Why is Newborn Photography so Expensive?
Why is Newborn Photography so Expensive?
I’m going to address questions that I get asked A LOT: “Why does newborn photography cost so much? And “Why is newborn photography so expensive?”
I’m sure you all have noticed that the price of newborn photography is just as expensive as family portrait sessions. I get so many inquiries that start off with raves about my work and then fall off the planet when I forward my pricing.
A good rule of thumb is: If you are paying under $200 for a newborn session chances are your photographer is either A. inexperienced or B. not running a legal business. I have taught myself lighting, bought a camera, lenses, and fully stocked my professional studio with lots of props and accessories for the babies. On top of that, I also pay professional association dues, insurance and don’t forget the business taxes. It is simply not possible to run a profitable business at the end of the day only charging $100 for a portrait session.
Here are a few things that come into play as to why newborn photography is so expensive:
Training
Your little one’s safety is of the utmost importance and should be priceless.
I have invested thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in classes to learn proper safety and posing techniques for newborns. I also attend classes in order to continually learn and improve. Newborn photography is one of the hardest genres to learn and proper technique and placement of your baby’s limbs is crucial to their safety and comfort.
Please chose someone that you know is experienced to handle your fragile and precious new gift.
Flexibility
Babies come on their own timeline.
We can plan and pick dates all we want but they show up when they are ready. I cannot designate a day on my calendar for a session until the baby is actually born.
Sessions need to be done within a two week window after birth. This means that there are a limited number of sessions I can book per month. Limiting the number of sessions means upping the cost to make up the difference in my number of clients.
Time: Newborn photography takes time. The average full gallery newborn session can last 2-3 hours or more with multiples. Once the baby arrives at my studio, he or she will need to be fed and then soothed to sleep.
From there we move to posing, soothing, positioning, changing backdrops, changing outfits, stuffing props, cleaning messes, stopping for cuddle time, and possibly another feeding. Those of you who have seen me work know it takes a lot of patience to get every finger and toe settled into the perfect place and position. It took many hours to learn how to manipulate your little ones in a way that does not disturb them.
Editing
My work only just begins when you leave my studio,
this business is WAY more than pushing a button.
I pay for editing software, presets, and I pay myself for my time. The amount of time spent editing is more time consuming compared to most other sessions.
We all have this ideal picture in our head of newborns with creamy smooth skin when the reality is just the opposite. Newborn skin can be red, yellow, purple, blotchy, acne covered, or all of the above. They come with peeling skin, stork bites, hairy bodies, Mongolian spots, and gunky eyes.
Many hours of work go into creating the creamy and beautiful finished product that you receive.
Newborn Props
Although they may be for the smallest humans, the outfits for newborns are probably the most expensive.
I spend around $25 per headband, $25 per hat, and $30 and up per diaper cover or tutu on the LOW end. That is for ONE item. Custom designs are even more expensive.
It is not uncommon to pay $40 shipping costs on something as simple as bowls. Newborn poop can stain and occasionally things cannot be hand washed and have to get thrown away and replaced. I also wash in between every single baby for sanitary reasons so things tend get worn out quickly.
Lastly, I ask you to remember that while this is a passion of mine, it is not just a hobby. It is a business. I pay taxes, rent, insurance, and have to buy groceries just like everyone else. These days, it seems like anyone and everyone calls themselves a photographer.
However, it really takes time, money, and passion to get to know your craft and give your clients quality and professionalism. I urge all of you to consider these things next time you’re pricing photographers in your area and thinking newborn photography is so expensive. We make room in our budgets for so many extras; trips to the movies, dining out, the latest cell phones, etc.
The cost of documenting your memories should be priceless.
We encourage you to view our online portfolio and to learn more about our sessions and artwork. Belly to Baby Studios is a full service studio, conveniently located in the Galleria area in a commercial office building. Our studio has a private nursing lounge so you can relax and feed your baby between sets.
Houston newborn and family portrait photographers can be reached at 713-461-2862 to discuss your session and help you create art for your home and family to enjoy for years to come.
