One of the things I love most about my Anchorage newborn studio is that it gives families the comfort of being at home—but with the added bonus of beautiful light, timeless styling, and a space designed specifically for photographing newborns and families. It’s quiet, peaceful, and gives us the flexibility to capture those gentle, everyday moments in a clean, curated setting.

From the moment this family walked in, the love was pouring out. Their two older daughters were so excited to meet their new baby brother. They couldn’t stop hugging him, kissing him, and asking when it was their turn to hold him again. It was absolutely precious.

Baby boy was the most easygoing little guy. He was so calm throughout the whole session—sleepy, snuggly, and even gave us a few dreamy smiles. (Which, if you’ve ever photographed a newborn, you know is basically gold!)

Watching his sisters love on him was such a highlight. They were gentle and proud, clearly already smitten with their new role as big sisters. Their bond was immediate, and it showed in every frame.

We took our time and let the session unfold naturally. That’s the beauty of of the natural approach—I guide you gently, but always leave space for real connection. We’re here to capture you—the way you hold your baby, the way your children snuggle close, the way your partner looks at your growing family with love and pride.

Those are the moments that matter. Those are the memories you’ll want to remember forever.

If you’re expecting a baby and want to capture these early days in a way that feels genuine and with as little stress as possible, I’d love to welcome you into my Anchorage newborn studio. Whether it’s your first little one or you’re adding to your crew, your story deserves to be documented with care and heart.

Let’s create something beautiful together.

The post Anchorage Newborn Photography | Cozy Studio Session for a Family of Five appeared first on Megan Marlene Photography.

Ellen is expecting her second child, and as you can see, she glows with that serene, unmistakable joy of motherhood. The graceful white gown was chosen from the Studio Wardrobe, and it fit her like a dream, flowing softly and catching the light just right—it was the perfect match for the gentle, whimsical tone we had envisioned for this shoot.

From the beginning, Ellen shared with me how much she loves soft colors and a fresh, airy aesthetic. That love for simplicity and sentimentality has shaped every part of our time together through the years, from the neutral studio palette to the natural, affectionate posing. Their sweet connection made this session feel like we were pressing pause on the busyness of life, celebrating this new little one with a gentle, joy-filled celebration.

One of my favorite parts of this session was watching the interaction between mama, daddy, and daughter. Their little one is full of sparkle and sweetness, and she was completely at ease snuggled between her parents, soaking in kisses and cuddles. Photographing the three of them together, you could already feel how loved and secure this new baby will be, joining a family so grounded in love and affection.

I always tell my clients that maternity sessions aren’t just about the baby bump—though of course, it’s a beautiful focus. They’re also about documenting the love that already exists. The quiet moments, the way your partner looks at you with awe, the way your firstborn wraps her arms around your belly, not fully realizing just how much her world is about to change. These are the memories that matter most.

If you’re preparing to welcome another child, I encourage you to make space for a session like this—something simple, natural, and completely centered on your family’s unique story.

This family reminded me of that truth. This season doesn’t last forever. It moves fast and sometimes feels like a blur. But photographs like these? They let us linger in the moment. They let us hold onto the feeling of waiting, of wondering, of loving already.

Ellen, thank you for allowing me to capture this time in your life. Your quiet strength and the love that surrounds you is something special, and I can’t wait to see your family continue to grow.

Warmly,
Megan

The post Maternity Photography in Anchorage, Alaska | A Serene Celebration appeared first on Megan Marlene Photography.

1. Visit a Local Park or Nature Reserve

Spring is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Anchorage offers numerous beautiful parks, such as Kincaid Park, where you can enjoy hiking trails and wildlife sightings (watch out for the moose!). A little farther north, the Eagle River Nature Center provides scenic trails and educational programs for kids. And to the south, Potter’s Marsh boardwalk is a favorite for springtime bird watching!

Favorites:
– Campbell Creek Science Center
– Campbell Creek Trailhead (this is one of our session spots!)
– Kincaid Park
– Eagle River Nature Center
– Potter’s Marsh Boardwalk
– Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
– Reflection Lake Trailhead
– Wasilla Boardwalk

2. Go on a Family Hike

For a kid-friendly hike, try Thunderbird Falls in Chugiak, which features a short and scenic trail leading to a beautiful waterfall, and the lower elevation usually means that it’s snow-free by springtime. The Butte Trailhead in Palmer (Butte) is another great option for families looking for a more challenging hike, and the view is 1000% worth it!

3. Visit a Farm

Located in Palmer, the Musk Ox Farm is a must-visit in the spring. Families can learn about these fascinating Arctic animals, take a guided tour, and even see baby musk oxen, which are born in the spring. It’s a fun and educational experience for all ages. And this year, our family’s favorite: the Williams Reindeer Farm, also in Palmer (Butte), will be opening up for springtime tours to welcome all the little baby reindeer (a must if you have any Frozen fans in your household!), plus they have storytime days, baby animal days, and paint nights, too!

4. Go on a Family Bike Ride

Anchorage has an extensive trail system perfect for biking or walking, including the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which offers stunning views of the Cook Inlet. If you don’t own bikes, there are several rental shops in Downtown that will be glad to hook you up with wheels for the day, and you can even rent a bike trailer for the kids! In the Valley, the Mat-Su Greenbelt Trails provide a great place for a family bike ride.

5. Visit the Alaska Zoo

Located in Anchorage, the Alaska Zoo is home to a variety of Alaskan wildlife, including bears, moose, and wolves (it’s so cool to hear them all howl!). Spring is an excellent time to visit, as many animals are more active in the milder weather and are extra perky now that winter’s over. Keep an eye out for special events and educational programs, like the Dino Lights Event that is going on right now!

6. Exercise Your Green Thumb

Spring is the perfect time to start a small family garden. Whether you plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs, gardening is a rewarding experience that teaches kids about nature and responsibility. Try planting hardy Alaskan crops like carrots, potatoes, and lettuce for a fun and educational experience. To make it even better, many of the local Garden Shops and Greenhouses host spring plating events and workshops, like Ken’s Garden Center in Wasilla. Or, if you don’t possess a green thumb and just want to be around plants, check out the Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse in Anchorage. It’s free to the public and offers a refreshing tropical escape in the middle of the city.

With so many family-friendly activities to enjoy in Anchorage, Wasilla, Eagle River, and Palmer this spring, there’s no shortage of ways to make lasting memories. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, getting creative, or attending a local event, these activities will help you and your family celebrate the end of hibernation! Happy spring adventures!

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For tips on what to expect for your newborn session, check out this article by my friend, Kami, a talented Denver newborn photographer, who offers advice + gorgeous photography

The post Family-Friendly Things to Do This Spring in Anchorage, Wasilla, Eagle River, and Palmer, Alaska appeared first on Megan Marlene Photography.

Some families know they want the super fresh pictures, so we plan for when baby is 5-10 days old. Others may want to recover a little bit, especially after a C-section or difficult birth, so we plan for when baby is 2-3 weeks old. Others may really love the expressiveness that comes with older babies, so we purposely plan for when baby is 4+ weeks old. There’s no wrong answer, it just depends on what stage you want to document and the kind of pictures you are envisioning for your growing family. 

For newborns under 3 weeks, we’re able to do the session when they are still little and sleepy and easily curl into those squishy poses we all love. Babies do go through a growth spurt around 10 days old, so there’s a chance that they may be cluster feeding, so we just work around that as best we can and give lots of breaks. If your little one has started cluster feeding, it’s usually over within 48 hours and we can go ahead as planned along with the new chubby rolls they’ve added!

For newborns over 3 weeks, there’s usually an established routine by then and you’ll have a better idea of when they will be sleepy for the session. Older babies are more alert and have longer awake periods and are just starting to make eye contact. If you’re wanting sleepy pictures, it can be hit or miss and the first few weeks are a better bet. But even the most awake baby usually falls asleep for at least a catnap and this photographer can take a whole lot of pictures in just five minutes.

When deciding when to schedule your newborn session, spend time browsing your photographer’s gallery and see what pictures you find yourself drawn to and if you love the sleepy pictures of the fresh newborn or love the first smiles of an older newborn. Each one is beautiful in its own way and you’re going to get amazing pictures of your sweet new baby, however old they may be.

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for even more helpful tips!

P.S.- this little guy was just about 4 weeks old. He was awake for 99% of his session but we got sleepy pictures for that last 1%, plus a big smile, too!

Once you’ve checked “newborn session” off your to-do list, another important item is the birth announcements. These are customized cards sent out to share your happy news with friends and loved ones. My friend, Virginia, of Virginia Schultz Photography is a Bellvue Maternity Photographer who offers custom birth announcements to her families and shares tips and advice that all new and expecting parents will find helpful.

The post When should Newborn Sessions take place? | Anchorage Newborn Photographer appeared first on Megan Marlene Photography.

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