creating slow-form, intimate portraits that celebrate the poetry of being human

FILM & DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR LIFE’S BEAUTIFUL SEASONS

maryland maternity, newborn, & motherhood photographer

Intimate Portrait Sessions in Southern Maryland, northern virginia, & washington DC

where time slows down….

In a world of instant gratification, we choose to pause. Through the deliberate dance of film photography, I capture the poetry of your most intimate moments – from the raw vulnerability of motherhood to the quiet confidence of boudoir.

Each frame is carefully composed through vintage glass, creating images that feel both timeless and deeply present. The mechanical whisper of my analog camera signals a moment of intention, where artistry meets authenticity.

My approach honors the slow ritual of film – where every exposure is precious, and beauty reveals itself in the unexpected light leaks and grain that digital could never quite replicate. For fellow souls who appreciate the artistry of imperfection, who understand that true intimacy can’t be rushed.

reserve your session

my services

MATERNITY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

sensual, cinematic portraits that celebrate your unique essence. Each session is unhurried and co-creative, allowing your authentic beauty to shine through.

  • Unhurried sessions that honor your process
  • Intimate, artistic approach
  • Film & digital options available

Full service experience including:


Pre-session consultation
Professional styling guidance
2 rolls of film (scanned) + full digital gallery

Starting at $995
*payment plans available*

schedule your experience

MOTHERHOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Poetic documentation of your motherhood journey, from postpartum to breastfeeding. Raw, tender moments captured with sensitivity and artistic vision.

  • Natural, unscripted sessions
  • Nurturing, comfortable environment
  • Artistic documentation of precious moments

Full service experience including:


Pre-session consultation
Professional styling guidance
2 rolls of film (scanned) + full digital gallery

Starting at $995
*payment plans available

secure your spot
Black and white close-up of a pregnant belly, wearing Calvin Klein underwear and distressed jeans. Hand gently rests on the curved abdomen, creating an intimate and casual portrait focused on the growing bump
Black and white photograph of a newborn baby looking up at their mother near a window. The baby is unclothed and held securely, capturing a candid interaction with soft natural lighting. The mother's joyful expression is partially visible at the edge of the frame

REMOTE/VIRTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY

distance is no longer a barrier to creating beautiful, intimate portraits. through virtual sessions, we can collaborate to capture authentic moments in the comfort of your own space.

Remote Direction
Professional guidance and artistic direction provided through video call, creating an intimate and comfortable experience.

Connected Creation
Real-time collaboration and feedback to ensure we capture your vision, regardless of location.

Full service experience including:


Pre-session consultation
Professional styling guidance
full digital gallery

Starting at $295

plan your session

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY

*EXTREMELY LIMITED AVAILABILITY*

Witnessing and documenting the profound journey of birth with reverence and artistry. Each story unfolds in its own time, captured with sensitivity and respect.

  • 24/7 on-call availability – (off-call options also available)
  • Unobtrusive documentation
  • raw, authentic moments

Full service experience including:


Pre-session consultation
capture of labor, delivery, & postpartum
2 rolls of film (scanned) + full digital gallery


Starting at $2495
*payment plans available*

reserve your date
Black and white birth photograph showing a mother's first moments with her newborn in a birth pool. The mother is laughing joyfully while looking at her baby, who is being supported by a midwife or birth assistant wearing gloves. The raw emotion of the moment is captured as the baby has just emerged from the water
A black and white intimate family portrait. A sleeping infant in a knitted sweater is cradled between two adults, their faces partially cropped. The composition emphasizes tender moments through dramatic shadows and thoughtful framing, creating a cinematic yet unscripted feel. Natural lighting highlights the baby's peaceful expression while gentle hands cradle them, showing the raw, poetic nature of early parenthood

FAMILY SESSIONS

Unscripted, artful documentation of your family’s authentic connections. Capturing the poetry in everyday moments and the beauty of your relationships.

  • relaxed, natural sessions
  • focus on genuine interactions
  • artistic, storytelling approach

Full service experience including:


Pre-session consultation
Professional styling guidance
2 rolls of film (scanned) + full digital gallery

Starting at $995
*payment plans available*

now booking spring sessions

my approach

SLOW & INTENTIONAL

Every session is approached with patience and presence, allowing authentic moments to unfold naturally.

INTIMATE & PERSONAL

Creating a safe space for vulnerability and genuine expression through artistic collaboration.

ARTISTICALLY CRAFTED

Blending film and digital mediums to create timeless, cinematic imagery that tells your story.

QUESTIONS?

here are some common questions.

most of my clients choose to do their sessions in their own home (either as in-person shoot or a virtual session. Renting out a studio or home rental (like an airbnb) is another popular option.

we can always discuss any outdoor locations you may be interested in.

all of my sessions (except BIRTH & virtual/remote) include images shot on 35mm film. two rolls are complimentary. if film is not your vibe, i’m probably not the photographer for you. even my images taken on my digital camera reflect my love of film.

absolutely no images are shared unless i am given your explicit, written permission. no one will see your images before you do.

sessions start at $295. add-ons start at $150. products start at $900

yes! i offer klarna, affirm, & afterpay.

nope! i’m an all-inclusive photographer meaning your images are included in your session cost.

i offer some guidance to catch the best light and framing – buy my sessions are very organic. i try to focus on you and how you move naturally. i don’t go to sessions with certain poses in mind.

yes, i do! i currently offer albums & wall art.

An intimate maternity portrait lit with dramatic chiaroscuro lighting. A pregnant belly emerges from draped gold fabric, which creates sculptural folds across the torso. The person's hand rests gently on the fabric, adding to the classical, painterly quality. Dark background and selective focus emphasize the form and texture

” I’m not sure how Melissa could turn simple everyday moments into pure magic, but she did. Her calm demeanor made it so easy to work with her. Melissa has this energy about her that makes you feel so comfortable and confident ”

— dixie

Let’s Connect

Whether you’re celebrating your femininity through boudoir or documenting your motherhood journey, I’m here to help tell your story through artistic, intimate photography.

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