If you’re expecting a new baby and considering hiring a newborn photographer, one of the first questions you may be wondering is, how much does a newborn photoshoot cost?
Unfortunately, like many other services, there is not an exact figure for this question. Photographers charge a broad range of prices for their newborn photo shoots and each photographer includes different things with their sessions.
In the Pittsburgh area, you can expect to pay on average, around $500 for a newborn session with a professional photographer.
However, you can also find “affordable” photographers in the $300 range and you can find that some of the best, most experienced, and most talented photographers will cost well over $1,000.
There are a few different factors that will determine the cost of your newborn photos.
Experience
I believe experience is the number one factor that you should consider when hiring a photographer to capture images of your precious new baby.
Newborn photography is a specialty that takes practice and you do not want to put your newborn in the hands of someone without experience. I’m sure safety is a top priority when it comes to any decision you make for your newborn baby!
And most likely, the more experienced a photographer is, the better their work is. You want to hire someone that has a beautiful portfolio of newborn images! Make sure they have a large variety of newborn photos in their gallery from multiple different sessions.
Unfortunately, I’ve talked to many moms that regretted choosing an inexperienced and “affordable” photographer for their baby. They learned the hard way that often, “you get what you pay for” rings true. They ended up being disappointed and unhappy with their photos and wished they had gone with a different photographer.
Your baby is only tiny and new for a very short time. The newborn phase goes by in the blink of an eye and often there is no time for a “do-over” and second chance if you are not happy with the results from the first photographer that you choose.
What’s Included in the Session?
When looking at the cost of a newborn photographer you will need to consider what they include with your newborn session. The majority of photographers will include anywhere from five to 100+ digital files that include a print release for you to order your own prints and other products.
Some higher-end photographers only want to provide you with the best professionally printed products (framed prints, canvas wall hangings, heirloom albums, etc.) that they will design and order for you from a company that only serves professional photographers.
Some photographers, like myself, offer the best of both worlds, digital images and professionally printed products!
Location
The cost of the photographer may also depend on the location. The price of a photographer can fluctuate to match the cost of living in a particular area or city. For example, an experienced and talented photographer in New York City is probably going to charge much more than one in rural Ohio. However, this is not always the case!
COBD (cost of doing business)
In addition to talent and experience, a professional photographer has a long list of business expenses to run their business and this affects their cost. A photographer that is just a “hobbyist” does not need to charge as much as a professional photographer who does photography full or part-time as their main means to earn a living and support themselves and their family.
Some photographers have a studio with overhead for rent and utilities and this may bring the need for them to charge more than a photographer without a studio. The cost of doing business for many professional photographers also includes; state and federal taxes, high-quality camera equipment and upkeep and repair for this equipment (cameras, lenses, flashes, etc.), the cost of insurance for liability and to protect their expensive camera gear, the high cost for self-employed health insurance, computers, software, professional memberships, continuing education (classes and courses), expenses for vehicles and travel costs, etc., etc.
This list goes on and on but this is just to give you an idea of how this can affect the cost of a professional photographer vs. someone that does it in their free time.
A Newborn Photo Session makes a wonderful gift!
Do you have friends and family asking what you want or need for the new baby? There are so many baby items that are honestly totally unnecessary for a baby that you may end up receiving as gifts. You can always add a photographer to your list and even your amazon wish list! Most photographers sell gift cards and gift certificates.
I have sold many sessions as gifts and just this week I sold three sessions to a Grandmother who planned to gift the sessions to her daughter-in-law and son as a gift to her very first grandchild! I had to commend her for coming up with such a thoughtful and lasting gift that will honestly be treasured for generations!
Newborn photography is an investment into something that you will have for your lifetime, your child’s lifetime and it’s something that will be around for future generations! Your child will have these photos to show their grandchildren!! I think requesting newborn photos as a gift is a wonderful idea.
In Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, like many cities, there are literally hundreds of photographers to choose from! This can actually make it a bit overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right photographer but this also means that you can easily find a photographer that fits within your budget.
Your next question may be, How do I find a newborn photographer in my area? Here is a blog post to help you find a newborn photographer near you!
If you are interested in my newborn photography you can find more details here on this page and my pricing information here on this page. My clients spend on average, anywhere between $650 – $1500. I offer three collections for my clients to choose from and the option to purchase professionally printed products from me, or order on your own from a consumer-level printing company that I highly recommend. I hope this helped answer your question on how much does a newborn photographer cost.
I’d love to connect with you on Instagram!
Have more questions? Concerns?
Please get in touch to ask me anything or to book your session!
~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~
Mary Beth Miller Photography has over twelve years of experience and specializes in newborn photo sessions in Pittsburgh PA and many of the surrounding areas.
Such an important read and such beautiful portraits to go along with it!