A Heartfelt In-Home Nashville Maternity Session with Lexi & Jordan
Back in June, I had the absolute joy of meeting Lexi and Jordan for our consultation to see if we were the right fit for me to film their birth story. From the very first email, I knew this couple was special. Jordan kept me laughing, and Lexi instantly felt like a lifelong friend. Their warmth, humor, and love for each other made me even more excited to begin documenting their journey into parenthood.
Our first session together was their in-home maternity session in Nashville, and it couldn’t have been more meaningful.
Why I Love In-Home Maternity Photography
One of the things I cherish about in-home sessions is that they allow me to capture your real life and unique story. For Lexi and Jordan, that meant blending documentary-style maternity photography with a few simple, posed moments in natural light around their home. The result is the best of both worlds... candid storytelling mixed with timeless portraits that highlight this sacred season of pregnancy.
In-home maternity sessions are also incredibly laid back. No rushing to a studio, no worrying about the perfect location — just the comfort of your home and the beauty of your everyday routines.
Personal Touches That Made This Session Unique
I love connecting with my clients on Instagram before their sessions ... it gives me a peek into their lives and helps me shape a session that truly feels personal. For Lexi and Jordan, one thing that stood out was their love of dancing to Latin music. I knew that had to be part of their maternity session!
We also talked through their questionnaire answers and made a list of meaningful daily rituals to incorporate, including:
Praying together before breakfast
Lexi making coffee while Jordan cooked breakfast
Jordan reading to their baby in the womb
Spending time in their devotional together
Dancing in the living room to Latin music
Capturing these real-life moments created a maternity session that was both intimate and deeply personal.
Telling Your Story During Pregnancy
Documentary maternity photography is about so much more than pretty pictures ... it’s about preserving the essence of your life as it is right now, before everything changes. For Lexi and Jordan, this meant celebrating not just the anticipation of their first baby, but also the little rhythms of their relationship and home life.
If you’re expecting and want your maternity session to feel authentic, relaxed, and deeply personal, I’d love to create that for you. Whether in your home, your backyard, or even your baby’s nursery, my approach combines documentary maternity photography with light posing to tell your unique story.
Contact me here to book your own in-home maternity session in Nashville.
Nashville Maternity Photography | The Cook Family’s Story
Nashville Maternity Photography | The Cook Family’s Story
Krystal first connected with me back in 2023 when she hired me to document her birth photography and newborn photography session. Since then, working with the Cook family has been such a joyful journey. Over the years, I’ve come to adore her two boys and deeply value my conversations with Krystal and her husband during our time together. Beyond sessions, Krystal and I often text about everything from parenting struggles to marriage advice...proof that photography, for me, is never just transactional.
Why Relationships Matter in Maternity and Family Photography
One of the core values of my work as a Nashville maternity and family photographer is building real relationships. Yes, clients pay me for a service, but what matters most is trust, connection, and authenticity. When families invite me to document their most intimate seasons—whether it’s the chaos of parenting toddlers, the beauty of pregnancy, or the sacred moment of birth...I don’t take that lightly.
My sessions aren’t about perfect smiles or posed moments. I capture real life: the children’s moods, the parents’ flustered glances, and the love that always shines through in the middle of it all. These raw, unfiltered moments are where the magic truly happens.
Capturing Parenthood Through a Wider Lens
One of my favorite parts of offering documentary style family photography is showing parents what they often can’t see for themselves: that they’re doing an incredible job. Parenting is hard, and many families I work with are navigating big things...sometimes even breaking generational cycles. When they see their own love, connection, and resilience reflected back in their photos, it can be deeply affirming.
That’s what these sessions are all about...reminding parents of the beauty in their everyday story.
The Cook Family’s Maternity Session
This recent maternity session in Nashville with the Cook family was extra special. Krystal is pregnant with baby number three (gender still unknown at the time), and the session was all about capturing what life feels like right now: parenting two lively boys while preparing to welcome another little one.
Their oldest is beginning to step into his role as big brother with maturity and pride, while their three-year-old is bursting with energy, spunk, and personality. From tender hugs to wild laughter, the session told the full story of this family’s love and anticipation.
It was an honor to document this chapter of their journey and freeze these moments in time before their family grows again.
Ready to Book Your Nashville Maternity or Family Photography Session?
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or documenting life with multiple little ones, I’d love to capture your story. My approach is documentary-style, authentic, and centered on connection. If you’re looking for a Nashville maternity photographer or a family photographer who captures real life, not just poses, I’d love to chat with you.
Contact me today to book your session.
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Sarah + Tyson's In-Home Maternity Session
Having Maternity Photos done can be so daunting, depending on how you are feeling in your pregnancy or how you feel about your changing body, especially with the first baby. You can feel "big" or "fat" and in the moment, it can feel easy to give into those feelings and just skip out on maternity photos. I think many women feel negative thoughts about their pregnant bodies. They hurt and just feel so BLAH and fat. But I think later, as they grow in motherhood, they truly come to appreciate the miraculous journey that being pregnant and having a baby really is.That's how so much of life really is. When we're in the thick of whatever season we are in, we don't see the beauty in it and are so busy being deep in it, that we kind of just want to be in the next season. But later, we look back and see a lot of beauty in it, and if we are blessed to have video and or photos of that season, those can tell an even more meaningful story of that season.I love capturing maternity photos the way I do. A mix of documentary (real life) and slightly posed to give my clients the best of both worlds. I love showing them how incredible their body is. If you want a maternity session with me, please reach out to me here! I would LOVE to chat!
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 Maternity Photographer | A Mix of maternity and family in one session
Im not huge into the modern maternity session, where mom gets dressed up and you stand her in a field and take photos of her bump with and without family for an hour.
What I am a fan of... is creating a memory. What was pregnancy like? Where did she live during her pregnancy?
If she has other children, what were they like and what was being pregnant and a mom like? What did dad think of their life during this time?
Brooke, nearing the end of her pregnancy with her 2nd, contacted me about a maternity/family photography session.
We did the photos on their land and some in their son's bedroom. Their home is finishing up a remodel so it was nice to have access to their land.
Plus, Brooke's favorite memories right now are walking their land and being outside with their 3 year old.
That's exactly what life was like while she was pregnant with her 2nd boy in 2024.
If you would like to chat about a maternity/family session, please reach me here!
Nashville Family Photographer | Full Circle: Maternity, Birth, Newborn Photography + Videography For The Lush Family
Any time a client hires me to photograph their family or create a video of their family, I am BEYOND honored. I know that's cliche, but its also HONEST. But when a family hires me more than once a year (I have several who do!) its just a compounded emotion. I bond with my clients, its the perk of my job. We become friends. We chat parenting and exchange wisdom. Anytime Malary has had a baby, she has hired me for maternity, newborn, baby and family photography. Once I added film, she began to get films too... for newborn/family sessions... But now I offer birth videography and photography, so she added that 😂😂😂 Which was AMAZING.
When I'm with The Lush Family, I feel their bond - these boys are SO closely bonded. I feel their love and passion for raising a close knit family. I feel the power of a mother who is determined to have the best damn life together. I feel her sentimental nature and love for things meaningful.
I think I did a great job of creating films that brought them back to this very moment in time. What it was like during her labor and delivery (film will not be posted) and what it was like to have a newborn baby boy, baby #5. I think the boys will rewatch it and remember what it was like, too. Im starting to get emotional when Im with them, because her oldest is starting to morph into a teenager and I can see it is around the corner. I tell her to hold on to him, he is changing. Little Wyatt is almost gone, and in his place will be a man looking child 😂 Its a sad and beautiful transition.
Let's walk through The Lush Family sessions from this year.
Here is a sneak peek from Malary's Birth:
Newborn Film:
The Lush Family | June 2023 | Short Version from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.
Photos from their Newborn Family Photography and Film Session:
Nashville Maternity Photographer | An Evening with The Gerhart Family
Beautiful weather, a beautiful pregnant mother, her son, husband... and goats and chickens. What else could I need to have the coolest maternity session ever?
I have spoken many times about how I feel about maternity sessions. To be honest, social media trends have lead us to focus more on putting a woman in a dress in field than actually telling any kind of story about her pregnancy and life. I cannot tell any maternity photographer from another. They all use the same dresses, backgrounds and presets. Its copy and paste on repeat. Don't get me wrong, all photos have value. But I have said many times, we have lost the real purpose behind photography.
Telling a story.
What was she doing day to day during her pregnancy? What was life outside of the womb? Later, that baby will grow to be an adult. That child might wonder what their mother was like before they were born...How does placing them in a dress in a field tell that story? What are we unintentionally robbing this family of by not giving them their story?
After our shoot, I sent over a few images to show Joy (the beautiful mother) and this was her reply:
"Oh my word. This exceeds any expectations I possibly had. I honestly don’t have words right now. I just keep scrolling through them and have new favorites every single time. This is amazing. You’re so talented. I am amazed!!"
This beautiful momma was caring for her toddler, growing her veggies, and tending to goats and chickens during her pregnancy. I cannot wait to film her birth in the coming months.
If you're curious, I wrote a blog about whether or not professional photos were worth it. It's a good read.
Franklin, Tennessee Maternity Photographer | Are professional maternity photos worth it?
I get a lot of inquiries about maternity photography. Typically, the client is interested in maternity, newborn etc. So I send them over all that information. Most fall in love with my films and want a family film after baby has arrived. Some also want their birth captured. That's a lot!Because of this, we talk about maternity photos. If budget is an issue I often times recommend taking cell phone photos. I know - crazy, right? But let's dive into why I say this! (Now, if you have the budget to do it all, its totally worth it!)What is going to matter the most in 20 years? It won't be professional maternity photos. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE capturing maternity photos! But as a mother of two boys - who had maternity photos done, newborn photos, birth videography and family photos and video.... Maternity photos come last on my list of importance. Save your money for when the baby comes! Those moments are going to be FAR More meaningful than maternity.Speaking of maternity photos... let's chat about the trends we see going on. You already know what you see when you think of maternity photos. She's wearing a dress standing in a field of some sort... I get it, I offered this work for many years until I kind of awakened to the REAL purpose behind photography.Here is my own personal opinion about maternity photos. What story will they tell to your child when they are grown? What will it say about what it was like for their mother to carry them? I tell you this, standing in a field in a dress won't tell much of a story.I prioritize having time stamps in photos. Let me explain what those are. If you were to look at a photo of you as a child, you would see objects in the photo that might speak to that decade etc. Maybe there is a velvet green sofa and when you see the photo, you and your siblings say "remember that green sofa?!" and then maybe that elicits a lot of stories from that time period.Maternity is not really about the baby much at all, its about the couple and wanting to capture "the bump" - and I get it, I would never tell you they are BAD in some way, I just want to shed some thoughts that help you make your own decision for yourself. If you want a dress in a field, girl go get it! But if you read this and it enlightened you and now you want to tell more of a story, then you're saying "oh my gosh, you are SO right" and you are so glad I decided to write this blog!Here is a great story telling maternity session. Feel free to connect with me to book yours!
Nashville, TN Family Photographer | What is a documentary photo session?
A documentary session is a photography session where I spend 1-1.5 hours with your family, photographing your normal life. Now, I don't just show up and shoot whatever - that would probably not work well. We use a questionnaire to gain an idea of what your favorite moments are right now in your season of motherhood and parenting. So whether its filled with the exhaustion of having a newborn and nursing a lot or you're chasing a toddler around - we are going to get some really amazing, story telling, raw, real life moments on camera. And YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THEM.
Parents don't even realize what they are not having captured until it's there. It is so easy to fall in love with trendy photographs on instagram and facebook. But what I have seen in my 12 years photographing clients, is that the best most beautifully posed photograph doesnt.hold.a.candle to a meaningful photograph. Meaningful means that it speaks to your SOUL. It brings so much MORE emotion out of you seeing the photo. Let's be honest, I don't send over to my clients 150 absolutely perfect photos. Some are absolutely perfect. perfect lighting, composition, moment etc. But some - some are just okay in terms of photography perfection. But you know what? They are meaningful. and meaningful trumps perfect, ever single time.
I will always aim to get the BEST shots for my clients, but I will never be so full of myself that I deny them precious images because they wont win a competition.
Parents are getting to the later stages of parenting and saying "I wish I had more photos of our everyday life" and instead they have these beautifully posed Christmas Card Fall Photographs from every year. And those - those are meaningful. But we need to be sure to capture our everyday for the sake of remembering and encapsulating our legacy.
Book your family documentary session by downloading my client guide and inquiring here!
Nashville, Tennessee Birth Photographer + Videographer | Crystal's Birth Video
Up until recently, I haven't been able to offer Birth Films or Photography. We dont have family that lives in the area and my kids were too young. But our lives have shifted. My husband's job is more flexible to be able to leave and come home midday if needed. My boys are now 9&12 and can stay at home for limited times.
For the past 4 years, I have had my dozen or so doulaand midwife friends beg me to do births. But I resisted for the reasons already mentioned, plus I really needed my sleep.
Crystal is amazing. I was crying as I was filming. I was in awe of her calm and bravery. Crystal has 2 girls and this was her 3rd. Her first two were hospital inductions. She’s a nicu nurse as well and dreamed of her home birth.
After Presley (her 3rd baby girl) was born, she said home birth unmedicated was significantly easier than hospital induction.
I was at her house for about 2 hrs before baby arrived earth side.
What I found most fascinating about this home birth was the lack of interference or commentary. Never did anyone announce how close to birth she was. How dilated she was. They were very hands off. They knew momma could birth. And they simply allowed it.
At one point crystal said “for a second I thought I could push but it went away” and the midwife replied “okay then don’t push”
Basically. Trust yourself.
Trusting your self is 95% of everything. And 100% of how a baby is birthed.
Crystal's Birth Midwife: https://www.sararosser.com
Crystal's Doula: https://www.rebirthingwellness.com
Crystal's Placenta Encapsulation: https://www.instagram.com/the.mamadoula/
Crystal took the time to write a review on my google page: "Jennie is so amazing!!! What she captured during my daughter's birth is absolutely priceless! Watching her video afterwards was such an empowering, whimsical, and spiritual experience!!! There were moments that had just happened days before that I had already forgotten, until I saw the video! My 2 yo, who was present at the birth, requests to watch the video frequently, she absolutely loves it. I can not wait for my youngest to be able to see the moment she came into this world! My only regret is not having any of her videos before now! If I were to ever have another birth, setting aside and prioritizing funds in order to have her there will be a must for me! I look forward to having her do family films for us in the future! Hands down she is THE BEST in the business! Her passion and talents are a true gift! And she truly cares about each and every client! Having her at our birth was absolutely a blessing from God! If you don't hire Jennie, you will regret it!"
Big Sister was there for her momma a lot. Both girls were in the room and absolutely not panicked about what was happening. Kids often have an internal sense of what is happening. It is so neat to watch.
This bottom image of dad, mom and baby ripped me to shreds emotionally. Just an absolutely amazing moment. Raw emotion. I would love to capture your birth! Let's chat.
xoxo
Jennie
Franklin Tennessee Maternity Photographer | Meaningful storytelling
Hi friend. Im going to be REALLY honest with you.Since becoming a family film maker and diving into documentary work, I have struggled with what to do with maternity sessions. Maternity sessions have become more about trends and dresses and the look than about the person being photographed. 
They’ve lost meaning. They don’t tell a story other than “this was the trend in 2021”I cannot tell one maternity photographer from another, they all use gorgeous dresses at sunset. Don't get me wrong, I support these amazing photographers and what they do. Their clients are loved well. But I do want to talk from my own perspective of why are we doing what we are doing? What is the purpose of this? What will we think of this in 10 years?
I’m just being honest and telling my personal viewpoint. I offered trendy maternity sessions for years. I even provided the dresses. Until one day, I realized that I wasn’t actually serving my clients well. 
I now see myself as their memory mentor ? helping them see the meaning behind their sessions. The session isn’t just about a pregnant mother. It’s about the story of who this mother is and how their child will be able to go back years later and see who their mom was when she was pregnant with them. If I had photos of my mom, she’d be smoking in 1982 and pregnant. What a story that would tell! This sweet momma and I had so much fun capturing her pregnancy. She’s a holistic health coach and has had the most nourishing pregnancy. She spends a lot of time in her kitchen cooking and making bone broth. 
Her skin always looks so amazing. Her smile is always radiant. She’s so happy and kind and sweet. 
She’s spent her pregnancy getting plenty of sunshine and movement as well as taking Epsom salt baths, writing in her pregnancy journal and rocking in her rocker. We wanted to tell that story. So that a decade or two from now, her baby will see how momma cared for herself when she was carrying the child in the womb. 
Now to find out if it’s a boy or a girl! ???
Happy Fall - Enjoy this gorgeous weather friends!xoxo
Franklin Maternity Photographer | Kacey's nature photo session
I am so excited to work with this family for their 2nd pregnancy. 3 years ago, I photographed Kacey's 1st pregnancy in nature as well. Both sessions, we have had a blast. I cannot wait to capture their 2nd baby once its born!When Im capturing memories, I do more than “take photos” - I see depth and emotion. I aim to tell the story of clients and their connection with their loved ones. (or sometimes, the connection of the client with nature). For instance, in this session, what I see - is the connection of these two people, I want to tell that story to the world. I want to show everyone how deep their connection goes, all the way to their souls. These two people, who have created their 2nd child - all so very connected with nature - because we are nature. People hire me because Im different, my work is unique, they want to hire me to see what my vision will create for them - what story I will tell about their lives.If you want your family captured, contact me here! Photography Sessions with me are so much more than "photo sessions"
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Hannah's Glorious Sunset Session
Hannah was the best maternity client ever. I truly feel this way after my maternity sessions, though! Women come to me and they are nervous! Its not easy to volunteer to show of your bump in front of the camera. To dress up and let someone capture you. Many women think it will be awkward. After the session, they go ON and ON about how fun it was and how surprised they were about how natural they felt. We truly have a blast and laugh the entire time! I had a wardrobe of dresses for my clients, and I love when clients wear Free People Dresses. No one ever regrets maternity photography! This night, Nashville had the most glorious sunset ever.
If you want your bump captured, contact me here!
Warmly,
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Sarabeth.
Sarabeth. You radiate beauty! What a glowing pregnant woman she is. We had such a great time photographing her pregnancy. It was a tad chilly, but she was game and preferred to do it outside.Not too many Men are excited to have photographs done. So, to remedy this, I keep the couple shots at 20 mins of the shoot. That way, the men know they can tolerate 20 mins and then they are done. They are happy and keeping my clients happy is my main goal!I love having a wardrobe for my clients to use. I provide many dresses for maternity shoots. I also provided the flower crown that Sarabeth wore. I love helping a woman feel good in her pregnant body. Our bodies were meant to do this and its just amazing!At the end of our cold shoot, 3 pigs showed up to my house. They lingered from a nearby farm. It was HILARIOUS. They were sweet and gentle and stayed away from us. But since I had my camera out, I snapped a shot of them (see below).XOXOWarmly,
Nashville Maternity Photographer | Lauren
It was a tad chilly, but we had tons of fun photographing Lauren's glowing pregnancy. She doesn't know the gender, and I cant wait to see if its a boy or a girl. It will be so fun to watch them turn into parents and meet this little person!
I love providing wardrobe for my maternity clients. I have many dresses to choose from. They all fit so well, on ANY client!
If you want your family filmed, 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 Maternity Photographer | Anna's 2nd Maternity Session
Anna and Dale are so fun during their sessions! We always have a blast. Their little boy is almost 2 and kills me with cuteness! Their sweet girl Magnolia is on her way into the world (soon I hope!) and I cannot WAIT to meet her! Anna rocked the water photos, she loves all things nature. The weather was seriously amazing for their session, the weather this summer has been incredibly unpredictable. we have had so many storms and heat, more so than normal. April this year, I had SO many reschedules, it was insane, because we had so much COLD. I could have shot more in the winter than April and Summer because it was so warm! Im nervous about this Fall. Be on the lookout for Magnolia Newborn photos soon!Warmly, 
Nashville Baby Photographer | Ivy's Newborn Session
Ivy was so good for her session and her big sis, Eby. Eby is such a good big sister! You can see how many shots she gave us with her sister. They both have that beautiful olive skin and I can't wait to see Ivy grow into a gorgeous little girl. I know she will grow so quickly.
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 Maternity Photography | Jennifer's Water Session
Jennifer and I had such a blast with the water. She wanted water in her photos somehow, and Im so glad, because these are just so gorgeous! She is stunning in her Free People (LOVE!) dress and I had some dresses and things for her as well. We really had so much fun. At the end her comments were that she felt like it took 5 minutes and was way less stressful and more fun that she had anticipated. Music to my ears! She has the smallest bump ever, and she is all belly! I have several sessions at this location and cannot wait to blog them all. What a fun find!Warmly, 
