Why does a Newborn Session Cost So Much?

Why does a Newborn Session Cost So Much?

When I was recently asked “Why does a newborn session cost so much?” I was glad to explain and went into quite a bit of detail explaining why. Surely many of you maybe wondering the exact same thing but just haven’t asked.

First off, I more than anyone understand the expenses that come with a new baby (I have five children), we all have budgets. Please do not hire a newborn photographer solely based on price;  careful consideration should be given when hiring your newborn photographer. Does the photographer that you are hiring have training in newborn safety and soothing techniques? Do they have the knowledge on how to handle and safely pose a brand new baby that is just days old? After all they will be handling your precious baby therefore this is a very important question. What is their background and experience? Do they attend workshops and continue their education, what is their training, how many newborns have they photographed? Are they legitimately in business or is this a hobby?

Back to why does a newborn session cost so much and breaking it down. There is so much more than meets the eye when you really dig into a photographers business.

The workshops and training can be very costly, one two day workshop can cost at a minimum of $1900.00, not including travel. One to one mentoring can cost triple that. Equipment (multiple cameras, lenses, backdrops, lighting, computer and software). Another large expense are the wonderful props, yes, all those cute hats, headbands, outfits, wraps and blankets are quite expensive. For example, some hats cost $50.+, a beanbag fabric drop can cost between $35.-$75. One complete newborn bucket setup can cost anywhere between $300-$500; an average newborn session has 5 or more set ups (buckets, baskets, beanbag).

Before and after your session come hours spent setting up and cleaning. After each session there is cleanup, all the props and outfits used are cleaned, washed and sanitized.

The hours spent hand editing your beautiful images, the ordering of prints and flash drives. The cost of insurance, do they have a studio and all the overhead that comes with it? The expense of the nanny to watch my children while I’m with yours… I am sure there are many other expenses as well that I haven’t even touched on.

Again I LOVE what I do.

I absolutely love doing what I do. It brings me joy to capture these first fleeting moments that only happen once. Please choose wisely, and remember a newborn is only a newborn once; each and every photograph tells a story, they tell your story. That photograph will never age and it is something you will have to look back on and to cherish forever. Please don’t dwell on the newborn session cost when choosing your photographer.

I would love to have the opportunity to capture your memories; to me nothing is more fulfilling than capturing a moment, an expression or an emotion that is at the core of a relationship. I love documenting those special moments. I simply love what I do. Many thanks for your interest in my work and I hope to one day touch your heart with images of your beautiful children and family.

In conclusion, I hope this article answered or at least opened your minds a little as to why a newborn session cost is what it is.  ~ Melissa

For more information on scheduling a session please click here

The gorgeous outfits used during this session were hand made by Pooks and Lulu and The Fox & Heron

The absolutely precious doll used was hand made by Tildonia Dolls, these little loves are hand made and are absolutely prefect.