newborn pics...

why are they so expensive? I know they are prob so worth the money, but I just didn't plan for that expense...

vent over!

Re: newborn pics...

We're definitely not doing them. DH is a good photographer, although he doesn't have the experience taking pictures of newborns. But I don't really love the whole posed Anne Geddes style photos anyway (I think they're beautiful sometimes, but sometimes they make me uncomfortable how contrived they are). I feel confident we'll take a lot of beautiful pictures of our LO ourselves. Thank goodness for digital cameras!!! You can take 500 photos even if only 10 come out good it's ok.

Re: newborn pics...

Because people are willing to pay the price for the more $$$ ones, so they definitely can up their prices in accordance with demand.

I think the photos are gorgeous - but the prices for most photogs are not. Such is life on LIF.

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I did book a newborn shoot. I am going with Michelle McFadden. I found her to be one of the more reasonable photographers, it was very important for me to get a disc with the pics and not so much the prints. A lot of photographers charge an arm and a leg and then have a minimum you have to spend on prints.
My DH wanted them just as much as me, I'm a little stressed about the $$$ I'm dropping on them, but I think I really want them done because growing up I don't have many pics of me.

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I'm not going to be doing them. My sister is an excellent photographer (in my opinion better than a lot professionals) so she'll be doing them for me. Even if she wasn't though, I still don't think I'd bother. I know they're nice, but I just don't think it would be in our budget. We need that money for so many other more important things.

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I am not going to be doing them either, I think they are beautiful, but way too expensive, I am going to try to do it myself lol, a homemade photo shoot.

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I'm doing them, I know they're expensive but I just feel like you'll never get that time back and the pictures are just too beautiful.

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I had given up on Newborn Photos because they were soooo until I came across a post on here for Photos by Jennifer

Her pricing is great and instead of getting prints I am getting a CD with all of the photos and they are not going to be watermarked so I can print them myself!

Re: newborn pics...

Posted by nraboni

I had given up on Newborn Photos because they were soooo until I came across a post on here for Photos by Jennifer

Her pricing is great and instead of getting prints I am getting a CD with all of the photos and they are not going to be watermarked so I can print them myself!

Re: newborn pics...

Here is my 2 cents

When you have a photographer toting a $3000 camera, $3000-4000 worth of lenses and not to mention dozens of blankets and hats that each cost $20-30 each or more, it's gonna cost you. That's not even counting other equipment, software, education, taxes, etc. Then they are spending 3-4 hours of their time with you plus editing time, and travel time.

You get what you pay for when you book someone who knows proper photography and knows proper editing. If you look at national prices, they are right on par with custom photography prices and are not ripping anyone off. I've seen up to $2000 for a CD of images so $300-$400 for a CD is really not that much when you consider the time the $ that went into it. Just because not everyone can afford it, doesn't mean they are ripping people off.

A photographer just starting out will be cheaper, obviously, because they are building their business and practicing their craft. If you love their work, then that's great! They build their business and learn and you get photos you love. Win! Win!

But, rest assured, when they get into it a little more and find they need more equipment/props and they are actually making $5/hr when all is said and done, their prices WILL go up.

IMO, though, you cannot compare the work of someone who has been doing this for years and knows their stuff to someone just starting out.

ETS National prices, not averages.

Message edited 1/2/2011 10:17:28 AM.

Re: newborn pics...

Well im glad im not the only one considering not doing them... they are so goregous, but I just can't justify spending the money...I have a few friends who are photographers so im gonna see if they are interested in helping us out

Re: newborn pics...

just throwing in my two cents

we used Summer ... Summer is NOT on the more "affordable" side but, looking back, im so glad we spent the money.

DS was 6 days old. He was so tiny and they grow so fast and change by the minute. I totally trusted Summer to capture my son, so tiny, so trusting. I look back at those pictures and I cannot believe that was my baby.

If you can afford it, do it. There is no way you can regret documenting your child in that way.

Re: newborn pics...

think about it this way....how much money did you spend on your wedding photog? most of us spent thousands on weddings pics to capture 1 monumental day, this is the same thing in my opinion.

Re: newborn pics...

the other thing you must consider, all those people saying "my friend or my sister will do them" ... do they REALLY know how to handle a teeny tiny newborn? A six day old newborn? Its scary for even a parent to handle a newborn let alone someone trying to get great photos. You want someone experienced

Re: newborn pics...

What is expensive to you? YOu are paying for a photographers time, expertise and editing services before and after the shoot. IF you don't like the pricing maybe you should consider target or a larger studio for your newborn shots.

Re: newborn pics...

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Photography is not easy as picking up a camera and taking shots. Its experience, knowing your correct exposures and the large amount of editing after the shoot.

Re: newborn pics...

We will be a one-income family once the baby comes. I cannot imagine spending anywhere near what I spent on my wedding photography for a newborn shoot.

I'm happy with my choice - I don't understand why there's a backlash against people who don't want to empty their savings for newborn photography.

If the pictures will be better than what DH and I can do on our own, then I'm happy.

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No problem... I will be a one income family to.. but there is a difference in quality control from a $20 photoshoot vs a $300 photoshoot.
Then if you are happy with doing it on your on own go for it :)

Re: newborn pics...

Re: newborn pics...

well again its all in what the photographer is offering..... maybe the whole disc of images, prints, etc.

Re: newborn pics...

you said it!!

Posted by BabyFactory

Here is my 2 cents

When you have a photographer toting a $3000 camera, $3000-4000 worth of lenses and not to mention dozens of blankets and hats that each cost $20-30 each or more, it's gonna cost you. That's not even counting other equipment, software, education, taxes, etc. Then they are spending 3-4 hours of their time with you plus editing time, and travel time.

You get what you pay for when you book someone who knows proper photography and knows proper editing. If you look at national prices, they are right on par with custom photography prices and are not ripping anyone off. I've seen up to $2000 for a CD of images so $300-$400 for a CD is really not that much when you consider the time the $ that went into it. Just because not everyone can afford it, doesn't mean they are ripping people off.

A photographer just starting out will be cheaper, obviously, because they are building their business and practicing their craft. If you love their work, then that's great! They build their business and learn and you get photos you love. Win! Win!

But, rest assured, when they get into it a little more and find they need more equipment/props and they are actually making $5/hr when all is said and done, their prices WILL go up.

IMO, though, you cannot compare the work of someone who has been doing this for years and knows their stuff to someone just starting out.

ETS National prices, not averages.

Re: newborn pics...

I'm also in the minority and not doing them, but will do some sort of professional family shot in the fall and then something for the baby's one year. Believe me, I know the difference between professional photos and my snapshots.

My decision came down to a few things. I'm not planning on going back to work and money is tight all around, do I think pictures are worth it, yes, but I'd rather they be when the baby is a little older. I also was not comfortable booking a photographer months in advance. If we receive a session for a shower gift (I have been hinting to our moms) and the photographer is free, awesome! I won't turn down photos.

Believe me, I know the difference between professional photos and my snap shots. I paid an insane amount of money for wedding photos and I do believe they were worth every single cent. However, times have changed (and so has the person cutting the check) with a new baby coming I know that there will be unexpected expenses on the way. I by no means think that my little snap shot will be comparable, but will they suffice for a cute little baby announcement, I'm sure.

I don't think that the photographers are overpriced, I think that you are right they are very talented people and you pay for that. That said they still are not in my budget right now. Although, it is very popular on LIF and for good reason they are adorable, IRL I don't know one person that did a newborn shoot.

I'm with Julie, I'm not sure why I'm picking up this vibe that there is something wrong with not doing the pictures. I don't think anyone said anything offensive to the photographers or those that chose/can do them. But maybe I'm picking up on my own insecurity about not doing them?

Message edited 1/2/2011 10:44:14 AM.

Re: newborn pics...

Re: newborn pics...