Ellis HartGetting everyone ready for family photos can feel like a small project. Outfits and nap times matter, and so does finding someone who can handle camera-shy kids with patience.
When I looked for the best family photographer in Nashville, I focused on session comfort and final image quality.
I also checked whether each photographer helped with planning, because the right prep can make the shoot feel easier before anyone steps in front of the camera.
After the session, final image quality still matters if you plan to turn your portraits into framed prints or keepsakes. In that case, nearby photo printing shops can be helpful.
How much does a family photographer cost in Nashville?
A family photographer in Nashville usually costs $295 to $600 for shorter or standard sessions, while full-service portrait experiences can run $1,000 or more.
| Session Type | Estimated Cost |
| Short mini-session | $295-$395 |
| Standard family session | $500-$600 |
| Full-service portrait experience | $1,000+ |
| Albums or wall art add-ons | Varies by package |
1. Emily Anne Photography
Website: emilyannephotoart.com
Address: 1419 Clinton St
Contact: (615) 538-8117 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-5 PM; Sat 10 AM-5 PM
Photo prep can be the hardest part when everyone needs outfits, and you’re already managing busy schedules.
That’s where Emily Anne Photography feels helpful, since the session is built around a full-service Photo Art process instead of a quick set of digital files.
From there, families can get wardrobe planning and optional styling support before choosing images for albums or wall pieces. That extra guidance is useful if you want printed keepsakes but rarely have time to organize them yourself.
The trade-off is that this setup takes more time. You’ll need an in-person consultation and a separate image reveal, so it isn’t the best fit if you want a fast mini-session. The premium pricing can also feel steep for tighter budgets.
Customer Reviews
She made my ideas come to life!
Emily was amazing! She took such great maternity and family photos with our little man once he got here! She was so fun to work with and so easy to plan fun and artful photos! She made my ideas come to life!
Jordan Kelley Google Review
Managed to capture a 3 month old and 8 year old smiling
Emily was great to work with. She did family photos for us and managed to capture a 3 month old and 8 year old smiling and looking at the camera at the same time! I would use her again!
Lisa Langmesser Google Review
2. the nashville photographer
Website: thenashvillephotographer.com
Address: 8858 Lebanon Rd, Mount Juliet
Contact: (561) 301-7168 | [email protected]
Hours: Thu-Sun 9 AM-6 PM
Outdoor photos can feel risky when the weather changes or newborn timing gets unpredictable. That’s why the nashville photographer works well for families who want studio options without losing a soft, natural look.
You can choose between a classic Mount Juliet setup or a natural light studio in West Nashville. That flexibility is useful for maternity and newborn sessions, where comfort matters more than chasing the perfect outdoor backdrop.
From there, the client closet can help reduce outfit costs. The quick digital delivery is also handy if you need images soon after the shoot.
The limitation is that the style leans strongly toward indoor studio work, so families wanting a wide-open outdoor session may feel boxed in. And since Sharon works solo, popular dates can also book quickly.
Customer Reviews
Couldn’t recommend her enough!
I have gotten photos done with Sharon several times and I couldn’t recommend her enough! She is so kind, patient, and wonderful with my son. Her prices are fair enough that I’ve been able to use her for all of our major milestones (pregnancy, newborn, family photos) and I have loved every session. Her having her own studio is also a HUGE bonus – takes the struggle out of finding a place to go! I would highly recommend her to anyone. Thank you for capturing our life’s moments!
Kaitlynn Malinowski Google Review
Don’t hesitate just book that session!!!
Sharon was such a great person to work with! I absolutely loved her work since my baby’s newborn pictures she is so patient and careful with babies I wouldn’t hesitate to do another new born session with her if I have another. She also did my Fall minis for my family 2 years later and i absolutely loved every single one of them my toddlers was not cooperating at first but made sure to get every single shot she could when he was smiling. 10/10 don’t hesitate just book that session!!!
Dorismar Ponce Google Review
3. Dolly DeLong Photography
Website: dollydelongphotography.com
Areas Served: Nashville and nearby areas
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: By appointment
Planning family photos can feel easier when the prep is already built into the package.
Dolly DeLong Photography does this through all-inclusive sessions with professional hair and makeup, which can help parents feel more put-together without booking separate vendors.
That support connects well with her bright, film-inspired style because the whole session feels planned around warm family keepsakes.
From there, the style guides and full print rights give families a clear path from outfit prep to finished prints.
The downside is the higher starting price. This won’t be the best match for a quick budget session, especially if you only need a few simple digital images. Availability can also be tight because she accepts a limited number of families each year.
Customer Reviews
She makes every photoshoot stress free
Dolly is just wonderful! She has taken all of our family photos (three sessions to-date), and she overdelivers every time. Most recently, she was totally patient and understanding with our two-year-old who was NOT having it. But you’d never know by the photos she got! She makes every photoshoot stress free. Her professional status keeps climbing in my book!!
Megan McConnell Google Review
Photos that I will cherish for years to come!
Dolly was amazing to work with for my graduation/family photos! I really appreciate how patient she was when it came to taking photos with my hyper puppy. I appreciate all of her attention to detail for these photos that I will cherish for years to come!
Ashley Newby Google Review
4. Linn’s Photography
Website: linnsphotography.com
Address: 4412 Brick Church Pike, Whites Creek
Contact: (629) 244-1075 | [email protected]
Hours: Daily 8 AM-7 PM
Some sessions feel stressful because kids or pets can change the plan fast. Linn’s Photography helps by booking only one event per day, so families aren’t pushed through a rushed time slot when the session needs extra patience.
That slower pace pairs well with outfit guidance because it keeps the planning side simple before shoot day. During the session, pets are welcome, too, which is a nice bonus.
I particularly like the quick sneak peek gallery, which is useful if you need a few images for announcements.
The trade-off is that add-ons can raise the final cost. High-end retouching costs extra, and indoor studio rental comes with a surcharge. And since only one session is booked per day, available dates can be harder to find.
Customer Reviews
She was truly amazing
We recently had family photos done with Linn, and she was truly amazing. She was so kind, upbeat, and wonderful with our 14-month-old, which made the whole session feel relaxed and enjoyable and just could be ourselves. The weather ended up being a bit chilly and she had a backup plan ready making it so easy. The photos came out so beautiful and we got them back quickly! We’re so grateful and can’t wait to book with her again!
Kati Stein Google Review
We had the best experience
We had the best experience with Linn. She’s extremely kind and professional. She was quick to respond to my inquiry and when we had our session she was fun and made sure we all were relaxed and had a good time. She did such a great job at handling our full family photoshoot and was so patient as we even had our dogs with us! I can’t recommend her enough!
Alyssa Christian Google Review
5. Little Bear Photography
Website: littlebearnashville.com
Address: 2300 Leighton Way, Spring Hill
Contact: Official contact form
Hours: Daily 8 AM-8 PM
Families with energetic toddlers may need more movement than a traditional portrait setup allows. Little Bear Photography uses an outdoor storytelling approach, so the session can feel closer to family playtime than formal posing.
That style is helpful when children need space to warm up naturally. It also pairs well with the boutique client closet, which can cut down on outfit stress before the shoot.
Once the session is done, the warm editing style gives the final gallery a soft outdoor feel.
The drawback is the premium price, especially if you only want a quick, low-cost mini-session.
Local availability can also be limited because the photographer travels outside Nashville, and the 50% retainer is non-refundable once you book. That can make rescheduling feel risky.
Customer Reviews
What an incredible experience!
What an incredible experience! Kailani made our family, especially our little guys, so comfortable. She really captured our family dynamic in the photos and made it all feel so effortless. It was our first time working with her, but it felt like she was a long-time friend and we will happily continue working with her. Thank you for blessing our family with your creative gift and, not only photos, but memories we will always cherish.
Korey Coleman Google Review
She makes every session fun
Kailani is such an amazing person and photographer with a heart of gold. To say she captures our family perfectly, just isn’t enough. She never disappoints and I’m so incredibly thankful we found her. She makes every session fun and the least stressful possible. She brings the best out in us and our kids and I can see it in every single one of our photos. We simply adore her and her work.
Alisha Briggs Google Review
