From Belly to Baby: Melissa’s Motherhood Journey Through My Lens | By a North Austin Maternity & Newborn Photographer
There’s something sacred about documenting motherhood from the very beginning—when the baby is still a flutter inside. Melissa’s story is one I’ll always carry with me. From her stunning and creative maternity session to the raw, beautiful (and LIGHTNING FAST) birth of baby Millie, and finally the tender in-home newborn session that captured a family overflowing with love—this journey was nothing short of magical.
The Maternity Session: Stillness Before the Storm
Image by @heyitsjulesmorlet
We began Melissa’s story in a gorgeous studio in downtown Austin, Texas. Her maternity session was confident and grounded, the kind of stillness that speaks to the deep strength mothers carry. From denim on denim to the classic oversized white button up, she shared her hopes and fears, letting me capture a side of pregnancy that goes beyond glowing—it was real, vulnerable, and breathtaking. We had a ton of fun with her pregnancy cravings, as this was baby #3, and added some PTerry’s Fries and Cinnamon Toast Crunch to the docket.
For this third pregnancy, and potentially her last, Melissa wanted this session to be special and just for her. “I want to look back and see how strong and confident I was growing a tiny human,” she told me. As a motherhood photographer, I live for moments like these—where photographs become heirlooms.
Interested in booking your own maternity session in North Austin? Reach out here to begin your journey.
A Lightning Fast Birth—In the Tub, Surrounded by Love
What none of us expected was how fast little Millie would arrive.
The first text came from Melissa, “I think this is it but I’m not sure. Out with my mom getting burgers for dinner.”
The second text came from Melissa’s husband less than an hour later, “Things are picking up quick, head over.”
I’d already loaded my bag and car, so I was on the road 30 seconds later.
When I arrived, the house was quiet, and as I turned the corner into the master bedroom, I saw Melissa in the tub, baby in her arms and midwife suiting up. Baby Girl Millie didn’t wait for nobody! This was the first shot I got.
Image by @heyitsjulesmorlet
Jules! I had my baby by myself in the bathtub!
Her literal first words to me as I turned the corner. What an empowering moment for mom & dad.
Melissa gave birth at home by herself with her husband. It was quick—intensely quick. In a matter of a few hours, the quiet hum of early labor turned into the final stretch. She labored in the shower, then the tub and finally felt baby Millie’s head and shouted, “Is that her head already!?”
It was wild, beautiful, and deeply moving. As a birth photographer (and a mom myself), witnessing the aftermath of that kind of strength surrounded by so much familial support is unforgettable.
Her son whispered, “She’s here!” when Millie let out her first cry.
Looking for someone to respectfully and quietly document your birth story? I’d be honored. Inquire about birth photography in North Austin.
Millie’s Newborn Session: Sweetness at Home
Almost a week later, I returned to their home for Millie’s newborn session. She was dressed in the sweetest little newborn cozies, peacefully asleep in her mama’s arms while the big siblings giggled on the couch beside her.
This in-home newborn session was slow and intentional. We captured snuggles on the master bed, quiet nursing moments, and even a few shots of Dad bouncing Millie to sleep near her nursery window. The rhythm of their home, still buzzing with the joy of new life, made every image glow with authenticity.
Melissa said, “I’m so grateful we did all three—maternity, birth, and newborn. It’s like a full chapter written in photos.”
Why Telling the Whole Story Matters
Melissa’s journey reminds us why storytelling matters. When you choose to document the full experience—from the anticipation of pregnancy to the intensity of birth, and the quiet bliss of newborn days—you’re not just hiring a photographer. You’re building your family’s visual legacy.
If you're an expecting mother in North Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, or anywhere in the Austin metro, I’d love to help you tell your story. From bump to baby, I’ll be there—with reverence, creativity, and care.
If you’re in North Austin, Texas and ready to tell your motherhood story, let’s start planning your session today.
Image by @heyitsjulesmorlet
