Melissa Renae Photography

09/06/2026

It may have been a little warm at their session yesterday, but this gorgeous family didn’t seem to mind one bit.

When your oldest is heading away for two years, you squeeze in those family pictures whenever you can. Even if it means sweating a little.

Because these are the moments you’ll be so glad you took the time to document!

09/03/2026

It's World Beard Day!

And since I am a newborn photographer, I thought I would bring back this gem.

I hope you enjoy.

09/02/2026

I need a new word. Because “obsessed” is officially not cutting it anymore.

I recently delivered this gallery, and I swear, every time I look through it, I get that little “AHHH, I love these” feeling all over again.

I know people kind of overuse “obsessed,” but what else am I supposed to say when I’m this ridiculously happy with a gallery?

And honestly, I can only imagine what Mama is going to say when she opens it.

So help a photographer out: what word comes after “obsessed” on the awesome-ness scale?

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?