Why is professional newborn photography so expensive?

Have you found yourself with a bit of sticker shock while researching experienced and qualified newborn photographers? That’s not uncommon, as most people are not familiar with the ins and outs of the photography business. Professional portraits are certainly an investment and here’s why…

EXPENSES

It costs money to be a legal business and I don’t just mean paying yearly taxes, although, yes! That’s a big part of it. Business owners must register their business in their state, apply for a business license, obtain a tax ID#, secure insurance, file reports, and submit various applications on an annual basis. Believe me when I say, this adds up!

GEAR

Our professional quality gear takes a huge investment on our part to both acquire and maintain. Cameras, backup cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment are some of the more obvious expenses, but there is so much more than that! For us newborn photographers, we also need a posing bed or table, posing pieces that go under baby to create desired shots, backdrops, bonnets, headbands, wraps, and props, all which need to be continually replenished so that we can offer each of our clients a variety of looks.

SOFTWARE

We pay for a large handful of software subscriptions both monthly and annually that are needed to help us run our business successfully. There is the website, the editing software, the client management systems, the google business fees, the album designer, the ordering appointment system that helps me design your gallery walls, and more!

EDUCATION

You wouldn’t trust any Joe Shmoe to take portraits of your brand new baby and the reason is education. Newborn photographers have spent both time and money to educate themselves not only on their camera, lighting, and posing, but more importantly, on how to keep your baby safe! That, after all, is the MOST important thing when it comes to your newborn!

TIME

Time is precious, and just like at your job, you expect to get paid appropriately for your time; for the long hours spent away from your family. Yes, newborn sessions are longer than your average photo session, but that isn’t the only time we spend on creating a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your family. We also spend HOURS on emails, texts, phone calls, consultations, location scouting, outfit planning, session styling, editing, ordering appointments, crafting heirloom art products, and delivering final pieces to your home. And this is just what we do for your session! We also spend our time marketing, keeping up with social media, creating business partnerships, and on and on and on.

And last, but certainly not least, we are CAPTURING MEMORIES that you would not be able to do on your own. We are freezing time that is both special and fleeting, and we are making sure that you get included in the narrative because you were there, too. The portraits we create together will be heirloom pieces that you can enjoy now as well as pass onto your children someday in the future. This isn’t just your photographs that you’re investing in. It’s your legacy.

So, is professional newborn photography an investment?

It certainly is!

But, is it worth it?

Goodness, YES!!! 

Erin of Erin Elyse Photography is a Jacksonville in-home studio Newborn Photographer in Northeast Florida. Erin specializes in beautifully capturing your timeless memories and turning them into luxurious works of art. Also serving the families of Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Riverside, San Marco, Nocatee, Mandarin, Fleming Island and the surrounding areas of Northeast Florida.