unfortunately if you contact me after baby is born there is a chance I can’t get you into my schedule in those couple weeks or so. Most of my clients book their newborn photography session months before baby is expected to arrive to ensure I reserve a spot for them. I limit the amount of newborn photo sessions I do each month to accommodate them all in my schedule.

Most of my clients choose to do maternity portraits as well. So they just book the two sessions together which guarantees they will have a newborn photoshoot spot reserved for them well in advance. Maternity photos are done around 32-34 weeks, so for those too don’t wait too long to book. Doing photos then means avoiding the late stage of pregnancy when swelling can be worse, you may become uncomfortable, or just the risk of baby coming before your session. If you are about 3 months along and considering newborn photos, I suggest reaching out as soon as possible! It goes by much faster than you think and with all the other preparations you are tackling, booking your newborn photos can get accidently put off and lost in the shuffle.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Lisa Maternity

This great family is expecting a little girl and a perfect way to capture this special time is with a photoshoot. Mom looked so amazing in multiple pink gowns from my client closet. We started with the pink with tulle mermaid bottom for some family poses and individual photos of just her. Soon to be big brother was at first not wanting to join in for pictures, but with a little patience and lots of cheering we got him to cooperate. His pink shirt matched so perfectly with moms maternity dress. I recommend to all my clients with younger children to bring a family member or friend along. It helps immensely to get the child to look and smile and another pair of hands to help chase after them, especially for the outdoor photos.

After the family portraits in the studio for this maternity session mom posed with a couple other tulle gowns that looked fantastic on her. Then many of my favorite shots came from the poses with the white fabric. I love the simplicity of using just fabric to add to the variety of looks during a maternity photography session.

Lastly we drove out to a favorite bridge of mine on the greenway for some outdoor poses. The weather cooperated with lots of sunshine, it got a little chilly but not too bad. After wrapping up her maternity photo session I was so excited to get to work on her images for her reveal just a few days later. Now just waiting for baby girl to make her appearance for her newborn photo session!

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Baby Henry

I have watched this family grow over the years to the beautiful and sweet family of 5 they are now. I always look forward to working with them all and Henry’s newborn photos went so great With two young energetic siblings family photos could’ve been challenging, but they rocked their part of the session. These family photos make my photographer heart so happy! I love doing the baby only photos, but seeing the love between the siblings and parents captured in these pictures forever means so much to me and my clients.

We have been working together for so long now that we were both on the same page with the color scheme for his newborn photos without even discussing it ahead of time. I so love using earth tones for my photoshoots, its classic and compliments the baby without taking attention away. He was so perfectly sleepy for me to get a great variety of poses done. I always start with the family photos so the siblings can be done and go play in my big fenced property with a large playset while i do the newborn baby only photos.

This is also baby #3 to be put on a bass that the musician dad brought :) I may have everything needed for babies photos, but I do love incorporating the occasional meaningful item.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Baby Parker

Baby girl Parker was such a great model for me at her newborn photoshoot. She started out awake making eye contact, fell asleep and ended staring at me again. Many times when newborns are awake for part of their session they are crying and need to be soothed or fed. But occasionally I get ones that are awake and content to lay there looking at me just like she was. Its always a treat when that happens. For her baby photos I love the color combination of pink and gray. I of course had to use my go to cream as well, its so timeless and goes great with every babies skin tone. Newborn photography requires a lot of patience, but it is so rewarding to capture this special time since it truly does go by so fast. You can almost forget how tiny they once were, but with your newborn portraits you’ll forever be reminded how they were so tiny they fit in a bucket or wrapped up in your arms. Make sure to schedule your newborn photos in advance! Not only do I book up, but the best time for their photos while they are the sleepiest is less than 3 weeks old to get these super sweet poses.

Murfreeboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Newborn Safety

I love creating beautiful images for clients to display in their homes. However my #1 priority is safety for your baby. I am well educated in newborn safety and will never put your baby in a dangerous position. With digital cameras comes many photographers, not all are equal. Please make sure to choose your photographer carefully for your newborn photos.

Photos that are composites are seen online and then can be replicated incorrectly because to the untrained eye they look like baby is posed with no assistance when in fact hands were on the newborn at all times. This is most often done with the “froggy” pose. Never, ever should baby be propped in this position without the support of the photographers or assistants hands. This look is completed with taking multiple shots and editing them together and this should still only be attempted after training. Another common mistake that I have seen happen is not weighing down buckets used for putting babies in. This is a huge hazard as it could easily be tipped over.

Here is a sample of the “froggy” pose. My sessions are led by your baby, I never force any pose on a them. Each newborn is different, if they don’t settle easily in a certain position I move on to something else.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Eli One Year

Happy 1st birthday Eli! This handsome little man started off not being a huge fan of sitting on his adorable set for his 1 Year milestone photos. We managed a few smiles at first but then he started getting upset. Then tried some YouTube videos to help distract him and get him comfortable, and having a snack of goldfish did the trick. Got some photos with really great big smiles from him with a big toothy grin. Him and his sister also looked so cute together, she only toppled over a few times with him leaning against him :) In the end the photo session was a success.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | The Reveal

Everyone is always so anxious and excited to get their images after their session, especially newborn and maternity. Good news! You don’t have long to wait. As soon as 3-4 days after your session you will come back to the studio in Murfreesboro for your reveal/ordering appointment. All your images will have been edited, printed, matted and packaged for you to view. I have a special display wall where they will be showcased for you to pick from. You are welcome to pick them up to look at them more closely and rearrange them on the wall to make your choices.

After you have made your decision and paid, you get to take those folios (matted prints) home with you. Your box for storing includes a display block for ease of sharing your purchased images in your home. These folios also can also be placed in frames around your home. The digital copies will be delivered to you later that day online.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Marceline

Marcheline’s newborn session went like a dream. The colors requested were not the most commonly used and it was so fun to come up with these unique sets and use items I rarely get to. The little floral romper was definitely one I was excited to use for the first time. When baby is a little unsettled and not super sleepy I do the wrapped poses since being wrapped soothes them so well. Then move onto the other fun poses with head on hands, laying on her side, etc. when she is sleeping hard. I always start with family poses so that any siblings can go play after, if weather is nice I have an amazing fenced property with really large playset that they are welcome to use! Big brother definitely enjoyed getting to play on it after he did such an amazing job posing with his sister and family. It isn’t always super easy to get young siblings to cooperate for these photos but he did so great with his baby sister. I also always have a selection of snacks, drinks and lollipop treats for everyone to enjoy and use as a reward.

Schedule your newborn session asap to secure your spot.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Cake Smash Tips

Cake smash photo sessions are a great way to capture such an important milestone. Celebrating one full trip around the sun is a great time to update your images of your baby. At these sessions I do portraits of baby only and family poses on a classic backdrop. Then we get to the fun decorated backdrop for their birthday, give them a cake that they hopefully make a mess of, then to wrap it up I put them in a bubble bath for some extra adorable pictures.

Tips for these sessions:

~Work around nap time. I always ask what time is best for baby. The last thing we want is to try and do a session when baby is overdue for a nap.

~Expose baby to some frosting/cake in the weeks leading to the session. Grab a couple cupcakes from the store and let the baby get used to it. When its the babies very first time to try cake and frosting at their session there is a very good chance they will not know what to do or want to touch it.

~Be patient. 1 year old sessions can be very exhausting. Babies are mobile and constantly wandering off set, so be ready to get lots of steps in. Also they have entered the age of stranger danger and sometimes it takes a while for them to warm up to having their photos taken. I do not have a set time on sessions. They take as long as they need based off of baby, some are super happy and ready to go right away and are in and out super fast. Some others take a while to get used to me and the studio, so don’t have set plans for right after their session in case we need more time.

~Bring something for baby to drink and don’t have them come hungry. We want them to eat the cake of course but if they are cranky from being over hungry then chances are the session won’t go as smoothly.

Contact me today to schedule your 1 year milestone session!

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Digital vs printed images

I love digital images, clients do too! They are great for using to share your pictures with friends and family on your phone or social media, use as a background on your devices, load online for fun gifts for special occasions like mugs, key chains, and they are safe stored on the cloud if any disaster were to ruin your physical prints and products. My create your own collection package always includes digital images.

However, many of us have forgotten the value of having printed images, albums and artwork. Many times in the past I’d give out digital files and other than loading them on Facebook my clients never got around to making any prints. I get it, with raising my own two children sometimes over the years I’d get my own photos taken and never got around to getting them printed and framed. What is great about the create your own collection package is it automatically comes with products included along with your digital products. After you choose your images you then decide if you want them in a album or as folios (matted prints that can be displayed on their own or put in frames). You also get a piece of artwork for your wall (framed canvas or acrylic print). So you get to have your digital images but also know that within a couple weeks of your session you will have items ready to display in your home. Enjoy having artwork of your family in your home.

Not only do you benefit from getting high quality prints so soon after but you don’t have to deal with ordering them yourself. I verify quality on all products and any issues with your order are dealt with by me. All printing services vary, therefore your digital images may come out tinted differently, or too dark or bright, etc when using other companies meant for the public. I make sure everything is true to my final editing using a printing service reserved for professionals to ensure best quality.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Amanda’s Maternity Session

Studio maternity session in Murfreesboro with Amanda. If you can’t tell from the pink she was expecting a baby girl. She looked stunning in all my gowns but some of my favorites are her with some of my silky fabric. I love the elegance of how the fabric drapes and flows while showing off her baby bump.

Studio maternity sessions are a great option especially when its the dead of summer and 100 degrees outside or the middle of winter when its cold. Your maternity session can be all in studio or all on location or a mix of both for a great variety of scenery. Also available for you during your maternity photoshoot is a wide range of gowns/outfits/fabric from my wardrobe to use. During your session consultation you can look over and try on your options so we can have your session planned out.

Partners and other children are welcome to join you during your photos too! Make sure to book in advance, I aim to do your photos around 30-34 weeks along, too much longer and we risk if baby comes early or many women just don’t feel comfortable by the last few weeks along.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Baby Nora

I had such a great time capturing this sweet baby girls newborn photos. Her parents are so clearly in love with her as is evident in their pictures <3 She was the perfect model baby for her whole session, stayed asleep the whole time minus a couple little peaks at the very end. She also loved sleeping with her mouth open which was so cute! Enjoy the photos from her session!

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Sleepy is best

Newborn sessions are my all time favorite. Nothing beats hanging out with a sweet little baby and posing them in tiny props. I do my newborn sessions in my studio in Murfreesboro where I’ll use all kinds of props, outfits, wraps, hats/bonnets/headbands, etc. All you have to bring is your baby and I take care of the rest! Newborn sessions work best when baby is under a month old, best time being about 5-10 days old. After this time frame baby may be less willing to do certain poses and more alert making some of the most desired poses harder to do. Baby being asleep is preferred to accomplish all the photos we want to get done :) I keep my studio very warm and have white noise going to help this as well, so I always suggest dressing in something light. I do have a fan available to use to help keep parents more comfortable and plenty of cold water to drink. Keeping babies asleep and content is my specialty! So don’t stress before your session that baby won’t cooperate we will get so many great images to display in your home.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Sophie 2 Years

Toddlers can be the trickiest clients to get great photos of! There is sometimes a lot of crying, or maybe some blank stares instead. It is almost always near impossible to keep them on the sets, what I’d give to have that energy!!! This gorgeous girl made it so easy on me, she sat and stood where we wanted and was full of the most amazing smiles. I wouldn’t mind if every toddler followed her lead! Hope you enjoy her photos, I’m sure they will put a great smile on your face too.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | My sisters maternity session

It’s hot! My sister is expecting her second son and I of course needed to get some photos done before his arrival. My family is always so busy so we started running out of time to get them done. Last week we finally said lets do it! Last week was also the hottest week of the year. I offered up in-studio versus the outside we had planned and everyone was onboard. Definitely a lot more comfortable working in the air conditioned studio. My nephew has not had the best track record with having his pictures taken, though he did a great job for his most recent 2 year session. I was so glad that he was very cooperative again! He knows there are lollipops out there and made sure he got his reward after doing his pictures. How cute is he interacting with her baby bump! <3

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newborn Baby Photographer | Welcome!

Welcome to my studio

First time blogging! :) Figure my first post should be by backstory. I have been a professional photographer since 2013. Now when I say “professional” those first couple years were a bit less so :P I bought my first DSLR around 2012/2013 and played around with landscape and inanimate objects mostly. Then started playing around with my cats, family, etc. I started getting better and loved it more and decided to try to start a business. I wanted to photograph everything and anything. Children, couples/engagement, weddings, senior portraits, etc. After years of trying out every park and scenic spot in the Greater Nashville area with all these outdoor portrait sessions I was ready to venture into the world of studio work. I originally went to peoples homes with a van full of all kinds of props. That got old real fast! Then we converted the front room of my home to a studio with a whole other room in the house as storage. Let me tell you baby/child photography really gets you in touch with the hoarder inside you! I wanted every bucket/basket little chair, etc. It worked pretty well, was definitely nice to not have to load it all in a van. However, it being in the main living area of my home it was tricky to keep my young kids away, my cats out, etc. I started dreaming of having a separate studio detached from the house. Unfortunately that house didn’t have the yard space to build one and I wasn’t wanting a commercial space as I have remained a stay at home mom to my two young daughters while running my business. So the hunt for a new house began! We settled in Murfreesboro with an amazing large flat fenced yard that already had a large 2 car garage as well as an adjacent shed attached in the backyard. My dad, with help from my husband and I, converted it to my studio with a large walk in closet. It is the perfect set up where I have my own space but don’t have to travel to get to.