The Maternity Portrait Experience
A refined and unforgettable photography experienceElegant
Maternity Photography
in New Mexico
Motherhood is a journey of love, strength, and transformation—one that deserves to be beautifully captured.
At Melanie Maxine Photography, we offer a luxury maternity experience across Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and throughout the Southwest of the United States. Each session is uniquely crafted to celebrate your story with timeless, artistic imagery.
Pregnancy is more than a moment—it’s a profound connection with your baby. Our full-service boutique sessions include personalized consultations, multiple wardrobe options and optional access to professional hair and makeup to ensure you feel radiant and empowered.
The best time for maternity portraits is between 27-34 weeks, when your baby bump is beautifully showcased. Let us create breathtaking, magazine-worthy portraits that honor this extraordinary chapter in your life.
What to Expect
The Maternity Session Process
Maternity portrait sessions are held in Melanie Maxine’s studio in Albuquerque, NM. Along with creating timeless images and tangible artwork for you to treasure forever, Melanie is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and a seamless, personalized experience. She is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your session is nothing short of extraordinary!
Let's Connect
Reach out to Melanie to learn more about the process and see if her photography style is the perfect fit for you. While she occasionally accommodates last-minute bookings, Melanie’s schedule often fills months in advance. To secure your preferred date, it’s best to book as early as possible!
Let's Connect
Reach out to Melanie to learn more about the process and see if her photography style is the perfect fit for you. While she occasionally accommodates last-minute bookings, Melanie’s schedule often fills months in advance. To secure your preferred date, it’s best to book as early as possible!
Pre-Consultation
Every maternity session starts with a one-on-one pre-consultation designed to ensure you feel confident, beautiful, and fully prepared for your photoshoot. This is more than just a planning step—it’s a chance for us to connect, discuss your vision, and find the perfect wardrobe to highlight your unique beauty.
During your pre-consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to try on a curated selection of gowns and wardrobe pieces from my client closet, handpicked to flatter your figure and enhance your natural glow. Whether you prefer flowing, ethereal fabrics, elegant form-fitting silhouettes, or classic, timeless styles, I will guide you in selecting a look that makes you feel your absolute best.
This pre-consultation ensures that when the day of your session arrives, you’ll step in front of the camera feeling prepared, confident, and radiant.
Pre-Consultation
Every maternity session starts with a one-on-one pre-consultation designed to ensure you feel confident, beautiful, and fully prepared for your photoshoot. This is more than just a planning step—it’s a chance for us to connect, discuss your vision, and find the perfect wardrobe to highlight your unique beauty.
During your pre-consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to try on a curated selection of gowns and wardrobe pieces from my client closet, handpicked to flatter your figure and enhance your natural glow. Whether you prefer flowing, ethereal fabrics, elegant form-fitting silhouettes, or classic, timeless styles, I will guide you in selecting a look that makes you feel your absolute best.
This pre-consultation ensures that when the day of your session arrives, you’ll step in front of the camera feeling prepared, confident, and radiant.
The Session
Your maternity session is a time to embrace the beauty of this season in your life—without stress or worry. My goal is to create a relaxed and empowering experience where you feel confident, radiant, and fully present in the moment.
When you arrive, we’ll take a few minutes to settle in and go over any final details. If we selected multiple gowns during your pre-consultation, we’ll review your wardrobe choices together and make any last-minute adjustments.
This is where the magic happens! I’ll gently guide you through natural, flattering poses that showcase your beautiful baby bump while allowing room for authentic, heartfelt moments. Whether we’re capturing soft, intimate portraits or dramatic, artistic shots, my focus is always on making you feel comfortable and connected.
This is your time to celebrate, so take a deep breath and enjoy the experience.
The Session
Your maternity session is a time to embrace the beauty of this season in your life—without stress or worry. My goal is to create a relaxed and empowering experience where you feel confident, radiant, and fully present in the moment.
When you arrive, we’ll take a few minutes to settle in and go over any final details. If we selected multiple gowns during your pre-consultation, we’ll review your wardrobe choices together and make any last-minute adjustments.
This is where the magic happens! I’ll gently guide you through natural, flattering poses that showcase your beautiful baby bump while allowing room for authentic, heartfelt moments. Whether we’re capturing soft, intimate portraits or dramatic, artistic shots, my focus is always on making you feel comfortable and connected.
This is your time to celebrate, so take a deep breath and enjoy the experience.
Final Images
Your maternity session may be over, but the most exciting part is just beginning—seeing your beautiful images come to life! Here’s what happens next:
About two weeks after your session, you’ll receive a proof gallery with a selection of unedited images. This allows you to preview your photos and choose your favorites—the ones that speak to you the most.
Once you’ve made your final selections, I’ll begin the process of hand-editing and professionally retouching your chosen images.
Within one week of making your final selections, you will receive a new gallery link with your fully edited, high-resolution images. Your final gallery will be ready to download, print, and share, ensuring you have these precious moments preserved forever.
Final Images
Your maternity session may be over, but the most exciting part is just beginning—seeing your beautiful images come to life! Here’s what happens next:
About two weeks after your session, you’ll receive a proof gallery with a selection of unedited images. This allows you to preview your photos and choose your favorites—the ones that speak to you the most.
Once you’ve made your final selections, I’ll begin the process of hand-editing and professionally retouching your chosen images.
Within one week of making your final selections, you will receive a new gallery link with your fully edited, high-resolution images. Your final gallery will be ready to download, print, and share, ensuring you have these precious moments preserved forever.
The Ultimate Collection
We have the perfect wardrobe
Included with your Maternity Session
At Melanie Maxine Photography, we provide a luxury, all-in-one studio experience for maternity and motherhood sessions. Our curated wardrobe features exquisite maternity gowns and luxurious Italian silk, carefully selected to make you look and feel radiant. Best of all, we handle every detail—so you can simply relax and enjoy your moment.
Collections
The perfect Maternity collection, just for you
Every session is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience, ensuring your final images are truly special. Each photo is professionally graded and meticulously hand-edited by Melanie Maxine—never outsourced to third-party editors. Your images receive the highest level of care and artistry, reflecting Melanie’s signature style and expertise.
Muse
750
- 2 Hour Studio Session or 90 Minute Outdoor Session
- Location – Professional studio or outdoor location of your choice (Albuquerque/Rio Rancho)
- Online viewing gallery
- 20 High-Resolution images (you choose your favorites)
- Professional hand-editing and retouching
- Print release, You will have the rights to print your images where ever you choose
- Access to client closet of high-end maternity gowns
- You may choose up to 5 gowns
- In-person consultation to discuss locations and how to prepare
- Immediate family and partners welcomed
- Professional print and custom art addon options
- Access to a professional print lab with quality professional archival prints
- Hair and make-up may be added on for an additional fee
Video Addon Available
Luxe
595
- 1 Hour Sesssion (Monday – Thursday)
- Location – Professional studio or outdoor location of your choice (Albuquerque/Rio Rancho)
- Online viewing gallery
- 12 High-Resolution images (you choose your favorites)
- Professional hand-editing and retouching
- Print release, You will have the rights to print your images where ever you choose
- Access to client closet of high-end maternity gowns
- You may choose up to 3 gowns
- In-person consultation to discuss locations and how to prepare
- Immediate family and partners welcomed
- Professional print and custom art addon options
- Access to a professional print lab with quality professional archival prints
- Hair and make-up may be added on for an additional fee
Video Addon Available
Petite
485
- 30 Minute Session (Monday – Thursday)
- Location – Professional studio or outdoor location of your choice (Albuquerque/Rio Rancho)
- Online viewing gallery
- 8 High-Resolution images of your choice
- Professionally hand-edited and retouched images
- Print release
- Access to Melanie’s Client Closet of beautiful high-end gowns
- In-person consultation/ styling appointment
- Access to professional printing options
- 1 set, 1 dress
- Mom-only session
Baby to Belly Bundles
The Milestone Collective
Baby Belly Bundle
Maternity + Newborn
1250
- Full Maternity Session *
- Full Newborn Session**
- Free phone app
- Savings up to 250
The First Year
Capture your baby's precious milestones
2200
- Full Maternity Session*
- Full Newborn Session**
- Mommy & Me (4 months)
- Sitter Session
- Cake Smash Session
* Maternity Sessions should take place at 27-34 weeks gestation
** Newborn Session should take place within 5-14 days of baby’s birth
Questions?
Maternity FAQs
About 10 days to 2 weeks after your session, you will receive a proofing gallery of 50+ of the best images from your session. You will choose your favorite images and I will personally hand edit and professionally retouch each of your selected images. Average turn-around time: 3 – 4 weeks.
General Questions
When is the best time to book a maternity session?
The ideal time for a maternity session is between 27-34 weeks when your belly is beautifully round, but you’re still comfortable enough to move around and pose.
Where will my maternity session take place?
I offer sessions in beautiful outdoor locations around Albuquerque or in the comfort of my beautiful centrally located studio. If you have a specific location in mind, let’s chat!
What should I wear for my maternity session?
Flowy dresses, fitted gowns, or anything that makes you feel beautiful! I also offer a client closet with hand-picked dresses perfect for maternity photos. I’m happy to help with styling recommendations!
Session Details
Can my partner and children be included in the session?
Absolutely! I offer packages that can include your partner and children to capture the excitement of your growing family.
Do you provide props or accessories?
I focus on your beautiful belly and the beauty of motherhood, so I don’t use many props. However, I do provide props and accessories but I take special care to make sure your session is about your beautiful journey. I want my client to be the first thing some one sees when they look at your image. I don’t want the mom to be overshadowed by the dress or an overly busy backdrop. I encourage bringing sentimental items like ultrasound photos, baby shoes, or a special blanket if it adds to your story.
Booking & Pricing
How do I book a session?
You can book your session by reaching out to me directly! Once we have selected a date, you will be sent an invoice to secure your session.
How much does a maternity session cost?
My maternity sessions start at $485, which includes a set number of professionally edited images. Contact me for full pricing details and packages!
When will I receive my photos?
You will receive a proof gallery 2 weeks after your session. You will choose your own favorite images from our session. The number of images will vary based on what package you have purchased in advance. Once you have informed me of your final selections you will receive a final gallery link via an online gallery where you can download and order prints if you choose to do so.
Do you offer maternity + newborn bundles?
Yes! I offer a maternity & newborn package for those who want to document both beautiful milestones. Click here for details!
Maternity Portfolio
Albuquerque’s Top Maternity Photographer
Melanie Maxine Photography is a boutique portrait studio specializing in maternity, newborn, and baby photography in Albuquerque, NM. Serving the Albuquerque area and surrounding communities, including Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and beyond, we create timeless portraits that celebrate life’s most precious moments.
