AUTHENTIC AND HONEST

family and birth photographer in Olympia, Washington

Documenting motherhood, new life, and family connection with intention

Work With Me

FROM BUMP TO BABY

PHOTO + VIDEO

Telling Stories Through

Captivating Images

Raw, emotion-driven storytelling that captures every connection and every detail. These are the moments you’ll want to remember, just as they organically unfold.

Woman holding a smiling toddler against a neutral background.

I don’t just show up with a camera.

I curate an intentional experience where your children can be wild, your newborn can be snugged, and you can feel completely at ease.

I want to capture the honest connection that makes your family whole, creating a session that feels less like a 'chore' and more like a memory in the making.

A couple sitting on a bed holding a baby, with two dogs lying on the bed, in a bedroom with beige walls and nightstands with lamps.

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

WON 2025 TOP 20 BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

"Melanie photographed my maternity and birth and all I can I say is WOW. She captured each moment of my birth so beautifully!! I am in love with every single photo. Book her immediately!" -Gabby Barnhart

 
Abstract illustration of a profile with text saying 'Certified Photographer' and 'Birth Becomes You'. Circular design with pastel colors.
Line drawing of a woman with turquoise hair wearing headphones, with text that reads 'featured on' inside a speech bubble.
A logo for Artisan Filmmaker, featuring stylized greenery, a red flower, and text: 'Soulful Storytellers,' 'Artisan,' 'Filmmaker,' and a four-star rating.
"Birth Becomes You" logo with illustration of a woman's outline and text "advanced birth videographer."
Logo of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers featuring a lotus flower and the text 'Accredited Birth Photographer.'
Silver award badge for Birth Photographer of the Year 2025 from Atkins Lab.
Award badge for 'Birth Photographer of the Year 2025' by Atkins Lab, featuring a brown circular design with white text.
A badge or award ribbon with a circular turquoise center, purple ribbon tails, and a decorative purple border. The text reads 'exposing birth. TOP 20 Birth Photographer of The Year 2025 ATKINS LAB EST. 1936.'

documentary

photography + videography

FAMILIES & MATERNITY

BIRTH & NEWBORN

See My Work
A woman with brown hair smiles at the camera while holding a camera in her right hand and touching her head with her left hand, standing next to a window with white blinds.

Behind The Lens

What I Bring to Your Session

I’m not just a photographer; I’m a storyteller and a toddler-whisperer.

  • Experience Design: I help you plan a day that feels like a family outing, not a chore.

  • Personalized Styling Guide: A curated guide and mood boards to help you coordinate your family's look effortlessly.

  • Introvert-Friendly Direction: No stiff posing, just gentle guidance to keep things natural.

  • Full Support: From various location options, both in studio and outdoor, to final prints and albums I am here for you.

Military wife and holistic mama of four based in Olympia, Washington near JBLM. Documenting family, birth, and newborn stories with raw authenticity. To me, motherhood is a ministry and photography is my passion.

Learn More About Me

R E V I E W S

  • “Seriously, my favorite family pictures that have EVER been taken, came from her! She captured all of the playful in-between moments that I cherish” -Kirsten Keel

  • “To say Melanie is amazing would be an understatement! My husband and I both can be quite picky when it comes to photography and when I say we both have nothing but good things to say about Melanie, it’s genuine.” -Hailey

  • "Melanie photographed my maternity and birth and all I can I say is WOW. She captured each moment of my birth so beautifully. 10/10 recommend, I am in love with every single photo" -Gabby Barn

  • "She is incredibly kind, patient, and compassionate during those crumbly moments that always seem to happen during photos with small children. She has an eye for seeing authentic moments & capturing them beautifully" -Anna Stokke

  • "We have used many photographers in the past, and she is our favorite! She is very personable, made us feel very comfortable, and did an excellent job with our toddler and engaging him in the session." -Kierra Caldwell

  • “Her ability to make my husband (who tells to be camera shy) feel at ease was so wonderful. She's also incredibly talented as an event photographer. Book her asap and I promise you won't regret it!!!” -Kristen Kolp

WHAT MAKES MY MOTHERHOOD PACKAGES DIFFERENT?

Expertly Certified

As a 'Birth Becomes You' certified artist and a member of the IAPBP, I don't just 'take photos' of your labor. I have the technical expertise and heart to document every sacred moment of your birth safely and professionally.

Connection Over Perfection

I’m a mama of four; I know kids aren't meant to sit still and smile. I lean into the chaos to capture the actual magic, the way your toddler curls into your neck, not a forced grin.

Curated Backdrops

Whether you want the cozy, controlled light of my two studio locations or a wild, sun-drenched outdoor spot that fits your family's energy, I provide the perfect backdrop for your story.

See My Packages

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REACH OUT

Fill out the form below, I’d love to document your story through photos!

“I’m so glad I found Melanie to photograph my recent birth! She is a true professional, seamless communication, knew how to be unobtrusive in the birth space, captured all the images we asked for. Definitely worth the investment- you can never go back and recapture the moment your baby is born, you only get one chance and I’m so glad we picked her!” -Jessica Dorsey