PORTRAIT GUIDE
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I'm glad you are here
A note from Mel
Congratulations.
This is one of those times in your life that passes before you realise it has begun. The bump. The birth. Those first quiet mornings with a newborn on your chest. Everything is changing, and it's happening fast.
I'm Mel. For over a decade I've been creating portraits for Perth families who want something they'll treasure for generations. My sessions are calm, gently guided, and designed entirely around you. I take care of every detail, so you can simply be present.
I'd love to document the beginning of your family's story.
You don't need to do a thing.
Every detail is taken care of.
You don't need to know how to pose. You don't need to prepare your partner. You don't need to worry about whether baby will settle, or what to wear. I've thought of all of it already.
Every session is gently guided from start to finish, with a curated wardrobe available at no extra cost. My studio is warm, unhurried and completely baby-led. If baby needs feeding, we feed. If baby needs settling, we settle. There is no rush, no pressure, and nothing for you to organise beyond turning up.
With over a decade of experience and formal newborn safety training, I know how to create a calm, beautiful session on even the most challenging of days.
These photographs will one day be the clearest window back to how this season felt. That's what we're really here to create.
Why families choose
Little Story Portraits
Perth's boutique maternity and newborn studio.
One newborn family each day, so you'll never feel rushed.
Curated wardrobe included, so you don't have to worry what to wear.
Over a decade photographing Perth families.
Professionally trained in newborn safety.
A relaxed gallery reveal where you'll only choose what you truly love.
Portraits designed to be enjoyed every day, not just stored on a screen.
Boutique studio in Joondalup.
How it works
Before your session
We'll discuss your vision, what to wear and any questions. For newborn bookings, I recommend reaching out by 20 weeks to secure your due date.
Your session
Arrive, relax and leave the rest to me. Gentle guidance, genuine moments, and plenty of time for feeding, settling and cuddles.
Your gallery reveal
Around two to three weeks later, we meet in my studio. You'll see your portraits for the first time as a custom slideshow, then choose the artwork you love. No pressure. No minimum spend.
Your artwork
Digital files are ready for instant download. Handcrafted products are beautifully packaged for delivery within 6 to 8 weeks.
Maternity Session
Something to remember before it changes.
32 to 36 weeks is the perfect time. Your belly is beautifully formed, you're still comfortable, and this particular version of you only exists for a few more weeks.
Sessions take place outdoors at golden hour or inside my Joondalup studio, depending on the look you love. A curated wardrobe of maternity gowns is available at no extra cost, so you don't need to think about styling.
I take care of the rest, gently guiding you through every moment so you can simply enjoy being photographed.
Session fee $300 · 90 minutes
Maternity sessions can also be combined with a Newborn session as part of the Bump to Baby package.
Newborn Session
Before they change.
The first 6 to 14 days are the most fleeting of your baby's life. Still curled, still tiny, still completely dependent on you. This is the window we work within.
Sessions take place in my warm Joondalup studio. Everything is provided, wraps, props and styling pieces, so you simply arrive and I do the rest. Family and sibling portraits are always included, and there is plenty of time for feeding, settling and cuddles.
Your baby leads the session. We follow. There is no schedule, no pressure, and no such thing as a baby who won't cooperate.
Session fee $300 · 2 to 3 hour session
Bump to Baby
The beginning of your Families story
Maternity. Newborn. And a complimentary Milestone session when baby is around 6 to 10 months old. All three, beautifully connected.
This package is designed for families who want the full story documented, from the final weeks of pregnancy through to baby finding their feet and beginning to explore the world.
​What makes this package special is the continuity. The same family across three beautiful milestones, from bump, to birth, to baby's first adventures. Your Maternity and Newborn portraits are presented together at one gallery reveal, creating a beautiful beginning to your family's story. Your complimentary Milestone session is then enjoyed as a separate experience when baby is 6 to 10 months old.
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Session fee $500 · Includes $200 Milestone session voucher
Your Investment
The beginning of your Families story
Maternity $300
90 minute outdoor or studio session
Includes $150 product credit
Maternity gown wardrobe included at no charge
Newborn $300
2 to 3 hour relaxed studio session
All baby props and wraps provided
Includes $150 product credit
Bump to Baby $500
Maternity and Newborn sessions combined
Includes $250 product credit + $200 Milestone session voucher
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The session fee is due at the time of booking to secure your date. The fee is non-refundable and does not include digital images or artwork, which are chosen at your gallery reveal appointment.
Every piece of artwork is handcrafted and designed to last for generations. Get in touch for a full pricing guide.
Artwork you'll treasure
Wall Art · Albums · Digital
Wall Art
Your portraits displayed as living art in your home. I offer framed prints, canvas art and curated wall collections, each handcrafted in Australia and designed to become a permanent part of your space. We'll plan it together at your gallery reveal. From $800.
Albums
Fine art albums sewn, pressed and finished by hand — designed to be picked up, turned through and passed down for generations. Albums and luxury portrait boxes from $1,600.
Digital Images
Every edited image delivered to a secure private gallery, yours to keep forever. Portrait Collections combine your favourite digital files with a handcrafted heirloom product for the best value. From $1,600.
Kind words
Mel is absolutely amazing and has captured the most stunning photos of my maternity and newborn sessions. We are so thrilled with the final result and couldn't recommend her more highly. She pays attention to every detail and goes above and beyond to make sure her clients are happy.
-Karen, Google review-
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We booked the Bump to Baby package with Little Story Portraits for the second time. We once again felt completely at ease from start to finish. Mel is not only a talented photographer, she is also so easy to work with. The wall art collection she created for our home is a showstopper. Thank you, Mel.
-Simone, Google review-
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Melanie is so lovely and caring. We have worked with her from maternity through to newborn and family photos. All of the photos are beautiful and professionally presented. She always makes time for her clients.
-Monique, Google review-
Questions
When should I book?
As soon as you find out you're expecting. Newborn sessions book out 3 to 5 months in advance. I'll hold your due date and confirm the exact timing once baby arrives.
What if my baby won't settle?
Every baby is different, which is why every session is completely baby-led. If baby needs feeding, we feed. If baby needs settling, we settle. There is never any pressure or rush..
What do I wear?
For maternity & Newborn sessions, I'll guide you through this during your pre-session consultation. A curated wardrobe of gowns is also available at no charge.
What if baby is already born?
Please still get in touch. While the first 6 to 14 days are ideal, I can photograph babies beyond that window and we'll create something beautiful together.
I would love to document the beginning of your family's story.
The next step is simple. Reach out and let's start a conversation. I'll answer any questions you have and we can arrange a time to chat before you book.
Ready to start your story?
