Thank you for another amazing year for MHP!

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!

BOO! Halloween 2017

I think it’s safe to say that after this year, our daughter Leighton is officially a big fan of Halloween. She still didn’t quite get the whole trick-or-treat concept, but she loved wearing her Olympic Gymnast costume and walking the beam (the curb around the neighborhood) and doing somersaults all over the grass. We dressed as her proud parents in our USA t-shirts, and our dog Coco even participated with an American flag bandana. We decorated her wagon to look like the podium for the medal ceremony, where she of course took home the gold. Team LL all the way!

Leighton wasn’t even the slightest bit scared of the spooky decorations at our neighbors’ homes, and she had the time of her life running around at our neighborhood potluck with her best friend. The only house she wanted to get candy from was our next door neighbors, who are so sweet and just adore her and Coco — they even brought over a Halloween treat bag for them earlier in the day. She’s still sleeping with her stuffed ghost. 🙂 She ran between their house and ours no less than 20 times, grabbing a handful of fun sized candies and bringing them back to stash in her “putt dot” (pumpkin) treat bag. I think she would have stayed out there all night had we let her. We also ended up with more candy than we started out with, thanks to her shenanigans.

Each holiday we’ve celebrated this year has been so magical with Leighton, and Halloween is no exception. Enjoy some of my favorite shots from our holiday!

Wells’ Newborn Session – Hoschton | Atlanta Newborn Photographer

Michael “Wells” was named after his dad and also in honor of his mama’s beloved grandfather. His dad has been friends with my younger brother since college, and it’s been really fun watching them grow up, get married, and now both have their first babies. Wells was the sweetest, sleepy angel during his session, and his puppy siblings were too funny… they scarfed down raw green beans as a treat! (Now if only I could get our dog to go for that…)
One of Ashley’s family members made the most adorable little black and white tie to look like one of her grandfather’s favorites that he used to wear, so naturally, we had to get some shots of Wells in that. I love being able to incorporate items that have a special meaning to the family, and there’s no doubt that those photos of Wells will always remind Ashley of her grandfather. Welcome to the world, Wells! We’re glad you’re here.

Fall 2017 Mini Sessions Now Available!

Fall 2017 Mini Sessions are now available!

I am also offering regular family sessions throughout the fall, but availability will be limited. See the INVESTMENT page for more information on regular family sessions.