Nashville Family Photography | Spring Session at Walton Ferry Arboretum – Hendersonville, TN

There are clients who hire you once, and then there are the ones who become part of your story. Shannon and Mike are the latter.

I first met these two when I photographed their engagement session — two Vanderbilt internal medicine residents who found each other at a medical school open house, went their separate ways, and somehow ended up matched at the same residency program. (You really can't write a better love story than that.) I was lucky enough to be there when they said I do at The Village Chapel and celebrated at The Loveless Barn — one of my all-time favorite Nashville weddings. And now? Now there are four of them.

See Shannon & Mike's wedding here.

We headed to Walton Ferry Arboretum in Hendersonville, TN for their family session on a bright spring morning, and I cannot think of a more perfect location for this crew. Spring mornings are beautiful, but they come with a catch — the light can be harsh and unforgiving early in the day, so we were intentional about where we positioned ourselves, leaning into shaded spots and open shade to keep the images soft and flattering. The grounds gave us plenty of options, open green space, and — crucially — plenty of room to run.

Their youngest was just over a year old and fully in that spectacular stage where everything is fascinating, nothing is predictable, and the best expressions happen in the split second between one adventure and the next. He was absolutely on the move — but he was also deeply skeptical of me the entire session. That face. I laughed through the whole morning. If you flip through this gallery, you'll spot it: equal parts side-eye and pure curiosity, and honestly some of my favorite frames from the entire session.

We worked with the energy rather than against it. Games, movement, and a whole lot of patience got us through it, and the result is a gallery full of images that genuinely look like them — not a posed version of them, but the real, beautiful, busy family they've become.

If you're planning a family session in the Hendersonville or greater Nashville area and you're worried your kids won't cooperate — please reach out. Busy toddlers are kind of my specialty. 😄

Thinking about booking your own family session? I'd love to hear from you. Learn more about Nashville family photography sessions with Erin Allender here.

Nashville Family Photography | Spring Cheekwood Tulip 1-Year Milestone Session

I loved capturing this milestone 1-year birthday session at Cheekwood Botanical Garden. The tulips were in full bloom, creating colorful, lively backdrops for this sweet celebration—another moment I’m proud to share as a Nashville family photographer.

Cheekwood is always such a special place for family photography. The gardens have so many spots to explore—from winding paths filled with spring blooms to open lawns where kids can run and interact naturally. It’s especially magical when the tulips are at peak bloom, giving every photo a bright, seasonal pop of color. Even with umbrellas on hand for the chance of rain, the garden provided a dynamic, engaging setting that brought out the family’s energy and personalities.

The oldest girl had fun experimenting with her umbrella for photos, while the youngest wasn’t initially excited about having her picture taken. We found ways to keep her involved, which helped capture her genuine smiles and natural expressions. Those candid moments are always my favorite—they show the true character of each child.

This family is extra meaningful to me, as I've been photographing them since their engagement. From their rainy autumn wedding at City Winery to newborn sessions and now a first birthday, watching this family grow has been one of my favorite parts of this work. There is something really special about already knowing a child's face when you show up to photograph them — I've been there from the very beginning. I do not take that lightly.

Between the tulips, umbrellas, and thoughtful morning light, every image tells a story of growth, love, and family connection. Sessions like this are exactly why I love being a Nashville family photographer—watching families grow and capturing the fleeting moments that become cherished memories. To see more families I’ve photographed in Nashville and the surrounding area, visit my Nashville Family Photography page.

Nashville Fall Family Photography | Portland TN Farm Session

Photographing the Broadaway family in the fall is always such a joy. I’ve known them forever, and now seeing them as parents makes every session extra meaningful. Their daughter is just a few weeks younger than my son, so I’ve loved watching our kids grow up.

The Broadaways chose a beautiful farm in Portland, Tennessee for their fall session. It had everything—rolling hills, a gravel road, a rustic barn, and even a rusty vintage truck that their oldest was immediately drawn to. He’s the strong, quiet type with the best head of hair, while his younger sister is ready for every moment, full of joy and adventure.

What I loved most about this session wasn’t the backdrop (though it was gorgeous) but the way this family shows up for each other. From little sibling hand-holds in front of the cabin, to the laughter of swing rides under the fall trees, to quiet hugs with each mom, every photo reflects the truth that a family is a family. Love, connection, and belonging are what matter most—and this family has all of that in abundance.

Fall is one of the most popular times for family photos in Nashville and the surrounding areas. The golden light, the changing colors, and the cozy layers make the season magical. But what makes these photos timeless is capturing how a family loves each other, in their own authentic way.

If you’re a LGBTQ+ family looking for an affirming photographer in Nashville or Portland, TN, I would love to help tell your story. Because at the end of the day, every family deserves to be celebrated, seen, and remembered just as they are. To see more of how I document families in Nashville and beyond, you can visit my Family Photography page.

Nashville Family Photography | In-home Milestone Session

In-Home Family Photography in Nashville | Celebrating Years of Memories

There’s something magical about photographing a family in their own home. The familiar spaces, the way the light falls through the windows, the cozy corners that tell their story — it all creates an environment where everyone can relax and truly be themselves….after you have to stress clean it.

This recent in-home family photography session in Nashville was extra special for me. I’ve been photographing the Schneiders for years — starting with the oldest child’s mitzvah portraits. She’s now in college, but every time I see her, I can still spot the spunky 13 year old I first met.

We spent part of the session inside, capturing everyday moments that feel like them — snuggling with their dogs, relaxing in the living room, and hanging out in the kitchen. Then we headed outside near their home to take advantage of their Nashville neighborhood. The dogs happily joined in, adding a touch of chaos and a lot of joy.

As a Nashville family photographer, these kinds of sessions are my favorite — real, relaxed, and full of genuine connection. I’m honored every time this family invites me back to document their lives. Watching the kids grow up while still recognizing the same personalities I met years ago is the most rewarding part of my job.

If you’ve been thinking about family portraits, consider an in-home session. It’s a beautiful way to capture your family just as you are, in the place you love most. You can see more of my in-home sessions by visiting my Nashville family photography page.