Hi! I'm MJ and I've been in the photography industry for over 10 years now! I photograph newborns, and maternity all in my Chesapeake studio. I've been featured in several print magazines and have won numerous awards for my newborn and maternity work. I am blessed to get to mentor and teach other photographers all over the WORLD!
I have grown in this industry to capture timeless, classic looks for my clients, which is what I have become known for. I focus on my subjects to create simple, but stunning memories for you. I'm all about giving you something outside the box. GLAM is the name of the game when it comes to being in front of my camera.
I have grown in this industry to capture timeless, classic looks for my clients, which is what I have become known for. I focus on my subjects to create simple, but stunning memories for you. I'm all about giving you something outside the box. GLAM is the name of the game when it comes to being in front of my camera.
Services
I prefer to book while in your second trimester. I book you for your due date and then have you contact me within 24 hours once you deliver the baby. This way I at least know I'm expecting a baby around that date and can schedule accordingly. I do still schedule them even if you didn't book ahead of time, but it is MUCH easier and advisable to do so ahead of time.
I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity. Each photograph you receive is a reflection of my art and is canvas-worthy. Each session styled by me is unique and personalized. Finally and most importantly, newborn safety is my top priority. The greatest care and softest touch are used when photographing your delicate little ones.
Reviews (15)
Allysa C.
Dec 30, 2021
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Rebecca Lopez
Dec 17, 2021
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Lemme just start by saying Mj is thee best in the business! I had both maternity and newborn photo shoots with her and she exceeded my expectations! She was so fun and made me feel more than comfortable, super responsive, very patient, and so much fun! I wish she could be my family photographer forever. My newborn shoot was beyond great and she captured thee most beautiful photos of, not only my newborn but also her brother! Thank you Mj!!! If you are looking for a photographer for your maternity and newborn photos…we’ll look no more! You will be in great hands.
Shamanique
Dec 13, 2021
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My family had a maternity and newborn session with MJ and it was nothing short of AMAZING!! My maternity session was flawless, from the makeup artist recommendations to posing for proper lighting and hair placement for the perfect pictures. My newborn session was also amazing, she made my son feel so comfortable with her. I had time to get dressed, apply makeup and get myself together without any problems. His pictures were amazing and I just loved how she positioned him and took her time with him. Our reveals were magnificent she surprised us with pictures and poses with son that I didn’t even
Shakia Cunningham
Dec 07, 2021
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Where do I start!!! MJ is the absolute best at what she does. Photography and customer service is what she was made to do. She’s so professional, efficient, patient, kind, responsive, I could go on and on about her. She did my maternity and my newborn photos and I fell in love with both sessions she assured me that my photos would be so great and beautiful and she was right!!! Although I was nervous she helped me through each pose and each picture making me feel so beautiful during the entire session. MJ was so patient with my newborn he came in wide awake and she put him so sleep so effortlessly
The Pyne Hospitality Company
Oct 24, 2021
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As a CEO of a company customer service and experience is number one on my list. So when i see great customer service and have an amazing experience, that company earns me as a life time customer. Melissa, MJ Photography is one of those companies. Melissa's customer service is top notch. She made my family and I feel very comfortable even when we had an unforseen bottle neck b4 my maternity shoot, she fixed it quick. My baby's newborn shoot was really great and very organized. The pictures are very beautiful. She is an amazing photographer and i will recommend her to anyone. She gets 5stars from
Asia Calhoun
Oct 18, 2021
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Brittany Thornhill
Jun 27, 2021
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We just finished our newborn baby’s photo shoot. This will be the second time I’ve used MJ as not only our newborn photographer but also for maternity. Working with her is super fun! Her studio is very clean, relaxing, cozy warm, and has an elegant look. She takes the time to understand the looks and vibes you’re wanting. She is very easy going and really wants to make sure her clients walk away with great photos and feel good about the experience! For both maternity and newborn photos I had certain looks/poses I wanted. She made them all happen and added her special magic touch to each!
Courtney Murphy
Jun 19, 2021
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Where do I even begin, my experience with both my maternity and newborn shoots were phenomenal! I felt so beautiful in all of the dresses and the atmosphere of the studio made me feel so comfortable, especially since it was my first time being in front of a professional camera. MJ was amazing with my preemie twins, it is very apparent of how knowledgeable and experience she is with handling babies. All of my pictures came out amazing and I continue to get compliments to this day. I can’t thank you enough for your role in the best time of my life. I can’t wait to have another one so I can have
Jade Vitug
Jun 19, 2021
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Had our first daughters newborn taken with Mj and it was a totally great experience. She made it super easy and convenient to capture those early moments with our baby girl. Loved all the pictures and how she captured her and she was very creative in the photo process/poses while being super gentle with her. Definitely would recommend, and we already have scheduled to take our second child's newborn pictures here as well. If you are looking for quality photography and service you won't regret booking with Mj.
Connor Fontaine
Jun 16, 2021
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I was fortunate enough to have my maternity and newborn shoots with MJ. During my maternity shoot she made my husband and I feel so relaxed and comfortable. Even during the newborn shoot her and her assistant were beyond amazing! I’m obsessed with every single photo she took and get tons of complements on the ones hanging around my home! I love her passion for what she does and I will be going back for more photos with her!
Sarah B.
Jan 06, 2020
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MJ is by far the most amazing photographer I have ever worked with, hands down. We had our newborn session done with Photography by MJ, and we won't be going anywhere else.
The first reason why she is the most amazing ever is she's super creative and accommodating. I had an idea for a baseball picture that I told her during our consultation and without missing a beat she told me her idea, ordered the outfit, and it came out better than I could have ever imagined.
Secondly, she has newborn photography down to a science. She gave us a checklist to follow to ensure our little one fell
The first reason why she is the most amazing ever is she's super creative and accommodating. I had an idea for a baseball picture that I told her during our consultation and without missing a beat she told me her idea, ordered the outfit, and it came out better than I could have ever imagined.
Secondly, she has newborn photography down to a science. She gave us a checklist to follow to ensure our little one fell
Ellen B.
Apr 23, 2018
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Had such a wonderful experience with MJ! I initially reached her via Facebook with prompt response. I was able to quickly set up a consultation. The consult was detailed and not pushy. I couldn't be more satisfied with her professionalism friendliness and warm presence of not only her but the studio itself.
https://www.facebook.com/photographybymjllc/posts/1620920947955158
https://www.facebook.com/photographybymjllc/posts/1620920947955158
Gregory G.
Apr 23, 2018
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It has been so great working with MJ! It was so hard to narrow down our choices from the body of work she put together of our daughter. It was all so good... Seriously! Her enthusiasm is my favorite aspect of her professional demeanor. She tells you what she's planning, asks for input and actually listens! All while making you feel like your child is the only one that matters in the world.
Seriously, at first you will think, "she says these nice things to everyone who walks in the door... it's a business. " and then it comes to a point where you are like, "oh... she really
Seriously, at first you will think, "she says these nice things to everyone who walks in the door... it's a business. " and then it comes to a point where you are like, "oh... she really
Stacy D.
Mar 31, 2017
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For the past three years I've traveled from my home in Richmond, VA to Chesapeake (1.5 hours) at least four times a year because this photographer is the BEST. The compliments I've received on the photographs of my children are too many to mention. I cannot say enough good things about this photographer. I have hundreds of images of my kids that she has taken and I can't even decide what photographs to put on my walls because they are all so good. Over the years, I've gotten to know her and she has always been a delight to work with, even when my kids were uncooperative
Nicole D.
Mar 24, 2017
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We purchased the grow with me package and this occurred during the second session. 1st she was late and not 15 min as she claims it was actually 30 min (I have a family member who can confirm this as she was there) and I confirmed the time less than 24 hrs beforehand. 2nd She sent some pics but they were not all smiling pics as she claims and a photographer, especially with 10 yrs of experience should know what a smile is. 3rd She never offered us any form of compensation or willingness to work with us and was completely UNPROFESIONAL the entire time. 4th We had paid for the entire package
