Melissa Renae Photography

08/31/2026

Thankful for big sisters. ❤️

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

One of my new favorite newborn stuffies.

The only time I’d happily snuggle a cactus. But when you’re an Arizona babe, it only makes sense to have one make an appearance in your newborn photos.

And really, how cute is this little prickly friend?

What Arizona-inspired detail would you sneak into your baby’s photos?

08/28/2026

My rainbows after the storm. I'm so grateful.

08/27/2026

Hey mama who’s hurting. I see you.

I see the sleepless nights, the questions, the milestones you’ll never get to experience, and the ache of wondering how your body could fail you in such an enormous way.

I’ve been where you are. I’ve walked that road.

Today marks 16 years since our son was born with wings. And while there are still moments when the grief feels like it happened yesterday, most days it’s more of a dull ache. Something missing.

But over these 16 years, I’ve also realized that grief has changed me. I’m more compassionate. I hold my kids a little closer. I notice the little things I might have otherwise missed. I’m stronger because I’m a mama to an angel.

That doesn’t make the loss worth it. It doesn’t mean I’m grateful for the pain. But I’ve learned that even in the hardest places, there can be unexpected blessings if we keep our eyes open for them.

So if you’re in that open-wound part of grief right now, give yourself grace. You don’t have to find the blessings today. Just keep going, mama.

And if you’ve walked this road too, what’s something your loss has taught you that you never expected?

08/26/2026

It's National Dog Day, and since I just so happen to have two dogs, I figured today was the perfect excuse to introduce you to Gus and Gracie.

Gracie is the reddish one, and she acts more like a cat than a dog. She's not particularly interested in being petted, can't sit or lay down like a normal dog, and somehow always manages to have half her body going one direction and the other half going somewhere completely different. She's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but she is one of the sweetest dogs you'll ever meet.

And then there's Gus. First of all, his name is Gus, so he's already not exactly giving off the impression of a highly intelligent dog. I'm pretty sure his nose doesn't work because if there's a piece of meat on the floor, we practically have to shove his face into it before he realizes it's there.

He's also terrified when the wind blows too hard, and the 4th of July is basically his personal nightmare. But he's my little velcro dog. He sits at my feet while I edit, follows me around the house, and absolutely loves a good snuggle. He loves me the mostest, and honestly, I kind of love that about him.

They may not be the perfect dogs, but they're my dogs, and I love them to pieces.

Are you a dog person, a cat person, or someone who somehow ended up with both?

08/25/2026

I absolutely adore all this dark hair!

My kids were pretty much bald, so anytime I see a baby with even a quarter inch of hair, I swoon a little.

Did your babies have a full head of hair, or were you blessed with a baby who came out looking like a tiny little grandpa?

08/24/2026

There’s just something about family photos by the water that makes the Arizona heat a little more bearable.

We did this session right along the lake, and while it definitely wasn’t 75 degrees and breezy, being next to the water helped. Plus, the kids got a chance to cool off when things got a little too toasty.

Honestly, I’ll take pretty photos, happy kids, and a little time by the water any day!

08/23/2026

Met the cutest little family at today’s in-home newborn session, and don’t even get me started on how absolutely perfect little Benjamin was.

Mom warned me that he doesn’t normally love being laid down, but apparently he didn’t get the memo today. A few of my tried-and-true tricks had this sweet boy dozing in no time. Not a peep from this cutie!

Newborn photographer: 1
Newborn protests: 0

What a perfect day! Enjoy the little sneak peek into today's session.

08/21/2026

If you're pregnant and currently Googling approximately 47 different things about newborn photos...

I made this for you.

When should you book? What happens if baby comes early? How much does newborn photography actually cost? Is an in-home session really better than packing up a newborn and leaving the house?

And perhaps the most important question:

Is newborn photography actually worth it?

I answered all 15 of the questions I get asked ALL. THE. TIME in my newest blog post.

Think of it as the newborn photographer cheat sheet you didn't know you needed.

Go read it before you book your photographer — or send it to the friend who is currently growing a tiny human and has approximately 8,000 questions.

Read it here: https://www.melissarenaephotography.com/post/questions-every-new-mom-should-ask-about-booking-a-newborn-photographer