why is newborn photography so expensive?


I hear this question more often than not, and I can’t totally blame anyone who asks it. It’s true that, thanks to today’s digital age with social media and software, that more and more people are turning to DIY photography. However, professional photography, like newborn photography, is entirely different than any kind you’re able to take on your smartphone! The coveted picture of baby hands holding up their head (above)...it is not a natural or safe thing for them to do on their own. Newborn photography is a skilled craft that requires safety measures and training. It absolutely should not be DIY!

Expenses

Running a professional, full-service studio is not the same as casually snapping photos on your smartphone for personal use. There are costs associated with running any business that most people dismiss when it comes to photography. I’m going to use a medical professional as an example. They are two completely different businesses, yet both have had extensive training and years of education to skillfully execute and resolve your issue. The costs associated with them are similar to the costs associated with a professional newborn photographer.

* Equipment such as lighting, posing tables, a full frame camera, backdrop, frames and stands. 

* Rent, utilities (especially when we crank the heat up to keep baby warm and comfy for posing),  

  internet, software fees. 

* Props such as baskets, beds, pillows, wraps, flokati, fur, outfits, hair bands, hats, etc.

* Continued education to stay informed about safe practices and posing techniques. 

* Advertising and marketing 


 In addition, a considerable amount of time is dedicated to your newborn photography behind the scenes that you do not get to see! The session itself, which takes three hours on average, is the smallest part of everything attached to the session. A large amount of time is dedicated to these areas as well: 


* Thoroughly cleaning the studio space and props.  

* The design and curation of scenes, sets and props. 

* Washing of wraps and outfits. 

* Careful backup of all images (I messed this up once and I will hopefully NEVER make that mistake again!)

* Hours and hours of enhancements to create the best images

* Sneak peeks on social media or a text to you from your session 





Bottom line:


Photography is an investment that preserves precious moments for a lifetime, creating tangible memories that you and your family can cherish for generations to come. As your baby grows to a child, teenager, and into adulthood, your newborn photography will bring you back to where it all began—where your heart holds the purest and most innocent moments of your family's journey! Hiring a professional to capture moments like these is worth every penny because they have the expertise to ensure the highest quality and emotionally resonant images.


Newborn photography needs to be captured when your baby is two weeks old or younger. Chances are, if you attempt DIY newborn photos and are unhappy with the outcome, you may miss the fleeting moments that can never be recreated. Imagine how you would feel if you missed out on documenting your beginning to forever!