About | Newborn Photographer | Melissa Renae Photography

"Not only is she an amazingly talented photographer, but she has a sincere heart of love and joy that definitely shines through her vocation."

- Meaka Escobedo

Get to know

Arizona Photographer posing on a stool while holding camera, happy mood

Hey there! I'm Melissa Renae
(but since we’re basically friends now, you can call me Melissa)

I’m your in-home newborn photographer, expert baby whisperer, kid wrangler, and ultimate family hype girl.

Why I do this

Growing up, I always dreamed of being a mom, but I could’ve never predicted just how wild, messy, and beautiful this journey would be.

Some days, I’m running on fumes. Other days, I’m laughing until my sides hurt. And let’s be real—there are days I hide in my bedroom with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s,

Just trying to survive the chaos.

Parents, you get it, right? You’re thinking of your secret stash treat right now, aren’t you? (Oreos, maybe? No judgment, just solidarity!)

Here’s the funny part:

Photography was never part of my plan. I actually wanted to be a pediatrician. I dreamed of helping kids feel better and making them smile. But...turns out, most people don’t visit the doctor when they’re happy. (Who knew?)

Lucky for me, I found a different way to make kids (and parents!) smile, and trust me,

This is way more fun.

The first time I picked up a camera was in 2011 when my oldest daughter was born.She’s our rainbow baby, and I was determined to capture her newborn magic. Armed with my brother’s DSLR and absolutely no clue how to use it,

I gave it my best shot.

Were the photos award-winning? Absolutely not. But that little experiment set me on the path that led me here—to capturing raw, real, and love-filled moments for other Phoenix area families.

When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me reading books with my kids or snuggled up on the couch with my husband (seriously, what did we do before Netflix?). I try to eat healthy and hit the gym, but some nights it’s popcorn for dinner because, well, life. And life doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing.

Still curious? Here are five random things about me:

1 I grew up in a family of eight kids, so trust me—I know what a real mess looks like.
(Your house during a newborn session? Totally fine. I promise!)

2 My husband and I met on a blind date—set up by my ex-boyfriend. Awkward? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

3 I did gymnastics for over 15 years, and yep, I can still do the splits!

4 I believe potatoes are the ultimate food. Name one other thing you can mash, fry, bake, and hash while still being ridiculously delicious. I’ll wait.

5 I hate shoes. If hiking in flip-flops was socially acceptable (and safe), I’d be all in.

Now that you know a little about me, let’s focus on YOU!

Submit a contact form

Get to know

Hey there! I'm Melissa Renae
(but since we’re basically friends now, you can call me Melissa)

Why I do this

Still curious? Here are five random things about me:

1

I grew up in a family of eight kids, so trust me—I know what a real mess looks like.
(Your house during a newborn session? Totally fine. I promise!)

2

My husband and I met on a blind date—set up by my ex-boyfriend. Awkward? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

3

I did gymnastics for over 15 years, and yep, I can still do the splits!

4

I believe potatoes are the ultimate food. Name one other thing you can mash, fry, bake, and hash while still being ridiculously delicious. I’ll wait.

5

I hate shoes. If hiking in flip-flops was socially acceptable (and safe), I’d be all in.

Now that you know a little about me, let’s focus on YOU!

Submit the contact form below, and let’s book your session!

Melissa Renae Photography is an award winning newborn, children, maternity and family photographer
serving the greater Phoenix, Arizona (AZ) area including, but not limited to:
Surprise, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, Goodyear,
Buckeye, Mesa, and Gilbert

Get to know

Hey there! I'm Melissa Renae (but since we’re basically friends now, you can call me Melissa)

Why I do this

Still curious? Here are five random things about me:

1

I grew up in a family of eight kids, so trust me—I know what a real mess looks like. (Your house during a newborn session? Totally fine. I promise!)

2

My husband and I met on a blind date—set up by my ex-boyfriend. Awkward? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

3

I did gymnastics for over 15 years, and yep, I can still do the splits!

4

I believe potatoes are the ultimate food. Name one other thing you can mash, fry, bake, and hash while still being ridiculously delicious. I’ll wait.

5

I hate shoes. If hiking in flip-flops was socially acceptable (and safe), I’d be all in.

Now that you know a little about me, let’s focus on YOU!

Submit the contact form below, and let’s book your session!

Melissa Renae Photography is an award winning newborn, children, maternity and family photographer serving the greater Phoenix, Arizona (AZ) area including, but not limited to: Surprise, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, Goodyear, Buckeye, Mesa, and Gilbert

Hey there! I'm Melissa Renae
(but since we’re basically friends now, you can call me Melissa)

I grew up in a family of eight kids, so trust me—I know what a real mess looks like.
(Your house during a newborn session? Totally fine. I promise!)

Melissa Renae Photography is an award winning newborn, children, maternity and family photographer
serving the greater Phoenix, Arizona (AZ) area including, but not limited to:
Surprise, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, Goodyear,
Buckeye, Mesa, and Gilbert