Nashville Newborn Photographer | Studio posed vs in-home lifestyle newborn photography
It's 2025 and a lot has changed in 10 years. I spent many years perfecting newborn posing and having a studio. I loved every second of it. But as life goes on and people change, I too changed. I changed my purpose behind my work and I changed how I felt about what I was doing. Does that mean I regretted it? Not at all. People shift. That's life. But since I have the unique position of having done posed newborn photography for over 6 years and now having done in-home lifestyle / documentary newborn photography for the past 8 years, I thought I would write about the differences, in case a mom out there is wondering, which one is right for her.
The poses.
Let's start with the difference in poses when comparing an in-home newborn session to a posed squishy newborn studio session. In the posed situation, baby is molded into various adorable poses that place them into a perfect position. the lips are brought out, the angles are perfect, the baby is folded to create a piece of art. It's absolutely precious. But what are the downsides?
Well, for one... did that baby ever naturally pose themselves that way? Not usually. So it kind of tells a false narrative. Vs... when you do an in-home newborn session just a week or two postpartum (or longer if doing a newborn video), the baby is never intentionally posed. Everything is organic and natural and the positions he or she puts themself in, tells the story of how that baby may have positioned itself in the womb. The story is what I am after in my work - the story was what I was missing in my old style of photography. The story is what we will miss.
The photos.
In the studio, the photos are very similar to the 90s olan mills days. (the thing we don't want to admit!) Everyone is posed the same as every other family and it's a factory assembly line. Your family is family #4 for the week, and will be put through all the same poses as the family before that and before that. It is very cookie cutter. Whereas, when I go into the home of a family, everything about them is unique, and I hone in on that. The furniture, the state their home is in (moving boxes tell the story of how you just moved into your new home just before baby was born), its all a time stamp of what life was like the year you had your baby. We miss these elements of story telling in some of our modern photography ways... in the 80s and 90s, we had albums from photos that we got off of a polaroid or a disposable camera. There were items randomly placed on a coffee table, the sofa was the mess that it was - and ALL of it told the story of that year and that time in your life. The beauty of the items laying around or the imperfections is the depth of the story told.
The pacing of the session
This might be the best part. With a studio session, there is stress about getting out of the house with a newborn and trying to remember all the things you'll need. You get to the studio and the photographer definitely has a lot of patience (I hope) and you can relax and watch your newborn be posed and photographed. But she might have someone else coming in and will move through the poses as quickly as she can for you and her - to let you get home and resting again. When I come to your home, it's just us hanging out. Baby's fussy? we just sit and chat and let you nurse. Need a snack? No problem, I set my camera down (or maybe I don't) and we just chat and eat. There is ZERO pressure. Not ready when I arrive? Cool, I will just chat with the hubby or pet the dog... You get my drift. I want nothing more for you than for this to be the easiest possible session ever. You don't even have to have a clean house, I wont flinch if it's a mess of stuff. If I need something moved, we just move it. All I care about is that you are able to enjoy your day being photographed as a family with a new baby. and that I leave and you feel like that experience was so easy and fun. I usually spend between 1-2 hours, depending on the family's pace at a session. You're my only session that day and I want to come with an open heart ready to give your session 150%.
In-home newborn photography is more candid, real life, capturing things like the nursery and your home, letting you just do what you have been doing - loving on your new baby - and Im just there to hang out while you do it. And if you happen to add on a film, I will even get to capture all of those amazing baby noises and coos - and how baby responds and lights up when you talk to them. If this is something you are interested in, contact me here!
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, 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 Newborn Photographer | The Morgan Family
This session was years in the making. Jillian has wanted to hire me forever and after becoming pregnant with #2, was able to convince her husband to have a newborn family video of their early days with a teeny new daughter. The film turned out absolutely amazing and she immediately booked her 2nd film 😂
They have an older daughter, who is completely smitten with her little baby sister. I loved highlighting that new relationship in their film and photos. They will always have precious video to remember the beginning of their daughters' sisterhood. How big sis would read and sing to her baby sister. Years from now when big sis is giving her little sister boy advice, this film is going to be 100x more meaningful. It literally makes me tear up thinking about it.
My 3 favorite things about this family film + photo session...
#1 How mom responded after seeing her film.
This is literally my MOST favorite part of the entire process. I LOVE filming and I LOVE editing but getting to experience mom's (and dad's) responses to seeing it, is just on a whole other level. Here are some quotes from her texts to me:
"I think my heart just stopped"
"I don’t have words… you truly have a gift!"
"I forgot about her baby Afro 🥰"
"I am going to watch it on repeat, truly amazing! Thank you SO much!!!"
"I am so thankful we finally did it!"
"You turned my ordinary into extraordinary!!"
"If I was rich, I would get one every month for the first year of life!"
#2 Dad's authentic chit chat with his new baby girl.
He is incredibly smitten and has this southern accent. His sweet but hilarious personality really shines through.
#3 Absolutely big sister and her love for her baby sister.
How she kisses her, talks to her, sings to her, reads to her and just organically shows her love. It makes me tear up every time I watch their film!
The Morgan Family | December 2023 from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.
Nashville Baby Photographer | Penelope 9 Months
Winter finally came. The weather finally turned cold the weekend of Penelope's Session. It was borderline to shoot indoors, but her mom wanted to do it outside. We did it on my property so we could have a home to duck inside should it be too terrible. I also employ the help of my 7.5 year old son - he can make a baby happy any day! She did great initially, and then it got a tad colder and we took many breaks and warmed her up. The high was 57. The images are gorgeous and Im sure her next session will be inside :)
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Here is her 9 Month Video:
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Lealand's 3 Month Session
Lealand is 3 months already. I loved capturing this baby session in Nashville, TN. She's full of smiles and sweetness! I just wanted to eat her CHEEKS. I love doing lifestyle sessions in the comfort of the home of the client. It's warm and sweet and relaxed. Calming environments make the session more fun and less stressful too. Just look at the sweetness!
If you want your family filmed, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Caroline's Sink Bath
I have had this vision forever. And having a vision is like having an itch you cannot scratch. My lovely clients LOVE my outside work, and so its hard to talk a mom into an indoor shoot. But it can be so fun and different. For Caroline, I could not wait to do a sink bath shoot for her. And what gorgeousness! She has the most beautiful face and eyes. She has such innocence in her eyes, and you can truly see her soul.
If you want your family filmed, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | 7 Month old Penelope
I have to pinch myself daily. I mean, how did I get this blessed? This job is THE BEST JOB EVER. Its not always easy, the shooting and editing are always the fun parts, of course! Penelope is already a nature girl. I loved photographing her and her parents in my field - of golden rods. What a dream! At the end of a session, I love snapping some nursing photos! I always give the mom the option - If I can post them or not. If she wants, she can just keep them all to herself. Time is fleeting.
If you want your family filmed, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Bennett
A baby's first year is SO fleeting. Im so happy that many people are choosing to capture this time. We just don't get another chance! We can NEVER go back.
The weather was lovely the day of Bennett's in Home session. They had the most gorgeous natural light in their home. Working with Bennett was a breeze. We took lots of great photos and I really loved this family! I mean, I truly feel so honored to capture this time for all of my clients. and I have THE best clients a photographer could EVER ask for. I cant wait to see B again at 6 Months!
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby And Family Photographer | Sebastian is 1!
Sebastian is beyond adorable. I love his little lips and how he pushes them out. The weather was perfect for July and we had such fun photographing this little guy's milestone.
If you want your family filmed, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Child Photographer | A boy and Dirt
Greyson LOVES dirt. He i literally always dirty. Ive wanted to capture Greyson (my own 4 year old) playing in dirt for a long time. He is such a nature lover. His heart is so big and he loves all insects and animals. He loves collecting bugs and observing them. Im going to miss this stage, where he's so imaginative (He will always be imaginative Im sure) and playful and just enjoys all things nature. Im so glad Im able to capture this time, as we know it goes all to quickly. I bought these super cool Green pants at Mini boden - I love this store! Check out these fun shots we got in a quick shoot before the rain the other night.Warmly,
Nashville Child Photographer | Lane's fun 18 month session
I have been honored to photograph this baby since he was in his mommy's tummy. I adore Lane, he's so fun and sweet and such a chunk! He's growing too quickly. I love this age, they just have such fun manipulating objects (like a wagon or bucket) and they are so into exploring. I love capturing that! My main goal was to capture Lane's boyish adventurous side - I think it worked!
If you want your family filmed, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Willow 9 Months
Baby Willow is one of THE most beautiful babies Ive ever seen. I know, thats a weird thing to say, all babies are so beautiful (Its true) but yet each one has a thing about them. Willow studies you. She really sees into your soul, or so it feels. and her face, its just the most beautiful little face ever. She was so good for her session and loved the water and rocks (she may have tried to eat a few - get that baby some minerals HA). I loved capturing Willow and her momma in this special place in Nashville. Such fun.Warmly, 
Nashville Baby Photographer | Leland's 3 Month Session
Leland is always a ham at his sessions. He's so precious and I think he loves my camera <3 His momma and I are fast friends, texting and messaging often. She and I both live very healthy non toxic lifestyles and so we have fun things to share with one another. Im so glad this job has brought me several AMAZING friends! Ashton has fought very hard to nurse Leland and because his lip tie and tongue tie keeps reattaching and his cranial bones need some work, he's latching poorly. But she found Sammy's Milk made from Goats milk and has him on that, which is so outstanding. She's also still pumping as much as possible. I hope she keeps going, its hard work, but this is her goal. Leland of course, is developing on course and doing fantastic. I cant wait to see him in a few short months.Warmly, 
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Kacey's Baby Bump
Turns out, bringing your own hair stylist to a session, is the BEST idea ever! My client, Kacey, brought her hairstylist, Ashley to her session. BRILLIANT idea! Even Kacey's husband kept saying "worth every penny"Of course, I may have used Ashley slightly, I mean, how often do I get to have an assistant at my disposal? So, I may have asked her to hold a dress or help a few times :) She was AWESOME and I think, she kind of enjoyed it!We had such fun being in the creek and playing in the purple trees for Kacey's maternity session. She is simply gorgeous and is radiant while carrying that precious cargo! I can't wait to meet Parker, very soon!We were so lucky to have such great weather this day, as it has been a brutally cold spring here in Nashville! and windy!Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | 3 Month old Callum
Baby Callum was so good for his session, what a laid back baby! These are some of my all time favorite clients, Ive been working with them several times a year for the past few years and we've bonded for sure. I love to build relationships with my clients and help them any way I can. Callum's older sister just loves me - which totally makes my heart melt! She just looks at me and Im a goner :) I am sure Callum will be doing it soon too, he's already winning my heart!
If you want your family filmed, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Newborn Photographer | Penelope Jane
Penelope Jane and her parents are so photogenic. They just glow and radiate pure love! I just adore being apart of this huge phase of clients' lives. Its such a journey, becoming a parent and I get the pleasure of seeing them before the baby arrives at their maternity session and then now I will get to watch sweet PJ grow this year! My heart literally swells with each client who chooses ME as their photographer. There is no greater honor!
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Audrey
I have been working with a videographer on my new promo video. Im so excited! Audrey was gracious enough to be a model for me during this. I couldn't have dreamed her up if I would have tried! Her red hair with my planned green dress! Gah! She's gorgeous!
3 Reasons to get your bump captured!
#1 You only get to be pregnant with this baby for a short time.
It's going to go by so fast and you hardly even get to process the reality of it all. Only later, will you look back and cherish it more fully! Having photos to look back on will be something precious to you.
#2 Your child will want to see what you looked like pregnant!
Especially if you have a daughter, she will want to look back at what her own mother looked like when she was pregnant with her. She might want to compare how your belly looked to how hers looked someday!
#3 There are no guarantees in life.
Okay, I hesitated for this one, but it's too true to not share. As much as I never speak this over pregnant mothers, you never know how this pregnancy will end. Obviously, the majority of the time, it's a healthy baby at home. But if it's not? This may be the only way to capture this pregnancy and time with your baby. After having friends lose their babies and sister who had a still birth, this is too important to not put as a reason for maternity photos.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Tara's Sunset Maternity Session
I looove sunflare. Any client who has heard me squeal during a shoot in response to perfect sun flare, knows how much I love it. This shoot was so much fun, I squealed the entire time.
If you want your family captured, contact me here!
xoxo
Warmly,
Nashville Baby Photographer | Henley's Nature Session
Baby Henley came back to see me for her 9 month session. It was so much fun to pose her in nature. Some of the photos below look like she's in a creek alone, but please know that babies are never at risk, most shots that look risky, mom is photoshopped out. I can take two photos and overlap them in photoshop and take mom out and still leave the photo looking perfect.Henley is always sweet and photogenic for the camera. I cannot wait for her 12 month session. How lucky was I to find a patch of daffodils? It must mean Im going to have a great year! Because every year I try to find wild flowers and can't find them at the right time ;)Thank you, Christine & Jason, for choosing me! Its always so fun!Warmly, 
