"Art is the voice of the heart."

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Hudson Valley portrait photographer serving New York & New Jersey . Rockland County Photographer . Westchester County Photographer . Bergen County Photographer.  Specializing in Family, Child, Maternity, and Newborn Photography. 

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Welcome! My name is Melissa Rosales, I am a licensed & insured photographer, located in Nanuet, New York.  I specialize in Maternity, Newborn, Cake Smash, & Family portraiture,  I am trained in newborn safety specific to photography.  I've learned how to properly handle infants, how to safely place them in props, wraps, and other items, and how to notice any signs of discomfort or stress.  I'm also a graphic designer, wife, and mom to two wonderful kids, who often serve as models for many of my photos. 

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As a child, time spent drawing, sculpting, crafting, and painting was always the most special to me.  In High School, my talents blossomed in art class and I graduated serving as Treasurer in the National Art Honor Society, and was also designated yearbook Art Director.  In college, a former boss recommended that I look into graphic design, because it will be the "career of the future."  Intrigued, I dabbled in Photoshop, and eventually became adept with editing and transforming photos, and creating graphics. I eventually ended up in New School University in NYC, and graduated with a MA in Media Studies, where I studied graphic design, media production, and... photography.

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I worked as a wedding invitations designer for many years.  I met my husband, Billy, had children, and spent some years as at a stay-at-home-mom.  In this time,  as most moms do, I would take many photos of my children to remember special moments & their precious little faces that seemed to change and grow so quickly.  Friends would often comment, "You should be a photographer, you take great photos!"

 

After an unforgettable trip to Paris in 2017, I was inspired to turn my photography hobby into a career, and Heart & Design Studios was soon created that year.

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As a mom, I know how important it is to capture precious moments in time that is fleeting.  Our children get older every day.  We need images to hold on to, for us to cherish, and for them to remember. I only hope to capture your life's precious moments.  I look forward to hearing from you!