I got an email late one night from another photographer. She had an old college friend she was supposed to be doing a newborn session for in the morning but she was sick and didn’t want to expose the baby. She asked if I could take on a new client on short notice. I said of course and when she told me he was a NICU baby I immediately felt a bond with his parents.
NICU’s are Amazing
See my youngest was born with a cleft lip and spent some time in the NICU, my nephew was born with a cleft palate and also spent time in the NICU. Plus my sister is a NICU nurse and I saw first hand the miracles they perform when I visited her at work. So hearing that this little guy spent some time in the NICU I knew how stressful things had been for his parents. I wanted to make sure their newborn session was a non-stressful as possible!
Stress-Free
This little guy was a complete angel for his session and his parents weren’t too shabby either! I told them they had one job today and that was to relax and just love on their son. As expected they were spectacular at it and I ended up with some new favorite photos for my portfolio!
In Their Words
“The majority of our time was spent doting over the baby while Melissa caught all the right natural moments in just the right light. Looking back at the photos, I’m so glad we were able to capture those very early days when he was still so tiny. We loved working with Melissa and would recommend her to anyone!” – Meredith & Ben
Small Miracle | DC Newborn Photographer
This little guy was not too fond of his new brother but I bet in a few years he will be following him all around cleaning up crumbs!
Gorgeous Mama right there!!!
I love that little leg dangling down!
These are always some of my favorite images, just some natural moments that happen in between.
I can remember sitting just like this with our boys and our dogs when they were babies!
A very proud Papa!
I say this everytime but I love how tiny babies look in their dad’s hands!
I love this look he’s giving me, there are so many caption options for this! Leave your favorite in the comments!
Black and white makes my heart go pitter patter!
I love Mom & Baby snuggles!!!
So stinking cute!!! A new fav for sure!
How adorable is that nursery?!?! I kind of want that chair just for myself!
If you like this, then you might love:
5 Tips for Choosing a Newborn Photographer
What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
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.
