Two dogs wearing colorful bandanas looking upward against white siding background.

First Photo of 2021

HarleyLu Designs

A tender family moment showing a baby being cradled lovingly on a couch.

Last Photo of 2021


Whew! What a year!


It's a cliché I know, but this year flew by didn't it??


When the year first started, I was just a fledgling photographer with a few portfolio building sessions under my belt, and even fewer paid sessions. I had just recently gotten all my paperwork straight, had no idea how to advertise, how to work certain sessions, or what my true goals were.


I just knew I loved photography, I loved working with people, and I wanted to join the two.


And here I am! By the end of the year we (shout out to my husband for tagging along on a bunch of sessions!) were doing sometimes 6-7 sessions a day, not including mini days, meeting new families every week, working with businesses, and capturing life at it's most honest and most beautiful

Sunlight streams through trees in a scenic forest setting.

So many

sweet

moments!!

So many

sweet

moments!!

Some of The Numbers


102 galleries

49 families

11 couples

4 newborns

1 wedding

6 small businesses

3,500+ miles traveled!


Over the course of these 12 months, I worked with so many families - some of them up to 2 or 3 times!

A family poses together outdoors on a sunny summer day.
A joyful family moment captured during an outdoor photo session.
A festive family photo featuring holiday-themed clothing.

I also got to work with some AMAZING small businesses in the area

Casual couple posing against white wall with wooden beam decor.
Place setting with pink flower and navy cutlery holder on striped tablecloth.
Close-up of vintage paper clips with pastel colored fabrics on white surface.
Romantic beach picnic setup with cushions and low table at sunset.
Gold and white makeup bag with cursive text and pink brush on gray surface.
Business card displayed in wooden holder surrounded by bright red flowers on outdoor table.
Rustic wooden sign and home decor items with humorous quotes on marble background.
Colorful floral napkins displayed with a brown vase of artificial succulents and small succulent pot.
Beach picnic setup near bridge with wooden furniture and coastal grasses.
Holiday-themed bandanas and stuffed toys arranged on a red circular mat with pine branches.
01 / 10

Got to pet I mean photograph the sweetest pups in town (I'll be honest, it was mainly petting)

Dog wearing rainbow heart pattern bandana looking up against gray siding.
Two Pomeranian dogs sit next to red poinsettias and a frosted Christmas tree outdoors.
A happy dog with brown fur wearing a purple bandana sits in grass with their companion on a sunny day.
Holiday family portrait with dogs on front porch steps with wreath and greenery.
A senior brown dog with bright blue eyes wearing a pink floral bandana smiles at the camera.
A white dog wearing a floral bandana poses with their companion on a park bench.
01 / 06

I got to photograph babies less than 2 weeks old and extended families with members in their 7th decade of life


I got to commemorate the joining of two families


I got to celebrate retirements and birthdays, high school grads and the first day of kindergarten


Most significantly, I had the honor of meeting moms and dads, newborns and teenagers, couples just starting out and some getting married - all who trusted me to capture their story


All who let me into their lives, even for just the briefest of moments, to have their precious memories documented forever


And in doing so, I found my goal - my WHY


Life is so important, and oh so short. Things in my personal life have made that abundantly clear. And I want to help as many people as I can to cherish the life they've been given with the people that make them the happiest, or the business that they love or the pets who are really family.


I want you to look at your gallery and say "Wow, that's MY life and I LOVE it"


A smiling toddler in an orange dress and leopard print scarf plays outdoors at sunset.
Couple in red and blue outfits share a loving laugh outdoors among greenery.
A couple in matching red sweaters shares a tender moment outdoors in autumn.
A romantic wedding portrait showing a couple sharing an intimate moment in a sun-dappled forest.
An intimate family moment captured on a white couch in natural window light.
Parents in matching red outfits share a joyful moment with their newborn baby.
Two people having fun with piggyback rides on a suburban street in autumn.
A romantic outdoor portrait captures an intimate kiss between two people in natural lighting.
A student in a teal dress sits at a wooden desk outdoors with school supplies and a back-to-school sign.
A playful piggyback ride moment captured on a charming brick sidewalk in a historic neighborhood.
A romantic sunset portrait of a couple sharing an intimate moment in warm lighting.
A heartwarming embrace captured in matching red sweaters against a festive holiday backdrop.
An energetic student jumps with joy next to a desk with school supplies and back-to-school sign.
An outdoor family moment filled with laughter and smiles in front of a white building.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment outdoors wearing coordinating plaid and floral patterns at sunset.

Thank You


To the people I've been blessed to work with, and to those who like my social media posts and follow my photos online, THANK YOU


It's because of you that I went from a terrified budding business owner to a passionate, excited, still full of anxiety photographer - but now I know just how fulfilling and wonderous being a photographer can truly be


The late nights (there have been MANY), the learning curves, the worry - it's all part of this journey. I'm so grateful for every bit of it.


Above all else, I'm grateful for YOU


I can't wait to see what these next 12 months holds for us

gratefully yours,

Melanie