Are Newborn Photos Worth It?
I’ve encountered a wide range of opinions over the years on newborn photos, especially when I’m out-and-about and people discover my profession.
Those who decide to hire me obviously value capturing that tiny newborn stage, but every so often I meet people who ask…
"Why bother with newborn photos?”
Translation: The babies are too young to smile or interact with anyone and they don't even look like 'themselves' as they change so much during the first year.
Maybe I'm biased since I've been passionate about photography for a long time, but for me there is never a question of, "Do I take this photo?" Ask my husband or my kids and they will say I run and grab my camera way too often!
There is a difference in personal versus professional photos
In a world where we all walk around with cameras on our phones, it’s easy to capture your own memories. Yet when it comes to true heirlooms you want to frame and put on your walls there’s nothing that compares to a professional picture.
Quality lighting, posing, and safety
To answer why I feel so strongly about hiring a professional to take your newborn child’s portraits, let’s dive into those top questions to see why it’s worth your time and money to book and hire a pro.
Newborn Value Questions & Answers
1. Are newborn photos worth it?
YES! (Again I know I'm biased but hear me out.)
That newborn window is so very short and precious.
They can only curl up like that and sleep that deeply for a brief time frame after birth. It's an incredible time when they are so tiny they fit in a bucket! Before long they get bigger bellies and chubby legs, and they physically can't curl up like a newborn anymore. They become more aware of their environment and find it difficult to sleep during a session.
We capture tiny details
Some of my favorite photos are with new parents as they hold and snuggle their new baby. The expressions are pure joy and awe, something you can't recreate.
Precious sibling photos for new big brothers and sisters
Plus we capture sibling pictures where you, the parent, don’t have to be the one in charge. We show big brothers and sisters as they sit next to or hold their baby sibling so you have a true sibling photo of your children.
You won’t regret it
So, YES, these are important times to preserve memories. I haven't met a family yet who regretted having a newborn session.
2. Can't I wait a few months after they are born for pictures?
As a mom of five, I know for a fact how much kids change over a few weeks, months, and years. It's mind-blowing just how much one tiny newborn can morph into a little person with a big personality by only their first birthday.
We capture that short fleeting time
Your child won’t be the same at even the one month mark, and the longer they are earth-side, the more they stretch out and grow.
Sleep patterns change and they outgrow certain props
I hold newborn sessions within 1-2 weeks of birth (times can adjust for those who come early or have NICU stays) but after that, many don’t fit my props or sleep deeply enough for safe posing.
3. Why do they cost so much? Baby sessions are cheaper...
This one can be tricky to explain, but having been on both sides of newborn photos as a parent (pre-professional) and now the photographer, I hope I can offer honest perspective.
Professionals offer safety, quality, and time value
Professional newborn photographers spend countless hours perfecting their craft and honing this niche skill. There is time invested in:
Safety is a top priority
Your photographer should aware of newborn safety so infants are never put in a position that could cause harm, lose circulation while in a certain pose, or become over heated.
Custom and high quality props
The second part of this involves, you guessed it, the props. I'll admit it, I have a serious weakness when it comes to props. I love new backgrounds, baskets, wraps, etc. and find it hard to stop myself at times for buying something I love in every color of the rainbow.
BUT, it's a huge benefit to you, the parent, who books a session with a professional newborn photographer. Why?
You just have to show up and bring the baby!
I know how amazing it is to walk into a studio and have a photographer be completely ready, providing everything you could need for a session. To have the knowledge to be a true baby whisperer, work quickly and efficiently, and provide a beautiful gallery of images.
Yes, your time is important!
All this is to say, hiring a true professional may cost more, but the benefits are incredible:
Safety for your child
Expertise in camera and lighting
Professional editing touches
Gorgeous props and outfits
Proven gallery of images
How often do you have the luxury of, dare I say, not worrying about something. When you hire a true professional, you enjoy the experience and end up with gorgeous images. You have someone to guide you through a process and purchase quality products. For me, that’s worth every penny.
4. Why should I pay more for a "professional" when I see so many other photographers offering newborn sessions at a fraction of the cost?
Again, this one is tricky, but goes back to what I mentioned in the last question.
Not all photographers are created equal
A professional photographer has dedicated time, money, and energy to perfecting their craft. They are aware of and have experience in newborn safety. And they offer a professional product, from digital editing to partnering with labs for high quality professional grade prints. For example, did you know we calibrate our computer monitors specifically for photo labs so what you see on the screen is what is actually printed?
Trust is priceless
For me, there is merit in working with someone who values their work enough to charge accordingly and who I can trust with my child and the photography investment. The same is true for any profession, be it doctors, accountants, or contractors.
Beware of just price comparisons
I truly get that it’s hard to compare photographers – diving into each website and comparing price. I just strongly encourage you to view the other intangibles when making final decisions:
Is their work consistent?
Can they provide newborn safety?
How much experience do they have?
Are they available to answer my questions?
Do they share all pricing up front?
How do they value my time?
What do other people say about them?
I hope that delving into these questions has led to a better understanding of why I personally value newborn photos, and increased your awareness of all the nuances that accompany a newborn session.
Seek a professional
More than that, I hope it encourages you to seek out an experienced newborn photographer who can work his or her "magic" and preserve these incredibly special memories for your family. And if I’m a good fit for your family, I so look forward to scheduling a newborn session with you!
Want to book your newborn photography session? It’s never too early! Newborn sessions are best when they take place within 5-14 days after baby’s birth so request to get on my calendar at the beginning of your second trimester to guarantee time around your estimated due date.
