Why so much, l hear you ask?
Once you have decided to look for a newborn photographer, and venture into Google or Facebook to find one in your area, you might well be struck with the huge range of pricing.
At the cheap end you’ll find a minimal session fee, or maybe none at all, with all images on disc or even via email, that may not even be edited properly, with little customer service or care if you’re not happy, to the larger session fee with a large range of products afterwards. But its not just about how much you are being asked to pay for images, you’ll also have a professional service to go with your experience that means you’re looked after properly from start to finish.
So, why the difference, and which should you go for?
l could go into how professional photographers have to pay for expensive equipment, training, insurance, tax…but l’m pretty sure you’re not really interested, and why would you be? It’s all a bit boring, and not what really matters to you when choosing the right photographer for your new baby images. What you do care about l’m sure, apart from whether you will walk away with images you love, is the other main issue…..does the photographer know what they are doing, and will my baby be in good hands?
Well, the likelihood is, the photographer at the bottom end of the prices offering a cheap session with all the images on disc, does not have years of experience, hasn’t learned the finer details of running a business, has not had any specialist training in safe newborn posing, is not running a fully insured, registered business paying taxes. The reason is, to do those things properly is an expensive affair, and for those just starting out they are usually not possible right away. l know they weren’t for me. This does not mean they are a bad photographer, but the main issue when it comes to newborns is more than good images. I feel its about giving you the service you deserve, and the most important aspect of course…….baby safety.
Ok, but why does that matter if the images are nice?
lt matters for a couple of reasons. Firstly your new baby’s arrival is a wondrous and happy time, so the last thing you need is to have an experience that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. You’re not having your car fixed. You’re doing something that captures the incredibly special time around your new baby early days. A photographer who understands this will take care of you and your baby, and make sure that your newborn photography session experience is full of great memories. If you have reason to be unhappy after your session, or your products fade or warp, you’ll remember that whenever you look at your images.
Apart from the experience your photographer provides you as their client, there is something even more important than that. You’re handing your brand new baby to the photographer for them to hold for the entire session, to soothe, pose, place on and in props, to wrap, and move in ways you simply never would. That requires trust, and you really do need to know you can trust this person, just as you do the midwife and doctor. Would you hand your newborn to a midwife whith no training? The ONLY way you can know your chosen photographer will be able to keep your baby safe is if they have expert training and experience. And that takes time.
There simply is no other area of photography where you will hand over your child completely, for them to be cared for by another person for the duration of the session. lt’s important you choose wisely.
What you need to know is that the photographer you choose is experienced in posing and soothing newborns, has a varied portfolio showing comfortable and relaxed babies, and has a good reputation. Word of mouth is probably THE single best way to decide who to use, and not just about nice images. Find someone other people say respected them, their baby, and who they trusted at all times during the session to keep baby safe.
The images may or may not appeal to your taste as styles can vary greatly, but they should at least be of a good standard, showing good editing and processing skills.
For a newborn photographer to be able to produce excellent service, and good quality images while keeping your baby safe, requires dedication and years of investment in the art of newborn imagery.
lt matters to me that you are confident your baby is in good hands, and that you will receive good service, and superb images, whether it’s me you choose or another good newborn photographer.
That is why l wanted to go some way to explain why l believe, when it comes to choosing your newborn photographer, you really do get what you pay for.
