My favorite part of being a Lifestyle Northern Virginia Newborn Photographer is getting to see all the awesome nurseries my clients’ design! I mean how amazing is that planet mobile hanging over the mid-century modern inspired crib! I swear this nursery looks straight out of the late 1950’s but in an AWESOME way. It is timeless and super cool!
I was so excited when Hannah contacted me to book her newborn session, I asked her what made her choose me and she said I was quick to respond to her inquiry and I was so nice in my reply! It also turns out that she and her mom know some of my past brides from out in Luray and Hannah remember seeing their wedding photos! (You ladies know who you are, lol) I love having those connections with clients, it makes this giant world seem smaller and friendlier!
Andrew and I spent time chatting about sailing because it turns out he used to sail! We talked about the boat he sailed on and of course, I had to show him photos of Apogee. By the time the session was over I felt like an old friend and I’m so excited to keep up with this adorable new family as they grow together!
Lifestyle Northern Virginia Newborn Photographer
I already professed my love for the planet mobile and crib but I have to add that adorable french dresser stole my heart too! And that adorable space man on the smaller mobile. Too cute!!
Baby toes are the best! I still tease my boys and nibble their toes…. but only right after bath time! Otherwise #stinkyboyfeet!
I don’t think it is fair to look that good after giving birth! Hannah is stunning and looks like such a pro first time mom!
This little guy was a complete champ throughout our session and he looks perfect napping in his crib.
Oh my goodness he was insistent on getting that arm out, lol! He’s right though it made the shot much better :).
I love encouraging my clients to hop into bed and snuggle down with baby. It makes me feel like I’m peeking in on their everyday lives!
I don’t think I loved my husband more than those first days home with our sons. Seeing him become a father filled my heart with more joy that I could imagine. I see the same look on Hannah’s face here!
Someday those hands will pick him up and dust him off after he wipes out on his bike. Andrew will think back to this day when that little boy fit so perfectly in his hands.
A super proud papa and a beautiful loving mama!
You forget how tiny they start out…
I tell my clients they have one job and that is to gaze adoringly at their new baby! Andrew and Hannah nailed it!
I love this photo, this little guy is laying in the wooden bassinet his grandfather carved for him. It was STUNNING workmanship and that is coming from someone whose family is carpenters.
*I get it, planning what to wear for your maternity or newborn session can be overwhelming! What is going to look good on camera, how do I dress my baby bump, how do I dress my post-baby body? The worst is how do I coordinate my hubby, kids and me so we look stylish and not like a family from awkwardfamilyphotos.com?!?!? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered with tips, tricks and done for you outfit planning! Just click here or the image below to get your FREE ebook and get inspired!
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.
