Why You Should Choose Quality Over Cost When Hiring a Newborn Photographer

Welcoming a newborn into the world is one of life's greatest joys. When preparing for my little one's arrival, I felt a strong desire to capture this precious time beautifully. Choosing a newborn photographer was a significant decision, especially when weighing the importance of quality against cost. Here’s why I decided to invest in a professional photographer who specializes in newborns.

The Value of Experience

Experience is crucial when photographing newborns. Photographers who specialize in this field possess knowledge about handling babies safely and comfortably. They know how to create a calm and warm environment that suits a newborn's unique needs but they also focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere for the new parents. Now if the photographer you choose has photographed over 1000 babies, that definitely speaks to some serious level of experience and therefore should garner a lot of trust between you and them. But don't necessarily overlook someone who's maybe only photographed 100 babies and assume they don't have enough experience to provide you with a quality product. After all, we all have to started at zero!

Baby Safety

The absolute most important consideration of any professional photographer is your newborns safety and comfort. I myself have taken several workshops that not only teach the art of newborn photography but also focus on baby safety. This includes being mindful of any birth injuries or physical deformities and adapting wrapping and posing around these scenarios to keep baby safe and comfortable. As well as making sure that babies are posed in such a way that their airways or circulation isn't compromised. A lot of newborn photographers that haven't invested the proper time and training in this area could potentially put your infant at risk if they don't know what to watch for.

The Art of Newborn Photography

Newborn photography goes beyond pressing a button on a camera; it is a true art that requires skill, creativity, and a massive amount of patience. Some babies are absolute dreams to work with and sleep the entire session and some don't really give a hoot about cooperating and will be fussy and unsettled the whole time. I notice my adrenaline really starts going when I'm posing a particularly fussy baby and hoping they don't wake up. It's like a ticking time bomb sometimes!

There are many factors that impact creating a stunning image, from lighting and posing to wardrobe selections and props. A talented photographer knows exactly how to pose babies to highlight their natural beauty. They capture those tiny features, like delicate fingers and adorable toes, that make each child special and this is absolutely reflected in the clients gallery when they get to see their session images for the first time.

The Importance of Professional Equipment

While nowadays just about any hobbyist can buy a professional quality camera, it takes a real understanding and practice of that piece of equipment to be able to use it correctly. Many budget photographers might not have access to professional-grade gear. The disparity between a smartphone camera and a DSLR with high-quality lenses is monumental. A good camera can capture intricate details, such as the soft texture of a baby's skin, right down to those teeny tiny lashes in a way that lesser equipment cannot.

Choosing a top-tier photographer means you can expect high-resolution images worth printing. For example, a professional image often boasts a clarity of at least 300 DPI, ensuring that prints retain their beauty over time. You will want to have memories that you can proudly display and cherish — images that will last for generations.

Creating Lasting Memories

Boy do they sure grow up in a hurry! It's almost like whiplash. One minute your pregnant and barfing all day (I had hyper emesis for all 3 of my pregnancies). The next minute you have this little piece of you wrapped up in your arms and its almost like a fever dream or sorts. Then...you blink and its their first birthday! Excuse me? Those early days really do vanish in a heartbeat. This is why its important to capture these moments in the beginning. A skilled photographer is going to make sure your memories are preserved while also allowing you to turn it into tangible art that you can show off in your home.

Professional Prints

The photographers that are charging more money are also offering high quality printed products and artwork. Most photographers of this caliber that charge more are doing so because they value their work and believe it should be displayed out in the open. What you choose to do with your images is perhaps the most important aspect to consider when you're planning for a photo session, but it's all too often the aspect that's overlooked. All that time and money invested deserves a better return than photos gathering dust on a hard drive somewhere. You'll never get the same feeling looking at your photos on a screen as you will seeing them on your wall or flipping through the pages of an album. Photographers print through professional labs that have museum quality finishes so that your investment is protected and lasts generations!

Final Thoughts

There isn't always an easy choice when choosing a newborn photographer. There are often so many talented ones to choose from. My recommendation would be to plan ahead and start looking around earlier into your pregnancy so you can find the right one for you while making sure not to compromise on quality above cost. I encourage you to consider the immense value of experience, artistry, professional equipment, and the lasting memories that quality photography provides. Investing in a skilled newborn photographer is a decision you won't regret.

Newborn girl in a soft white wrap cuddling a matching teddy bear.

If you are interested in learning more about my newborn photography services or you'd like to reserve your due date in my calendar, please reach out to me and I would be happy to assist you!