Since moving to Tennessee in 2016, my photography has been on the back-burner. Upon moving, I took on a new profession in a field where I typically was working with people who did not speak the same language and then I became a mom as well. With great purpose, my camera sat on the shelf a lot. 

Only recently, have I given myself the space to grow, play, and expand my work. And newborn photography has been my favorite challenge yet. It can be intimidating to walk into a situation not knowing how families and babies will respond to me or the camera. Yet, it is honestly the greatest joy to learn, try, succeed and fail in this area. 

When my daughter was born, my husband could not sit still unless he was holding our baby. He was always singing or up caring for me and her. Once, I caught him in mid-sing and said, “Dan what’s up?”

He replied, “Nothing, I’m just in love, Mily. It feels like I’ve fallen in love all over again.” And he had. We both had, and it changed our lives indefinitely in the best way. 

And that same energy is what I find so endearing about newborn photography. The energy is “puppy love” and not just from mom and dad but sometimes also from actual pups and older siblings. You can feel it. 

This session with the Herndon family was similar. I just got to sit back, put on some lullaby music, and watch them naturally love on their new baby. First time parents make me swoon. I think you’ll see what I mean!  

Spring Mini sign-ups are in full swing, and I have been practicing! Getting ready for all of my sweet clients. These Dear Ones are The Mitchell family, and they are some of my best friends. Rebekah and I were actually freshman roommates in college. 

Anyway, what I love about these shoots are the juxtaposition of the hard lines of the stone building and the softness of a linen sheet or a daisy. The grandness of the space is just divine. 

 It makes your toddler feel tiny. It makes you want to kiss your significant other behind a stone pillar (Dan and I discovered this place on our Baby-moon in Nashville.) And it inspires me deeply! Let’s make some magic, Nashville Friends.  

Book you’re Spring Mini session on my homepage today! 

Emily Heinkel 

Hi! Newborn Sessions are always a delight. The Logan family’s shoot was no exception. The day we shot was overcast; however, their master bedroom had a balcony and several windows that filled their room with soft light. It’s dreamy to work in a sunlit room with a tiny human. Pure magic. 

I am always grateful for clients who let me into these intimate times. We rearrange the room, and “coo” over baby, and bribe siblings for smiles. It’s real life and at the same time completely enchanted. Sounds like love to me. 

- Emily Heinkel

This is my daughter. She just turned four, and there’s no way to catch all of her spark in an image. This set of images is not even close, but it will help me remember some of the many things I  love about her at this age. 

She gleamed in this iridescent dress and danced and demanded more gummy snacks during our session. It was fun, authentic, and sweet. 

Now a tradition, look out for next years session in the fall of 2023. 

Emily 

Ok, people. There is nothing quite like a session with a three-year-old in tights and blue tulle. 

She twirled beneath the columns and danced through the corridors; it was something special. I did this very shoot for my daughter when she turned three. Without a doubt, it was my favorite session all year. To get to another incredible darling and do it all again was pure delight. 

Littles don’t keep. This is your sign to buy the dress, and book the shoot! 

Really though, please reach out if you are in Nashville and have a special someone turning three in the future. I would love to capture his or her magic. 

 - Emily