Reese’s 1 Year Milestone Session – Morningside | Atlanta Children’s Photographer

Reese turned one right around the holidays, and we documented this big milestone with a session in early January. It was literally freezing outside, so we chose to shoot most of her photos inside their beautiful home. I always enjoy coming back to a family’s home for one year sessions and seeing how much has changed (or hasn’t changed) since their newborn session the year prior. Children are most comfortable in their own homes (and the parents usually are, too!), so it’s always a great backdrop for real, genuine portraits of a family.  Reese looked absolutely adorable in her classic dress, and we included a special quilt, which I believe was made for her by her grandmother. She loved my little rocking chair so much that I thought I might have to leave it there with her. 🙂 Here’s to a wonderful year going into toddlerhood!

Avery’s 1 Year Milestone Session – Roswell | Atlanta Children’s Photographer

Avery’s one year milestone session took place the first weekend of January, also known as what was supposed to be Snowpocalypse 2017 in Atlanta. While we didn’t receive much in the way of snow in the city, Avery’s family did actually get some snow/ice cover up their way in Roswell. It was fun to see it still on the ground for their session, and they were such good sports, willing to go outside sans coats for some quick family shots in their yard. You’d never have known it was about 25 degrees outside!

We spent time playing in her nursery before finishing up with her cake smash. It’s always so fun seeing how big these one year olds look in their cribs compared to a year ago! Avery wasn’t a big fan of her cake, but it still made for some pretty adorable (and funny) photos.  We capped off the session with a little bubble bath, which she loved — and so did I! I mean, look at those baby blues! Happy 1st birthday, Miss Avery!

Thank you for an amazing 2016!

What an incredible year 2016 has been for Melissa Hayes Photography! This is the first full year I’ve had as a work-from-home mom, and it has truly been better than anything I could have hoped for. I’ve welcomed many new clients and have had the pleasure of working with numerous repeat clients — all while spending the majority of my time taking care of our little girl. I’m beyond thankful for your continued support of my business. It’s because of you, my dear clients, that I’m able to live my dream!

2017 will bring my 4th year of business, and I look forward to serving the Atlanta area in an even greater capacity. I’ll leave you with some highlights from 2016. Here’s to a fun-filled, healthy, and happy new year!

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December Holiday Mini Sessions | Atlanta Family Photographer

I finished out the last month of the year with three more family sessions, and miraculously, we even got some leaves on the trees for some of them!  These two blonde-haired, blue-eyed brothers and their parents at the top of this post were such a joy to shoot — tons of laughter, leaf-tossing, hugs, and running around. I had another sibling duo — a big sister and little brother — who had so much fun jumping, running, and exploring while we shot at Dunwoody Nature Center. It’s amazing to see how big they’ve gotten since I did my first session with them in spring ’15. I wrapped up with an extended family session for one of my favorite groups of people. The adult kids surprised their mom/mother-in-law with a family session ON her birthday — what a thoughtful, long-lasting, wonderful gift to give someone you love.  Sessions like all of these make me so happy!

That’s a wrap for 2016 sessions, and I look forward to the coming year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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Reagan’s Newborn Session – Buckhead | Atlanta Newborn Photographer

Reagan Elizabeth was born just after Thanksgiving, bringing her family an extra special reason to give thanks this year! We spent the afternoon hanging out in her beautiful nursery, and she was just as sweet as she looks here. Tiny fingers and toes, big blue eyes, and a Santa hat… doesn’t get much more merry.  This was my last newborn session of 2016, and what a please it was! I’m looking forward to meeting more babies in the coming new year!

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