As both a mom of three and a Beach Photographer, this session hits particularly close to home! So often, families put focus on portraits during the newborn phase, and life gets so busy after that photos can fall on the backburner. But I promise, you will never, ever regret continuing the tradition of annual family photos.
We think newborns are the hardest part, but any parent with older kids will agree that it’s really the ‘little kid’ phase, with 2-4 years that really test us. I know first hand that just getting out of the house is a process in and of itself, so it’s only natural to be concerned about an entire family photoshoot. How will the kids behave? How will the photos turn out? Will we get any with smiles?!
Those are all completely normal and valid concerns, friend. But, with a seasoned Beach Photographer like myself, you are in good hands, I promise.
These are some of the blurriest years of our lives as parents. Between being needed and the kids keeping us on our toes constantly, the weeks can blend together and suddenly, another year has passed. Photos on our phone are great for documenting your day to day life, but professional family portraits are for your family legacy.
In years to come, you’ll look back on these photos and smile because you’ll think of the cute way your youngest said ‘I love you’ or the toothy grin of your oldest. In years to come, you’ll look back on these photos and have more grace for yourself. And in years to come, you will be so glad you took the time to professionally document your family at this time of life.
Let’s meet at the beach, I’ll give everyone prompts for tickles and silliness for guaranteed smiles, and we can photograph some beautiful memories.
If the beach isn’t quite your scene, but you’re due for family photos, check out this stunning park location or consider a family lifestyle session. For a lifestyle session, I come to your home and document your daily activities with more candid portraits. If you are having a hard time choosing what location would suit your family best, consider what your home aesthetic is and what color scheme you would like to display in your home. I can help with this, along with all of the other details of the session!
See more family photos and location ideas here or get in touch directly with any questions here!
Beach Photographer for Families and Vacations
Hi there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Melissa, owner of Melissa Arlena Photography, a photographer for young and growing families. I hope you found my “Family Photos At The Beach” feature I shared today to be helpful. If you are interested in talking with me more about booking a newborn photo shoot, let’s connect! Not quite ready, but know you want to keep me in your back pocket? No problem! Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!
Melissa Arlena is an award winning Richmond & Charlottesville Virginia Master newborn & maternity photographer. She offers maternity, lifestyle newborn, and family photography in her relaxed, natural, and joyful style. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to design custom wall art galleries to show off your favorite photos! Be sure to check out the Nov 21 issue of Inspired magazine to see a feature on Melissa and her work!
Melissa serves Charlottesville, Richmond, Staunton, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Culpeper, Gordonsville and beyond.
Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2024.