I've gotten this question many times by people who don't know much about newborn photography. Why is it so expensive? The saying "You get what you pay for" is true. I can't tell you how many times I've heard of people going to someone cheaper or newer (and even though everyone starts somewhere) the client realizes they didn't the get images that they really hoped for and regrets it. These are moments you can't get back. Babies change so quickly.
Skills and Experience
I've heard people say, "Don't you just click a button?" There is a lot that goes into any kind of photography but especially newborns. Newborn photography requires specialized skills and expertise. Someone can be an amazing wedding photographer but totally fail at a newborn session. There are particular angles, poses and lighting that work with a newborn that you wouldn't see being used in a bridal party photo. I wouldn't be great at wildlife or architecture photography, but I can rock a newborn session. Different areas of photography require different skill sets and many people don't realize that.
I have 14 years of experience photographing families and babies and have specialized in newborns the past 6 years. I have completed newborn posing safety courses, taken in person workshops and have done hundreds of hours of online classes as well. Any newborn photographer you choose should have completed some sort of safety training. I am always continuing my education to keep up with the latest standards and to continue to grow and be the best I can be. Knowing composition, lighting, set design, posing, safety and how to follow the cues of a baby are what can set an amateur apart from an experienced professional. This level of expertise does come at a higher price.
Time Invested into Each Session
Newborn sessions are long. A typical newborn session can last anywhere from 2-4 hours. This long time frame is necessary to ensure we are accommodating the needs of the baby. A photographer needs to follow the cues of the baby, so we often have to move slow and careful to not disrupt their sleep. When babies are awake, they often need to be soothed, fed and or changed. You can't force a cranky baby to pose for a photo so therefore, their needs always come first, and some are fussier than others.
There is also the time invested into each client before and after the session. Beforehand we are sending an invoice and contract, and we are planning things out with you. There is travel time, designing sets, loading everything in the car to bring to you, setting it all up, cleanup after the session, loading everything back up in the car, disinfecting props, washing swaddles and blankets, editing, loading images into your online gallery, helping clients choose their images, and ordering and delivery of prints.
Cost of Running the Business
Like any other small business, we do have to pay a lot of taxes. We also have many other expenses such as, insurance, website, marketing, gallery and contract sites, invoicing fees, memory cards, cameras, lenses, lighting, computer, and other miscellaneous equipment, editing software, sometimes studio rent, and ongoing professional development. Props such as beds, baskets, buckets, swaddles, headbands, hats and outfits are a huge investment. I have many props I've paid $100+ each for. There is a specialized market of vendors that make props specifically for newborn photographers and some of it is even custom made and one of a kind. Don't forget about the finishing touches such as flowers, greenery, or other miscellaneous items to personalize the session. All of these costs are factored into the pricing structure to ensure sustainability of the business.
Newborn photographers aren't trying to rip you off. We want to offer a safe, comfortable and amazing experience with the highest quality images that you can cherish forever while also hopefully making a livable wage.
I'm a St. Louis photographer and I travel all around the area including Jefferson County Missouri. I will soon have a home studio space that clients will be able to come to for a discounted price. To book, you can email me at momentstocherishportraits@yahoo.com
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