maternity Archives - Melodee Lynn Photography

March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

Salt River Maternity Session

This Salt River Maternity session gives me all the feels and squeals. Not only was the light enchanting, but the subjects just happen to be my favorite people in the whole world, my sister and brother-in-law.

You guys, I don’t think I’ve ever had a session where the photos speak for themselves. I’m staring my computer screen feeling so giddy and wondering just what exactly I should say. And then my eyes glance down and meet my sister’s piercing blue eyes and I think, oh my gosh, I’m obsessed.

This is my sister.

The most selfless, kind hearted and beautiful person I know and she’s having a little girl! A little girl to inherit her laughter, her ginormous heart and her thoughtfulness. Oh Mary Grace, you didn’t just luck out with the best mom in the world, you have the best dad too! If you know Ralf, you know he has a heart of gold. He possess patience and gentleness that seems so rare today.

Sis, do you remember that one Sunday morning, you were sitting in the middle section about 6 rows from the back of the auditorium? Your head was down and tears were in your eyes because you were terrified and excited about where God was leading you. Terrified because you knew change was coming, excited because you knew change was coming. And we prayed together. It was then that God was preparing your heart for the incredible journey you would go on to meet Ralf.

And it wasn’t long after that morning that you met him.

And it wasn’t long after that until he was taking you for street tacos.

And it wasn’t long after that until he was down on one knee on those tennis courts.

And it wasn’t long after that until you were walking down the aisle.

And now it won’t be long (hopefully a week from today) when you’ll welcome your baby girl into the world.

You’ll be able to look back and see how the Lord has been so good. How he has directed your steps and led you to this time and this place.

Sis and Ralf,

I saw the joy that radiated from you on your wedding day. It was contagious. But it’s nothing compared to what I see reflected in these photos. Mary Grace is the luckiest little girl in the whole entire world to have you two as parents!

Click here to see my sister’s baby shower!

Dress: Pink Blush
Maternity Belt: Gold Coast Chic
Make-Up: Jessica Hamblin

May 21, 2017

Allie + Aaron | Sedona, Arizona

Dear Allie,

In only two short months, you’ll be holding a little bundle in your arms. You’ll experience for the first time, what it’s like when heaven meets earth. Though we’ll never understand the fullness of God’s love, that little bundle will open up your heart to a new side of God’s love that you have never before experienced. You’ll laugh, but because you’re you, you’ll cry at the goodness of God’s love laying there squiggling in your arms.

Life changes in a big way (though I didn’t believe people when they told me that), but it changes in the very best ways possible. In the days to come, you’ll be exhausted, wondering if ou’ll ever experience a full nights rest again. And you will, I promise.

You’ll probably ask for advice, people will give it, and then you’ll regret asking for advice because everyone’s opinions will drive you absolutely crazy. Bless their hearts.

Despite what you may believe at times, you are the absolute best mom for Tobias. God gave him to you. He has entrusted you with the care of His child, knowing full well you’ll raise him to be the man He desires him to be. You’ll probably wonder if you’re doing it right, and I wish I could tell you the answer, but I can’t. In fact, I’m 99% sure most of the time I’m doing it wrong.

The last 4 years, there’s been one word that has gotten me through the sleepless nights, all of the overwhelming questions of inquisitive toddlers and feelings of complete weariness. It’s a word, a name actually, that brings hope, peace and a strength like no other. It’s not a secret really and sometimes I don’t use it as frequently as I should. When you find yourself in a place where you can’t distinguish the joy from the pure exhaustion- whisper, shout, speak, pray, write…whatever you need to do, the name of Jesus. He is the only hope for us weary mommas.

I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories of the worst days. Of how hard it’s going to be but I promise you, the best days are yet to come. The good out weighs the bad. The joy outweighs the exhaustion. He’s called you to this time and this place, this is what you were made for.

August 8, 2016August 9, 2016

Shelby Lung: Scottsdale, Arizona Cosmetologist

I first met Shelby when she was in Junior High! Believe it or not, I had the privilege of coaching her and her sister in volleyball. They are the sweetest girls with a passion for life. I can’t believe that Shelby is already 20, has had a modeling career, graduated cosmetology school and is now working at a salon in Old Town Scottsdale.

Shelby and I have partnered together to bring photography clients the ultimate experience. While hair and makeup is not a part of my standard packages, I am giving clients the opportunity to buy her services al a carte. Shelby will also pop in here and there on my blog to give clients tips on how to wear their hair and makeup for their session!

So take a moment, read Shelby’s bio and get to know her!

Hi! I’m Shelby! My passion for hair and makeup began at a very early age. I remember doing my cousin’s hair for family outings and playing with my friend’s hair during school. I always admired the creativity and uniqueness behind hair styling and makeup artistry in the everyday world.
When I was in high school I started modeling professionally. I was traveling a lot for photo shoots, and training sessions, and events all over the Unites States. I continued to model here and there after high school for photo shoots and hair shows, but during this journey I really fell in love with the behind the scenes work of the high fashion industry.
Having a background in modeling I have developed a passion for hair styling and expression through makeup. My philosophy with makeup is to keep the integrity of your natural beauty and enhance it!
After completing cosmetology school and going to work in a salon I wanted to be able to continue to express my passion, and love that I get to do that on a daily basis now as a career and through photography. Whether you’re walking the runway or it’s the big day; creating a style for your occasion is my specialty!
Xoxo
Shelby

August 4, 2016August 16, 2016

Welcome Packets

One of the upgrades I made with my rebranding is a Welcome Packet. The last few years, I’ve played email tag with clients trying to figure out locations, what to wear and when they will receive their pictures. I’ve put all of my most frequently asked questions into a packet to send to all of my clients, both returning and new. If you’re a photographer looking for inspiration, I’ve listed where I purchased each piece at the end!

In the black linen folder, you’ll find 5 inserts: What to Wear, What to Expect, Print Release, Locations and an Appointment Card. You’ll also find my business card and a hand written note to each of my clients.

What to Wear, What to Expect and the Print Release are all pretty self explanatory. To help me not to forget to send the Print Release to clients with their photos, I just decided to add it in with everything else so they have a physical copy already with them.

For Locations, I listed 5 places that are my absolute favorite. I know and trust the lighting and have my favorite spots already picked out. Sometimes there are so many options, that it’s hard to pick so giving clients a short list to choose from help boost their confidence when making their decision. They always say, “I don’t know, you’re the photographer!” So I educate them to make the best choice.

I added an appointment card so clients will have something tangible of mine that they will want and need to keep. Of course, most will write it down on their calendar as soon as you confirm the date, but on the off chance that they don’t I’ve provided them with something to help remind them of when their session is. It’s all about the details.

Black Folders: Paper Presentation

White Envelopes: Paper Presentation

Inserts: Designed and printed by me

Stationary: Tiny Prints (I also purchased matching address labels and polka dot envelope liners)

Luxe Square Business Cards: Moo

Custom Logo Stamp: Fall For Design

July 3, 2016July 4, 2016

Downtown Gilbert Maternity Session

Abby has been my friend through thick and thin. She’s been a shoulder to cry on and my voice of reason at times when I needed someone to shake me and say what needed to be said. And I love her for it. We first met when we were in college at NAU. We were both Elementary Education majors and attended the same church. But it wasn’t until our last semester that we had really connected. Once we graduated, we moved back to the Valley within a few miles of each other. If you’ve ever been a teacher, or met one, you know we have lots of stories to share. So, just be prepared when you ask a teacher how their year is going. They will go down the list and talk about each of the kids in their class like they were their own. That’s exactly how Abby was with her classes. She put everything she had into her students to equip them with what they needed to be successful. I admire her so much!

Fast forward 7 years, we have entered and left teaching, have both gotten married, had kids within a few months of each other, bought and sold houses and have been the first to share secrets with each other. I’ve photographed each of her pregnancies but there was something about this one that was just. so. special. Maybe it’s the fact that she was giving birth to her daughter Maggie, or maybe she’s just really good at being pregnant. Or both. Probably both. But I loved every minute of this photography session in Downtown Gilbert. The colors. The location and the people were just perfect. The blank white walls, mingled with brick and mortar, Edison string lights and countless opportunities for the perfectly framed shot leave DT Gilbert as one of my top favorite locations.