Melissa Jay Photography

06/17/2026

Stepping into a new year of life with grace, confidence, and a bouquet full of possibilities.

Birthday portraits are more than beautiful photos. They are a chance to honor your journey, celebrate your growth, and document the woman you’re becoming.

If you’re planning a birthday session, don’t wait until the last minute! I recommend booking your session 1–2 months before your birthday to allow plenty of time for planning, styling, shooting, and receiving your final images before your special day.

Because every milestone deserves to be celebrated beautifully.

Studio Highlight Creative Studio NJ
Set Assist keebz926

06/02/2026

There is something powerful about a woman who decides to take up space.

Not because she has all the answers. Not because the path is easy. But because she finally realizes that her voice matters, her dreams are valid, and her presence is enough.

Working with .pegeron just gave me all that and more!

Here’s to strong women, evolving women, healing women, leading women, and women becoming the fullest version of themselves. ✨

05/29/2026

A gentle reminder to every expecting mama: you deserve to be in the photos, too. Actually, in this season, you deserve to be the star.

Mom:
Studio
Assist
Lighting
Background

05/15/2026

Motherhood Minis - Part 3!

I truly loved this year’s minis. The Set! The families! The little moments! It was just an all around feel good year. I over edited and delivered way more photos than I intended but I just loved so many shots. Thank you to all of my wonderful families for choosing and trusting me. I’m so grateful.

Now time to officially plan Holiday Minis!

05/12/2026

‘26 Motherhood Minis - Part 2!

05/11/2026

‘26 Motherhood Minis - PART 1

Studio
Floral Design
Creative Set Assistant

04/21/2026

04/15/2026

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week 🤎✨

This image of was never planned. My key light didn’t go off, and in that moment, I thought I missed it.

But looking back, this “mistake” created something I could have never intentionally designed. The depth. The mood. The power. It feels raw, honest, and full of reverence. A reminder that sometimes the most beautiful things are born from the unplanned.

And isn’t that so much like motherhood?

As a mother and a maternity photographer, this week holds so much weight for me. Black women continue to face disproportionately higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth, and it’s something we cannot ignore. Our stories, our bodies, our experiences deserve care, protection, and to be seen.

Images like this are more than portraits. They are a reflection of strength, resilience, vulnerability, and life itself.

Black motherhood is powerful.
Black motherhood is sacred.
Black motherhood deserves to be protected. 🤎

03/28/2026

Because this isn’t just a birthday… it’s a whole era! Happy Sweet 16, Anarre!

Studio
Creative Assistant