Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Melissa Devoe Photography?

Choosing someone to photograph and handle your brand-new baby is an important decision. Melissa has photographed hundreds of newborns and specializes in safe, expert newborn posing. Her experience allows her to create beautiful, carefully styled portraits while always keeping your baby’s comfort and safety the priority.

Sessions take place in Melissa’s private Wake Forest studio, fully stocked with a large collection of blankets, wraps, hats, headbands, baskets, buckets, and other newborn props. Everything you need for your session is ready when you arrive, so you can relax while Melissa takes care of the rest.

When should I schedule my newborn session?

It’s best to reserve your newborn session while you’re still pregnant so Melissa can make sure there is room on her calendar around your due date. When you book, your due date will be penciled in as a placeholder. Once your baby arrives, you’ll contact Melissa and choose the actual date and time for your session.

If your baby has already been born, don’t worry! Please reach out as soon as possible. Last-minute openings are sometimes available, and Melissa will be happy to see if she can fit your baby into the schedule.

When is the best time to photograph my newborn?

Newborn sessions are typically best during the first three weeks after birth, when babies tend to sleep more deeply and curl naturally into the sweet newborn poses you see throughout Melissa’s portfolio.

Every baby is different, though, and there isn’t one perfect day that works for every newborn. Babies who arrive early may also have a little more flexibility with the newborn photography window. If you’re unsure whether your baby is too old for a newborn session, please reach out — Melissa will be happy to discuss what is possible.

Where are newborn photography sessions held?

Newborn and baby photography sessions take place in Melissa’s private studio in Wake Forest, NC, conveniently located just outside Raleigh with easy access to I-540, Capital Boulevard, and Highway 98.

The studio is designed to make the experience comfortable for both baby and parents. You’ll have a comfortable place to relax along with Wi-Fi, TV, snacks, and beverages while Melissa photographs your baby. The studio also houses Melissa’s extensive collection of newborn props, blankets, wraps, accessories, and everything needed to style your session.

What do I need to bring to my newborn session?

Very little! Melissa’s studio is stocked with a large collection of wraps, blankets, hats, headbands, baskets, buckets, beds, and other props for your baby’s session, so there’s no need to purchase or bring special newborn photography items.

If you have something sentimental you’d like incorporated into your portraits, you’re welcome to bring it. Before your session, Melissa will also discuss your preferences with you so she can plan colors, poses, and setups you’ll love.

Can parents and siblings be included in newborn photos?

Yes! Melissa offers newborn session options that include photographs with parents and siblings in addition to portraits of baby alone.

Family photographs during the newborn stage can become some of the most meaningful images from your session, and Melissa will guide you through posing so you don’t need to worry about knowing what to do. If you’d prefer photographs of baby only, there are session options for that as well.

How long does a newborn photography session take?

Session length depends on the newborn package you choose. Full newborn sessions allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, posing, and creating a variety of setups, while the Newborn Mini Session offers a shorter and simpler option.

Newborn sessions are never rushed simply because your baby needs to eat, be changed, or take a little extra time to settle. Melissa has spent more than 17 years working with newborns and will follow your baby’s cues throughout the session.

How much does newborn photography cost?

Newborn photography sessions begin at $495 + tax, with several session options available depending on the experience and number of images you’re looking for.

All newborn sessions include Melissa’s professional posing and styling, use of her studio props and accessories, custom retouching of your portraits, and high-resolution digital images. Please visit the Pricing page for current session options and additional details.

When is my payment due?

A $200 + tax deposit is required when booking your newborn session to reserve your space on Melissa’s calendar. The remaining balance is due at the time of your session.

When will I receive my newborn photos?

Your fully edited newborn portraits will be ready approximately two weeks after your session. Your images will be delivered in a private online gallery where you can view and download your high-resolution digital files.

Each final image is individually edited and professionally retouched in Melissa’s signature style.

Do you photograph older babies too?

Yes! Although Melissa specializes primarily in newborn photography, she also offers Baby’s First Year Sessions in her Wake Forest studio for babies through 12 months old.

These one-hour sessions are perfect for documenting milestones such as sitting, crawling, standing, or your baby’s first birthday. Baby’s First Year Sessions are $550 + tax and include approximately 40–50 fully edited, high-resolution digital images.