FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER IN BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
This Season of your Family's Life
is happening right now
This Season of your Family's Life
is happening right now
That sounds obvious. But the way your youngest laughs right now, the way your kids pile on top of each other, the particular chaos and tenderness of your family in this moment… it won’t be here forever.
As a Burlington family photographer with over a decade of experience, I create timeless, emotion-filled images for families who want more than a nice photo. They want proof of how it felt to be together right now. The noise of it. The love of it. The ordinary, extraordinary everyday of it.
No stiff poses. No “say cheese.” Just your family – exactly as you are – captured with intention, warmth, and a whole lot of genuine connection.
Does this sound familiar?
You’ve been meaning to book family photos for a while now. But something keeps coming up – the kids might not cooperate, your partner “hates photos,” you’re not sure anyone will look good, and honestly, coordinating outfits for the whole family sounds like a full-time job.
Here’s what I want you to know: every single one of those worries is completely normal, and they’re exactly why I do what I do. My sessions aren’t about getting everyone to perform for the camera. They’re about slowing down, leaning in, and capturing the real version of your family – the one your kids are going to want to look at for the rest of their lives.
The chaos is welcome. The wiggly toddlers are welcome. You are worth documenting. All of you. Exactly as you are. Right now.
What a family session with me actually looks like.
Styling support so nobody has to panic-scroll Pinterest the night before.
Every session includes access to my carefully curated client closet and an in-person styling session before your shoot. I’ll help you choose pieces that work together, photograph beautifully, and feel comfortable on every single person wearing them – from your littlest one to your reluctant partner. You don’t have to figure any of this out alone.
Guided, natural direction that actually brings out real moments.
I don’t hand you a spot to stand and count to three. I give gentle, playful prompts that bring out movement, laughter, and real connection – chasing the kids through a field, a piggyback ride, the kind of hug that turns into a pile. The best images come from feeling, not from posing. I’ll take care of all the direction so you can just be present with your people.
Serving Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Halton Region & beyond.
I photograph family sessions across Southern Ontario, including Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Dundas, Ancaster, Grimsby, and surrounding Halton Region communities. Sessions can take place outdoors in golden hour light, in your home, or at a favourite location that feels true to your family’s story. I’ll help guide you toward the right fit.
How it works
Book your session
Contact me to choose your date, package, and finalize the details with a contract and retainer payment.
Virtual Planning
Schedule a 30-minute virtual session to align on your vision for the shoot.
In person styling
Take advantage of my carefully curated client closet to ensure you look your best, schedule your 30-minute in-person styling session.
Shoot day
The moment we’ve been waiting for!
Enjoy our session at your chosen location, capturing beautiful moments together.
Receive photos
Sneak peeks within 48 hours, a lightly edited proofing gallery in 3-4 weeks, and final images within 7 days of your selection.
Your Investment
These images will outlast every toy, every trend, and every phase your kids are currently obsessed with – and you’ll reach for them long after this season has quietly slipped into the next one.
Here’s what’s included,
☆ Best Value ☆
The Heirloom Collection $1200+HST
Includes:
- Up to 90-minute session
- All fully edited images (approximately 80-100)
- All images in colour & black and white
- Up to 2 wardrobe changes (3 outfits)
- Client closet access & online styling software
- 30-min virtual planning call
- 30-min in-person styling session
- 1-hour virtual print ordering session
- Complimentary printed gift ($185 value)
- 20% off all printed items
- Rush delivery – gallery within 10 days.
Most Popular!
THE KEEPSAKE collection $900+HST
Includes:
- Up to 1-hour session
- 45 hand-edited images of your choice
- All images in colour & black and white
- Client closet access & online styling software
- 30-min virtual planning call
- 30-min in-person styling session
- Proofing gallery available within 3 weeks
- 15% off all printed items
The TIMELESS Collection $700+HST
Includes:
- Up to 1-hour session
- 20 hand-edited images of your choice
- All images in colour & black and white
- Client closet access & online styling software
- 45-min virtual planning + styling call
- Proofing gallery available within 4 weeks
- 10% off all printed items
Extended Family Sessions also available. Packages start at $1000.
All pricing subject to HST. Packages subject to change.
Family Photography Questions you Probably Have
I'm worried about my young child not behaving - can you help?
As a mom myself, I completely understand this worry. My advice may sound strange – but don’t worry about them behaving. Don’t stress about them looking and smiling at the camera. It is my job to photograph your story exactly where it’s at in this moment. I promise you we will get some beautiful photographs – your job will be to try your best to relax and just connect with your family members in an authentic way. Embrace the chaos. Give the hugs. Be silly together.
My child is nervous around new people, especially adults. Is this ok?
While I can never guarantee how a child will respond to me or the camera- I have a whole bag of tricks when it comes to getting your child out of their shell and to trust me. In my prep guide there is a whole section on how YOU can prep your child for our session together – if they know what to expect and what they’re walking into, that’s half the battle. When in doubt I also encourage families to bring some snacks (such as goldfish crackers) or their favourite toys to help ease their children’s nerves.
My partner hates photos, I'm afraid they're going to be grumpy. Help!
At the end of the day, there are really two routes: your partner can rally, put on a smile, and soak up this time (because future-you and your kids will be so grateful for these memories). Or, we keep it simple with a beautiful mommy & me session. Honestly – nothing throws off the vibe more than someone who truly doesn’t want to be there, and your experience deserves to feel joyful and relaxed.
Can you make me look skinnier, fix or remove things in editing?
Extensive editing such as extreme body modification are above and beyond the scope of work included in my packages. If it is feasible to complete the requested extreme edits they will be charged at a rate of $15/image. Removing distracting items such as keys, wallets, apple watches, phones in pockets or hair ties on wrists are the responsibility of the participants and may not be able to be fixed in editing – these tasks will be considered extensive editing and will be billed accordingly if requested.
Why do i need a virtual planning call?
I believe that the best photos come from true collaboration. This quick video call helps me understand your vision, your family’s vibe, and what matters most to you- so I can show up fully prepared to capture it all in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
It also gives us a chance to connect face-to-face before the session, which makes meeting in person feel way less awkward – I’m not just some random stranger showing up with a camera! We’ll chat through the details, answer any questions, and set the tone so your session feels easy, fun, and true to you from the very beginning.
Do you offer discounts or run sales?
I don’t discount my sessions, but I do offer limited mini and specialty sessions throughout the year. These are a great way to get a smaller collection of images at a lower price point, and my email list always gets first dibs with early access.
That said, full sessions are truly the best value. You’ll enjoy more time together, more variety in your gallery, and a full-service experience – including planning support, styling, and custom print options. Many families find the investment well worth it for the memories we create.
As a thank-you, returning clients receive 10% off full sessions. Payment plans are also available – just reach out and we can make it work.
testimonials from our happy families
"Melissa is a rockstar! We are beyond grateful for all of her talent and expertise in capturing photos of our baby boy and family.
From the onset she put us at ease with her pre-planning guides and taking the time to answer questions. As new parents she immediately put us at ease and we had so much fun with her. It was such a special time to spend together and Melissa created a wonderful and fun environment for all of us. We loved the sneak peek gallery! It was such a nice touch and when we saw the full gallery we were blown away at how well she captured our special moments. We can’t recommend Melissa Shearer Photography enough! Thank you again Melissa for being there to capture our special moments and life milestones.”
- Tanya J.
testimonials from our happy families
"We can't wait to make our session with Melissa a yearly tradition.
I found Melissa on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her photographs and photography style. We chose a flower field mini to get family photos of ourself and young daughter. Before the session I met with Melissa for a styling session to discuss our family’s outfits for the day. Not only did she give me great tips and explain everything about our mini, but she made me feel like I was visiting with a friend. On the day of our session, she made us feel very comfortable and had us laughing the entire time. After the session we were counting down the days until we got to see our photographs. When we got the photographs back, we were thrilled with how they turned out. She perfectly captured our family.
- Amanda
testimonials from our happy families
"My 5 year old daughter talks about her as if she's a family friend."
When you work with Melissa, you arent just getting photos, you are getting amazing memories! We’ve worked with her three times now, and my 5 year old daughter talks about her as if she’s a family friend. We have so much fun getting our family pictures taken with Melissa, and we can’t wait to work with her again in the years to come!
- Natalie S.
