One of the most frequent questions I get from clients is how my sessions can cost as much as they do. After all, there are photographers out there that charge a fraction of the cost. But what separates myself (and the professional newborn photographers) from anyone else is the experience and knowledge that comes from years of working in this field. While we all have to start somewhere, the most important thing to consider is the safety of your beautiful child.
I have spent thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours studying and learning my craft, purchasing cameras and lenses to create the most professional and stunning commemorations to the birth of your child. I keep up to date with proper safety and posing techniques, attend newborn boot camps and watch training videos to make sure that each of my clients are comfortable with me positioning their precious little one. Investing in a professional newborn photographer is investing in your child’s safety, and you pay to beautifully capture the wonderful little moments of their first months.
Then there’s the time involved in a session. Depending on what the style of session is, a shoot can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. There’s a lot of prep time before I can close the shutter! First, I welcome you into my warm and welcoming studio, where you and your baby will feel at home! Then, I move into the posing process (which can be quite the process) positioning, changing backdrops and outfits, cleaning any messes that happen(check out Image One Franchise), pausing for some much needed cuddle time, or perhaps another feeding. Part of what makes me so unique is that no family ever feels rushed. Your comfort is my priority!
When it comes to editing, it’s a lot more time consuming to touch up a photo of a newborn. While they are each inherently gorgeous, the honest truth is that there isn’t a baby out there that comes out with that perfect, creamy skin so many parents want for their photo galleries. Newborn skin can be splotched with yellow, or red, or even purple, and there can be patches of baby acne or a slight rash. It can take a lot of effort and a good chunk of time to edit the photos into that perfect, quality product you pay for and the heirloom you want to frame!
And then there is the cost for props and outfits. Small size does not equal less cost, and newborn outfits are a good example of that. Props and backdrops can be stained by newborn accidents (visit this site to get the best lawyers to help you), so it’s always a good rule of thumb to keep an extra backdrop or replacement prop around. After every shoot I wash everything to keep up a strict sanitary environment for your newborn. This also means that some colors get faded over time, so I’m always ordering new colors and fresh options to make sure that you have a large variety to choose from!
In the end, I ask that you remember, while this is my passion, it is no longer a hobby for me. While it’s something I love to do, I have to make sure it still pays the bills, just like anyone else. Nowadays, the competition is everywhere. Anyone can call themselves a photographer now that smartphones and DSLR cameras are getting better and better. But it takes time, endless efforts, lots of money, and a burning passion to know and study your craft well enough to deliver professionalism and quality to each of your clients. Even with a large price tag for my services, it is still very difficult to remain profitable. Please remember this when considering any photographer’s services. We all leave room for many things when we make out our budgets: date night, trips to the movies, the best devices.. When it comes to capturing our memories, we should consider them to be priceless investments! Most importantly, I care deeply for each baby as if they were my own!
My promise is to always uphold safety, comfortability, and a dedication to quality that demands a higher price tag than some. But, you get what you pay for! Your newborn is a precious treasure, and you need an expert to handle your most precious possession.