Portraits by Melanie

Portraits by Melanie Arkansas Based Photography Educator Bellies & Babies | Families and Children

"And all at once, summer collapsed into fall."_ Oscar Wilde
11/29/2025

"And all at once, summer collapsed into fall."_ Oscar Wilde

"A baby fills a place in your heart you never knew was empty." The Langford family is absolutely glowing. Their family r...
11/29/2025

"A baby fills a place in your heart you never knew was empty." The Langford family is absolutely glowing. Their family radiates so much love and light, and I'm so excited for their newest blessing.

I've thought of a thousand ways to caption this session, and none of them ever felt quite big enough for what it meant. ...
11/29/2025

I've thought of a thousand ways to caption this session, and none of them ever felt quite big enough for what it meant. I've photographed the Nash family for over a decade, and in that time, they've become so much more than customers- they have become people that I genuinely cherish. Last fall, they experienced an unimaginable loss when Cody, someone deeply loved and an incredibly skilled medic with Survival Flight, passed away. This was our first session without him physically present, and I knew it would be emotional in ways that are hard to put into words. At the end of our session, Allison and the kids quietly gathered the shirts they had brought that read "You Are Enough" and asked to include Cody in their family portraits. They held close in the way they carry him now, with tenderness and strength. As we wrapped up the portraits with their family complete, including Cody, I asked for just one more image. And in that exact moment, as we were loading up the car, we heard the soft unmistakable sound of helicopter blades. We all looked up, and there above us, visible at the top of the sky in the last image in their album, was Survival Flight passing directly above their heads. I've photographed at this location for years and have not once seen them fly over until that moment. I went into this session thinking these would be our first family photos without Cody, but standing there watching that helicopter drift across, I knew without a doubt, his spirit was there with his family and loved in every frame. I was reminded of the message they wore so intentionally: You are enough. You always were. You always will be.

Thankful for the Yarber family. They are a joy, and I always laugh with them until my stomach hurts. I love extended fam...
11/29/2025

Thankful for the Yarber family. They are a joy, and I always laugh with them until my stomach hurts. I love extended family sessions, and this one is extra special. There is something amazing about watching generations coming together, laughing, hugging and filling a space together.

I got into the car after this session and immediately text Kaden's mom to tell her what an incredible young man she's ra...
11/29/2025

I got into the car after this session and immediately text Kaden's mom to tell her what an incredible young man she's raised. Meeting these two was such a joy. They were fun, effortless, and completely natural in front of the camera. Their connection is so genuine that you can feel their love through every single image. It was so wonderful capturing their story.

It's been a few years since I've seen this beautiful crew, and I couldn't believe how much the kids have grown. Time rea...
11/29/2025

It's been a few years since I've seen this beautiful crew, and I couldn't believe how much the kids have grown. Time really does fly. Spending the afternoon with them reminded me of how much of a blessing it is to catch up, laugh together and see how each personality has bloomed with time. I'm feeling truly grateful to have been invited back into their world for another season.

I've officially reached the "old lady" stage of senior sessions where I find myself saying, "Hey, I graduated with your ...
11/29/2025

I've officially reached the "old lady" stage of senior sessions where I find myself saying, "Hey, I graduated with your dad!" David is such a great kid. He is kind, respectful and super easy to talk to. He even laughs at my jokes :) I enjoyed every minute of photographing him.

"If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart." I'm so incredibly happy for the Conway family and their newes...
11/29/2025

"If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart." I'm so incredibly happy for the Conway family and their newest blessing. Watching their love grow, and getting to capture these fleeting moments is such a gift.

I don't technically play favorites... but if I did, the Hawkins family would definitely be at the top of the list. I tru...
11/29/2025

I don't technically play favorites... but if I did, the Hawkins family would definitely be at the top of the list. I truly adore these people. Getting to catch up with them year after year feels like reconnecting with family, and I'm so grateful for the trust they've given through ever season. I cherish ALL of my families, but the Hawkins crew will always hold a special place in my heart.

One of my favorite girls celebrated a birthday last month. Happy 13th, Moo!
11/29/2025

One of my favorite girls celebrated a birthday last month. Happy 13th, Moo!

Back at the beginning of October, Stephen and I had the honor of capturing Madison and Alec's love story. Their wedding ...
11/29/2025

Back at the beginning of October, Stephen and I had the honor of capturing Madison and Alec's love story. Their wedding was truly one of the most beautiful ceremonies, and we couldn't be happier for them. It was such a joy to witness and document their day!

It's hard to believe there was ever a time when the Brock family were strangers. We first connected a few years ago thro...
11/29/2025

It's hard to believe there was ever a time when the Brock family were strangers. We first connected a few years ago through my business page as they searched for a maternity photographer for their daughter and now here we are with me tearing up at the business expo when Danielle told me they were expecting again. Photography has brought some of the most meaningful friendships into my life, and the Brocks are truly the most precious people. I feel so blessed to be trusted with their most sacred seasons, year after year.

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605 North Church Street
Atkins, AR
72823

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

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