Hi, I'm Anne!
I’m Anne Willingham — the owner and photographer behind Brown Bunny Photography.
I specialize in newborn, baby, and childhood photography for Nashville families who want a calm, guided experience and timeless artwork they’ll love for years.
I’ve been photographing babies professionally since 2017 — and long before that, I was learning how to soothe, entertain, and connect with little ones in the most natural way possible: by being an aunt.
I became an aunt over twenty years ago, and for five years in a row, my siblings welcomed a new baby into the family. That meant years of practice holding newborns, rocking babies back to sleep, capturing everyday moments, and understanding how quickly childhood changes.
Those early years shaped everything about how I photograph families today.
Brown Bunny Photography was born in 2017, and four of my five nieces have worked alongside me as assistants over the years. Together, we’ve spent countless sessions supporting new parents, calming fussy babies, and creating a relaxed environment where everyone can breathe a little easier.
My approach is baby-led, unhurried, and deeply respectful of how vulnerable the newborn stage can feel. I guide you through the process from start to finish — so you don’t have to worry about posing, timing, or what comes next.
Outside the studio, I’m mom to two rescue dogs, two formerly feral kittens discovering the magic of licky treats, and one chonky gray cat who was born in my front bedroom. I love reading, knitting, Netflix nights, and a Coke Zero in the morning. The yarn store is my happy place.
I’d love to hear about yours.
Whether you’re welcoming your first baby or watching your child grow into their next stage, I’d be honored to help you document it — calmly, thoughtfully, and with care.
📍 Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding areas
A note from the kids who made me an aunt
Before I ever opened a studio, I was photographing these girls.
They grew up in front of my camera — from newborn days to confident young women — and they helped shape the calm, patient, child-centered approach I bring to every session today.
Here’s what they have to say.
Four out of five nieces agree! Best Aunt Ever!!
"She convinced my mom to let me bring my dog to my senior pictures. A real team player for sure. One of my top three favorite aunts! 10/10 I highly recommend!" - Mary Ella
"She's down to do anything. Just a vibey person overall. Five out of five stars." - Susanna
"Great aunt. Lots of fun. Only red flag is that she likes black jelly beans. 10/10 would recommend for your next fun aunt experience." - Charlotte
"She makes forced family photo sessions a lot of fun actually. Would definitely recommend for your next forced adventure." - Sophia
Wow! Look at all these awards and stuff!
Testimonial
My biggest concern was finding a photographer that I believed could capture the vision I had for my daughters first photoshoot. We looked through many websites/portfolios. Yours stood out beyond all. A photographer that embodies a timeless style. My biggest concern was avoiding having a generic or cheesy per se photoshoot. I wanted classic and elegant. I could tell from your portfolio, details matter and I loved that!! You make it easy to connect with from a creative level. A huge concern of mine was not being able to find that. The moment I found your page I could see you really tailored each of your photoshoots to the individual child and went into great detail doing so. I could tell you put so much pride into your work. Who wouldn’t want to work with someone with those values and talent. - SS
More random facts about me
I'm an Alabama native and moved to Nashville after earning my Bachelor of Interior Design from the Auburn University School of Architecture and a Master of Fine Arts in scenic and lighting design from the University of Alabama. I also have a niece at the University of Tennessee and another at University of Florida, so I am conflicted during football season. Just kidding. I am totally an Auburn fan.
Clearly I am completely over-educated. What can I say? I am a big ol' nerd and I liked school. The end result for you is that I am a design nut. I love creating beautiful art and I love helping people decide how to display their family images in their homes.
I have designed for numerous area theater companies including Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Vanderbilt Opera Theater, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. I have taught an assortment of lighting and technical classes as an adjunct instructor for Lipscomb University and Belmont University, as well as designing for the theatre program at Montgomery Bell Academy.
As a water enthusiast, I have taught swim lessons every summer for nearly 35 years and coached swim teams in Birmingham and Franklin. I love teaching kids to swim, especially preschoolers. It's such a joy to watch little kids become smart and brave and proud of their accomplishments.