Heartfelt Family Photography
As a mom myself, I know exactly how quickly time passes — from the first flutter in your belly, to holding them in your arms, and then chasing them around. Time is a thief, and that’s why capturing each stage is so important.
Whether I’m photographing a pregnancy announcement, maternity, newborn, or family session, my focus is always on the real, in-between moments. That’s when I’m able to capture those beautiful, candid moments without the pressure of posing for every image. These are the ones you’ll look back on years later and relive that feeling.
I also know that with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, booking a session needs to be simple and easy. That’s why I keep the process stress-free from start to finish. I’ll work with you one-on-one to plan a session that feels aligned with your vision and offer advice and help wherever needed.
My main focus during every session is to keep things fun, relaxed, and enjoyable — so all you have to do is show up, be present with your loved ones, and enjoy the moment. I’ll take care of the rest.
Whether your little one is just starting to walk or you’re chasing after kids who seem to grow faster every year, this season of life is worth remembering. I know how full (and sometimes chaotic) everyday life can be, which is why I keep the process simple and easy from the start.
My sessions are relaxed and focused on real connection — no pressure, no stiff posing. I also care a lot about turning those moments into something tangible, which is why I focus on albums and prints you can flip through, display, and come back to years from now, instead of everything living on a hard drive.
Receive a watermarked proof gallery within 48 hours to select your images, with final edited photos delivered in 2-3 weeks and albums and prints ordered at that time
Expect a laid-back, joyful experience full of authentic smiles!
You'll receive a guide with session details, location ideas, outfit suggestions, session reminders, and one-on-one guidance.
Choose a package from below and book a date & time.
"Mel is FANTASTIC! She is our go to family photographer❤️ We met her back in 2023 when we took our first family pictures. Every picture captures our family so perfectly! It’s not easy to photograph children, especially babies and toddlers, but Mel somehow works her magic and gets that perfect family photo, as well as those candid shots that showcase the kiddos chaos in the best way. We will 100% be choosing her over and over again to capture those sweet memories as our kids age and our family grows!"
Mel is absolutely amazing! She has been taking pictures of me and my family for about a year now! Every session I’ve had with Mel is super fun! Behind the scenes of every session is laughter, excitement, fun and the most GORGEOUS photos ever taken! Mel has so much creativity and passion as a photographer and a person. Over time she has not just become a photographer but a friend. Mel is sweet, kind, and welcoming to all her clients. I’m so grateful for all the memories of previous sessions and I am excited for the next one!
"Highly recommend! She is amazing at what she does and took so many great photos I'm having trouble picking out my favorites. It also happened to be the worst mosquito week of the year and she even thought to bring bug spray. Both myself and my son were so comfortable with this experience we will definitely be using her services again in the future."
As soon as you know your availability, you should book your session. My weekend dates fill up the fastest and I typically book out three months in advance. Week day evenings are more flexible; however, they also fill up sometimes a month or two in advance as well.
Every family has a unique style, so I provide a styling guide with outfit tips, sent after booking. If you need extra help, I’m always available for one-on-one support—just reach out anytime.
This is one of the most common questions I receive. The ideal location depends on your preferred scenery and the season.
To help, I’ve created a complimentary location guide featuring my favorite spots that will be sent to you after booking so we can choose the perfect setting for your session.
You can expect to receive a handful of sneak peek images within 48 hours after your session and your final gallery within 2-3 weeks of your session.
Travel is available within a 50-mile radius of West Bend, Wisconsin. A travel fee of $0.50 per mile will apply to any location more than 20 miles outside of the 53095 ZIP code.
Digital downloads are included for the images you choose for your album and prints. Once your selections are finalized, you’ll receive high-resolution files for those images.
A full digital gallery upgrade is also available if you’d like access to every image from your session.
Choose the package that best fits your family and click the booking link. Select your date and time, sign the contract, and pay the 50% non-refundable retainer to secure your session.
Once booked, I’ll follow up with more details and next steps.