Portraits by Melanie

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

Sunrise with the Smiths. For the past several years, this kind family has trusted me to take their traditional sunset se...
07/13/2025

Sunrise with the Smiths. For the past several years, this kind family has trusted me to take their traditional sunset sessions to sunrise. Early mornings mean sacrificing sleep and braving those quiet summer sunrises to capture something truly special. I'm so grateful for their continue trust and the joy they bring to every session. It's always worth the early wakeup call when I get to spend time with families like this, making memories in the most beautiful light.

People ask me often why I'm drawn to family photography, or what my favorite type of photography is. It's always hard to...
07/13/2025

People ask me often why I'm drawn to family photography, or what my favorite type of photography is. It's always hard to put into words what I feel for the families and babies I photograph. Family photography to me is life in motion. It's not about the perfect poses or sitting for the perfect smile. Although we work hard to get that in there, it's the real life stuff. The tiny, beautiful chaos of every day life. It's your children running barefoot across your land. It's chasing crickets and proudly showing them off before tossing them back into the grass. Its belly laughs while taking turns being "air planed" on moms legs. It's the quiet rhythm of swinging together on the old wooden swing that holds all of your memories. It really is the ordinary moments that are actually extraordinary. The ones that go by so fast but mean so much. When I am with families I look so much deeper than smiles. I've always pushed myself to feel the love, the energy and the story. The images I want to become more than pictures. I want them to be memories you can hold onto forever, and a reminder the simplest moments are the ones worth keeping forever. Sometimes thank-you doesn't feel like enough to those of you who have trusted me to do all of that for you for so long. For what it is worth, I am so thankful.

Only in Arkansas can you get sunshine, rain, wind, and calm skies-- all in one hour of photos! This session had it all, ...
07/13/2025

Only in Arkansas can you get sunshine, rain, wind, and calm skies-- all in one hour of photos! This session had it all, and somehow it made the moments even more magical. This sweet family means the world to me, truly. I've had the honor of documenting their journey for years, and I'm always aware of how special it is. I'm beyond excited for this next chapter in their lives, and I can't wait to capture every beautiful, fleeting moment along the way.

"In her womb, she holds a heartbeat. In her heart, she holds a lifetime of love."
07/02/2025

"In her womb, she holds a heartbeat. In her heart, she holds a lifetime of love."

The Graham family holds a special place in my heart. I've had the honor capturing their love story from the very beginni...
07/02/2025

The Graham family holds a special place in my heart. I've had the honor capturing their love story from the very beginning, and each chapter feels more meaningful. Brooke carries motherhood with such grace. It captivates me every time. I'm super thankful to document each journey with them!

It's just after 6 a.m. The world is still, and the air is soft. You are alone with your babies in a beautiful hill, wrap...
07/02/2025

It's just after 6 a.m. The world is still, and the air is soft. You are alone with your babies in a beautiful hill, wrapped in golden quiet. There's something about sunrise that has always felt almost sacred to me. Like the universe paused just long enough for you to remember how fleeting and precious this little season is. People always think I am wild for doing sunrise sessions on my weekends off, but this is my why. The love and the light are worth it every single time.

There's something special about families who come back each year full of laughter, love and inside jokes that make the s...
07/02/2025

There's something special about families who come back each year full of laughter, love and inside jokes that make the session feel like a reunion. Watching this crew grow and capturing their joy is truly the highlight of each season for me.

I may be forever behind on social media, but lately, I’ve been soaking in the slower moments—the ones that make life fee...
06/19/2025

I may be forever behind on social media, but lately, I’ve been soaking in the slower moments—the ones that make life feel beautifully full. This season of life is my favorite. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle has reminded me how much I cherish the quiet joys: picking up my camera now and then, reconnecting with families I’ve photographed over the years, and getting lost in the little pockets of time that feel like home.

This side passion of mine continues to bring so much meaning, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who invite me into their lives to help tell their story.

One day I’ll catch up on posting, but until then, I hope you enjoy these little pop-up shares—often long after the photos have made it to the hands and hearts they were meant for.

Thank you for being a part of this journey and letting me keep this piece of my heart alive.

Love is all you need
06/08/2025

Love is all you need

Bloom where you are planted.
05/18/2025

Bloom where you are planted.

"Rainy days are just another excuse to hold your hand a little tighter."
05/17/2025

"Rainy days are just another excuse to hold your hand a little tighter."

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Atkins, AR

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

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