Sherrills Ford - Lake Norman, North Carolina

Custom Heirloom Portraits

Cherish timeless elegance with custom Vignetted Heirloom Children's portraits—artful keepsakes to be treasured for generations. Perfect for children from sitting age to around 10 years old, these fine art portraits preserve your family's legacy in Sherrills Ford, NC.

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Hi, I'm Melissa

I’m Melissa, a mama to four little girls, originally from the rolling hills of Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. For the past 18 years, I’ve been married to my best friend, Ben, and together we’ve built a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for preserving memories.

Photography has been my passion since I started full-time in 2008, and now, from my studio in Sherrills Ford, NC, I create timeless heirloom portraits of children. These vignetted fine art images are designed to be treasured for generations—capturing the fleeting moments of childhood before they slip away.

Perfect for little ones from sitting age to around 10 years old, these portraits are more than just pictures; they are a family legacy. One day, they’ll be passed down to your child’s children, a beautiful reminder of the innocence and wonder of childhood.

I’d love to create something special for your family. Let’s preserve these sweet moments together.

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USING PHOTOGRAPHY TO

CAPTURE

timeless heirlooms

one portrait

at a time

Kind Words

"Melissa, I can not thank you enough for creating a space so welcoming and inviting for our family! My kids felt comfortable and even surprised us with how smooth everything went. The photos are stunning and the session was everything I dreamed of. When I reached out I asked for photos I could hang on my walls for years to come and I got that plus so much more!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We can’t wait to work with you again!"

– April G.

FAQs

What is the ideal age for an heirloom studio portrait session?

The ideal age range is from when a child is sitting up until about 10 years old. Melissa’s personal favorite age to photograph is around 3 years old, when children still have some of their baby features but their personality really starts to shine through.s.

Where are you located?

My studio is located between Terrell/Sherrills Ford, NC and Denver on Hwy 150 near Lake Norman Marina.

Studio Information
MELISSA COCKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
6255 Hwy 150 E, Denver, NC 28037
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ntEkjYGva5Nino477

How do I book and tell me about payment options?

This is the answer to the question. You can put all kinds of words in here to tell your story. It’s easy! Just drag and drop me into any page, then pop in your text. This is where you can answer questions about your products and services in greater detail. The more you use your personality and show your “big difference,” the better customers will know and trust your business.

What payment options do you accept?

A $25.00 non-refundable retainer is required to hold your Session date, time and location which is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance is to be paid at the date and time of the session via Cash, Check by mail or online with Venmo or Apple Pay.
If either of us needs to cancel or reschedule the session for any reason, we will work together as soon as possible to try to secure a date, time and location similar to the original session scheduled.

Cell: 828-409-3789
Venmo: @MelissaCockman
▫️ https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2769163378491392332&created=1636782551.539778&printed=1

▫️Email: melissam254@hotmail.com
▫️Apple Pay: 828-409-3789

Do you have a cancellation policy?

What to Wear for an Heirloom Portrait

Timeless Styles:
Opt for timeless styles. Avoid trendy or faddish clothing, as it can make your portrait look dated. Instead, choose classic pieces that will remain elegant and timeless for years to come.

White is Better:
Stick to white. Bold patterns can be distracting in a portrait, so solid colors are the best choice. White is ideal, as it complements the pure white background and vignette.
If you decide to incorporate color, I suggest selecting outfits that are primarily white with subtle touches of soft hues. Consider white with delicate light blue or pink stitching or piping accents.

Collars:
Choose a collared top with sleeves. These bust portraits capture children from the elbows up, emphasizing their face and expression. Since the vignette includes the tops of the shoulders, outfits with sleeves are recommended. Short or long sleeves both work well. A collared top helps draw attention to the face.

Include Sleeves:
The vignette includes the tops of the shoulders, so I suggest choosing an outfit with sleeves. Both short and long sleeves will look beautiful.

Keep it Simple:
Avoid logos and graphics. Large logos or graphics can take focus away from the subject, so it's best to steer clear of them. If selecting a piece with a logo or design, ensure it is minimal and unobtrusive.

Shopping Online:
Here is a link to my Amazon Heirloom Portraiture Shopping List:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2TWCOWICJ0MF7?ref_=wl_share

Classic Whimsey Online:
Classic Whimsey - ONLINE

Strasburg Children
https://www.strasburgchildrens.com/

Feltman Brothers

https://feltmanbrothers.com/