Is Newborn Photography Expensive? The cost of newborn photography can vary widely depending on several factors such as the photographer’s experience and reputation, location, and the package chosen. On average, newborn photo shoots can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It’s a good idea to research and compare different photographers and their packages, and determine what fits within your budget and what services are most important to you. It’s also important to consider the quality and style of the photographer’s work, and make sure they have a portfolio that you like before making a decision.

Whether you find any given photographer expensive or not will depend on your own expectations, how much you value newborn photography, as well as the experience the photographer provides. Experiences will vary as widely as pricing. I will walk you through what you are likely to encounter on your search for a newborn photographer to help orient you to your options and help you be better informed as to whether the particular photographer you’re looking into is expensive for what they’re offering or not.

Luxury or Full Service Newborn Photographer

A Luxury or Full Service is likely to cost the most. This is the “white glove” or “fine-dining” equivalent of photography and will offer an unforgettable experience in addition to the highest quality photography available. Full service often means that after hiring the photographer, everything else is taken care of for you. This is the opposite of the DIY. The services will often include full wardrobe, hair and makeup, artwork design, and potentially even artwork installation.

How much is the Full Service Investment?

Full Service Newborn Photography can cost anywhere between $1000 to $5000 for this white glove experience. These photographers are often very experienced and have invested a lot of time and money into their own education and with resources to provide you with a quality experience from designer wardrobes to the best equipment and editing software available. They will also be providing the best products the market has to offer and will spend a significant amount of time with you making sure you’re prepared for your session and you have heirloom products from your session. Part of the service is often designing and planning gallery walls and albums so you are left with truly no stone left unturned. If you’d like to learn more about my high touch, custom experience, check it out here.

Mid Range Newborn Photographer

Mid range photographers are usually fairly experienced and talented. They often have a quality portfolio but because they have many clients, they typically provide a streamlined experience. They may include a wardrobe guide, an email on preparing, etc. And it will be up to you to follow through with their suggestions to make sure your photos look like the ones you see in these photographer’s portfolios. 

HOW MUCH IS A MID RANGE INVESTMENT INVESTMENT?

How much should these Newborn Photos cost? These photoshoots are typically between $500-$800. You’ll typically be given some guidance to follow before the session and an online gallery to download photos from afterward. There may be options to purchase prints or products from these galleries but they’ll typically be mid-range products and you’ll need to DIY the design and installation yourself.

What is a Budget or High Volume Photographer? 

These photographers are often part of a larger company and will often provide a wide variety of services, they’ll do headshots, weddings, newborns, events, seniors, etc. They’re taking on multiple clients at once, providing a minimal experience for their clients outside of the session itself. They also might be an individual with a specialty in one thing and just take on a high volume of sessions for a lower price each. Places like Thumbtack often are a good directory of these kinds of photography studios. 

WHAT DO BUDGET PHOTOS COST?

How much does this Newborn Photography Cost? Budget photographers are typically between $250-$400. Their price is due to the fact that they are providing minimal communication and service to each client and are delivering photos and moving onto the next client. There are many experienced photographer who opt to operate in this business model, so it is not necessarily a reflection on the quality of them as an artist.

Hobbyists

There are lots of people who buy a nice camera and start calling themselves a photographer. I once took my neighbors family Christmas card photos, a friend’s newborn photos, and photographed a small, budget wedding long before I ever had a website or called myself a professional. Every photographer starts somewhere. If someone is charging under $200, they are likely a hobbyist. This typically means they are inexperienced. If the photos are very important to you and it is not something that can be repeated (like a wedding or newborn photos), I would recommend making sure you’re hiring someone experienced. If you’re real chill and just want a Christmas card pic, then go for it! Help your friend learn their craft. 

Is Newborn Photography Expensive?

Whats important to you? Are you wanting this to be a memorable experience? Is this a way of celebrating your new family addition? Then look for Luxury photographers in your area. You’ll spend a couple thousand dollars and they will provide you with a dream-come-true type of experience. In the end you’ll have legacy products in your home to help remember it by.

Are you looking for someone who can help you check the box so you have a decent picture from this time of life? Then maybe look at mid-range or budget photographers and expect to spend $250-$800.

Are you wondering if newborn photos are worth it? Check out this blog.