Fall Mini Sessions: Shelby Farms vs. Memphis Botanic Gardens — Which Location Is Right for You?
Fall Mini Sessions with Caitlin Ross Photography in Memphis Tennessee
Fall mini sessions are officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited to photograph your beautiful families as the leaves turn and the golden light settles in. These sessions are thoughtfully designed for families who want quick joyful, relaxed, and natural updated family portraits. In just 15 minutes, we’ll capture up to date timeless images of your family for Christmas and holiday cards and for timeless keepsakes.
You’ll receive a curated, fully edited gallery of images, from which you can select your favorite five to download included in the session fee. If you find yourself wanting more, you’ll have the option to purchase additional images or upgrade to the full gallery.
It’s a quick little pause in your busy season—just enough time to soak up your people and walk away with updated, meaningful photographs you will cherish for years to come.
This year, I’m offering three dates and two distinct locations:
October 19th & November 19th at Shelby Farms Park
November 1st at Memphis Botanic Gardens
I know many of you are wondering…
What’s the difference between Shelby Farms and Memphis Botanic Gardens?
Let’s dive into the vibe of each location so you can choose the perfect backdrop for your fall photos.
SHELBY FARMS PARK
If you’re looking for a golden, warm, natural vibe, Shelby Farms might be your perfect fit.
This location offers that wide-open field feel—tall grasses, golden tones, and earthy textures. It’s ideal for families who love running, cuddling, laughing, and letting their little ones or pups be totally themselves. Just keep in mind, sessions are short and sweet (15 minutes!), so if your dog is high-energy or sensitive to other pets that may be nearby, it’s something to consider.
The exact location within Shelby Farms will be chosen by me in the days leading up to your session. I’ll drop a pin and send it your way with all the details you need! Shelby Farms offers the earthy, golden, organic look you see in the images here throughout, so no matter the exact spot, you’ll be in good hands.
The light here is incredibly magical—even on cloudy days. Watching the sun sink lower and lower in the sky in open air is something that never gets old or less beautiful.
You’ll love the calm, open feel of Shelby Farms.
Vibe: Warm, relaxed, golden, organic
Best for: Playful families, casual outfits, energetic kids and families that want to include their pet(s)
Bonus: Wide open space and glowy sunsets that feel straight out of a movie
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDENS
This location is a longtime favorite and for good reason. The gardens are always beautiful, but I want to set expectations clearly: your session location within the Botanic Garden will be chosen by me the day of—and here’s why.
There are a few key variables I take into consideration:
What events are scheduled that day
Where there is open space not overrun with people or other photographers
The look and feel of the trees and landscaping (which varies year to year depending on the weather)
If rain is in the forecast, we may stay closer to a covered area to keep everyone comfortable and dry
So while you may have seen photos from a few different areas of the Garden in past years that have different vibes and feels, your session will reflect the unique conditions of that specific day. I promise it will be lovely no matter what—and you’ll get that beautiful autumn feel that we all love!
Vibe: Vibrant, floral, classic, refined
Best for: Coordinated family outfits, more formal styling, not wanting pets involved
Bonus: Stroller-friendly with lots of color and structure
A Note on What You See in These Photos
The photos you see here are from the Botanic Garden Mini Sessions were taken on two different dates. One was an overcast day with a chance of rain, so we stayed near the main building to be close to shelter. The other was sunny and there was still lots of green and yellow colors on the foliage, and they hadn’t quite turned to orange and red.
This flexibility is part of what helps me create the best images possible on your session day. My goal is always to give you photographs full of warmth, connection, and genuine smiles—no matter what. So if you are wanting to book at Memphis Botanic Gardens for your mini session, please keep in mind that I can’t guarantee a specific location within the gardens, but as always, I will choose a beautiful location that best works for the day.
When you book a mini session with me, you're not just signing up for pretty photos—you’re making just a sliver of time in your busy schedule to press pause, hug your babies a little tighter, and walk away with updated family photos and visual proof of the love that lives in your home.
Ready to book your spot? Mini sessions tend to go fast, and these are the only dates I’ll be offering them this fall. Grab your place before they’re gone!
What Families Are Saying About Their Mini Sessions
“Caitlin is wonderful to work with. She was able to capture our little ones’ natural smiles and personalities. Every photo in our gallery was beautiful! We will be getting them all!”
“Caitlin is very efficient and prepared. Even if you book a mini session of 15 minutes, she can deliver an album of TONS of images to choose from. Having quick, rewarding sessions are great when you have little kids!”
“We absolutely loved working with Caitlin! She was so great with our children and managed to get so many amazing photos during the chaos! The quality of her work is exceptional and we can’t say enough good things. Can’t wait to get Caitlin to photograph our family again in the spring!”
“Caitlin has captured my family of 5 two different times—once for a sibling shoot, and most recently, for a family mini session. She has so much patience with my 5, 3, and 1 year old kids and no matter their mood, she has captured the best pictures that I will treasure for a lifetime. I highly recommend Caitlin!”
“Caitlin has been an absolute dream to work with. She took heirloom portraits of my son for his 2nd birthday and most recently did a Fall Mini Session with the entire family and I could not be more pleased with her attention to detail! The photos she took will be something I look back on and cherish forever! She was extremely patient when our two toddlers were running all over the place and you can tell she really takes pride in her work. I can’t wait to book our next session!”
The Heirloom Fine Art Portrait Session Experience: Everything You Need to Know About Working with Me
What to expect when working with heirloom fine art portrait photographer Caitlin Ross for your heirloom fine art portraits in Memphis
Your family’s new favorite tradition for preserving childhood—one beautiful year at a time.
Our children are our most precious gift—and you don’t need me to tell you how quickly it all goes. In the blink of an eye, the baby becomes a toddler, and the toddler becomes a kid whose dimply hands and round cheeks fade into big kids with missing baby teeth and a fierce independence you never saw coming. Sometimes I look back at old photos of my "babies" and wonder how I missed all those changes that were happening right in front of me.
Mark the Moments
Heirloom fine art portraits allow all the phases of childhood—all the faces—to become tangible moments a parent can hold onto. My portraits aren’t just about having pretty pictures. They encapsulate the ever-changing face and personality of your child, preserving the magic of who they are in that moment. Together, we’ll create timeless, fine art pieces that honor your child’s story—artwork you’ll treasure not just now, but for generations to come.
However, my approach to heirloom portrait photography is unique—rooted in connection, authenticity, playfulness, and even movement. It’s an outside-the-box way to reimagine these classic, timeless pieces of art.
Play, Laugh, and Capture Personality
Unlike traditional heirloom portrait sessions where your child is told to sit on a stool, be still, and pose—my approach to heirloom fine art portraits is pretty different. I don’t ask any child, ever, to stand (or sit) still and smile. It is not in a child’s nature to act that way. And I wouldn't want to capture anything less than the beautifully honest, wonderfully wild essence of who they truly are.
Movement is welcome: In my cozy Memphis home studio, your child is free to jump, twirl, giggle, and move in ways that feel natural to them.
Play-based prompts: We’ll play simple games, share a few belly laughs, or maybe even throw a mini dance party—whatever gets those genuine expressions flowing.
Meaningful connection: I spend time talking with your little one, getting to know them so I can reflect their true spirit in every image we create together.
And sometimes, I’ll ask Mom or Dad to wait in the other room if I sense their presence is keeping the child from fully opening up to me. My goal is to make this short session feel relaxed and authentic. It’s never been an issue capturing that true, classic heirloom-style portrait—but more often than not, the gallery is also filled with personality-packed images leading up to that timeless shot. The time we spend together helps your child open up and trust me, and that connection is usually what leads to those genuine smiles.
Handcrafted Editing: Classic to Contemporary
Every image in your gallery is hand-edited to highlight your child’s natural posture, expression, and the overall mood of the session. If you prefer all portraits to follow the classic heirloom style—with soft vignetting around the edges—just let me know, and I’ll edit each image that way.
Most families, however, leave the editing up to me. Since I craft each photo individually, I’ll crop and apply vignetting in a way that best suits your child’s position in the image. For example, if your child was more comfortable moving or if they kept their hands by their face because it made them feel comfortable—I’ll adjust the composition and add vignetting to preserve that timeless heirloom look while allowing them to do what comes naturally. Because a genuine smile always beats a forced one.
Ultimately, these are your photos—so you’re welcome to request all classic edits, all clean edits, or a mix. If not specified, I’ll do what I believe works best for each individual image, resulting in a thoughtfully edited, personality-filled gallery you’ll treasure.
Below are examples of images delivered in both black and white and color, with and without vignetting.
Investment & What’s Included
Heirloom fine art portrait sessions take place in my cozy home studio in East Memphis.
Session Fee:
$200 for the first child
$150 for the second
$100 for each additional child after the first two
Each session includes:
A private online gallery of hand-edited images in both color and black and white
5 high-resolution digital downloads per paid child, with full print release
The option to purchase additional digital images or the full gallery
The ability to order professional-quality prints—straight from my lab (which serves only professional photographers)—delivered right to your doorstep
Sibling portraits are always included if the children are up for it. While not guaranteed, I’ve never had an issue capturing sweet sibling moments—even with the shyest little ones. Since I schedule one session per child, there's always enough time to ease into those sibling shots naturally.
Booking Your Memphis Heirloom Portrait Session: Step by Step
Inquiry Form
Fill out the Fine Art Portraits Inquiry Form to book your Memphis, TN heirloom portrait.
Instantly receive my “Heirloom Fine Art Portrait” email with all details and a link to my booking calendar.
Secure Your Date
Sessions open 1–2 days each month. Dates are released one month in advance, and my email list always gets access to the booking calendar first.
Complete Your Proposal
After choosing your date, you’ll get a proposal via email. Complete it and submit your deposit within 48 hours to hold your Memphis heirloom fine art session.
Session Day
Each session is 15 minutes—one slot per child. I can typically photograph a family with three children in about 20 minutes, but I like to leave the 45-minute window open to never rush shy little ones from warming up to me.
Gallery Delivery
Within three weeks, your private online gallery will be ready for you to view, download, and make additional purchases if desired.
ANNUAL PORTRAIT MEMBERSHIP IS BEING BEING LAUNCHED IN THE COMING MONTHS.
Hop on my email list here to be the first to know when it’s available. there will be limited memberships available.
What Parents Say about Working with Me for Heirloom Portraits
“Caitlin did an amazing job with my son’s 1 year portraits! I was so impressed with her ability to get my wiggly baby’s attention while capturing such beautiful images. The session was so quick, easy, and fun. I can’t wait to rebook for future birthdays and milestones!”
“ I was nervous about how my children (a baby and toddler) would do for heirloom photos but Caitlin eased my nerves. She even called me beforehand to ensure all my questions and concerns were voiced. She was able to get some beautiful images of both kids that I’ll cherish forever. The session was easy, laid back, and I got my photos in a quick timeline. I’ve also had friends very happy with her work. I recommend!”
“Caitlin is the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!!! We had heirloom photos done with her and I will now do this every single year. She was extremely personable and great with my daughter. I cannot recommend her enough!”
“Caitlin was truly so kind and so patient with our very busy 1.5 year old daughter. She did such a great job capturing her sweet personality and freezing her precious expressions in time for us. I would recommend her to everyone I know. Thank you Caitlin!”
so, if you’re looking for a Memphis Heirloom Portrait Photographer who makes the process relaxed, fun, and genuinely enjoyable, I’d love to help capture these timeless photos of your kiddos!
The Newborn Session Experience: Everything You Need to Know About Working with Me
What to expect when working with in home newborn photographer Caitlin Ross for your newborn photo session in Memphis
Bringing a newborn into your home is one of the most incredible, life-changing experiences. It’s beautiful, messy, exhausting, and full of love. And that’s exactly what I aim to capture in my newborn sessions—the real, honest, heart-melting moments that tell your family’s story. If you’re searching for a Memphis newborn photographer, you’re in the right place!
A Comfortable, Laid-Back Experience
My newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your own home, where you can relax and just be yourselves. No need to pack up a diaper bag or worry about forgetting something—everything you need is right there. My goal is for this experience to be as laid back and stress-free as possible. There are absolutely no expectations for how your baby or older children “should” behave. These sessions are completely baby-led, meaning we take breaks whenever needed for feedings, diaper changes, or extra snuggles.
Natural, Lightly Posed Photography
As a Memphis newborn photographer, I take a lifestyle approach to newborn photography, which means I focus on capturing your family’s true connection rather than doing heavy newborn posing. I’ll gently guide you into natural, lightly posed positions that inspire closeness and emotion. If your baby is content on their own, I’ll take some individual shots. But if they prefer to be in your arms the whole time—that’s perfect, too!
And if you’re worried about the natural light in your home, no problem! I now have on-location lighting to ensure we can capture beautiful images, no matter what.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Session
When I arrive, I’ll take a quick walk around your home to find the best light for family shots. I often use the master bedroom, couch, and nursery, but we can adjust as needed. And please, don’t stress about having a spotless house! As a mom myself, I completely understand the chaos of life with little ones. We can easily tidy up small areas as we go.
Preparing Your Baby
If you’re unsure about what your baby should wear, a simple, plain onesie (no graphics or words) is always a great choice. I also love capturing those tiny newborn details, so I often take off the outfit for some near-nude shots. Have a favorite swaddle or blanket? Perfect—we’ll use it!
Try to feed your baby about 15 minutes before the session, but don’t worry if they need extra breaks. Awake or asleep, snuggled in your arms or lying solo—whatever your baby needs is exactly what we’ll do.
Including Siblings
Welcoming a new sibling is a big transition for older kids, and I totally get that! I usually start with sibling and family photos while the big brother or sister is still excited and engaged. A little tip: prepare them by telling them that a friend is coming over to take pictures of the family. That way, they won’t be surprised when I walk through the door.
Mom & Dad—You Matter Too!
This is such an emotional and transformative time in your life. You’re experiencing pure love, joy, exhaustion, and maybe a little bit of chaos. I see you, and I want to document this fleeting time in a way that feels real and beautiful. There’s no pressure to look perfect—just be yourselves, and I’ll take care of the rest.
What to Wear
I recommend neutral colors for a timeless, cohesive look, but most importantly, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you’d like help choosing outfits, I’m happy to chat and give suggestions!
The Final Details
Newborn sessions typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding breaks and diaper changes. You’ll receive a minimum of 50 images (usually more!) in both color and black and white.
Ready to Book?
Great! Simply head to my website inquiry form, and you will receive an email with the link to book. The ideal time for newborn photos is within the first two weeks, but if that’s not possible, anytime in the first 6-8 weeks is beautiful too! If booking in advance, think of your session as a placeholder—we can always adjust if your baby arrives earlier or later than expected.
After booking, you will receive a questionnaire to help me prepare for our session together. A couple of weeks before your session, I’ll reach out to check in, answer any questions, and make sure we’re all squared away.
After the session, you will receive a full gallery of images within three weeks for digital download, with the option to purchase prints directly from your gallery.
If you’re looking for a Memphis newborn photographer who will capture your family’s love and connection in an authentic, stress-free way, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create beautiful memories together!
The Newborn Experience Package
The Newborn Experience Package—a bundle of sessions designed to help you save while capturing every stage of this new chapter.
Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most transformative experiences, so why not document it all? This package includes a Fresh 48 session, a newborn session, and a family session (which can be used for maternity, a milestone as baby grows, or anytime in their first year).
Fresh 48 sessions take place in your birthing space within the first two days of life, preserving those raw, beautiful first moments—meeting siblings, tiny fingers grasping yours, the quiet (or not-so-quiet) shift into parenthood. It’s an intimate, documentary-style way to capture the very beginning of your baby’s story.
You can find all the details about the package here.
What families say about working with me
“Caitlin was able to capture our entire journey from pregnancy to newborn perfectly. We had a maternity session, a fresh 48 session, and a newborn session with her. She made us feel totally at ease in every environment and has an incredible talent. We cannot wait to work with her again - she’s got a client for life!”
“Caitlin was amazing! I was nervous for our newborn session but Caitlin was so patient and professional. She made the whole experience very enjoyable for our family and the pictures were absolutely perfect! I will be booking her again in the future for sure. Highly recommend”
“Caitlin did an UNREAL job with our Fresh 48 pictures. She made us so comfortable and was extremely on time and efficient to get us the best gallery of pics without sacrificing quality. Her communication was great from initial contact until we received the gallery and we cannot wait to cherish these photos of our sweet boy forever. If I could give her more than 5 stars I would!”
so, if you’re looking for a Memphis newborn photographer who makes the process relaxed, fun, and genuinely enjoyable, I’d love to connect. Let’s capture those magical first days with your newest miracle.
The Family Session Experience: Everything You Need to Know about Working with Me
What to expect when working with photographer Caitlin Ross for your family photo session in Memphis
Hey there! If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about booking a family photo session—and I totally get it. Getting your picture taken can feel awkward, nerve-wracking, and, let’s be real, sometimes a little forced. You might be worried your kids won’t behave, your partner will look less-than-thrilled (especially if it cuts into game time), or that everyone will end up looking stiff and uncomfortable.
That’s where I come in.
I’m a Memphis family and newborn photographer—and, as a mom of two, I completely understand those worries. (Confession: I’m a photographer and I actually hate being in front of the camera, unless it’s someone who can make me feel at ease!) That’s why my sessions are all about capturing your family’s authentic bond. I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and most importantly—like yourselves. No forced smiles, no awkward poses. Just real moments, real laughter, real closeness, and real connections.
Hi!
I’m a Memphis family and newborn photographer—and, as a mom of two, I completely understand those worries. (Confession: I’m a photographer and I actually hate being in front of the camera, unless it’s someone who can make me feel at ease!) That’s why my sessions are all about capturing your family’s authentic bond. I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and most importantly—like yourselves. No forced smiles, no awkward poses. Just real moments, real laughter, real closeness, and real connections.
A Fun, Laid-Back Photography Experience
When we’re together, think of it less like a photo session and more like a playdate with a camera tagging along. I’ll guide you through fun games, get you dancing, singing, running around—whatever brings out those genuine smiles and belly laughs. My goal? To create an experience your family actually enjoys. Most kids I photograph don’t want the session to end (yes, really!), and even the most reluctant dads usually walk away saying, “That wasn’t bad at all.”
No two sessions are ever the same because every family is beautifully unique. Even if I photograph your family year after year, every session will reflect your evolving connections, dynamics, and memories. I’ll help create moments of connection that allow me to capture those little sparks of emotion—the laughter, the chaos, the quiet tenderness—that tell your family’s true story.
You can read about my stress-free approach here.
From Booking to Delivery: How It Works
1. Inquiry & Booking Head over to my website to inquire about your session. Once you complete the inquiry, you will receive you an email with a booking link. From there, you’ll secure your session by paying a deposit and filling out a short questionnaire that helps me get to know your family.
2. Choosing Your Location Not sure where to have your session in Memphis? No worries! I offer location suggestions in the questionnaire, or I’m happy to help brainstorm the perfect spot. If you don’t select a location on your questionnaire, I will reach out a couple of weeks prior to our session and we can work together via text, email, or phone (whatever is best for you) to finalize the location and make sure we are all set! Some families may want to have their photo sessions in the comfort of their own home—this is a great way to capture memories in a meaningful spot. These sessions can be booked the same way as outdoor sessions, but please note the time will be late morning, instead of golden hour. I typically start in home sessions around 10:30am when the sunlight is streaming into the home best.
Two of my absolute favorite spots for family outdoor photo sessions are the Memphis Botanic Garden and various locations around Shelby Farms. Both offer such a beautiful variety of backdrops that it’s easy to create a diverse, visually stunning gallery from just one session. Both locations let us mix it up—whether you want lush gardens, open fields, or a hint of urban scenery, these spots offer it all. Plus, they give us the space to let your family relax, explore, and be yourselves, which always leads to the most beautiful, authentic images.
3. Prepping for Your Session Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident—but if you need help deciding, I’m just a message away. Click here for some tips on what to wear to help you plan. Pro tip: Bring some small, mess-free snacks (mini marshmallows or Smarties work perfect and are easy to edit out if I need to) to keep little ones happy during the shoot.
4. The Day of the Session We’ll meet at our chosen location right on time (or a little early if your kids need a minute to warm up). Since I shoot outdoor sessions at golden hour, your session might be later in the evening—especially in the summer—so a late nap can help littles stay happy and energized. Please do not let your kids fall asleep in the car on the way to the session!
We’ll start with a relaxed family photo to help everyone get comfortable, then dive into smaller groupings and playful prompts. We’ll laugh, dance, and make some truly joyful memories. Most sessions last 45 minutes to an hour.
5. After the Session Within a day or two, you’ll get a sneak peek of your session—because I know how hard it is to wait! Your hand edited full gallery (40+ hand-edited images, typically a lot more!) will arrive in your inbox within three weeks, both in color and black-and-white. You’ll be able to download your favorites—or the whole gallery—in high resolution for prints or smaller files for social media.
You’ll also have access to professional prints straight from your gallery, including my stunning fine art deckled-edge prints—trust me, they’re showstoppers. If you need help selecting images or choosing custom framing options, I’m here to help every step of the way. If you want to work together to choose which photos to print, and how to frame them in your home, email or text me and we can set up a time to work together to bring the vision you have for your heirloom prints to life.
What families say about working with me
“Caitlin has captured my family of 5 two different times- once for a sibling shoot, and most recently, for a family session. She has so much patience with my 5, 3, and 1 year old kids and no matter their mood, she has captured the best pictures that I will treasure for a lifetime. I highly recommend Caitlin!”
“Caitlin is amazing, and we are so glad we found her. She makes our sessions so much fun, and has a lot of tricks up her sleeve to make my kids love having our photos done. She puts the entire family at ease and makes it a truly enjoyable experience. The photos speak for themselves and are truly some of my most treasured belongings.”
“Caitlin is extremely talented. Our photos were a wink from God when we needed it most.”
so, if you’re looking for a Memphis family photographer who makes the process relaxed, fun, and genuinely enjoyable, I’d love to connect. Let’s capture those messy, beautiful, authentic moments that make your family you.
You’re dreaming of beautiful family photos, but can’t decide between a mini or full session—or when to book? Let’s break it all down!
When should you book your Memphis TN Family Photo session? and is a full or mini session right for your family? Let’s find out!
So, you know you want updated family photos to lock in this current stage your family is in. You want to capture those adorable missing front teeth before they grow back, that baby who’s teetering on the edge of becoming a big kid, or the joy of snuggling and playing with your little ones before they start rolling their eyes at you for asking. But you’re stuck on when you should schedule this session for. What time of year? Full session or mini-session? Let’s break it down.
Picking the Right Time of Year
Start by imagining the vibe and color scheme you’re going for:
Fall and Winter: Cozy, warm tones with rich yellows, browns, and golden hues.
Spring and Summer: Blooming flowers, light and airy feel, and pastels galore.
Now, let’s talk sunset times because my outdoor sessions are always held during golden hour—the hour or so before the sun sets. Golden hour shifts throughout the year, so planning ahead is key.
Late spring through summer: Sunset happens much later—sessions start between 6 and 7pm. While I keep sessions fun and engaging (so most kids won’t even notice they’re up late), this could be tricky if your child is sensitive to schedule changes.
Fall and Winter: Sunset is earlier, which makes it easier to catch that dreamy light without risking cranky, overtired kids.
If golden hour doesn’t work for your family or you’d rather skip the outdoor scene altogether, in home family sessions might be more your jam. These take place in the comfort of your own home, capturing your family in your personal space, doing the things you love. I love in home sessions because since everyone is comfortable in their own space allows us to get those personal intimate shots with the family in a meaningful-to-you place, home. These are done in the late morning hours, and the best part? These sessions can happen year-round.
Mini-Session vs. Full Session
Still undecided? Let’s break it down.
Mini-Sessions:
Mini-sessions are offered seasonal, quick (just 15 minutes!), and happen with families booked back-to-back on specific days during the two hours before sunset in a designated location. They’re perfect if you’re just looking for a few updated photos or a holiday card shot. Minis come with a set number of digital files (usually 5-10) which is included in the price with the option to purchase more.Mini-sessions offer plenty of variety in your gallery, but there simply isn’t enough time to move around the location. Plus, most people—especially small kids—need a little more time to really warm up. While I promise you’ll adore your mini-session gallery, it’s challenging to capture deeply connected photos that truly reflect the heart and soul of your family in just 15 minutes. This is especially true for larger families.
Full Sessions:
Full sessions happen at golden hour and last up to a full hour. That’s plenty of time for everyone to warm up, get comfortable, and really connect, which is when we capture those truly magical moments you see in my portfolio.
I offer several location options for sessions or you can select your own location all together.
You receive all the digital files, fully edited, without any extra costs, in both color and black and white. Most families find this ends up being a better value since they often purchase additional images or the entire gallery from a mini-session anyway.
Full sessions can be rescheduled if the weather isn’t exactly perfect.. While overcast days still produce beautiful photos, you won’t get that glowy sunlight peeking through (a signature look in my portfolio). With mini-sessions, rescheduling for overcast days isn’t an option since there are multiple families booked back-to-back, but with full sessions, we can wait for the perfect conditions.
Full sessions give us time and flexibility to explore different locations, get a variety of shots, and capture the heart and soul of your family—those unique personalities and connections that make your crew, your crew.
Mini-sessions are sweet and fun, but if you’re looking for a more customized experience that allows time to fully encapsulate the essence of your family—with time to relax, play, and explore—full sessions win every time.
Wrapping It Up
I adore mini-sessions for the quick, sweet moments they capture. But if you want photos that truly reflect your family’s connections, the ability to hand pick your location (with my guidance), with the most beautiful lighting and plenty of time to let everyone’s personality shine, a full session is where it’s at.
Ready to book? Let’s make it happen!
Click here to book your session now and lock in current pricing. Booking a few months out? Don’t worry—if booking that far in advance, your session acts as a placeholder, and we can adjust the date if something comes up.
If you’re holding out for mini-sessions, make sure you’re on my email list to be the first to know when seasonal minis drop. These spots go fast!
Whether it’s a mini-session or a full session, I can’t wait to work with you and create something beautiful together.
Click here to find out why golden hour is so magical!
The most important piece of advice I have for families is to relax and let your kids be themselves. a stress free approach is vital for a good experience. read more about that here..
Introducing Fresh 48 Sessions with Caitlin Ross Photography
Fresh 48 Sessions- capturing those first moments with your new baby
What is a Fresh-48 Session and why would you want to book one?
A Fresh 48 session is a 30-minute, documentary-style photoshoot that takes place in the hospital or birthing center within the first 48 hours of your baby’s life. The only goal of a fresh 48 session is to capture those precious early moments that pass so incredibly quick.
You may be thinking, "There’s no way I’m letting someone take my picture right after giving birth, especially in a hospital room!" And I get it—I've been there. You either feel like a goddess and like the most powerful human in the world or you feel exhausted and meh—sometimes maybe a little bit of both. The idea of being photographed while you’re in that vulnerable state— in an adult diaper, swollen, sore, and exhausted—can be uncomfortable. But this moment, it is also one of the most beautiful and pivotal moments in your life and in the life of your entire family.
For me, as a mother as well as a newborn and family photographer in Memphis, there is absolutely nothing more beautiful, intimate, raw, real, intense, magical and meaningful than a brand new life and the relationship between that new baby and their family members. If you’ve been through it before, you know how those early days become a blur. If it’s your first baby, I’m here to tell you, you won’t remember every detail vividly though you cannot possibly fathom how you could ever forget a single second of the work you put in to bring this new life into the world, the pure unbridled joy when you look at that child, or the love that you feel in these newest moments, but the hormones and adrenaline and dopamine wear off and the sleep deprivation takes over and you’re left with hazy memories at best.
A Fresh 48 session preserves the magic of those first days—tiny fingernails, the umbilical cord stub, the quiet moments when it’s just you, your immediate family, and its newest member, no one else. Capturing that raw beauty of a new life, a new family that has formed with its newest member.
This isn't about glamour or perfection; it’s about raw emotions and capturing your baby’s first moments exactly as they are.
A short background on how I started Fresh-48 sessions and why they are important to me
As a Memphis-based newborn and family photographer and as a mother who would relive the first week of my babies lives over and over again on a loop, I’ve been drawn to the Fresh 48 genre since I started my business, but fear held me back. These moments are one-of-a-kind—there are no do-overs, which can be daunting. But after attending a few family births, I realized how much these early days with a newborn mean to me, and I wanted to give families the gift of remembering them vividly.
Fast forward a year and 2 family births later that got me all up in my feels about those first precious days with a newborn, and I decided to put some feelers out to a local doula (shout out Hannah Leach, you’re the best! moms looking for a doula in Memphis check her out!) to see if she had any clients who would potentially be interested in a fresh 48 session. Hannah had me booked in less than an hour for my first session with a mom due in late August/early September.
When I first got the session shared in this blog post on my calendar, I was so incredibly nervous but also really excited.
I have struggled with infertility and getting pregnant and having my children wasn’t a walk in the park for me so I was shocked to discover that the week of this first fresh 48 session I was pregnant with my third baby— a total surprise! It seems like maybe it was fate. While I did end up losing that pregnancy just a week later, getting to take on my first fresh 48 session with the perspective of a soon to be new again momma shifted my perspective and put me in a headspace that was invaluable to my time with this new family. Going into this session with the knowledge of a life growing inside me helped me to focus on the beauty of their experience, rather than the pressure of perfection.
Those early days with a newborn are incredibly challenging but also profoundly rewarding. You become a new version of yourself, whether as a first-time or seasoned parent, and a new family dynamic emerges. Not to mention, your baby looks completely different almost daily! It’s wild.
Going into this session with the knowledge (and hope) of getting to feel that immense joy that bringing a new life into the world brings reminded me to focus on what matters- enjoying and breathing in the present moment.
So… Take the photos, capture those fresh first moments with your new baby and your new identity. I know you just gave birth, I know you feel gross, I know you’re tired, I know you’re sore. I know being photographed is likely one of the last things you want to do right after you birthed a human… but one day, in the not-so-distant future, you’ll feel like yourself again but your baby won’t be that same fresh newborn. You will never be sorry you get to relive those first couple of days when your world forever changed, whether it was the first time or the 3rd.
How do I book if I don’t know when my baby is going to be born?
You can book a Fresh 48 session as an add-on to your newborn package (which happens at home in the first 6 weeks to 2 months) or as a stand-alone session. Book anytime during your pregnancy for your due date as a placeholder. Once you’ve booked, I’ll reach out to provide my contact info and answer any questions. Then, you or your birth partner will notify me when you’re in labor, and again after the baby arrives to set up the exact session time—typically between 10 a.m. and noon for the best natural light.
How do I book if I don’t know when my baby is going to be born?
You can book a Fresh 48 session as an add-on to your newborn package (which happens at home in the first 6 weeks to 2 months) or as a stand-alone session. Book anytime during your pregnancy for your due date as a placeholder. Once you’ve booked, I’ll reach out to provide my contact info and answer any questions. Then, you or your birth partner will notify me when you’re in labor, and again after the baby arrives to set up the exact session time—typically between 10 a.m. and noon for the best natural light.
