Moon and Stars Photography

Hi, my name is Yael Morales, and I am the face behind Moon & Stars Photography. Photography has always held a special place in my heart, but my passion for it truly blossomed in 2019 after the birth of my daughter. Following years of fertility challenges, documenting her early days became incredibly meaningful to me. Every tiny detail, every milestone, and every quiet moment suddenly felt priceless.

In 2023, after the loss of my grandmother, photography evolved into something even deeper. It became a way of coping — a way to preserve memories, celebrate connection, and honor the beauty found in every stage of life. Through my lens, I realized how important it is to hold onto the moments that often pass too quickly: the hugs, the laughter, the growing families, and the people we love most.

That is the heart behind Moon & Stars Photography — creating timeless, heartfelt images that allow you to relive not only what a moment looked like, but what it truly felt like.

I focus on capturing the moments you will want to remember most during each season of your life. The blossoming journey into motherhood, the quiet stillness of holding your baby close, the feeling of their tiny hands wrapped around your fingers, and the beautiful essence of becoming a family — whether it’s the family you always dreamed of creating or the one you are healing through and building with love.

My approach is rooted in connection, emotion, and preserving the feeling behind each moment in a natural and timeless way.

I also love documenting life’s celebrations and the people who make them meaningful. Whether it’s your bridal shower, baby shower, or your baby’s first birthday, I am there to capture all the love, laughter, happy tears, hugs, candid interactions, and the thoughtful little details that made the day uniquely yours. From extended family portraits to the in-between moments you may not even realize are happening, my goal is to preserve your memories so you can relive them for years to come and smile at every emotion captured along the way.

Moon & Stars Photography was created from a love of storytelling, connection, and preserving the moments that become part of our family history. 

Today, I photograph maternity, newborn, family, milestone, and event sessions across Long Island, NY. I love capturing everything from the quiet moments of motherhood to the excitement of bridal showers, baby showers, and first birthday celebrations surrounded by the people you love most. My approach is natural, emotional, and connection-focused, with an emphasis on making people feel comfortable enough to truly be themselves in front of the camera.

As Moon & Stars Photography continues to grow, my hope is to continue building a business that families can grow with through every chapter of life. I want my clients to feel like they are not just booking a photographer, but investing in someone who genuinely cares about preserving their memories in an honest and meaningful way.

When I’m not behind the camera, you can usually find me cuddled up with my daughter watching movies I loved as a child, watching cooking shows with my husband, or taking my daughter on little scouting-location adventures across Long Island. Some of my favorite moments come from exploring beautiful places together and imagining the memories that will one day be created there.