Melanie Painter Photography, Elko New Market

When her son was born, Melanie Painter read everything she could about communicating with children. The crash course in early childhood development not only primed Melanie for motherhood, but also working with youngsters as a photographer. To make photo shoots fun for kids, she hosts portrait parties where children snack, play with props, and, afterward, each receive a 5"x7" print. The rest of her on-location and in-studio shoots accommodate newborns, expectant moms, and families, all of whom she photographs with a combination of candid and posed shots.