CHILDREN & family Photography

Lancaster Family Photographer

I photograph families in Lancaster, PA and beyond who believe life is better when it’s a little messy and a lot magical. Let’s forget stiff poses and forced smiles and instead I’ll take photos as you move, interact and connect with one another. That might mean skipping stones at the water’s edge, lifting your toddler into the sky like a tiny superhero, or piling onto a blanket for a cozy snuggle fest.

The families I serve are playful, adventurous at heart, and drawn to photographs that honor connection over perfection. As a storytelling photographer, I’m there for all of it — the chaos, the sweetness, the in-between moments you didn’t even know you’d want to remember. Because the best photos aren’t perfectly posed — they’re perfectly you.

“Melissa is a joy to work with and captured beautiful candid moments of our growing family that I’ll cherish forever” -Abigail

the process

1.Choose a Location & Outfits

I’ll help you choose the best location for your family, whether that be outdoors, at your home or an indoor space such as a studio or greenhouse. Upon booking and paying a 50% deposit, you will receive a detailed location guide and a style guide to help you choose what to wear. You’ll also receive a brief questionnaire a few weeks before your session that will help me get to know your family.

2. Session Day

Be prepared to spend about an hour playing together and loving on your family. During your session I will suggest some simple prompts or games to help everyone feel relaxed and natural. I might ask you to play ring-around-the-rosie, race through a field holding hands, or pick a flower for Mom.

3. Gallery Delivery

Two weeks after your photo session you’ll receive a link to your online gallery of full resolution digital images. From there you can download and share your photos or order prints directly through the gallery.

FAQs

Rest assured that my photo sessions are slow paced and child led. I will never force someone to do something they don’t want to. As a mom of three who loves to play and create (toddlers are my favorite!), I have a wealth of ideas for making photo sessions fun through gentle prompts and fun games. If we need to take a snack break or just chill or listen to a favorite song, we will.
I have a style guide that I send to families upon booking that will give you some suggestions for clothing as well as what to avoid. My best tips: dress for the season, make sure kids are comfortable (no itchy, scratchy outfits) and have mom choose something she feels beautiful in and base the other outfits around hers.
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