Nashville Family Films | Why Family Films Are the Next Big Thing in Family Memories
Why Family Films Are the Next Big Thing in Family Memories
When you think about preserving your family’s story, what comes to mind? Most people think of photos...and for good reason. Photographs have long been the traditional way of freezing a moment in time. But there’s a new trend that’s quickly becoming the most meaningful way to hold on to your family’s legacy: family films.
Family films go beyond still frames. They capture the movement, the laughter, the voices, and the little details you never want to forget. Whether it’s your child’s belly laugh, the way your partner looks at your kids, or even the chaos of everyday life. Films hold onto it all in a way that photos alone can’t. They bring you back to this moment, right here.
Why Family Films Are Growing in Popularity
1. They Capture More Than Just a Snapshot
Photographs are beautiful, but they only show one second of time. Family films tell the whole story. They showcase not just how your family looked, but how you interacted, the way you sounded, and the energy of your unique dynamic.
2. Everyday Moments Become Treasures
We often assume we’ll only want to document the “big” events, such as holidays, birthdays, milestones. But years down the road, it’s the everyday moments you’ll crave most: bedtime routines, pancake breakfasts, kids playing in the backyard. Family films turn ordinary days into extraordinary keepsakes.
3. They Preserve Voices and Movements
Imagine being able to hear your toddler’s giggles years from now or watch the way your child skipped through the living room at age four. Voices and mannerisms fade from memory over time...but with a family film, you’ll always be able to RELIVE them.
4. A Legacy to Pass Down
Family films become heirlooms. They are something your children and even your grandchildren can watch one day. Just like families used to gather around old photo albums, future generations can gather around and watch your family’s story unfold in motion.
5. They Feel More Authentic
Unlike traditional posed photos, family films often take a documentary style approach. That means less stress about perfect outfits or Pinterest worthy homes, and more focus on the real, authentic moments that make your family who you are.
Why Now Is the Time to Invest in a Family Film
With technology advancing and more families looking for deeper, more meaningful ways to document their lives, family films are becoming more accessible than ever. A professional family filmmaker can create a custom piece that feels like a cinematic love letter to your life right now.
Think of it this way: photos freeze a moment, but films let you relive it.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Family Memories
Family films aren’t just a trend. They’re the future of memory keeping. They allow you to preserve your family’s story in a way that’s immersive, heartfelt, and lasting. Years from now, you’ll be grateful you invested in more than just images—you invested in movement, sound, and emotion.
If you’re ready to create a keepsake that goes beyond traditional photography, consider booking a family film and photo session. Because the truth is, time is moving faster than we realize and the little things you love about today will become tomorrow’s treasures.
I cannot wait to hear from you about your future family film! I promise you, your future self will be SO glad you did!
5 Heartfelt Reasons to Choose Day in the Life Family Photography | Nashville Family Photographer
5 Heartfelt Reasons to Choose Day in the Life Family Photography
Life isn’t staged—it’s beautifully real. When I photograph families, I’m not just capturing smiles—I’m capturing stories: the everyday touches, the unscripted laughter, the gentle chaos. Documentary-style family sessions are about honoring your life as it’s truly lived. Here are five meaningful reasons why they’re so cherished:
Kids can just be themselves
No forced poses, no “say cheese.” Spills, snuggles, wild hair.
Those are the moments that bring your future self the most joy.
Your family’s rhythm leads the way
Forget rigid schedules or orchestrated shots. I quietly observe and capture the rhythm of your day, not the staged curated moments.
Your space is part of your story
That well-worn couch, the favorite window seat, the little art on the fridge ... these details root your photos in your world.
These photos deepen as years go by
Ten years from now, these images won’t just show how things looked...they’ll feel like stepping through time into the warmth of now.
You’ll cherish the true, unvarnished moments
Instead of fussing with outfits or backdrops, you get to spend the time being with your people. One day, you'll be so grateful you gave yourself that gift.
Why This Matters
Authentic family photography isn't about perfection...it’s about presence. It preserves your ordinary moments so they feel extraordinary through your future eyes. So here’s to freezing those untamed, unscripted memories before they're gone.
If you’ve been thinking of capturing your family’s unique heartbeat...wherever that may be. Let’s make something real together. I’d be honored to help you remember your life, just as it is.
Nashville Family Photographer | Stop Waiting for Perfect: Why “Now” Is the Right Time to Document Your Life
I hear it all. the. time.
“We’ll get a film when our family is complete.”
“I’ve wanted to hire you for a few years now, but I wish I could lose weight first.”
“We’ll plan a documentary session once the kitchen’s remodeled.”
“Maybe after we move into the new house…”
There’s always a next thing—a milestone we feel we need to reach before our lives are somehow “worthy” of being documented. Before we feel ready. And I get it. Really, I do. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of waiting for the “right time,” the version of life that looks cleaner, leaner, more polished.
But here’s the thing: once you get to that next thing? There's going to be another next thing.
You’ll finally move into that new house... and then you’ll want to wait until it’s fully decorated. You’ll lose ten pounds... and then decide you’d rather wait until you feel even better. You’ll finish the renovation... and realize the backyard still needs work.
Life doesn’t come with a finish line where everything is finally camera-ready. And if we keep waiting for perfect, we miss out on the beautiful, messy, real moments happening right now.
The mismatched furniture. The fingerprints on the fridge. The belly laughs and bedtime chaos. The way your child climbs onto your lap like it’s still the safest place in the world. These are the things you’ll want to remember—not just what your house looked like or what size jeans you wore.
I do this too. I catch myself thinking, “Maybe later,” all the time. But here’s what I’ve learned—and what I remind my clients:
Just book the damn thing.
Schedule the session. Make the film. Hire the photographer. Take the photos.
Because there’s never a perfect time. But there is this time. Right here. Right now. And it’s more than enough.
Ready to stop waiting and start preserving your real-life moments?
Let’s make it happen. Book your session now. Future-you will be so glad you did.
Nashville Family Photographer | The Aiken Family
I have been dying to spend time capturing this family. Not only are they so intentional with their lives, but they have such a fun dynamic with kids ranging from 2 to nearly 12! I loved capturing the smiles and laughs but also the sibling rivalry and emotions. I think the whole range of emotions in a family matters - it tells the WHOLE story of how deeply they love, even on hard days. This family did their normal routine of playing a game, starting the garden, playing on the swing set. Dad taught his daughter how to make pour over coffee. They have this cat that has chronic illness - they keep it because it's the right thing to do but sort of dislike the whole situation because it's a lot. The interplay of this sick cat and the family is rather hilarious. Multiple times, I went to capture a sweet moment with a cat in the frame for the cat to start hacking mucus up. We all just laughed at the juxtaposition. If you want your typical day captured, find me here!
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Sarah
Capturing maternity in the way that I do - a mix of family and a bump - brings me incredible joy. I love making maternity sessions more than throwing on a dress at sunset - as gorgeous as those images are - they lack story, personality - real memories. I want to remind of you this time when you were pregnant. Were you in the middle of a Reno? If it was 1985, that Reno would be in the photos! Were you just moved into a brand new home? Maybe, you are in the middle of decorating the nursery - how amazing would it be to show your child when they grow up what life was like? Photos are time stamps and I think that got lost when social media made sunset photos all the rage - don't get me wrong, those images are amazing - but they miss the story telling part of our lives.Sarah is a local chiropractor, she owns Homestead Chiropractic in Franklin, TN. She has one son and is expecting her second child very soon!I had no idea, when I showed up at Sarah's house, HOW amazing her windows would be. I totally lucked out and they basically became a character in the story. The light was brilliant too. If you want your family captured with a side of your bump, please contact me! 
Nashville Newborn Photographer | The Best Doulas in Nashville, Franklin, Spring Hill, TN and Beyond!
As a Nashville Birth Videographer and Photographer, I am blessed to be able to attend many home births. As such, I get to see so many birth providers and doulas and midwives support women in their journey of bringing their newborn into the world.Hiring a doula is such an integral part of your birth plans. I did not have a doula with my first birth and it turned out the epidurals do not work on my body (they gave me 3 and all 3 failed). So for my 2nd birth, I attended Bradley Method Birth Classes and hired me a doula!It was 2012, and the birth world wasn't what it is today. I found a few and interviewed them but ultimately chose a woman named Beulah (Man, if she wasn't 70 and was starting her business today, what a marketing campaign for Beulah the Doula!). She was amazing. Calm and centered. and I adored her. (I would recommend her, but I don't think she's practicing much these days!). All that to say, I truly know the importance of having a doula that meshes well with you and can stand up for you, plus support you WELL.Here are my top faves!!!
- Viergeni White. I have attended a few births with this lady and she is hands down the BEST doula. You know, being the best doula doesn't really have to do with WHAT they do? It's how they do it. It's their presence. Their soul. any doula can "do all the right things" but it really comes down to that plus their spiritual self and presence in the birth space. This sweet lady has such a deep connection with her moms, she prays audibly, shows up so happy to be there. She is so in tune with mom. Is just amazing.
2. Lyss Moore. I have not yet gotten to be in a birth with Lyss, but I have heard many MIDWIVES rave about her. She holds women well in their time of need and has a big heart for birth.3. Kimberly Williams. Kimberly is amazing. She's a gentle soul and loves the lord. She is an incredible doula with a peaceful presence in the birth space.
4. Amanda Githaiga. I have not yet had a birth with this doula, but she comes highly recommended by doulas on this list! She is who other doulas would hire for their birth - which speaks volumes. She is crunchy and Christian, which matters to many.5. Lauren Glass. I had a long VBAC with this lovely doula. She spent many hours with this momma, supporting her and helping her, mentally and physically. Mom even got transferred and Lauren's energy never waned. She is fierce and loving - an amazing combination for a doula.
Nashville Family Photographer | What if your kids fight or misbehave
It finally happened. I had a family film and photo session where the kids fought. A LOT. The rough plan was to bake cookies and decorate the tree (when they began fighting, I thought, oh yea, this is how it is in most families!)... and well the baking was hard because the toddler boy wanted to do menacing things while the older sisters baked and well, they got really frustrated. The tree decorating was wild because everyone had their own idea of how the tree should look and well... LOTS of fighting happened.I got home, worried I was going to deliver a film that would only remind the family of a day of fighting. But I started editing the photos and had a realization...This family will remember that on their hardest days, there was SO much love. Love in the in between, woven in and out and between all the fights.I regret not capturing the fighting more. Next time, I will. If you want your family captured, please reach out to me! 
Nashville Family Photographer + Filmmaker | The Whitley Family
I am often times, hired by other photographers, and it's literally the BEST compliment of my work. Filming and photographer the life of a local photographer, Mandy Whitley, was no exception. I truly enjoyed learning their story of how their lives have evolved over the years. Being with her and her husband and son and watching them love him immensely. It was truly an honor and SO fun. I love how their film came together, the song and the the feel of the entire thing - just gives me goose bumps. If you are thinking of having a family film, please reach out to me!
Nashville Newborn Photographer | The Smith Family welcomes baby #2
I just loved spending a fall morning with The Smith family, capturing them in their new life with baby #2, a boy. They have enjoyed their time with a newborn and their 4 year old, being out on their land with their chickens, in their kitchen drinking coffee together... life together raising a 4 year old sweet girl who just became a big sister - who loves to read and put on makeup and be with her parents and baby brother. This time with littles is so fleeting (and exhausting!) and I love being able to give my sweet families their memories of this time that can go by in a blur. If you want your family captured, I would LOVE to chat! 
Nashville Newborn Photographer | The DeClue Family
Getting to enter a family's life and see them just a few weeks into their parenting journey, is such a fun experience. I love seeing them head over heels in love with this new human, a few weeks into their new lives, being entirely new people really, because having a baby changes you a million times over. I love thinking ahead to how she won't be this tiny for long. How they will grow into their parenthood. How as a couple they are going to change and grow together, raising a little girl. I love thinking about how soon she will sit up, then crawl, and one day walk. How in a few short weeks, the babbling and teething will come and she will say her first word. and how amazing it will all be for these two parents. If you want me to come capture your life with your new baby or as a family, please reach out to me here, I would LOVE to chat!
Nashville Family Photographer | 5 things You don't have to do for an in-home family photo shoot with Jennie Pyfferoen
I am constantly talking with friends, clients, etc about life and their kids and homes etc. and I see it all the time: misunderstandings about what things need to be done for a photo shoot, or things that exist in their everyday that they feel the need to erase.... Let me give you
5 Things You Don't Have to do for an In-Home Family Photo Shoot
#1 You don't have to erase writings on the wall.
I was at a friend's house recently and I saw on the trim in a doorway, little pencil scribblings, marking heights of various children as they have grown over the years. I stopped and touched it, moved emotionally, and she said "Oh gosh, I really need to clean that!" and I immediately, said "No way, thats history. The history of your children, your time in this home, their growth, the changes of life, their childhood. Don't you dare ever get rid of it" and She immediately sat in her response and realized, I was right. Please don't erase historical, meaningful things from your home for the sake of perfection/order/cleanliness.
#2 Dress up.
Have you ever worn something you hated and had to act happy about it? Kids feel the same way. The best way to make kids hate photo shoots is to make them wear certain clothing. Does your toddler NEED to wear his too small Spiderman costume? LETS DO IT. He will cheer up and we will make amazing photos that not only exude joy and peace and love, but also remind you of when you had a 3 year old boy who was obsessed with his costume.
#3 Behave.
Your kids don't have to be PERFECT during our time together. I want them to feel human, and themselves. So if your 9 year old daughter brings out her sass, Im all about it. She will likely make some faces you see EVERYDAY and I then can capture that! So you can always remember when she was 9 and super sassy.
#4 Extreme clean the house.
What I tell clients is, if it's the normal amount of messy, leave it. If it's messier than normal, tidy it up a tad. But please don't make it extraordinarily clean for the session. When your kids look back on the photos (or family film), I want them to be reminded and that won't happen if they see video and photos of their home in an unusual state. I want the mess there that they saw on a daily basis. That is after all, their childhood.
#5 Feel rushed.
One of my favorite parts of these in-home sessions is that there is no rush. In fact, I allow a lot of time for kiddos to get out of the initial performance and or shy stage, so that they can get settled into forgetting I'm there so that I can adequately tell the story of your life together. Time is truly our friend and it allows for everyone to get into their natural element.
If you want a session like this, please reach me here!
Nashville Family Videographer + Photographer | The Sogard Family
I spent an afternoon with The Sogard Family in June, and it was absolutely all the things. They are such a tightly connected, fun, loving, close family. Creating a story through video and photos to capture that was just such an amazing experience. Following them around on their little farm, getting the eggs from the coop, feeding the cows, playing together.... What an amazing memory these kids will have years from now to look back on. The sounds of their little voices, their mama reading, their laughter, will all be there for them to easily access and watch over and over again. I love how intimate they all are together. During family films, it can become so easy to focus on what to do... families can tend to hop from activity to activity but really, its not the activities that matter so much as how you do them together. Showing your love, connection and intimacy really makes a film a million times better! If you want your family filmed and photographed, please reach out to me here! I would love to chat! 
Nashville, Tennessee Newborn Photographer | The Guarienti Family
I truly believe, 100%, God selects my clients. He picks them out so beautifully.Brooke contacted me in August about a maternity and newborn session at her home and land northwest of Nashville. We captured her maternity session back in September on a beautiful summer day. I truly fell in love with this sweet family. Meeting them, they are so down to earth, loving, and kind. Truly trying their hardest to raise amazing boys (and succeeding!). Their older son is OBSESSED with baby brother, a truly good sign of good parenting (don't worry, you can be good parents and have an older son who isn't a fan like I did 🤣)We spent a morning just hanging out with together, chatting about all things newborn, politics, family, nursing and so on. It really is just a chill time of hanging out together. I don't force a tight schedule or rush the session, just go with the flow, stay as long as I need to. Let the toddler run the show 🤣🤣🤣If you would like maternity and or newborn photos, please reach out to me! I would love to connect.
Nashville Family Photographer | Day in the Life family film of The Garrett Family
Spending a day with this family is such a treasure. Capturing how active they are, loving being outside and most importantly, together. I loved telling the story of that and how Dad does the most dad things ever with his kids, like letting them ride on the mower, taking them for rides on the dirt bike, or the four wheeler. And also, tossing them onto the sofa in a game they call "Take out the trash" 🤣
I loved telling the story of their messy hair and giggles. How mama reads to them and tells them about Jesus. I chose their song SO purposefully.
The chorus repeats the line "I'm coming alive" and when I relive this day I spent with them, that's the theme I see. How they LIVE together. They live fully.
Nashville Family Photographer | The Magill Family
I was honored to spend an afternoon and evening filming and photographing this little family who lives in a beautiful neighborhood in Franklin, TN. We captured how much they love playing together outside, rough housing before bed, and their sweet bedtime routines. I loved telling the story of how hands on their daddy is with them and how meaningful they are as a family. How well they are raising their children to love the Lord, apologize and hug one another when they fight, and cherish time together. My favorite part of their film was capturing their daughter dancing in the light coming through the window.
I know their family will cherish this film always, watching it back for years to come to remember this season of their lives. I'm so blessed to get to do this work for families. To give them a peek into their own lives, to give them memories to rewatch year after year for decades to come. If you want your family filmed, please reach out to me. I would love to chat!
Nashville Family Photographer | Why you don't have to have a Pinterest worthy house to have your life documented
You really do not have to have a Pinterest worthy home with wood floors, and vaulted ceilings, everything perfect, open floor plan, etc. Whatever you think your house needs to look like to have a film - get that out of your head right now!
I have a family who literally saves all year to bring me to Tampa to film them every year. They are honestly my favorite family. and if I put every client home on IG to be judged, hers would probably be last. She is renting, it's small, there is literally nothing about it that would be considered remarkable in today's atmosphere. and yet, it literally does. not. matter.
Why are they my favorite family to film? Because they truly embrace being their true selves. They put no effort into outfits or their home. Its all so lived in and because of that, its absolutely remarkable ...
What makes your film remarkable is embracing your real life. your connection with one another. It has nothing to do with what you wear or how your home is decorated.
Here are some examples I have heard over the years:
Client: "We just moved and there are boxes in a corner"
My response: "This is the season of moving into this house. I want you to remember that. I want you to rewatch your film and see your photos and say 'remember when we moved into that home?' I want you to remember the chaos, the challenges, the excitement and happiness. That said, I dont have to get many photos or clips of the boxes in the background. But it can be a small portion of a day in the life you are living right now. There are no guarantees in life and putting off a film because of boxes is really silly in the grand scheme"
Client "I have so much weight to lose and don't want to be captured in the season of having this weight on me"
My response: "I get it. You might think I'm bluffing but I have actually been in your shoes. Our film in 2022 was done because my youngest was about to go through puberty and there literally was no way to put it off. We both watched it and definitely saw the weight. But Im SO glad we have that film. He is now well into puberty and changing on a daily basis, it seems. Also, you know what happened as a result? We both kicked it into gear to get the pandemic weight off!"
Client: "Our home is in the middle of a remodel"
My response: "That happens! Life happens! We can usually work around that. Again, it's part of this season I want you to remember. Your home in transition is a season you will want to remember. It's such an in-between stage. The in between the before and after. A lot happens then. If you wait the many months until your home is remodeled, you will miss out on so many milestones your kids are in RIGHT NOW. I have filmed several families in the middle of remodels. We usually just avoid that room or those rooms or we go outside"
There really is no WRONG season for a film. Even if you plan to have more babies, plan to move, you are renting a home, etc - whatever it is. It's temporary, which is the REASON you should have it filmed. Because it's a blink in time. Reach out to me and let's make sure another year doesn't go by without your family being captured.
Nashville Family Photographer | Tips for relaxing during your family session
Nashville Newborn Photographer | The Morrison Family
Those days after you have your second baby... so much joy, your heart is SO full because you have TWO babies and you cannot believe it. But, it honestly comes with some heartache, that most people don't warn you about. The feeling of wondering if your older child feels loved still, how they are coping with bringing another baby into the home. It's really hard on a mama.I loved how this family loves so deeply. They love being together and sharing kisses and hugs and books. They are just so devoted to being together and loving one another well. I just absolutely enjoyed spending time with them, capturing these early years in their long journey of parenthood to come.If you have followed my work for some time, you know Im not super into posing. The only sessions with some light posing, are newborn sessions. And even then, I let as much organic emotion come through as possible. I try to take any candid photos that might come naturally as well.If you would like a newborn session, please reach out to me and let's talk! 
Nashville Newborn Photographer | The Morrison Family
What I loved and appreciated about this family was that they had such a deepened gratitude for having a baby, for becoming parents. It was quite like their biggest dreams in life had come true. They are already the most intentional parents, loving their sweet baby girl fully. Embracing life as parents together, as a team, a unit. Their new baby girl is the piece that bonds them now. I absolutely adore their film and photos and how it all came together.
If you would like to have a family video and photos done after you have your baby, please let's chat!
The Morrison Family | January 2024 from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.
Franklin, TN Family Photographer | The Swope Family Film + Photos
I hate to sound like a broken record, but it is such a huge blessing to be called to do this work. It is my purpose in life, to film families and births. To be asked to come into a family's home and create an heirloom video of their life together... it's beyond words. To get to see their joy in watching their film and feel their gratitude that gets deeper with each passing year that we film... It's been an absolute joy.
I spent a few hours with The Swope Family, capturing their sunny fall days they spend in the garden, playing card games together, their three kiddos loving one another so well. I loved capturing the newness of their eldest daughter teaching their younger daughter to knit. How they love cooking dinner together and eating tacos.
This family loves spending time together. Even in the hard seasons, you see their love and dedication. Their support for one another. and how their parenting has fostered 3 siblings who love each other well. (Don't worry, they fight too😂😂)
Enjoy their film and some photos from their session!
The Swope Family | October 2023 from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.
