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Miami newborn photographer

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I'm Melissa! Luxury Charlottesville maternity and lifestyle newborn photographer, sailboater, lover of Lilly Pulitzer, and obsessed with interior design. I'm so glad you found me!

 

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Author Archives: Melissa Arlena

Mom in pink dress holding daughter in white dress as example for spring family photos outfit ideas

Spring Family Photo Outfits: A Complete Style Guide

Hey there! Spring is finally here (can I get a hallelujah?), and with it comes the perfect opportunity for those…

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Date Night Ideas Richmond: Couple in matching blue outfits during waterside maternity session

Top 10 Date Night Ideas in Richmond VA Before Baby

There is something about pregnancy that just brings you closer to your spouse! It's such an exciting time and I…

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Mom lying on her side on bed with baby looking at the camera for a Short Pump newborn session

Behind The Scenes of a Joyful Short Pump Newborn Session

The endless scrolling through Pinterest for newborn photo inspiration, the anxiety about how your baby will behave…

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Mom holding daughter in wildflowers while hiking over spring break in Charlottesville

Fun & Unique Spring Break Activities Near Charlottesville in 2025

This year I'm making it my mission to have a fun Spring Break with my kiddos! We won't be jet setting off anywhere…

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Framed Gallery Walls: The Perfect Way to Display Your Favorite Photos

Imagine walking past that big blank empty wall in your living room and not feeling paralyzed by indecision on what…

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Kid Approved Cville Restaurants text over white overlay over little girl eating

5 Kid-Approved Cville Restaurants for Low-Stress Family Meals

Ever felt like dining out with kids is more stressful than fun? Trust me, I’ve been there—sticky fingers, picky…

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Dad lifting boy to put star on tree in family holiday photos

3 Simple Tips for Better Family Holiday Photos

The holidays are all about making memories with your loved ones, but let’s be honest—getting those perfect family…

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Ultimate Photography Gift Guide for Moms This Christmas

Ultimate Photography Gift Guide for Moms This Christmas

Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for the mom in your family who is always taking photos? I can't tell…

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Easy Photo Sessions with Kids

5 Tips for Easy Photo Sessions with Kids

If you are looking for tips to have easy photo sessions with kids then you are in the right place! Planning a…

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My Favorite Ways to Display Newborn Portraits in Your Home

My 6 Favorite Ways to Display Newborn Portraits in Your Home

Your camera roll is about to explode! No seriously! I looked at the amount of photos I took in the years before my…

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What’s the Best Time of Day for Your Lifestyle Newborn Session?

What’s the Best Time of Day for Your Lifestyle Newborn Session?

Did you know the time of day could make or break your newborn photo session? Let me show you why mid-morning is…

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fall maternity session

5 Tips for Gorgeous Fall Maternity Portraits in Virginia

Ready to capture those gorgeous fall maternity portraits? 🍂 I've got you covered. Fall is the perfect season for…

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Melissa Arlena is an award winning Richmond and Charlottesville photographer. She recently earned her Master Photographer Certification in the Maternity, Newborn & Family categories from the National Association of Professional Child Photographers. Melissa offers maternity, lifestyle newborn, and family photography in her relaxed, natural, and joyful style.

 

Melissa serves Charlottesville, Richmond, Staunton, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Culpeper, Gordonsville and beyond.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI
WSNEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI

 

Melissa Arlena Photography captures newborns, maternity, and families.

Charlottesville and richmond, va

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