Family, Generations & Real-Life Moments Photography
New Hampshire Family Photography at Home & On Location (Non-Beach)
Soft smiles. Warm hugs. Vibrant family gatherings. Authentically you.
You’re the keeper of the memories—the one who knows how important it is to press pause and capture what life feels like right now.
You’re not looking for stiff poses or all-day productions. You want a session that’s easy, fun, and full of connection. One that gives you a gallery of high-res images to download and enjoy—no sales meetings, no pressure.
You want someone who understands the beautiful mess of real life. Who sees the value in unscripted moments. Who notices the quiet details and the loud love.
You’re searching for a photographer who gets that your family is uniquely yours, that candid chaos and gentle connection go hand in hand, and that being seen and supported makes all the difference.
Let’s photograph what makes your family yours.
NH Family Photographer specializing in capturing unique family bonds, heartfelt senior yearbook moments, and real-life milestones for New Hampshire’s beautifully non-traditional families, Maine’s joy-filled gatherings, and the diverse dynamics found across Southern NH, Southern Maine, and the North Shore of Massachusetts. From backyard play in Exeter to senior sessions in Portsmouth to extended family reunions in Newburyport, I’m here to photograph what makes your crew one of a kind.
Melissa is a fantastic photographer!
She is incredibly talented, patient, and professional. We’ve worked with Melissa on our newborn and again on family photos. She made us feel so comfortable and at ease during the sessions, and she captured some truly beautiful photos of our family. We were especially impressed with Melissa’s photos of our 2-year-old son. He was having a tough morning, as two-year-olds do, and we thought we’d need to reschedule. However, in the short time we were there, Melissa captured some amazing photos, and we are so pleased with the outcome. We highly recommend Melissa to anyone looking for a photographer. – Jody H
FAQ: You’ve Got Questions—I’ve Got Answers
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The sooner the better, especially during peak fall weekends, but I often have availability within the month—sometimes even the same week.
A good rule of thumb is to reach out 3–4 weeks ahead of your ideal timeframe. If you’re coordinating with visiting family members, let’s lock in the right window early. -
Beach sessions are their own unique offering with different timing, lighting, and logistics. This page is for in-home or land-based family sessions. If you’re dreaming of salt air and sandy toes, check out my Beach Photography page.
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All sessions include:
Photography Time
Your full gallery of high-resolution digital images to download and enjoy
A personal print release
One way radius of 45 minutes from Exeter, NH
Any additional specifics outlined in packages.
No sales meetings. No pressure. Just beautiful images delivered straight to you.
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Session pricing is based on location.
Once you reach out and let me know where you’re thinking, I’ll send you a simple, all-inclusive collection guide—no upsells or hidden fees.
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Wear what feels like you.
Choose comfort and personality over matching outfits
Embrace color—it’s magic in photos
Skip all-white or all-black if you can (they don’t play well with bright light)
For kids in dresses, leggings or bloomers make playtime easier
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With play, patience, and flexibility!
I guide with light direction, but let energy lead. I’ll offer breaks when needed and keep things relaxed.
High energy? Not a problem. It usually makes for the best photos.
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Absolutely. As a photographer with both personal and professional experience in neurodiverse communities, I prioritize patience, flexibility, and empathy. Whether it’s choosing the right time of day, using calming settings, or making space for breaks, your session will be designed to support your family’s comfort and needs.
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We can shoot in your home, your backyard, or a local spot you love (non-beach).
Think parks, trails, gardens, or even grandma’s porch.
I have some trusty standbys, but WHERE we are is no where near as important as the people being together for photos.
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Yes! Of course!
Sessions will note if there is a maximum number of participants allowed; if it’s not listed, there’s no limit.
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Yes, I do! Gift certificates are available in any amount and make a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, or “just because.”
Family Photography in NH, MA, and ME
Serving families across Seacoast New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and the North Shore of Massachusetts
Capturing the perfect family moment can feel a little daunting—especially when you’re aiming for something relaxed, real, and joyfully unscripted. You might even think, “Couldn’t we just use a selfie stick?”
Sure, you could. But these aren’t just photos. They’re the way your toddler throws their head back when they laugh. The way your teen still leans into you when they forget to be cool. The quiet chaos and loud love that makes your family yours.
Whether you’re in Brentwood, Greenland, or North Hampton, NH; Wells, Eliot, or Kennebunk, ME; or Rowley, Ipswich, and Newbury, MA—my goal is to meet you where you are (literally and emotionally) and photograph your story as it is.
Why Family Photography with Me?
I embrace the chaos.
Families are beautifully unpredictable. Someone’s going to make a weird face. Someone else will run off with snacks. And I’ll be right there, camera ready, capturing the magic in the middle of it. You don’t have to get it “right”—you just have to show up.
I’m not here to pose you into someone else’s idea of a family.
No forced smiles. No Pinterest-perfect poses. I’ll gently guide you, sure—but the best images happen when you’re just being yourselves. The moments that look like your life, not a stock photo ad for khaki pants.
I know what to look for.
After nearly 20 years of photographing families, I’ve developed a sixth sense for the good stuff: the glance between siblings, the way your kid twirls your hair, the hug that starts out polite and turns into a pile-on. Those are the moments that matter.
It’s about everyone feeling seen.
All families are welcome here—LGBTQ+ families, chosen families, multigenerational crews, neurodiverse kiddos, wild toddlers, camera-shy parents. You’ll never be asked to conform or perform. Just come as you are.
It’s fun. Really.
We’ll laugh. We’ll move. You’ll probably leave saying, “That was way easier than I expected.”
Spoiler: That’s usually when the best photos happen.
We’ll work together to create a session that captures your people as they are—through real smiles, genuine connection, and a mix of gently guided and completely candid moments.
Because at the end of the day, these are the photos you’ll come back to. Not because they’re perfect, but because they’re true.
Whether we’re in your backyard in Rye, a trail in South Berwick, or your living room in Amesbury, your story is always worth telling! Let’s Chat!
It was a great experience and I am already planning on booking again!
We had family photos with our 11-month-old, so we opted for the “short and sweet” session. Even still, the session did not feel rushed at all and Melissa gave us the opportunity to get several backgrounds at the park we had our photos done. It was snowing that day and Melissa was still willing to take our photos which we are very thankful for because the snow made the photos even better! It was a great experience and I am already planning on booking again for more family photos later this year! – Sarah C.
Celebrating the full spectrum of family life—from neurodivergent joy to LGBTQ+ pride, from quiet cuddles to full-volume silliness—is at the heart of everything I do.
Whether it’s a cozy moment of connection, the flash of wild laughter, or a wardrobe that screams “this is me,” I’m here to see you and celebrate you exactly as you are.
We’ll capture the calm and the chaos, the subtle glances and the big, bold expressions of personality and sass. Every bit of it matters.
Your life—with all its love, vibrancy, and beautiful weirdness - is a story worth telling.
Let’s create photos that feel like truth, and frame the moments that make your heart say, “that’s us.”
