ServingDC to Richmond

Maternity, Newborn & Family Photography

DC & Northern Virginia

Recently named 2020 Best Newborn Photographers in Alexandria, Va by Expertise.com

I'm Melissa

DC & Northern Virginia Maternity,

Lifestyle Newborn, & Family Photographer

I know how nerve-wracking it can be finding the right newborn photographer in DC & Northern Va who will make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and has the style you are looking for.

That is why my philosophy is No Props or Crazy Poses! I specialize in light and bright at-home lifestyle photo sessions in your nursery. I focus on real moments between you and your baby.

I've been there before as a new mom 3 times now! I'll guide you through it all so, in the end, you feel relaxed and natural with gorgeous baby photos to remember it all.

Newborn Photography Northern Va | Newborn Photography DC

Get to Know Me

award winning DC Newborn photographer as seen on

Relaxed, Natural & Joyful

View the latest Northern Va Newborn Galleries

Annabellelifestyle newborn

Taylor & Conoron location maternity

Michaellifestyle newborn

Lacey, Liam
& Danielon location maternity

Nolanlifestyle newborn

Ramonalifestyle newborn

Click any image above to get an overdose of cuteness in the Galleries!

Relaxed, Natural & Joyful

View the latest Northern Va Newborn photography Galleries

Annabellelifestyle newborn

Taylor & Conoron location maternity

Amelialifestyle newborn

Lacey, Liam
& Danielon location maternity

Nolanlifestyle newborn

Emily, Evelyn
& Danielon location maternity

Click any image to get an overdose of cuteness in the Galleries!

Abby & Bryceon location maternity

Ramonalifestyle newborn

Shelby & Jonon location maternity

Charlottelifestyle newborn

Brittni & Billyon location maternity

Michaellifestyle newborn

395KPhotos Taken

250Beautiful Portraits

125Newborns Snuggled

100%Loving My Job

Tips & Advice

For new parents preparing for newborn photography in DC or Northern Va

Client Love

Melissa was amazing and
our pictures are beautiful.

We had another photographer lined up to do maternity pictures and that fell through and I was so impressed with how quickly Melissa responded and we were able to set up a shoot. I was nervous because the baby had a rough night but Melissa worked incredibly fast while the baby slept. She even posed our dog to get some great pics of him and the baby. We got our pictures so quickly and they were absolutely beautiful. I'd highly recommend Melissa to anyone and look forward for another opportunity for her to photograph our family.

- Kristin in Alexandria

Great experience and great outcome, we highly recommend her.

We had a great experience doing a newborn shoot with Melissa. She was relaxed and easy on the day - she shot a really wide variety, caught some hilarious and oh-so-sweet photos of my toddler, and captured our family as we are. (She wore a mask the entire time, was careful about hand hygiene, kept appropriate distance, etc). She interacted beautifully with my toddler and he had the best time - you can tell she's a mom herself, she just gets it. The photos came out light and bright and airy, exactly what we wanted.

- Rachel in Reston

Our experience with Melissa was nothing short of amazing!!!

In the current Covid pandemic, she made us feel super safe, took every precaution, and still delivered beautiful images we will always cherish! She is so easy to work with and goes above and beyond to make sure you get exactly what you want. We love her and highly recommend her!!

- Taylor in Fredericksburg

She brought cautious normalcy to us during a chaotic time and we are beyond appreciative of her work.

I messaged Melissa and inquired about her policies during the Covid outbreak. She eased my mind immediately and took all safety precautions while visiting our home. The entire session went smoothly. Melissa has a great personality and was very patient as we moved our little guy around for pics. She asked about must have shots we wanted, in addition to using her own expertise. The images she captured are family pictures and baby pictures we will treasure forever. We love them all and have enjoyed sharing them with our friends and family across the country who haven’t been able to visit during the quarantine.

- Autumn in Alexandria

I am so happy that I found Melissa for our newborn photographs.

I did a lot of research before choosing a photographer and found that many in the area were very expensive or not responsive. When I found Melissa’s website I loved the light and airy feel of her photos (which is not easy to capture in a townhouse in Old Town). I reached out and not only was she responsive but it was very clear that she has a passion for newborn photography. I was not disappointed! The photos she took are absolutely perfect and so beautiful. I cannot recommend Melissa’s services enough and I am already looking forward to using her again for future family photos.

- Victoria in Alexandria

Collections start at $650

Digital Files are available for purchase in each collection plus a print credit to get started displaying your favorite photos

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NO PROPS OR CRAZY POSEs

Let me guess while searching for newborn photography in DC & Northern Va everyone you've found is dressing babies in costumes and while it's cute and all it's just not your thing! You love soft, bright, and joyful photos at home in the nursery you spent so many hours decorating!

You're thinking baby in the crib, focusing on their tiny toes or maybe catching a sweet yawn. Or capturing that moment a furry sibling sneaks into the nursery to lay at your feet while you rock the baby to sleep!

I love those photos too which is why as one of the photographers in Northern Va I specialize in light and bright at-home lifestyle photo sessions in your nursery. Capturing all the details and moments of that tiny baby and your new little family!

Newborn Photography Northern Va | Newborn Photography DC

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Newborn Photography Northern Virginia

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Melissa Arlena Photography is based in Fredericksburg, Va but serves all of Washington, DC and Northern Virginia including Alexandria, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Fairfax, Herndon, Lorton, Manassas, McLean, Quantico, Reston, Springfield, Stafford, Tysons Corner, Vienna, and Woodbridge. She offers maternity, lifestyle newborn, and family photography in her relaxed, natural, and joyful style.

VIEW MY LATEST WORK AS A NORTHERN VA NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER ON INSTAGRAM