Lifestyle Newborn Photography Knoxville TN

emotive storytelling photographer documenting every tiny first
For the mama who soaks up every newborn scrunch and nuzzle, and never wants to forget the wonder of these early days.
The first days with your newborn are a whirlwind of tender moments, quiet awe, and a love so deep, it’s hard to put into words.
you want images that allow you to feel those moments again when you look back.
As those precious days fly by, what remains are the memories—the warmth of their little body against yours, the gentle weight of their sleepy head, and the overwhelming feeling that your world has shifted in the most beautiful way.
"Will you tell us what to do?"
You don't have to worry about not knowing what to do! I will help you every step of the way. I'll make sure that you are comfortable and in beautiful light, and I'll give gentle posing and prompts (nothing weird! I might say things like, "play with your baby's toes" or "dad, why don't you give mom a hug?")
We'll take our time and capture what is really happening in between the gentle posing - Those seemingly mundane everyday moments of nursing or soothing your newborn are some of my favorite images.
Typically, I will keep a steady stream of instruction and encouragement, but if I ever stop talking, you aren't doing anything wrong, I am just loving what is happening and not wanting to interrupt your connection with your baby in that moment.
"Susannah was incredible to work with! We exchanged several emails before our maternity session, taking the time to get to know me and my husband and what we would be comfortable with during the photoshoot. She was very accommodating when I had to reschedule our session last minute due to falling ill the day before- she even reached out to see how I was doing! She was again flexible with dates for our newborn session when our daughter arrived four weeks early. She came to our home and made us feel comfortable- despite the chaos of our cluttered house, protective dogs, and crying newborn. I always feel incredibly awkward in pictures and was worried that awkwardness would show through the camera, but she managed to get countless images that I adore and cherish. I am so grateful for Susannah and to have these pictures to look back on!"
Emily C.
The Susannah Raye Photography Experience
Newborn Photography Knoxville TN
Personalized Planning Assistance
• Welcome Guide • Client Closet • Questionnaire • Styling •
After booking your session, I'll send a questionnaire that helps me get to know your family better. This helps me prepare before I come to your home to know how best to direct your family during the session to tell your story.
To keep you informed without overwhelming you, I'll send helpful emails leading up to your session. You'll also have access to my client closet (for mom), and receive help in styling everyone's outfits.
The Session: Soak up these moments with your little family
During our time together, I'll give gentle prompts and posing that fit your family and home and we'll follow baby's lead so that no one is rushed or stressed.
Let go of expectations and embrace whatever happens. I'll capture the in-between moments of nursing, diaper changes, and soothing your little one, as well as making comfortable, flattering, and natural images of your family together to help you remember this time of life and celebrate your new little blessing.
Display Your Memories
You will receive your high quality photo gallery in an online gallery within 2-4 weeks of your session.
You've taken the step of investing in newborn photos, don't let those precious memories get lost in a sea of photos in your phone's gallery and never seen by anyone!
Included in your package is a $100 print credit to go towards investing in heirloom pieces to display in your home as tangible reminders of this special time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when to schedule the newborn photoshoot?
We will use your due date as a placeholder on my calendar, but I make sure to block off a couple of weeks around that date. My own babies have each been almost two weeks late, so I well know that babies don't always come exactly on their due date!
Once your baby is born, just let me know (or have dad let me know!) and then I can send you a few date suggestions that you can pick from.
How old should my baby be for newborn pictures?
Typically, the most common time for newborn photos is within the first two weeks. Babies are usually the sleepiest at this time, and everything is so fresh and new!
However, if you want to wait until baby is a little older, I am happy to do a newborn session for babies up to 6 weeks old. They might be less sleepy, but they are more interactive with parents and siblings, and they are often less fussy at this stage.
Since my posing style is very natural, (I don't do wrapping or putting baby in a bucket) baby doesn't need to be asleep in order to be photographed.
Can we do an outdoor newborn session?
We totally can! However, I only offer outdoor newborn sessions during the warmer months of the year. If your baby is born in the winter, we could always do an in-home session to document those early days, and then also plan a family session outdoors to document you all together when they are a little older! Babies change so much in those first few years, I love having photos along the way to capture their personality as they grow.
How long does a typical lifestyle newborn photo session last?
Typically, a newborn session lasts anywhere from an hour to two hours. We have plenty of time to not be rushed so that neither you nor baby are stressed.
What should we wear for my newborn photography session?
As we plan your session, I will send you a guide that offers some specific guidance on colors and textures that are recommended for your family's photos, but I also help provide specific suggestions to help coordinate your entire family as well.
Some moms really like to go through poetic route of a long flowy dress, other moms want to opt for a more casual look. Choosing coordinating light colors (neutrals are a great option!) with lots of pretty texture is really pretty.
You're not on your own - I am here to help style you and your little family whether it's with a dress from my client closet, or with a more casual style.
How does the client closet work?
How do I book a lifestyle newborn photography session with you?
Booking is super simple. Reach out via my contact form or check out my investment page first. Talk to you soon!
What type of editing/retouching do you do?
I finish each image with a tasteful and natural edit that complements your home. To preserve the authenticity of your images, I don't employ extensive airbrushing or body alterations with Photoshop.
How long does it take to receive the final edited photos?
I totally understand the anticipation of seeing your final photos. My editing process typically takes around two weeks, depending on the number of images and the complexity of editing required. I'll send you a few images as a sneak peek within 72 hours of your session!
What is the print credit for?
I don't want to see your investment lost in the archives of your phone's photostream along with screenshots of great grandma Betty's recipe for banana bread, and that picture of the dress that was on sale at Target that you sent to your sister.
For myself, I find that it is the photos that I print that bring me the most joy. I have photos throughout my house that I update from time to time. It brings a smile to my face and reminds me of the love I have for my family.
I want you to have this too! With each photography package I offer, I include a print credit (it will be given as a coupon code in your final gallery) that you can use towards the purchase of beautiful high quality prints and products through your online gallery's integrated professional print store.
I'll coach you through the process to set you comfortably at ease
During your session, I will encourage you to lean into physical touch to make each pose your own and create connection. I might suggest you play with your baby's toes, or trace the swirl of hair on the top of his head, I might ask dad to embrace mom and baby, things like that.
Always feel free to adapt my prompt to something that feels more like you! (Maybe you would usually play with baby's hand instead of her feet, do that instead!) Connection is a huge piece of what makes for an incredible and natural photography experience, and it is what I believe gives purpose and meaning to photographs!
Don't worry if baby is upset, or if older kids want to play with their toys
I take a baby-led approach to my newborn sessions, if baby is needing to be soothed, fed, changed, or simply doesn't like a certain pose, I will easily adjust and do something else so that neither you nor baby are stressed.
Big brother or sister are also going through a time of change! I pay them a lot of attention and get them to help me with baby. I like to include them at the very start of the session to get the key shots so that when they get bored, they can go play with their toys or have a snack while we are finishing baby's session.
Psst...Hey, mama!
Are you thinking about maternity photos too? I offer a special bundle for mamas who want to have me do both maternity and newborn photos, it includes a complimentary heirloom album that I make for you! Check it out on my investment page or maternity page.
I love being able to document the beauty of pregnancy for you, and capture some last family photos before your newest arrival enters the world.
HOW DO I BOOK MY newborn SESSION with you?
I can't wait to meet you and your precious new baby!
You can fill out this form on my contact page to inquire, use the link below, or learn more about pricing.
