Why Invest in Newborn Photographic Images?

Besides the overwhelming excitement, euphoria and ecstasy that comes with having a baby, let’s be honest, there’s a crippling degree of exhaustion in the mix too. (Perhaps an understatement?) Especially for first-time parents, having a baby can be the most stressful time of one’s life: emotionally, physically and financially. So, are newborn photographs worth it? With all the pressure leading up the birth, and the challenges following the birth, why invest in newborn photographic images?

As a newborn photographer, you’d expect my answer to biased. However, not only have I never met an unsatisfied client; I can speak from my own experience.

In fact, it’s my confession. Are you ready?

I never got newborn photographs of my two daughters … but I so wish I did!

When Hannah and Jenna were born, newborn photography was not trending (early 2000s), and it didn’t even occur to me to get those first few days professionally immortalised on camera. Exhausted, we did manage to get a few home-made jobs, but they’re a reflection of our own dishevelled state at the time. (And my husband took most of them, and even he’ll admit that his skills with the camera are about as bad as his ability in the kitchen.)

Invest in newborn photographic images

Despite the costs associated with the arrival of a new little life into your home, in spite of the challenges of getting your little bundle of joy, and yourself, to a professional newborn photographer, capturing those never-will-happen-again newborn poses of your little treasure is so, so worth it! And an experienced newborn photographer will take the fuss and worry out of the equation too; allowing you to put your feet up for a few hours in confidence, knowing your little bubba is in safe, good hands in a comfortable, quiet studio. When all is said and done, in this case, there’s far more done than said. Unlike me, you’ll have newborn photographic images to forever remember those gorgeous first memories.

Is cheapest quality newborn photography for real?

Most parents appreciate the value of securing a professional newborn photographer to capture those first few moments of their baby’s life. However, with budget constraints, some parents are tempted to look for the cheapest photographer they can find while holding out that they’ll still get some quality images. “Cheapest quality newborn photography” finds itself in more than a few Internet search browsers.

In retrospect, many realise that “cheapest quality” is an oxymoron. I have had clients who, after initially trying to cut too many corners, contact me in a flat panic. For them, “cheapest quality newborn photography” = terrible experience + inferior images + bad service. The problem in these cases is that the narrow window in which the best newborn pictures can be taken (inside the first fourteen days) has lapsed. And at the risk of stating the obvious, you cannot get those first two weeks back.

Having said all that, newborn photography certainly doesn’t have to require a second mortgage on the house. In fact, for around $700 to $1800 (including your session fee)—depending on whether you just want a select number of digital images or product with all the images—you can walk away with memories that will last a lifetime. Make no mistake, for quality images with an experienced professional—one who knows how to work with newborns and who takes her time to nurture your child while capturing those adorable poses—in a safe and comfortable studio, with great service and outstanding follow-up, the investment is more than worthwhile.

I have yet to meet a client who regretted investing in quality photographs of their bundle of joy. Rather, I get testimonial after testimonial validating the value of doing this right. After all, you really do get what you pay for.