Joyful documentary photography for every stage of life.

newborn photography

Newborn Photographer Kansas City | Merry Ohler is a storytelling documentary newborn photographer who documents the bond between parents and new baby in a delightful, breathtaking way. Merry uses natural environments and intuitive posing to deliver intimate, emotive images you will treasure forever. She is based in Kansas City and serves clients in Kansas, Missouri and beyond. Learn more here.

Newborn Photographer Kansas City

Hi, I’m Merry. I’m a documentary newborn photographer in Kansas City.

Merry Ohler Photography provides emotive documentary and storytelling newborn photography in: Kansas City, Lawrence, Leawood, Lenexa, Overland Park, Mission, Parkville, Smithville, Liberty, Kearney, Lathrop, Weston, St. Joseph, Lawrence, Raymore, Excelsior Springs, Blue Springs, Lees Summit, Grandview, Sedalia, Raymore and more.

Mother holds newborn baby while father and toddler look on. © Merry Ohler, all rights reserved. | Newborn Photographer Kansas City

Newborn Photographer in Kansas City

Hi there. I’m glad you found your way here, and if you were referred by someone please make sure to tell me who to thank!

If you’ve taken any time to check out my website, you’ve probably got a pretty good idea of my newborn photography style, but it’s important to be clear about the way I work and the images I produce because the truth is that every newborn photographer is not right for every family. It’s important to clear all that up now to make sure we are a good fit.

I love babies, and I love to photograph all the precious little details that change so quickly. I provide two kinds of newborn photography: Fresh48 Newborn Photography and Lifestyle Newborn Photography.

Fresh48 photography is scheduled within the first 48 hours of your little one’s life, and take place at the hospital or in your home. These sessions are organic, natural and very simple. There are no props or intricate posing beyond snuggling your little one and minute adjustments as needed to help me catch a better shot. The primary objective of Fresh48 Newborn Sessions are to document the feelings and details of the transition from expecting to arrival. Tiny fingers and toes, the curve of his tiny body on your chest, her sweet little self wrapped in daddy’s hands, and the first few intimate images of your new family.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography is scheduled within the first two weeks of your little one’s life (preferably within the first week), and take place in your home. (Studio available upon request for additional fee.) These sessions are organic, natural and very simple. There are no props or intricate posing beyond snuggling and settling in to your new rhythms at home with your new addition. I’ll photograph your family with baby, and will catch some images of the nursery, and all of you snuggling on the couch or on your bed, or a little of both. If there’s a special rocking chair or spot that is meaningful, we’ll be sure to work it in, but these will largely be a glimpse into your new everyday. Bare feet and comfy jeans are welcome!

Newborn Photographer Kansas City

This life you’ve built is real. Your experiences, emotions, and most of all, this family unit you’ve created. This is why I edit images the way I do: emotive, earthy and real, with true colors and contrast that helps me tell your story in this season.

There are plenty of other newborn photographers in Kansas City who edit with dramatic and imaginative posing, and magazine cover-worthy props, and all the babies in buckets. And I understand it, it can be beautiful! But it’s not what I do, and it’s not what my clients are after.

When you hire me to take your newborn photos, I provide space and direction that enables you to be who you are, and I edit your images in a way that will translate to timeless family heirlooms you’ll pass down from generation to generation. Sure, I’ll capture photos where everyone is smiling at the camera, but the majority of our time together will be spent with you living your moments and cherishing time with your loved ones. I come to every newborn session fully equipped with prompts and ideas that will help you escape any anxiety and focus on being present with your people.

Kansas City Newborn Photographer

You need a newborn photographer who can engage with each member of your family and draw out their unique, beautiful personalities in a way that translates to photos.

That’s exactly what I achieve in every newborn session.

Newborn photography can be a source of stress for everyone involved, but it doesn’t have to be. As your newborn photographer, my goal is to make a personal connection with your family and bring out your best. This focus frees all of you to be yourselves and relax, which translates to fantastic newborn photos you’ll cherish forever.

What do you think? Am I the right newborn photographer for you?

If what you read resonates with you, fill out the form below and drop me a line today (read: right this very second!) to check my availability for your newborn photos, and schedule a coffee date, phone call or video chat. I can’t wait to meet you.


Thanks for reading about your new favorite newborn photographer in Kansas City! Next, view recent newborn sessions on the blog, or learn more about my newborn photography pricing.