Hyla Melloy

Hyla Melloy For inquiries, please contact [email protected] or www.hylamelloy.com

Cuteness overload. 🥹I first met Elowen and her parents when she was three years old, and I'm so happy I got to celebrate...
20/07/2026

Cuteness overload. 🥹

I first met Elowen and her parents when she was three years old, and I'm so happy I got to celebrate this milestone with them.

Someday, these images will stand alongside other milestones and accomplishments. Knowing Elowen, I have a feeling this is just the beginning of an incredible journey.

I can't wait to share the rest of Elowen's family session, but today belongs to our little graduate. ❤️

Elowen | ISS Kindergarten Class of 2026

Projected High School Class of 2038

www.hylamelloy.com

Saturday ConversationI've been sitting with my thoughts a lot lately about my approach to photographing people and how I...
18/07/2026

Saturday Conversation

I've been sitting with my thoughts a lot lately about my approach to photographing people and how I can move from genre to genre while still feeling like the same person behind the camera.

The environment changes. The people change. The principles guiding how I respond do not.

I first met Aimee and Ellee around Ellee's second birthday. It was a seasonal session at a tree farm on a bitterly cold December morning.

Short sessions with young children are always unpredictable. Challenging weather added another layer of complexity.

I don't remember every minute of our interaction, but I know the questions guiding me then were the same ones that guide me today.

• How do I adapt my knowledge of lighting, posing, composition, and camera settings to the environment we're working in?

• How do I draw on my personal experiences and my experience as a photographer to make this experience easier?

• What feelings and emotions do I want to help preserve?

• How will this experience be remembered?

No matter who is in front of my camera, these questions are always at the forefront of my mind.

The first helps me create a beautiful photograph.

The second helps me create an environment where natural moments of connection can emerge despite the challenges of the situation.

The third is what transforms the photograph into something deeply meaningful.

The fourth shapes how someone remembers the experience and how they feel when it's time to be photographed again.

I've photographed Aimee and Ellee every year since our first meeting.

When we met again last month for a seasonal session among the poppies, the conditions were completely different, but the same questions continued to guide me.

That's why it means so much to me when one session turns into years of shared experiences.

When Aimee Mittino says, "Hyla is our photographer," I smile because I know she's not just referring to beautiful photographs.

She's talking about someone who has earned her trust - and I am deeply honored.

Do you know what I love most about these images?I don’t just see the “now” version of them. I see the years of love and ...
17/07/2026

Do you know what I love most about these images?

I don’t just see the “now” version of them. I see the years of love and trust built on countless decisions, big and small.

When I pulled Reneé Duncan and her husband, Michael, aside for some “just us” photos, what I really wanted to capture was the way they were each other’s center of gravity.

The fact that these were also the images they chose for their gallery makes me smile. I know that years and decades from now, they’ll look back on these photographs and reminisce about the afternoon they spun, nuzzled, laughed, and shared a few “The Notebook” moments of their own.

Happy belated anniversary to these two lovebirds! ❤️

What a beautiful morning for making memories.We planned Taylor's session to include her family and to reflect her experi...
16/07/2026

What a beautiful morning for making memories.

We planned Taylor's session to include her family and to reflect her experience living in Germany and a childhood spent traveling the world.

The images suit them, and I kept thinking, “this fits,” as I curated their gallery.

Not just the locations, but the quiet moments, the genuine smiles, and the way her family interacts. It all feels so unmistakably them.

During our session, we talked about our experiences living overseas and shared some of our favorite travel memories. I came to appreciate her dad's passion for photography and had to smile as we discovered how many similar stories our families share.

I found my conversation with Taylor about being a third-culture kid especially insightful. We talked about what it means to return to the United States after living overseas for so long and experiencing so much of the world.

The café photo is easily one of my favorite images. I love it not just because it captures such a beautifully European moment, but because I can imagine how many quiet moments like this have been part of Taylor’s life.

Creating photographs that families will treasure for decades is what I do.

Helping create the memories that go with them will always be my favorite part.

Taylor | Class of '26
www.hylamelloy.com

While most families navigate one major transition this time of year, the Burkman family is navigating two: Jase graduate...
14/07/2026

While most families navigate one major transition this time of year, the Burkman family is navigating two: Jase graduated from high school, and Caden graduated from college.

I got to know Caden and Jase as individuals during their senior portrait sessions, Caden in the fall of 2021 and Jase in the fall of 2025.

This time, I got to see who they are together as siblings, enjoying a beautiful summer in Stuttgart after a well-earned academic year.

Chapters change. Relationships evolve.

What makes me smile is knowing that this chapter does not mean goodbye. It’s simply, “See you soon.”

These photos preserve who they are, both as individuals and as siblings, in this moment in time.

And of course, I kept saying, “Wait... wait... one more!”

Congratulations, Team Burkman! I'm cheering you on from the sidelines❤️

Jase | SHS Class of ’26
Caden | Columbia University Class of ’26

A small update from me ❤️Beginning August 1, my portrait pricing and collections will be changing.This is my first prici...
13/07/2026

A small update from me ❤️

Beginning August 1, my portrait pricing and collections will be changing.

This is my first pricing adjustment in nearly three years.

During that time, I've continued to invest in improving both the quality of my work and the experience I provide for every client.

I've also taken this opportunity to redesign my portrait collections to make the process even easier and more enjoyable, from planning your session to selecting your images and preserving them for years to come.

I wanted to share this now because I believe in being transparent and giving families time to plan ahead.

If you've been considering booking a portrait session, simply reach out before August 1. You'll have the option to choose from either my current collections or the new ones. Beginning August 1, all new inquiries will receive the updated Welcome Guide with the new collections and pricing.

Thank you, as always, for allowing me to be part of so many meaningful moments in your lives and for trusting me with events that are truly once-in-a-lifetime. It is one of my greatest honors as a photographer, and I look forward to continuing to serve this incredible community.

P.S. I'm out of the office for the rest of the day. I'll return messages tomorrow during office hours. ❤️

Sundays have a funny way of disappearing.To-do lists start forming in our heads. Thoughts of “getting ahead of the week”...
12/07/2026

Sundays have a funny way of disappearing.

To-do lists start forming in our heads. Thoughts of “getting ahead of the week” start creeping in. Before we know it, it’s already bedtime.

I know this because I lived that way for years, until I decided I didn’t want my Sundays to keep disappearing.

I hope you give yourself the chance to simply enjoy today.

A slow cup of coffee. A walk with your family. Laughing with your kids. Calling someone you love. Whatever today looks like for you, I hope you have a few moments when you are fully there for it.

Years from now, these ordinary Sundays may become some of your favorite memories.

Tomorrow will be here soon enough.

For today, simply enjoy living them.

Tomorrow’s to-do list can wait until tomorrow.

Have a beautiful Sunday. ❤️

Saturday Morning Conversation:I’ve photographed thousands of people over the last eleven years, and here’s what I’ve not...
11/07/2026

Saturday Morning Conversation:

I’ve photographed thousands of people over the last eleven years, and here’s what I’ve noticed.

Most people don’t postpone portraits because they don’t value photographs or because they don’t want them.

They wait because they’ve convinced themselves that a future version of who they are will be more worthy of the investment.

Here’s what I know:

Your worth has never been contingent on becoming a future, or a different, version of yourself.

A few years ago, as my work began taking me to incredible places around the world, I made a decision.

I stopped telling myself I would book the portrait session when I lost the weight, "looked better", or felt more confident.

Instead, I chose to celebrate the life I was already living.

I learned to love who I am now, not just who I might become.

When I traveled to Petra, Jordan for a conference earlier this year, I hired an incredible photographer to photograph us because I wanted to remember more than the place.

I wanted to remember myself there, with Adam: my husband, my partner, my best friend, and my closest confidant.

Not a future version of me.

Me.

Standing in one of the most extraordinary places I had ever seen, beside the person I was building this extraordinary life with.

I wanted to remember the adventure, the joy, the love, and how it felt to be there together.

If photography has taught me anything, it’s this:

You don’t have to earn permission to celebrate the life you’re already living.

You are already worth the investment.

Fiona Sheppard, I can't thank you enough for these stunning photographs. More importantly, thank you for seeing me and capturing the very best of us. ❤️

If there was ever any doubt that we needed to photograph Cole’s entire family during his senior session, his mom’s words...
10/07/2026

If there was ever any doubt that we needed to photograph Cole’s entire family during his senior session, his mom’s words sealed the deal:

“That’s literally all I was put on this earth to do as their mama, love and cherish every part of who they are. 💕”

And honestly, that love comes through in every single image.

Cole’s portraits are strong, unique, and more than capable of standing alone as an incredible senior session. We chose a historic ruin on the edge of the Black Forest as the setting for his styled shoot, and it could not have been more perfect.

The location gave us so much versatility. We were able to create epic, cinematic images inspired by some of his favorite characters while also capturing timeless senior portraits that feel completely natural and true to who Cole is.

But even with all of that, the images would not have told the full story.

Because Cole’s story is also about his family.

They are the people who love him fiercely, cheer him on, make him laugh, tease him relentlessly in the way only a close-knit family can, and happily participate in whatever shenanigans are happening next.

That is exactly why we planned an extended session.

We wanted the epic portraits, but we also wanted the chaos, the laughter, the inside jokes, the hugs, the eye rolls, and all the wonderfully unserious moments that make this family so much fun.

And they absolutely delivered.

These are the sessions I love most. The ones that celebrate the senior while also preserving the people and relationships that helped shape them.

Because senior portraits can be bold, creative, and completely unique while still leaving room for a whole lot of family love and shenanigans.

I’m so thankful Cole’s parents trusted me to see and celebrate him exactly as he is in this chapter. ❤️

Cole | Class of '26
www.hylamelloy.com

Throwback Thursday: Josie's Quinceañera session, part 1.I'm currently in the process of planning Josie's senior portrait...
09/07/2026

Throwback Thursday: Josie's Quinceañera session, part 1.

I'm currently in the process of planning Josie's senior portrait session, and I'm feeling so nostalgic looking back at her Quinceañera images.

That afternoon at Schloss Solitude was one of those beautiful, sun-drenched days that felt like it would last forever. The light was absolutely magical, and every image brings me right back to that moment.

One of the greatest joys of my job is getting to watch families grow. From milestone celebrations like a Quinceañera to senior year and beyond, there's something incredibly special about being invited back to document each new chapter. It's a privilege I'll never take for granted, and I'm so grateful for every family who trusts me with their memories year after year.

Now we're planning Josie's senior portraits, and I can't wait to create another set of memories with her and her family.

I also have some exciting news to share! 🎉 This school year, I've been selected as the official school photographer for Stuttgart High School. I'll be photographing portraits for both underclassmen and seniors, including the indoor and outdoor senior images for the Class of 2027. It is truly an honor to continue serving the SHS community in this role.

If your senior is hoping for a custom portrait experience beyond their official school portraits, now is the time to reach out. My fall calendar fills quickly every year, and this fall is looking especially intense, in the best way.

Senior year only happens once, and I am SO excited to meet the SHS Class of 2027! ❤️

Josie | Class of '27
www.hylamelloy.com

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