Are you pregnant and considering hiring a newborn photographer? Overwhelmed with the thought of sifting through all of the different photographers in your area, their prices, packages, what is included, when to book, AAGH! It can be so confusing! I have put together this handy guide to help you narrow your decision.
General advice when choosing a newborn photographer:
- Make sure you like their style! This is the same as shopping for clothes. Certain stores are known for their style. Don't expect to go into Forever 21 looking for a style that is more like J. Crew. Every photographer has a certain style of shooting and editing. Check out their galleries on their websites, Facebook, or Instagram and get an idea of what they will deliver to you!
- Go with someone with experience in newborn photography! Again, don't go to a dermatologist expecting them to fix your cavity.
- Determine what is important to you. Is it price? The number of digital images included in a package? Ease of not having to leave your home/hospital room? Knowing what you value can help you narrow down your search based on what the photographer offers.
Here are some of the common options for newborn photography:
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Pro |
Con
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Hospital Provided Photography
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- Complementary session
- Most budget friendly for images/products ($100-200)
- No travel (they come to your room)
- Quick session
- Fast turn around on images
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- No control over choice of photographer (large company)
- Timing may be rushed due to discharge
- No choice over appointment time - may miss important moments like with new siblings
- Limited options as far as posing (hospital furniture)
- Needs natural lighting - hospital room may not have window
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Fresh 48
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- You hire a photographer to come to the hospital room
- Schedule the time that is convenient for you
- Capture details of baby in hospital
- More personalized than hospital provided photography
- Time frame is usually 1-1.5 hours
- Usually offered as an add-on to a studio or lifestyle newborn session
- Price varies from $200-$800
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- Need natural lighting - hospital room may not have window
- Limited options as far as posing (hospital furniture)
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Studio Newborn Photography
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- Traditional posed newborn images (usually naked)
- More customized & varied session with props on hand in studio
- Professional photographers are trained on safety and posing of newborns
- Lighting can be controlled with studio lights
- Not in your home
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- Babies need to be less than 2 weeks old
- Most photographers require you to travel to them (can be tricky after delivery)
- Usually the most expensive ($200-$1000)
- Usually the longest type of session (3-4 hours)
- May not include sibling or parent portraits (check with your photographer)
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Lifestyle Newborn Photography
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- At your home (no need to travel)
- Easier with older siblings & pets
- Quicker session (1-2 hours)
- More candid approach
- Captures personalized nursery
- More moderately priced ($150-500)
- Hybrid approach can incorporate props and minimal posing
- Tells more of a story
- Find out more about my lifestyle newborn sessions here.
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- Requires light de-cluttering of rooms photographed
- Natural light needed
- Not ideal if you do not like your home decor or do not have a nursery set up
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