WS
South FloridaMelissa Arlena
Photography
Photography
simple and classic lifestyle
Congratulations!! Let me guess…. you‘ve had a secret Pinterest board for the nursery ever since you found out right! Or was that just me?
Now it’s all coming together but every photographer you find is putting costumes on babies and posing them in baskets and while cute, that’s just not your style right? I specialize in light and bright at-home lifestyle newborn photography in Richmond VA and Charlottesville. No props or crazy poses, just natural moments in your home and nursery with your baby!
Capturing all the special memories when you finally get to see your dream come to life! These photos will tell the story of the next chapter in your life and you deserve great images.
Check the galleries below for full sessions
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"Melissa was patient and professional and made us feel so comfortable during the entire process. Her photo style is simple and natural, capturing real, precious moments in the first days with your baby."
spencer N • stafford, va
If you've taken a look around and love my photos then let's work together! Just fill out the contact form to get all the information about my collection options and see recent full galleries of my work.
You can choose to book just one session or join my membership and have everything documented from pregnancy to baby's 1st birthday. Most of my clients join the membership to take advantage of the savings. Keep scrolling to learn more!
Once you are booked you'll receive a Getting to Know You questionnaire so I can learn more about you and your little family. This will help us plan the perfect session and get all the photos you've dreamed of!
You'll also receive access to my exclusive Client Dashboard with guides for preparing for your Richmond Maternity, Family or Newborn photography session. These include tips on what to wear and suggestions on places to shop!
It's time to relax and have fun! Whether it's on location at the beach, a garden or park or at your own home. This is where you get to be happy and joyful while loving on that baby bump.
Outdoor Charlottesville & Richmond VA maternity photography sessions start 1-2 hours before sunset and last about 45 min. At home indoor lifestyle sessions start around 10:00 am to get the best lighting indoors.
Two weeks after our session you'll receive your online slideshow to see all your photos from the comfort of home and then pick your collection. Every collection includes a set amount of digital files plus complimentary gift credit to get started displaying your favorite photos.
After choosing your collection you'll have access to the gallery to download your favorites and spend your gift credit on gorgeous artwork. You can also share the gallery with friends and family!
In order to create a more personalized experience for my clients, I only accept 4-6 portrait bookings per month. Contact me today to get all the pricing info before you book!
You've got so many things on your plate that first year of your baby's life so let me make one thing easy for you! Join my membership and know that you've got a photographer to capture everything from maternity to newborn!
In order to create a more personalized experience for my client, I only accept 4-6 portrait bookings per month. Contact me today to get all the pricing info before you book!
A: No problem I’ve got you covered with a What to Wear Guide plus tons of Pinterest inspiration for you and the whole family!
A: Don’t stress I always bring extra flashes with me to each of my sessions and determine once I’m there if we need it or not. You’d be surprised how often we don’t need it! Plus when we do I’ll make it look just like natural sunlight so you won’t be able to tell. If you’ve looked through my website I guarantee you’ve seen images with extra lighting but you didn't even realize it!
A: Yes, siblings and of course Dad are always included in my Richmond VA newborn photography sessions. Even the furry siblings are 100% welcome in the pictures! I’ve got several videos on my IGTV talking about siblings and pets if you want to check them out.
A: I recommend sticking with a white onesie and a swaddle blanket or knotted gown only for your newborn session. I find that when you are changing the baby multiple times they get upset and we aren't able to get the photos we want. By sticking with the list above we are able to get the timeless classic images you see in my portfolio.
your next step
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.
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Melissa Arlena Photography captures newborns, maternity, and families.
Charlottesville and richmond, va
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