AUTHENTIC AND HONEST

family and birth photographer in Olympia, Washington

Documenting motherhood, new life, and family connection with intention

PHOTO + VIDEO

FROM BUMP TO BABY

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I capture the quiet, unscripted moments, the ones that feel like memory long before they become it. The waves of emotion after you meet your baby, the way your toddler tugs at your shirt, or the little gestures that make your family uniquely yours. I’ll gently guide when needed, but my focus is always on connection over perfection.

Preserving family, birth, and maternity photography for families who value memories that last in the PNW.

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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.

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.

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.

From First Kick to First Breath

Documenting the full circle of your transition into motherhood with intentional, all-inclusive collections.

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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.'

DOCUMENTING LIFE AS IT FEELS

Your family’s story is made of fleeting gestures and quiet moments. I create images that feel like memory, not just a record of what happened, but how it felt. With gentle guidance and intentional framing, I help you remember this season in a way that’s honest, beautiful, and uniquely yours.

Let’s Work Together

Military wife, believer, 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.

Behind The Lens

What I Bring to Your Session

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

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

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

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

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.
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 me different?

  • 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 to document every sacred moment of your birth safely and professionally.

  • 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.

  • I don't just stick you in front of a random backdrop. Whether we use a natural light studio in Olympia or Tacoma, or we head to an outdoor spot you love, we’ll pick a location that actually makes sense for your family.

  • I’m here for more than just one photoshoot. From your maternity session to your baby’s birth and their first steps, my goal is to be the photographer you trust to document your family as it grows.

  • Whether or not your images are shared online is entirely up to your comfort level. We go over photo sharing options clearly in your contract, so we are exactly on the same page before your session even begins.

“Our session felt calm, supportive, and effortless, which says a lot for someone who doesn’t always love being in front of the camera!” —Madison Maxey

Curious to see what these intentional sessions look like?

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WON 2025 TOP 20 BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

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"Melanie photographed my 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

REACH OUT

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

Gentle guidance, authentic connection, and images that feel like memory.

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