Heirloom Portraits Are Making a Comeback!
This rising photography trend blends tradition with modern techniques, creating keepsakes that last for generations. Learn how it works, and meet five celebrated heirloom portrait photographers around the South! Image: Facebook / Emilie Stauffer Heirlooms
While soft oil pastels are a classic choice for childhood portraits, heirloom photography offers a sophisticated take on this beloved Southern tradition. Creating these timeless images requires a delicate balance of technical precision and artistic intuition to preserve fleeting moments. From mastering exposure to interpreting each child’s personality, it is a true fine art form. Here’s what you need to know before booking your session — along with a few of our favorite heirloom photographers across the South.
What are heirloom portraits?
Heirloom portraits are fine art photographs in a classic vignette style (think of your favorite Instagram filter from years ago, faded at the corners — that’s a vignette look). These are classic portraits meant to evoke the sweet feelings of childhood. They’re the portraits you imagine gracing a fireplace mantel or lining a staircase. They become family heirlooms, where generations of portraits might hang in a grandparent’s home.
These photographs are different from a portrait session you might do for the holidays, where the entire family gathers in coordinating outfits in front of a fun backdrop. Instead, these are solo portraits done in a fine art style. They’re faded into a white background, and the light is soft and slightly dreamy. The colors lean towards pretty pastels, with the wardrobe rarely veering from white, pink, and blue. Other times, they’re done in black and white.
“Heirloom portraits are chosen by families who value tradition and the beauty of legacy. Much like the portraits that once hung in their parents’ and grandparents’ homes, these images gently weave a child into the visual history of their family,” says Linda Nichols, owner of Linda Nichols Photography.
How It Works
Heirloom portraits are most often taken between the ages of 1 and 5. Photographers generally say that as long as a child can sit on their own for a few minutes, the timing is fair game.
The portraits are taken from the chest up, so photographers will focus on getting that piece of the wardrobe right. They’ll suggest Peter Pan collars, smocking, and bows. The clothing should reflect the timeless quality of the portraits (this might be the time to splurge on something from Feltman Brothers!).
“Often, the child wears a garment lovingly made or worn by a previous generation or a piece of jewelry passed down through the family, as if carrying the torch of those who came before them,” says Linda.
Portraits are generally taken in the photographer’s studio, where the photographer has complete control over the backdrop and lighting. Photos are then taken from every angle, offering plenty of options as they head into the most important part of the process: post-processing. This is where the artistry happens. They turn the photo into a soft, fine piece of art to print on a large scale and hang in your home.
Celebrated Heirloom Portrait Photographers in the South
Linda Nichols Photography | Atlanta, GA
Based in Atlanta, Linda Nichols Photography specializes in a range of family images, including newborn photography, family sessions, and, of course, heirloom portraits. She was drawn to the art form because of her connection to her own family’s past generations through the portraits that surrounded her growing up.
“Some of my favorite photographs from my family’s past were these heirloom-type photos printed on thick cardstock paper,” says Linda. “We have some from the 1800s. It excites me to think my work could be treasured for that long — that I could be a catalyst for helping preserve their legacy!”
Linda does portraits in both color and black and white, as well as expression composites that capture a child’s charming range.
Lindsay Gowland Photography | Birmingham, AL
Lindsay Gowland, owner of Lindsay Gowland Photography, is exclusively focused on nostalgic black-and-white heirloom portraits that capture the special moments of childhood. She was drawn to the art form after having her own children and realizing how fleeting each chapter could be.
“I felt deeply drawn to preserve the little details families want to remember long after their children are grown,” says Lindsay. “Children’s heirloom portraiture felt like a natural calling because it is a timeless art form rooted in Southern tradition — one that allows me to create printed keepsakes meant to be treasured for a lifetime and passed down for generations.”
Maria Burton Photography | Virginia
Maria Burton Photography is based in New England, but owner Maria Burton is a Virginia native who travels back to the Old Dominion regularly and sets up heirloom portrait events whenever she’s back home. Her style is light and bright, with the prettiest emphasis on color.
“I got started in heirloom portrait photography because I have a combined passion (obsession?) for classic children’s clothing and traditional portraits,” recalls Maria. “I got my daughter’s heirlooms done in Virginia when she turned 2 and realized I would love to bring this Southern tradition to New England.”
She also photographs weddings and family sessions, and now works with families who, as she explains, “value legacy portraits and freezing time for their little ones.”
Emilie Stauffer Heirlooms | Nashville, TN
“My career has always been devoted to children, first as a pediatric nurse practitioner and now as a mother and children’s portrait photographer, walking alongside families through their most tender seasons,” says Emilie Stauffer, owner of Emilie Stauffer Heirlooms. She works to preserve cherished memories that could easily slip away, but thanks to these keepsake portraits, they become memories displayed for decades to come.
“Heirloom portrait photography has become my creative expression, a way to pour that lifelong love for children into something beautiful, tangible, and lasting for generations,” adds Emilie.
Jamison Photography | Memphis, TN
Star Jamison, owner of Jamison Photography, often works with mothers and grandmothers who are thrilled to continue the tradition of classic heirloom portraiture with the next generation. “They had heirloom sessions taken of themselves when they were little,” explains Star. “I often see clients dressing their own children in traditional outfits handed down from prior generations.”
When she’s not photographing heirloom portraits, Star also does headshot photography and striking product and brand work.
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Heather Bien
A Virginia native and professional writer of over 10 years, Heather is passionate about home decor, cooking and entertaining, travel, ballet, and coffee. You can find more of Heather's work in Southern Living, Martha Stewart, The Knot, Apartment Therapy, and Virginia Living.