The only photographer in Northern Michigan offering both family photography and cinematic family films.
Family & Newborn Photography + Films in Traverse City, Michigan
For moms who want more than photos — I create heartfelt imagery and cinematic family films that preserve your children’s voices, movement, and connection in every season of life.
Serving Traverse City, Northern Michigan, and vacationing families on Lake Michigan
200+ five star reviews
“She captured exactly who we are without anything feeling forced.”
- sarah, traverse city mom
“I was so stressed about photos, but it felt completely easy.”
- bethany, traverse city mom
1,000+ families photographed | 16 years in business | Serving Traverse City, Leelanau & Lake Michigan shoreline
One day you’ll miss the way they reached for your hand without thinking
Because motherhood moves fast in ways no one prepares you for.
wants real photos but feels overwhelmed by the process
rarely gets in photos with your children
is planning a Northern Michigan vacation or lake trip
just had a baby and wants to remember this season
values connection over perfection
this experience is for you if...
Through a relaxed, storytelling approach, I document your family exactly as you are — connected, playful, emotional, imperfect, and deeply loved — so you can hold onto this season long after it’s gone.
You don’t need to know what to do — I’ll guide you through everything. I’ll help with locations, timing, outfits, and everything in between so your session feels calm and easy.
You don’t need a perfect family — just this season of life, exactly as it is.
200+ five star reviews | Trusted by Families Across Northern Michigan
"The photographs are stunning, but the family film completely wrecked me in the best possible way."
- stephanie
"We watch our film all the time. Hearing our children's voices again is priceless."
- beth
"Melissa made everything feel effortless."
- amy jo
“I cried when I saw our gallery because it captured everything I never want to forget.”
- haley
“I spent weeks worrying about family photos, but you made the entire experience feel effortless.”
- inga
“My kids never sit still, yet you captured the most beautiful moments without forcing a thing.”
- megan
Your photographs become the artwork that fills your home and reminds you of this season of life every day.One day you’ll miss the way they reached for your hand without thinking
PHOTOGRAPHY + FILM: THE PERFECT COMBINATION
Wall galleries
Heirloom albums
Fine art prints
Gifts for grandparents
Beautiful Images for Your Walls
Years from now, you'll be able to press play and step back into this season. A family film captures the moments photographs cannot:
The sound of your children's laughter
Tiny voices you'll someday miss
Running barefoot on the beach
Hugs, snuggles, and movement
The feeling of your family together
A Family Film That Lets You Relive It All
Someday, these won’t just be photos or films to your children — they’ll be proof of how deeply they were loved.
As a mother, I know how quickly the little things change.
Most photographers freeze a moment.
I preserve the full story.
Through both photography and cinematic family films, you’ll be able to:
- hear your children again
- see their movement and personality unfold
- relive the connection between you
- return to this exact season of life
Someday, These Will Be the videos Your Children Treasure Most
why family films matter
sound on
Photos preserve how this season looked. Films preserve how it felt.
Because someday, still images won’t feel like enough — but motion will bring it all back.
capture with warmth, artistry, and intention
Relaxed, child-led sessions designed to capture real connection — not stiff posing.
the showit library services
family photography
01
Soft, natural newborn sessions focused on your baby and the quiet beauty of early motherhood.
newborn photography
02
For families visiting Northern Michigan — capturing your rare time together at Lake Michigan, dunes, and family cottages.
family vacation photography
03
My sessions are intentionally relaxed and child-led, so your family can simply slow down, be together, and actually enjoy the experience while I document it all naturally.
WHAT MOMS LOVE MOST:
✓ Your kids don’t need to sit still
✓ Tantrums are okay.
✓ I expect chaos
✓ Real moments matter more than perfection
You Don’t Need Perfectly Behaved Kids for Beautiful Photos
A Calm, Guided Experience for Moms
No Forced Smiles. No Pressure.
Just Real Moments.
From start to finish, I help with:
location selection
outfit guidance
timing for best light
natural posing and interaction
helping kids feel comfortable
You don’t need to prepare a perfect family.
Just show up as you are.
helping kids feel comfortable
200+ five star reviews | Trusted by Families Across Northern Michigan
"The photographs are stunning, but the family film completely wrecked me in the best possible way."
- stephanie
"We watch our film all the time. Hearing our children's voices again is priceless."
- beth
"Melissa made everything feel effortless."
- amy jo
See how a Traverse City family film preserves the laughter, movement, and connection of a sunset beach session in a way photos alone never can.
Traverse City Family video for a Mom Who Never Want to Forget This Season
family video
june 2026
See how a lifestyle newborn session in Traverse City captures the quiet snuggles, tiny details, and genuine connection of those first weeks at home with your new baby.
Traverse City Lifestyle Newborn Photography | A Relaxed In-Home Session
newborn photography
2026
This Traverse City beach session beautifully captures the joy, connection, and lake life memories that make Northern Michigan summers so special.
Traverse City Beach Family Photos | Preserving Summer Memories on Lake Michigan
family beach photography
june 2026
read all the latest
see our real families
I know how deeply photographs matter, because I’ve seen it in my own family.
My brother is in heaven, and I’ve watched my mom hold onto the photos of him over the years — the way they bring her back to his smile, his presence, and the love that never leaves. It’s made me incredibly dedicated to preserving that same kind of love for other families.
I don’t take this work lightly — I create with the intention that these images and films will one day become the most meaningful thing you have.
Hi, I'm Melissa!
"We couldn’t be happier with our experience working with Melissa"
- CAROLYN, TRAVERSE CITY MI MOM
a photographer who truly understands motherhood
inquire to get started
You don’t need perfectly behaved kids or a perfectly planned session — you just need to show up exactly as you are. I’ll guide you through the rest and create a relaxed, meaningful experience your family will actually enjoy.
**If you do not hear from me within 24 hours, check your SPAM**
melissa@luxlightphotography.net
231-883-9500
Traverse City, MI
Thank you!
Thank you for your message! I look forward to being in touch in 1-2 business days.