Are you considering newborn photography but have some questions?
Don't worry, I'm here to help! As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I understand the value and importance of capturing these early moments of your baby's life! I also know that newborn photography is an investment- so you want to make sure to get it right.
When my twins were born, I was shocked how fast their tiny faces and features changed. I am so thankful that I have newborn photos of them so I can remember how they looked. Just looking at those photos, memories flood back, and I swear I can even smell their sweet newborn smell!
I was not a photographer at the time, and I knew nothing about newborn photography, the different types/styles, the average cost, etc. Now that I know so much, I want to help share what I know so you can choose the best newborn photographer for you!
Let's dive into some of the most common questions about newborn photography.
“What should I look for when hiring a newborn photographer?”
It's important to choose a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has experience working with infants. Photographers who specialize in newborn or motherhood (maternity, birth, newborn) photography are the most likely have the proper training and certifications for handling infants. If you are looking for more posed, fine art newborn photos, this is especially important, because some poses, if done incorrectly, can be harmful to your baby. Even if you choose lifestyle newborn photography, which is more casual and involves natural posing and cuddling of your baby, safety is of utmost importance.
Next, look for an editing style that you like! There are light and bright editing styles, deep and moody editing styles, true to color editing styles, nostalgic editing styles, the list goes on and on. Many editing styles are unique to the photographer or are a mix of those styles previously mentioned. What you see in a photographer's portfolio (which is usually on their website) or on their Instagram grid is the best predictor of what you'll get, so take the time to find a photographer whose style you love.
“What are the different options/styles for newborn photography?”
There are two main options for newborn photography- posed (sometimes also called "portrait" or "fine art") and lifestyle newborn photography. Posed newborn photography typically involves a studio set up, wrapping baby, and posing them in various positions and with various props (buckets, baskets, backdrops, etc.). Lifestyle newborn photography (which is what I specialize in) is often done in-home, but can also be done in a studio. It focuses on storytelling/documentation and involves more natural posing. Lifestyle newborn photography may include photos of the baby in their crib or bassinet, or the family snuggling on the bed or the couch together, for example.
“How much does newborn photography cost?”
Most newborn photography sessions in the Denver area with a trained photographer who is running a legal business will range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the style of photography and what is included. I know this might seem like a significant investment, but keep in mind that newborn photography is a specialized service that requires a lot of time, effort, equipment, and education.
THIS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Some photographers only charge only a small session fee, but require a follow up sales appointment after the session where digital and print files are ordered. You will want to make sure to look at the digital and print costs before booking, because you don't want to get the photos done and then not be able to afford many prints or files. Other photographers include prints or digital images within the cost and label it as a package. Some photographers, like myself, include both downloads and printing rights, so clients receive all (or a number of) digital images for download and can print photos at cost wherever and however they'd prefer.
So, there you have it! Newborn photography is a wonderful way to capture the early moments of your baby's life, and hopefully this helped steer you in the direction of a photographer that is right for you.