There are so many changes your newborn will undergo during the first weeks of his/her life. I've experienced this and I am here to tell you that it goes by SO so fast. Between the on demand feeds, to the never ending bottle washing, I want you to look back on those times and forget the chores, and instead remember the precious moments of having a newborn. The cuddles, the tiny fingers, the silly little hiccups. Let's help you make these moments last a lifetime.
Documenting brand new life
PEaceful and perfect in every way
If you love photos of your family AND solo photos of baby as much as I do, this gallery of baby Leon has it all!
From close up photos of baby's face, so you can remember all the little details, to photos of the whole family relaxing in the home with the cutest little furry friend, you can feel the love and the sweet little details of this home, all at the same time!
newborn Lifestyle and posed
What better way to commemorate the birth of your child than to show off a few of those newborn cuddling moments together with the family?
Your home may not be picture-perfect, but send me over some photos of your living spaces and you'd be surprised what I can do in most homes!
Lifestyle session
Baby Tyler
For the mom who can't decide whether she would rather have beautifully posed photos of baby or photos of baby with the family, the lifestyle + posed session has everything you would want to fully capture baby's first arrival.
Moms love this package the most because it has the best of both worlds, all in the comforts of their own home (because goodness knows having a newborn is hectic enough)!
Lifestyle + Posed Session
Baby KIRA
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Sweet • intimate • timeless
Remember when you were still in school and the busy nights of cramming before a final felt like they would never end? But then they did somehow, in the snap of a finger?
Having a newborn is a little like that. The days and nights feel both long AND yet paradoxically short. But unlike your Chemistry (insert your worst college subject) final, these are moments you definitely want to remember years down the line. Moments you can share in photos with baby when he/she is grown up.
That's where I come in. From when you click to "say hello" down below, to when you bring your bundle of joy home, I am here to curate the sweet moments you want to remember of baby, so when you look back on these early days, instead of getting flashbacks like a veteran from 'Nam, you can't help but smile.
Your experience all starts with you filling out the contact form down below to get started! For newborns, I recommend contacting me while you are still pregnant, ideally before 25 weeks (yes, that early!)
You will get an email from me soon after to talk about newborn photoshoot options or for me to answer any questions you may have about this whole process!
We can then book a quick 15 minute phone call to talk about the details of your photoshoot. Or if you'd rather just email or chat or book on the spot, that is ok too! Whatever works with your busy schedule!
1. Say Hello
Once we figure out whether you will be getting newborn photos done at home, at a studio, or the great outdoors we will then book a tentative photoshoot date. It will usually be within 1-2 weeks of your expected due date. That is one reason why I recommend booking early with me for newborn shoots because I take on a limited number of them a month to allow a little bit of wiggle room if baby comes early or late.
A contract will need to be signed and a non-refundable retainer paid, and then you are officially in the books!
2. Officially book!
During the weeks leading up to the photoshoot I will help look over any outfit choices you may be considering and we will either book the studio or figure out what room we will be shooting in at your home.
I also will send over a questionnaire to help me better get to know you and your needs, and then we will wait for baby to arrive!
Once you have given birth, I will have you send me a text on baby's status, and the date for the photoshoot will be finalized.
3. Planning it
You're now a proud mama of a little baby. Congrats!
If you have a home shoot, I will be coming over to set up your home and clean up any distracting items from the photoshoot location. I will bring some wraps and outfits for you to use as you'd like, and you can feel free to have your own unique items for the photoshoot also.
We will gather up the family for photos once baby is happy and asleep, and I'll take care of the rest! Just follow my lead!
4. Your Photoshoot
About 1-2 months later, your photos will be ready for you to download from a link. If you need some photos or all of them sooner, I have options for this!
Newborn photos are really special because by the time your gallery arrives, your newborn will already be looking different than you may have remembered. That's EXACTLY why we take these photos because in your sleepy daze of early motherhood, you will want to be able to look back and remember those early days.
It is during that time when you will have the opportunity to purchase more than your base set of photos and any prints and albums. And get ready, because most people do!
5. Your Photographs
AVERAGE INVESTMENT $1200-2400+
newborn PHOTOSHOOTS STARTING FROM $890
Photoshoots are on average 1-2.5 hours long
Packages include 8-45+ photos
Investment includes a photoshoot for five family members
Photoshoots within Orange County are included, travel fee may apply to locations out of OC.
Artwork (like prints and albums) are purchased separately
Special discount applied if bundled with Maternity Photoshoot
Every detail felt intentional and handled with care. We’re absolutely in love with the final images and will treasure them forever.
Newborn Session
Farnaz
The photos turned out absolutely beautiful — exactly what my husband and I had envisioned. She captured such a special time in our lives perfectly.
Maternity Session
Georgina
In addition to being new parents, we have demanding careers so having Melanie take the lead and be attentive to all the details was incredibly invaluable. We were only able to relinquish the details to Melanie because her talent, vision, and expertise is extraordinary! We are IN LOVE with all our photos! They turned out better than we could’ve imagined.
Family Session
KElly
We are from Arcadia CA and to drive down to Irvine just for her, I'd do it all over again. (Mind you it's two hours of traffic)
DONT WALK RUN NOW to book an appointment.
Family Session
vivian
Our session might have been a disaster if she didn’t come to the rescue. Both my 2 year old and 4 year old had meltdowns (at the same time!) but that didn’t bother her. Somehow she got them to cooperate, made it work and captured some amazing moments!
Family Session
Tuyen
Her photos speak for themselves (just perfectly light and airy) but the BTS experience makes it 10/10. We never met prior to our shoot but she’s so warm and friendly, it felt like we were friends.
Newborn Session
Abby
I loved her work, so when we found out we were pregnant, I knew Melanie would be our maternity and newborn photographer.
Maternity session
Vanseka & Alan
Newborn Session
Andrea
It definitely takes someone special to have the talent, the eye, and the ability to do what she does as well as she does.
She’s not the least expensive option out there but you get what you pay for and we’re really glad we went with Melanie.
We are grateful for her patience and unique eye to capture our newest addition to the family. Don’t hesitate to contact her, you won’t be disappointed!
NEwborn Session
Wendy
She is so thorough and very easy to communicate with.
Melanie walked us through every step of the way including helping us choose and coordinate our clothing, bringing some beautiful gowns of her own for me to wear, to sending us the most detailed list of locations along with pros/cons of each.
Maternity Session
Tiffany
Let's chat! Please fill out this info below.
Note: Portrait packages start at $790
(Average Investment is $1100-2000+)