S Family Fall Session – Lenox Park | Atlanta Family Photographer

Children, Families

So these guys are pretty much my favorite people to photograph… probably because they’re my family and that darling little angel baby is the boy who made me an aunt. We met up at one of my favorite in-town parks on a frigid morning, so Jack’s festive, buffalo check hat worked perfectly to help keep him warm. It’s also the most adorable little winter hat I’ve ever seen, so I was perfectly happy to keep him in it for most of the session. My brother and sister-in-law are such loving, amazing, fun parents and it has been so neat watching them become a family of three this year. It’s hard to believe that Jack is already 8 months old, because it truly feels like just yesterday that we were rushing to the hospital to meet him on his birthday. Before we know it, I’ll be back here posting my favorites from his one year session! I want time to slow down, but it’s also such a great joy watching my nephew grow and learn and turn into an amazing little boy. Enjoy some favorites of my favorites.

G Family Fall Mini Session – Dunwoody | Atlanta Family Photographer

Children, Families

Scott grew up just around the corner from Dunwoody Nature Center, so when I threw it out as a suggestion for their family session, it was an obvious choice for them. I think it brought back a lot of childhood memories for him, and it was also neat to bring his baby boy there for the first time. Wells is seriously such a happy baby — I’ve never seen an infant legitimately smile as much as he did throughout our session! Scott and Ashley, you’ve been blessed with such a beautiful, sweet, and good-natured little guy. I am excited to watch him grow this coming year!

Thank you for another amazing year for MHP!

Uncategorized

After four years in business as Melissa Hayes Photography, this has by far been the best one in so many ways. I was fortunate to serve 65 different families and organizations in a total of 89 sessions. I was accepted into NAPCP, a fantastic association for professional child photographers, and have taken in priceless training and guidance from some industry professionals who I really admire. Most importantly, I’ve had the honor of capturing important and special moments for a number of amazing families who I love and adore.  This business of mine is so much more than just a job — it’s my passion and something that brings an immense joy and fulfillment to my life. There’s not a day that goes by that I am not thanking God for this opportunity to do what I love while still having the blessing of raising my daughter and being with her every day.

I’ve learned and grown so much this year, and I really look forward to bringing my clients the best experience yet in 2018. I’ll leave you with some highlights from 2017. Thank you, thank you, thank you for supporting my business (and in turn, my family)! It means the world to me, and I am thankful for each and every one of you!

R Family Fall Mini Session – Atlanta | Atlanta Family Photographer

Children, Families

I’ve had the honor of photographing dear friends and their families many times over the past 4 years of business, and it just never gets old. It’s so fun watching my friends become parents, and it’s the icing on the cake to get to capture precious moments for them as their children grow. We met up at one of my favorite in-town parks one evening last month, and we had a great time playing in the leaves, watching for dogs, and just being silly until the sun went down and there was no light left for photo-taking. Pretty perfect, if you ask me!

Brewer’s Newborn Session – Decatur | Atlanta Newborn Photographer

Children, Families

This cute little guy, Brewer, was named in honor of his mama’s maiden name, and I just love it. It’s a pretty cool thing when I get invited to a family’s home for the first time to meet and document this special time with their newest addition, their brand new baby.  Meeting new clients is always exciting, and to be honest, a little nerve-wracking, but these sweet parents welcomed me into their home like we’d been friends for years. The connections I make with my clients and their families is one of my favorite things about what I do, and I’m so thankful for the friendships that grow as I see them again and again through the seasons. Here are some favorites from Brewer’s newborn session. I hope you enjoy!