Family photo session by the lake

New Hampshire
Portrait
Photographer

Colorful and natural images that capture the priceless connections that make each couple, child, and family unique.

Inquire

So Nice to Meet You

Life goes by all too quickly…

My hope for the families I photograph is to see that these images we create are not only for you. In the future when your children are grown, they will look and smile at these lasting memories — not only seeing how small they once were, but most of all how much they were loved by you.

My joy is to create these memories for you all to hold close to your hearts forever.

Melanie Fogel, owner of Black Bird Photography
“Melanie is such a pleasant photographer. The candids are wonderful — she captured their personalities!”

The Girling Family

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How It Works

A simple, relaxed process

01

Inquiry

Reach out and tell me about your family and what you're hoping to capture.

02

Agreement & Session Fee

Once we've agreed on the details, you'll sign the agreement and pay the non-refundable session fee to lock in the date.

03

Consultation Call

We talk through your style, your kids' personalities, wall placement, and what to wear.

04

Session

Relaxed, playful, no rushing. 1–1.5 hours of capturing real moments.

05

Presentation & Ordering

We meet in person to view your gallery and design the heirloom products that will live in your home.

06

Your Order Arrives

Hand-delivered to you approximately 4–5 weeks after ordering.

Why Choose

Real Family Moments

Every session is unrushed and led by your family's pace. There are no awkward, rigid poses — just space for your kids to be kids and for the connections that matter to come through naturally.

Every print, album, and canvas is designed especially for your home. I don't leave you to guess at sizes, layouts, or what to do with your images — I do that work with you, so what ends up on your wall fits perfectly.

About Melanie

Serving New Boston, NH and surrounding areas including Manchester, Bedford, Amherst, Hudson, Windham, Londonderry, and Derry

New Hampshire Family Sessions

Most sessions happen outdoors — at city parks, in the open spaces of southern New Hampshire, on the beach in summer, in fall foliage at peak color. In-home sessions are a favorite for newborns and milestone shoots, when the quiet moments at home are the real story.

Every session is shaped around your family and the place that already means something to you.

When should I book?

As soon as you can. Busy seasons (especially fall) fill quickly — booking 4–8 weeks ahead is typical.

Do you offer digital-only packages?

I don't offer digital-only purchases. I believe in physical wall art and albums you can hold. The digital file for each image is included with every ordered print product.

How long until I see the photos?

We meet for your in-person ordering session about 2–3 weeks after your shoot. Final products arrive approximately 4–5 weeks after ordering.

What if my kids are shy or have a hard time with the camera?

Most kids do, honestly. I spend a little time getting to know them first, before the camera even comes out. They warm up, and the real photos happen once they forget I'm there.