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THE PORTFOLIO

Lifestyle Newborns

simple and classic lifestyle

richmond va newborn photographer

 

• charlottesville & richmond •

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 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.

Looking for more Richmond newborn photography images?

Check the galleries below for full sessions

Master newborn Photographer
LIFESTYLE NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI
charlottesville family photographer master certified logo
Expertise-2023-Maternity-Richmond
Expertise-2023-baby-Richmond
Expertise-2023-Pregnancy-Charlottesville
Master newborn Photographer
LIFESTYLE NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI
miami newborn photography
Top Maternity Photographer in Charlottesville -Charlottesville Photographer - Melissa Arlena
Top Newborn Photographer in Richmond - Charlottesville Photographer - Melissa Arlena
Top Maternity Photographer in Richmond - Charlottesville Photographer - Melissa Arlena - 004

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"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

details & investment

 

digital files + gorgeous artwork = happy clients

Richmond va Newborn

photographer

 

Capturing all the details

 

Digital Files

Complimentary Gift Credit to spend on artwork

Beautiful memories remembered forever

How it Works

 

when you inquire about a session here is what will happen...
01.

get all the details

 

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!

02.

Planning your session

 

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!

03.

Day of your session

 

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 Richmond 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.

04.

Choose your collection

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!

Investment
Newborn

 

Booking fee is $300

collections including digital files start at $900

 

what is included:

  • Location planning and styling assistance so you look amazing against the perfect backdrop
  • Access to my Client Dashboard with guides on how to prepare and what to wear
  • Your choice of on location or at home session to fit your style and comfort
  • A 90 minute session; enough time to capture what we need, but stop for top offs and diaper changes if needed
  • Gallery viewing from the comfort of your home with an online store to make your purchases, no high pressure sales
  • Complimentary design services to display your beautiful photos in gorgeous artwork in your home

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!

Membership Pricing

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!

VIP Membership

 

membership fee is $600

(2-4 sessions included)

NOTE: DOES NOT INCLUDE DIGITAL FILES, PRINTS OR PRODUCTS

 

collections starting at $900 are purchased separately after each session

what is included:

  • Choice of 2-4 sessions over 18 months with no session fees, perfect for maternity, newborn, 6 month sitter and 1st birthday
  • $100 off each collection purchase
  • VIP invitation to join my annual Motherhood event with no session fee
  • Complimentary set of 25 Birth Announcements
  • Savings of over $1000 vs booking individual single sessions

 

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!

Tips & Advice
Read More ⟶

Q & A

 

Q: WORRIED ABOUT WHAT TO WEAR?

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!

 

Q: AFRAID THAT YOUR HOUSE MIGHT BE TOO DARK?

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!

 

Q: WHAT ABOUT SIBLINGS?

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 photos! I’ve got several videos on my IGTV talking about siblings and pets if you want to check them out.

 

Q: what if I have multiple outfits for the baby to wear?

A: I recommend sticking with a white onesie and a swaddle blanket or knotted gown only for your 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

 

ready to book your session

richmond va newborn photographer

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.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI
WSNEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY MIAMI

 

Melissa Arlena Photography captures newborns, maternity, and families.

Charlottesville and richmond, va

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