The Heirloom Fine Art Portrait Session Experience: Everything You Need to Know About Working with Me
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!
