1-5 years
the littles
washington DC family photographeR
life together is loud, intense and deeply intertwined
I know your days are full — full of noise, questions and the clinginess that comes with raising young children. It’s exhausting and all-consuming.
But gradually, your lives will begin to disentangle and take the shape of a very complicated, color-coded family calendar.
Part of us will sigh with relief as independence emerges! But a big part of us will miss how it felt when our days were still woven together tightly.
Most family photography tries to polish this stage of life. The stained wall from that “spaghetti incident” is traded for a pristine studio. The local playground is traded for a rose garden. Nice clothes replace favorite ones and toys are expected to stay in the car.
This approach to family photography squeezes childhood out. What if we could lean into the life we share, the way chaos mingles with cuteness?
Hi, I’m Mel Worthington and I’m a Washington DC family photographer who takes relaxed photos of families at home.
Many families first find me during the newborn stage and we document year after year.
But if you’re just finding me now, that’s perfectly okay — you’re right on time.
Let’s lean in, enjoy early childhood more and remember it all beautifully.
Top 5 Reasons
to schedule an in-Home photography session
What famlies typically spend
Most families spend about $1000 on their session in order to receive files and artwork.
To reserve your date you’ll pay a session fee. Once your gallery is ready you’ll choose the collection that best fits your family.
Fresh 48 Sessions are also available!
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Wanna swap home for the hospital? No problem, I’m happy to meet you for a brief session in those early hours!
Mel captures the spirit (however chaotic) of our family perfectly…
… she captures the moments that are fleeting and easily forgotten but shouldn’t be. I can’t imagine having anyone else behind the camera.”
– Jen H
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Hi, I’m Mel.
And I know how you feel.
The days are slow but the years move fast. Let’s make the experience of having family photos taken feel meaningful – maybe even a little fun — while creating books and displays that empower belonging.
Family photography doesn’t have to feel draining, aspirational, or cheesy. All you really have to do is show up and be present for what matters.
The mess is more beautiful than you think.
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I’ve got you! s
Reach out and tell me about your family and we’ll hatch a plan together.
I’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect, all you have to do is be present
Let’s keep updating the story year after year to see what changes (and what doesn’t!)
give your family photos
superpowers!
It’s common to get family photos made only to keep them on our phones and drives for years, powerless.
We’re always so excited to make prints and frames and books when we first get them back!
But then work blows up and then the dog eats another hockey sock requiring surgery and then… and then… and then they’re off to college.
This is why I design a printed art piece for your family when you purchase all your files. I take the task off your plate so that your family magic can be visible while the kids are still growing.
Seeing our relationships affirms what we know, making a difference for everyone in the family: kids can see how loved they are as they are while grown ups can be reminded of what matters most in our busy worlds.
I love designing books, albums, framed art, collages and gallery walls that change with your family over time. Ask me for details!
Package #1
$2199
Perfect for the family that wants to start living with artwork at home and in the office.
Image files
All the high resolution files
Album
A 30 page 8.5×8.5 linen bound album
Wall Art
A wall installation for your home, designed to change as they do. Choose from 1 of 4 options
Desk displays
2 desk displays, each with 12 archival prints to rotate
Package #2
$699
Perfect for families who want to create their own displays.
Image files
All the high-resolution files
Album
A 30-page 7×7 linen-bound album
Package #3
$499
Perfect for the family that just needs a handful of awesome to keep and to share.
Image files
15 of your favorite high-resolution files
Things that don’t need to be perfect to capture beautiful family memories
1. Your home: This is where your family really lives, and that’s what makes it meaningful. We can move things around or tuck clutter into a closet if needed — no judgment here.
2. The weather: Rain or shine, beautiful window light is all we need.
3. Your outfits: You don’t need formal styling or special outfits. Simple, comfortable clothing that makes you feel good photographs best.
This is real family life – not a magazine shoot.
Looking for advice on how to dress for the occasion?
Features Q Partners Y
FAQ
Mel makes magic with her photos.
She is kind, relatable, and the most pleasurable to work with. You will not regret the money spent.
Amber D.
capture this version of your kids
before the next emerges S
It’s hard to imagine a day when you won’t walk through the world carrying baby wipes… but it will come.
Little by little, your children grow. One day you’re helping them learn to regulate big feelings or tie their shoes. Some changes feel like a win, like tossing the travel potty. Others arrive with a quiet ache, like the Halloween when they decide they’re done trick-or-treating.
Childhood is always moving forward.
Photographs help us hold onto each stage while making room for the next. They affirm connection, belonging and our love for our kids exactly as they are.
Documentary-style family photographs help us, as parents, too. Making our love visible helps us remember what really matters while better trusting our intuition.
It’s doesn’t feel urgent but change is always right around the corner. Let’s get started…
T
About Mel Worthington Photography
Mel Worthington is a Washington DC newborn and family photographer known for relaxed, in-home photography that celebrates the natural movement, personality, and connection of real family life.
Her family sessions focus on everyday life with young children — the imagination, humor, and intensity that shape these early years of childhood.
Rather than carefully posed portraits, Mel photographs families as they naturally are, often in the comfort of their own homes or neighborhoods across Washington DC and the surrounding DC area.
Many families first work with Mel during the newborn stage and continue returning as their children grow, creating a visual record of family life over time.
