Melliemadephotography

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Melliemadephotography

Orange County Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photographer Hi! Thanks for visiting my page! I'm Melanie and I'm an Orange County photographer.

I love capturing tender and timeless images for couples and families, because I know how quickly time passes us by over the years. Send me a message if you want to get started. I can't wait to hear from you!

09/07/2026

Imagine taking photos this year not just for printing holiday cards to send to your friends and family, but to remember all of the feelings you felt for your loved ones in this season of your life.

I've been so obsessed lately with trying to highlight those moments between mother and child, husband and wife, brother and sister. Those moments that you see on a day to day basis between your loved ones but didn't/ COULDN'T pull out your camera quickly enough for. I feel like I encounter those moments with my kiddos on the regular, and each time I happen to be close to my phone camera, by the time I turn it towards them, the moment is gone. Replaced by a look of "what's your phone doing here?" So I wanted to make it a point to encapsulate as many of those authentic memories for my families in the art that I create.

So maybe you will continue to scroll past my photos and just see "pretty photos" and nothing more. But I hope when my families see my photos, they will see so much more than meets the eye. And I hope those same feelings they felt with their loved ones will come back to them and wrap them up in a warm hug.

OC family photographer, LA family photographer

08/24/2026

One of the most common things I hear from my clients is, “I’m just sooo awkward in front of the camera.” 😂
And honestly? Some of my favorite sessions are with the couples who tell me this before we even start.
You don’t have to be naturally photogenic. You don’t have to know how to pose. And you definitely don’t have to know what to do with your hands. That’s where I come in!
I’ll give you plenty of direction and little prompts to help you move, laugh, cuddle, and interact naturally, while leaving enough room for those genuine moments to happen on their own.
Because sometimes the couples who are convinced they’re going to be awkward end up creating the most beautiful, authentic images. You just have to trust me, and leave a little room for magic to happen. ✨
Laguna Beach Maternity Photographer, Newport Beach Maternity Photographer

08/17/2026

Newborn sessions can be a little chaotic—especially when there are two toddlers running around, too. 😂
But honestly, that’s part of my job. My goal is to take a little bit of that craziness off your plate while still giving you beautiful photographs that you’ll cherish for years to come.
When I first arrive at your home, I’ll usually move a few small pieces of furniture around to find the spots that will photograph best. And while I’m doing that, I’m also getting to know your toddlers.
Because let’s be honest… they are very curious about the new person who just walked into their house. 😂 They want to know what I’m doing, what my camera does, and probably about 47 other things—and I’m more than happy to chat with them.
By the time we start taking photos, they’re usually warmed up and comfortable with me. And if they’re still feeling extra energetic that day, no big deal. I’ll work with it, get them in and out of photos with baby as quickly and painlessly as possible, and let them go back to being toddlers.
You get to spend less time worrying about getting everyone to cooperate and more time soaking up these little moments with your newborn. 🤍
Pasadena Newborn Photographer, Long Beach Newborn Photographer

08/10/2026

When Jen first contacted me wanting to incorporate her Filipino heritage in her photos, I was super excited to help bring her vision to life.
From the fabric fan to matching her outfit pieces to a gown from my client's closet, everything came together perfectly!
It was so sweet getting to capture their love for one another, she even cried some tears during a more touching part of our photoshoot. 🥹 And to end this shoot, was THE cutest Magic card I have ever laid my eyes on (for all the geeks out there). Definitely worth scrolling to the last photo to look at. 😍
Irvine Maternity Photographer, Tustin Maternity Photographer

08/03/2026

Motherhood lately has felt so difficult at times.
You basically go from knowing absolutely nothing about babies and children, to suddenly having to be the expert at all things babies and children for the most important people in your life. No job in the world more important, and no job in the world where people would expect you to jump into it with absolutely no training. Go figure.
And then, just when I think I got it generally figured out, they grow a little bigger, and riddle me this new problem. Currently it has been toddler fights and honestly it feels embarrassing at times that I still don't have it all figured out, but then I have to remind myself: I AM A BEGINNER MOM and YES, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THIS JOB CORRECTLY YET. And honestly, I probably never will. And as frustrating as that is, I will continue to listen to parenting podcasts until these guys behave, or until I go clinically insane. 😂
Anyway, if you are a mom out there going through the same, just know that you're not alone, and if you want to take it a step further, please send me some heart emojis or a message of solidarity to a struggling sista. 🥹
Huntington Beach Maternity Photographer, Newport Beach Maternity Photographer

07/27/2026

When Tammy first came to me with her vision for her maternity session, I wanted to make sure we created something that truly honored this chapter of her life.
She sent over lots of inspiration photos, and together we talked about what she envisioned for her photoshoot.
From there, I found the location, helped style her session, guided her every step of the way, and brought her vision to life in a way that felt uniquely hers.
If you swipe to the second slide, you'll see the message she sent me afterward.
Messages like this mean so much to me because my goal has never been to simply recreate a Pinterest photo. It's to create a session that feels personal, intentional, and unforgettable—one that tells your story in a way you'll treasure for years to come.
Pregnant? The best time to book a session is 2-3+months before you reach 30 weeks.
Lake Forest Maternity Photographer, Tustin Maternity Photographer

07/20/2026

Give me neutral walls & white bedsheets in a room with a nice window and watch me make some magic ✨
OC Newborn Photographer, LA Newborn Photographer

07/13/2026

Photos that feel authentic to your family's story and hold every piece of your heart, no matter how big or small your family may be.
OC Family Photographer, LA Family Photographer

07/06/2026

One of my favorite parts of newborn photography is arranging fresh flowers around the tiny little babies I get to meet. 🌸
With family sessions, I'm usually running around, chasing toddlers, making silly noises, and keeping everyone laughing. But when it's time for baby's solo portraits, everything slows down for a little while. It's one of the quietest, most peaceful parts of my job, and honestly, I look forward to it every single session.
When I first started photography, I tried everything—tiny outfits, colorful wraps, baskets, bowls... you name it. But over the years, I've found myself coming back to what I love most:
✨ Soft white wraps
✨ Delicate little accessories
✨ Fresh, hand-picked florals
There's something so timeless about keeping things simple. The flowers add a little touch of magic without ever taking the spotlight away from the newest little person in the room. And years from now, I hope these portraits feel just as beautiful and classic as the day they were taken. 🤍
Los Angeles Newborn Photographer, Orange County Newborn Photographer

06/29/2026

A little behind-the-scenes secret about this session... ✨

Mama actually arrived in a nice dress she had picked out herself. But once we got to our location and took a gallery of photos, I kept picturing one of the gowns from my client closet. I asked if she'd be willing to try it on, and the second she stepped into it, everything just clicked.

Sometimes it's the smallest change that completely transforms a session.

One of my favorite parts about my complimentary client closet is that these gowns aren't just beautiful—they're chosen because they photograph beautifully. They catch the light, move effortlessly with the breeze, and create that soft, dreamy feeling you see in my work.

You don't have to figure all of that out on your own—that's my job. I'll help you choose pieces that work with the location, the light, and the overall vision so your photos feel just as magical as the moment itself. 🤍
Orange County Maternity Photographer, San Diego Maternity Photographer

Address

Minneapolis, MN

Website

http://www.melliemadephotography.com/

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