Elle Mendenhall, of Ella Bella Photography in Austin, Texas, specializes in creative portraiture of newborns and babies using only natural light. She is one of Austin's premier portrait artists, sought after for her creative style and modern approach to photographing newborns and babies.
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Maternity
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Ella Bella Photography now offers mini-maternity sessions for $75 when booked with a full newborn session! The mini-maternity sessions are 1 hour long at the location of your choice! Let's have fun! We can meet near downtown Austin for an urban maternity session with colorful walls, cupcakes, and even an awesome candy store. Or if you want a more laid back maternity session, we can meet at your home or your favorite park! Be sure to book your maternity session during your 1st or 2nd trimester so that I can make room on my calendar for you. The best time for maternity portraits are when your pregnancy is between 32-36 weeks along. (If you are pregnant with multiples, you will need to subtract 4 weeks from that timeframe!)
Newborn
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The ideal time to book a newborn session is in your 2nd trimester. I only book a limited number of photo sessions each month and my schedule fills up quickly, even months in advance. If you are nearing your due date or just had a baby, please still contact me for current session openings. I love newborns and will do my best to fit you in!
I prefer to photograph newborns during their first week of life after coming home from the hospital, or when your baby is between 4-9 days old. I always say the sooner the better when scheduling newborn sessions because newborn babies quickly outgrow the tiny, sleepy, curled up characteristics that are the hallmark of my newborn photography.
If your baby has to spend time in the NICU, you can still book a newborn session in advance and we will wait to schedule the actual session date once we know when your baby will be coming home.
Your newborn session will take place in the comfort of your own home. I will look for the room in your home that has the best indirect natural light and set up my portable studio there. I bring all my newborn hats, baskets, blankets and props to every session! If you desire, I can also take some family and sibling portraits with your newborn. In the spring, summer and early fall, we can go outside and find some shaded areas in your yard for some outdoor portraits as well. Newborn sessions typically last about 2. 5 hours.
I prefer to photograph newborns during their first week of life after coming home from the hospital, or when your baby is between 4-9 days old. I always say the sooner the better when scheduling newborn sessions because newborn babies quickly outgrow the tiny, sleepy, curled up characteristics that are the hallmark of my newborn photography.
If your baby has to spend time in the NICU, you can still book a newborn session in advance and we will wait to schedule the actual session date once we know when your baby will be coming home.
Your newborn session will take place in the comfort of your own home. I will look for the room in your home that has the best indirect natural light and set up my portable studio there. I bring all my newborn hats, baskets, blankets and props to every session! If you desire, I can also take some family and sibling portraits with your newborn. In the spring, summer and early fall, we can go outside and find some shaded areas in your yard for some outdoor portraits as well. Newborn sessions typically last about 2. 5 hours.
Portraits
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Let's have fun! My style is a mix between lifestyle and portrait photography. I love interacting with children, singing songs, acting silly and capturing your little one's sweet smiles and natural curiosity. I also aim to get a few posed portraits of your family and/or children several times during the session so you will have a nice variety of finished proofs to choose from in your private gallery.
Your portrait session can take place anywhere you want! I can meet you in the comfort of your own home and yard, your favorite park or a more urban setting like downtown Austin! We will have time for one change of clothing, possibly two if time permits. Traditional whites are always timeless in portraits but I really LOVE to photograph colorful clothing! Feel free to be creative with your wardrobe on the day of your session! If you have children under the age of 5, please bring along plenty of water and non-staining snacks like cheerios and animal crackers. We will have time for snack breaks and outfit changes!
Your portrait session can take place anywhere you want! I can meet you in the comfort of your own home and yard, your favorite park or a more urban setting like downtown Austin! We will have time for one change of clothing, possibly two if time permits. Traditional whites are always timeless in portraits but I really LOVE to photograph colorful clothing! Feel free to be creative with your wardrobe on the day of your session! If you have children under the age of 5, please bring along plenty of water and non-staining snacks like cheerios and animal crackers. We will have time for snack breaks and outfit changes!
People
Ella Bella Photography
My name is Elle and I am a natural light newborn & child photographer in Austin, TX. I am also a mommy to 2 toddler boys, born 17 months apart. As a mom, I know how important it is to have beautiful photographs that document each stage of development because children grow up too quickly. Besides being a mother, my true passion in life is photography and I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love everyday.
Reviews (22)
Nicole Morris
Dec 24, 2021
Erika Winterland
Dec 21, 2021
Deanna Freeman
Jul 05, 2021
Deanna Freeman
Jun 22, 2021
Allison Medina
Feb 21, 2021
Elle is such a talented photographer. She made this experience go so smoothly and she was so sweet during the whole process. She provided sneak peaks in 2 days which was very impressive! BOOK WITH HER NOW! Will definitely be seeking another session for when our baby turns 1. Thank you so so much for capturing our beautiful little girl.
Elizabeth Higdon
Nov 30, 2020
Allison Vera
Aug 07, 2020
Elle is such a talented photographer. She made this experience go so smoothly and she was so sweet during the whole process. She provided sneak peaks in 2 days which was very impressive!! BOOK WITH HER NOW!! Will definitely be seeking another session for when our baby turns 1. Thank you so so much for capturing our beautiful little girl.
Meredith Sommerville
Aug 07, 2019
Ella was absolutely wonderful for the newborn session with my third child. She managed to get the most beautiful sibling pictures and took amazing pictures even when my littlest was fussy. She's a pro at calming newborns and even got mine to fall asleep during the process! I cannot recommend her more highly.
Blessing Kihlthau
Jul 13, 2019
Zichun Feng
Jun 28, 2018
Did a mini session with my newborn daughter and her 2 year old sister. Fantastic experiences! Ella was very professional and patient. Setting of the studio was very warm and comfy. Very considerate. She had lots of choices for decoration and backgrounds. My two year old even got a Hello Kitty as a gift! How kind! And we love the pictures so much. very very adorable pictures! Definitely the best place to get your newborn pictures taken.
Lauren Koivisto
May 23, 2018
Katie Cuenin
Apr 16, 2018
Elle is truly excellent at what she does! For the last six years I have wanted professional newborn and family photos, but we waited until our family was complete (after the birth of our third child) to have them done. Elle MORE than delivered! She captured all of the newborn & family poses I wanted so well. The pictures were all so good I ended up purchasing all of them! Highly recommend!
Priya Sethuraman
Dec 28, 2017
We had Elle over for our newborn session and loved her work so much we called her back for our one year session. She does a great job and has been easy to work with. Pricing is competitive with other photographers we've looked at in the area but her work surpasses others in quality by far! We hope to continue our partnership for years to come - definitely give her a call!
Laura Catoe
Nov 27, 2017
Elle is the most amazing photographer I have ever worked with. I have used her a handful of times for newborn and family photos. I am always shocked at how wonderful the pictures turn out - even with uncooperative kiddos. She has a fabulous talent with newborns. Her artistic eye and ability to capture the essence of a child in the most adorable poses are incomparable. I will never use a photographer other than Elle. And, I can't fathom anyone ever being disappointed with her pictures. I highly recommend her to everyone I speak to.
Heather Martin
Jul 05, 2017
Elle in one word is AMAZING! Her talent knows no bounds! She surprises me at every shoot, I was fortunate to book her for my son's newborn photos and was immediately hooked, I now have to do mini sessions regularly because I can't get enough of her photos. I even routinely stalk her website to see all the sneak peaks of her recent shoots. You will treasure the gifts she creates forever!
Jaclyn R.
Mar 15, 2017
AMAZING! We'll use her for ALL future photo sessions. She's the baby whisperer! She was absolutely wonderful with my newborn. When she fussed, she knew exactly what to do to calm her down. Extremely gentle. She has TONS of accessories to choose from, as well as beautiful backgrounds for the photo. And she comes to your home which is so helpful. My daughter's photo shoot was so successful and that's truly because of Elle, and the photos are stunning. Elle was awesome, and very personable. It was just an awesome experience.
Jaclyn R.
Mar 15, 2017
AMAZING! We'll use her for ALL future photo sessions. She's the baby whisperer! She was absolutely wonderful with my newborn. When she fussed, she knew exactly what to do to calm her down. Extremely gentle. She has TONS of accessories to choose from, as well as beautiful backgrounds for the photo. And she comes to your home which is so helpful.
My daughter's photo shoot was so successful and that's truly because of Elle, and the photos are stunning. Elle was awesome, and very personable. It was just an awesome experience.
My daughter's photo shoot was so successful and that's truly because of Elle, and the photos are stunning. Elle was awesome, and very personable. It was just an awesome experience.
Erin T.
Jan 07, 2015
We had an awesome experience with Ella Bella Photography. We used Elle for our younger son's newborn photos in December 2014. Her professionalism is unmatched. The process went as smoothly as a newborn photo shoot could possibly go (and I do have something to compare it to --- my older son's newborn photo shoot (with a different photographer) was complete madness!). Elle has the process down to a science.
Our son was a happy camper the entire time, as she keeps her studio at the perfect temperature to keep a baby comfortable. All of the backgrounds and props were provided, so there was no need to stress about buying extra items on my own. We just showed up and let Elle work her magic. We are incredibly pleased with our son's photos and can't wait to display them in our home for the years to come.
I worked with her in Austin prior to her upcoming move, but wouldn't hesitate to travel to Dallas to work with her again should I have more children in the future --- she's just that good. I highly recommend choosing Elle as your newborn photographer. You won't be disappointed!
Our son was a happy camper the entire time, as she keeps her studio at the perfect temperature to keep a baby comfortable. All of the backgrounds and props were provided, so there was no need to stress about buying extra items on my own. We just showed up and let Elle work her magic. We are incredibly pleased with our son's photos and can't wait to display them in our home for the years to come.
I worked with her in Austin prior to her upcoming move, but wouldn't hesitate to travel to Dallas to work with her again should I have more children in the future --- she's just that good. I highly recommend choosing Elle as your newborn photographer. You won't be disappointed!
Karen Brown
Elle is amazing!!! She took absolutely beautiful pictures of our newborn baby girl & our boys with her that I will treasure forever! She is so patient and takes her time which I truly appreciate!! I’m so in love with our pictures and highly recommend Elle to capture your precious memories!! She’s the best!!
Lorin Little
Beyond satisfied! Elle did our newborn photos and we couldn’t be happier. She supplies all the little swaddles, blankets, props, headbands and bows. Elle even encorporated a few items we brought from home. She really knows how to get the best from your newborn and is a true professional as well as a really kind person.
Shoshana Woody
Katie Cuenin
Elle is truly excellent at what she does! For the last six years I have wanted professional newborn and family photos, but we waited until our family was complete (after the birth of our third child) to have them done. Elle MORE than delivered! She captured all of the newborn & family poses I wanted so well. The pictures were all so good I ended up purchasing all of them! Highly recommend!!