We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Helman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
At the heart of my photography is a mission to create more than just beautiful images—I aim to craft timeless heirlooms that families can hold onto for generations. My work is rooted in the belief that photography has the unique power to preserve not just appearances, but emotion, connection, and legacy.
This mission began taking shape when I was very young, during visits to my grandmother’s home. I remember spending hours sitting beside her, flipping through photo albums. Each image sparked a story of her childhood, her relationship with my grandfather, their travels, the people she loved and lost. Those times sitting with her were filled with curiosity, and even a few tears, are some of my fondest memories.
It was during those moments that I first understood something that would stay with me forever: these were not just photographs. They were windows into her life. They were proof of who we came from, how much had been lived, and how much still mattered. Even then, I saw the quiet power of a printed image—and how it could turn into a living, breathing story when held in the hands of someone who remembered.
That early experience shaped everything about the way I photograph today. When I work with families, I’m not just capturing smiles—I’m capturing relationships, history, and the love that weaves through generations. I pay close attention to the in-between moments: a glance, a touch, a shared laugh. These are the threads that hold a family’s story together.
In a world that moves quickly and stores everything on screens, I’m committed to creating something tangible—albums, prints, and wall art that will live in family homes and hearts. My mission is to give families the kind of experience I had with my grandmother: a way to sit together, remember, and pass on stories that matter.
Because in the end, photography isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about what it helps us remember. And what we remember is who we are.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi, I’m Melissa, a maternity and newborn photographer based in Murrysville, PA, and the heart behind a studio built with love, vision, and a deep passion for storytelling through portraiture.
My journey into photography didn’t begin with a camera—it began in a classroom. I spent eight years as a teacher, pouring into the lives of children and families. But after becoming a mother myself, something shifted. I started picking up my camera to capture portraits of my own children and the children of friends. What started as simple moments of joy and curiosity quickly became something deeper—I realized I was capturing more than just smiles. I was preserving memories, stories, and the essence of connection.
That realization lit a fire in me. I decided to dive headfirst into photography and learn everything I could—not just how to use my camera, but how to create art. I took classes in lighting, posing (especially newborn safety and comfort), composition, and eventually, in building a business. In the early days, I said yes to everything—weddings, families, events. But over time, I found myself continually drawn back to maternity and newborn photography. There’s something truly sacred about the journey into parenthood, and I wanted to create a space where that magic could be honored and preserved.
My first studio was our dining room—a cozy, creative corner where I grew my skills and my dream. Eventually, that space gave way to our basement, which I transformed into a studio filled with luxury fabrics, designer gowns for moms, delicate props for newborns, and curated backdrops. It was everything to me. Still, in the back of my mind, I kept dreaming of a space outside our home, one where I could create without limitations.
That dream became a reality just eight months ago when I opened my current studio in Murrysville. It’s a beautiful, fully customized space where I now offer a complete luxury experience for my clients—from wardrobe styling to designing heirloom albums and custom wall art. Everything is intentional and personalized. Every session is designed to honor the unique story of the family I’m working with.
What sets me apart isn’t just my attention to detail or my fine art style—it’s my ability to connect. As an empath and an artist, I see people deeply. I listen, I feel, and I reflect their love and story through my work. My clients aren’t just booking a photo session—they’re trusting me with a moment in their lives that they want to remember forever. And that trust means everything to me.
I’m most proud of the transformation—not just in my work or my studio, but in how far I’ve come from that first portrait of my child to now creating legacy artwork for families. I want people to know that my work is personal, intentional, and full of heart. My mission is to give families tangible, lasting artwork—pieces they can hold, hang, and hand down. This is art that lives in your home, and in your family’s story, for generations.
And the best part? I’m just getting started.
Have you ever had to pivot?
For me, business has never just been about numbers or trends—it’s about listening to that quiet inner voice that tells you when something needs to change, and having the resolve to follow it, even when the path isn’t entirely clear. I’ve learned that being able to pivot—intentionally and without giving up—is not just a skill, it’s a survival tool as a creative and a business owner.
When I first started my photography journey, I was all-in on newborn photography. I built my brand around it, took classes to master newborn posing and safety, and created a studio space that reflected the softness and intimacy of those earliest days in a child’s life. It brought me so much joy to capture those fleeting moments for families.
But over time, I started noticing a shift—not just in the industry, but in myself. Newborn photography was becoming more saturated, and at the same time, I found myself deeply moved by the quiet strength and beauty of expectant mothers. I realized that while newborns will always have my heart, the story really begins before the baby arrives. I started asking myself, *“How can I make this experience truly unforgettable for mothers—to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime transformation they’re going through?”*
That question was the start of a major pivot. I began focusing on maternity photography—not just adding it in, but *elevating* it. I started designing sessions that felt more like experiences: styling moms in luxurious gowns, guiding them through poses that honored their bodies and their strength, and offering artwork that would help them remember this sacred time forever.
It wasn’t an easy shift. It meant turning away from the comfort zone I had built. But the pivot changed everything. It brought clarity to my brand, deeper meaning to my work, and a stronger connection with the families I serve. Now, I create experiences that start with maternity and often carry through to newborn and beyond—but it all begins with honoring the mother.
That pivot taught me that listening to your instincts, and having the courage to evolve, can open doors you didn’t even know were waiting. And that has made all the difference in my journey.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most defining moments in my journey came during the early days of COVID. Like so many small business owners, I found myself facing the unexpected and the unknown. I had to temporarily close my studio, and the uncertainty was overwhelming. I didn’t know if my business would survive—and for a moment, I truly wondered if everything I had built would quietly fall apart.
But something in me refused to give up. I reminded myself *why* I started: to create meaningful, lasting art for families and to build something rooted in love, connection, and legacy. That deeper purpose is what carried me through.
Instead of seeing the shutdown as the end, I chose to see it as an opportunity to reset and refocus. I dove into learning—taking online classes, reworking my systems, revisiting my brand, and identifying what was missing in both my work and my client experience. I asked myself hard questions: *What do I really want this business to be? How can I come back not just open, but stronger?*
That time of pause, though difficult, became a period of quiet transformation. When I finally reopened my doors, I wasn’t the same photographer or business owner I had been before. I was more intentional. More prepared. And more aligned with my vision than ever.
That experience reminded me that resilience isn’t just about staying afloat—it’s about staying true. It’s about using challenges as fuel and trusting that growth often begins in the stillness. I’m proud that I didn’t let fear stop me. I came back with more clarity, more confidence, and a deeper understanding of what my clients—and my business—truly needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissahelmanphotography.com
- Instagram: mhelmanphotography
- Facebook: Melissa Helman Photography
- Youtube: Melissa Helman Photography
Image Credits
Melissa Helman Photography