Melinda Gilmore Photography has been named Best Newborn Photographer in Baton Rouge by Expertise.com for the third consecutive year, earning the prestigious recognition in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The achievement marks a rare three-year streak of industry validation that positions the Morgan City-based studio as South Louisiana's benchmark for newborn photography excellence.
Expertise.com evaluates over 100 photographers annually before selecting approximately 15 winners based on rigorous criteria including reputation, customer confidence, experience, engagement, and professionalism. The three consecutive awards reflect sustained excellence in an industry where consistent quality and client trust are paramount.
"Being recognized three years in a row is incredibly meaningful because it represents our ongoing commitment to every family we serve," said Melinda Gilmore, owner and lead photographer at Melinda Gilmore Photography. "This recognition validates what we work so hard to provide—a safe, stress-free experience that creates timeless family heirlooms parents will treasure for generations."
The studio, located at 602 Brashear Avenue in Morgan City, serves families across South Louisiana including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and surrounding regions. With over a decade of experience specializing in maternity, newborn, and baby milestone photography, Melinda Gilmore Photography has built a reputation for combining artistic excellence with professional safety standards.
Safety credentials distinguish the studio in a market where such certifications are rarely emphasized. Melinda holds American Red Cross certification in Adult, Child, and Infant First Aid/CPR/AED—a qualification fewer than five percent of South Louisiana newborn photographers prominently display. The studio's climate-controlled environment features professional heating systems, noise machines for infant comfort, and comprehensive safety protocols that address the primary concern of new parents.
The full-service studio experience includes professional wardrobe, hair and makeup services with artist Lesley for maternity clients, complete styling guidance, and a focus on creating wall art and family heirlooms rather than digital-only packages. The studio limits monthly sessions to ensure personalized attention and maintains the highest quality standards for every client.
"We're not just taking pictures—we're documenting the fleeting moments that define a family's journey," Gilmore explained. "That baby bump and those tiny toes turn into big kids faster than anyone imagines. Our job is to freeze time so families can always go back and reminisce about this special season."
The studio's newborn photography services emphasize the optimal timing window of the first five to fourteen days of life when infants are sleepiest and most flexible for classic posed photography. Families travel from across the region—some driving over two hours—specifically for the studio's specialized newborn expertise and comprehensive approach.
Melinda Gilmore Photography is also a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP). The studio received the AFNS Award in 2021 and has been featured in multiple industry publications for its distinctive approach to newborn and milestone photography.
The photography services market for children is experiencing significant growth, projected to nearly double by 2033 with annual growth rates of 6.3 to 7.5 percent. Louisiana's above-average birth rate—12.8 per 1,000 residents, ranking seventh nationally—supports continued demand for professional newborn documentation as parents increasingly prioritize authentic, meaningful photography over staged perfection.
For expecting parents seeking to secure limited availability for 2026 sessions, contact information is available through the studio website. Early booking is recommended due to high demand following the consecutive award recognitions.
About Melinda Gilmore Photography:
Melinda Gilmore Photography is a premier professional photography studio based in Morgan City, Louisiana, specializing in maternity, newborn, and baby milestone photography. Founded by Melinda Gilmore over a decade ago, the studio serves families across South Louisiana with a full-service approach that includes professional wardrobe, hair and makeup services, and comprehensive styling guidance. The studio is American Red Cross certified, licensed and insured, and maintains membership in Professional Photographers of America and the National Association of Professional Child Photographers. Melinda Gilmore Photography has been recognized by Expertise.com as Best Newborn Photographer in Baton Rouge for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025).
