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.

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.

First Year Collections

Your baby will change more in the first twelve months than at any other time in life.

The curled fingers that fit perfectly in your palm.
The steady sit.
The determined crawl.
The way their whole face lights up when they recognize you.

The first year is not just a series of milestones. It’s a story unfolding — and it deserves to be documented as one.

My First Year Collections are designed to preserve that story intentionally. Rather than scheduling sessions one at a time, we plan the year from the beginning. Newborn through first birthday. Each stage documented with space to breathe and grow.

These collections include multiple sessions across the first year so your images feel cohesive — not pieced together. At the end, many families choose to gather their images into a custom heirloom album that tells the full story of who their baby was in that fleeting first year.

Because I take a limited number of First Year families each season, availability is reserved in advance. This allows me to protect space on the calendar for each milestone as it arrives — without the stress of last-minute scheduling.

If you’re expecting and know you want your baby’s first year preserved thoughtfully and consistently, I encourage you to reach out early.

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.