Hidden Valley Newborn photos, newborn photography is a specialized service that involves a significant amount of training and experience. It’s not just putting the baby down and taking the shot. It’s also about safety, newborn intuitiveness, and artistry. Generally, you will get what you pay for in this industry because there are countless things to consider that go into what you are seeing in the end product. Newborn photographers typically invest thousands of dollars into their gear, safety equipment, studio space, education, and training to take great images and edit them like the ones you see on my website.
If you find yourself wanting to know more about what it really takes to do what we do, here is a little breakdown. I’m sure I’m over-simplifying, but it is still a bit of an eye-opener for many.
Education, Training & Experience
Newborn photography is far more than just taking cute pictures of your baby asleep on a fluffy blanket. Newborn photographers must take into consideration the safety of the baby and their sleeping environment, while also trying to create an atmosphere that makes them comfortable enough for them to fall asleep. Then we have to think about the shot. Lighting, camera settings posing, angles, the general artistic setup.
So where do we learn these things? We pay someone to teach us. No, not all of us have a degree in photography, nor would that degree teach these things. We pay professional, successful newborn photographers to mentor us, walk us through every step, every possible scenario. This can cost thousands for just one mentorship. Then we might invest in online educational material with other helpful training. The point is, we invested in ourselves to learn the skills needed to produce the beautiful images we produce.
Cost & Expenses
As far as gear goes, getting the needed equipment and props as a newborn photographer is an expensive black hole. Right now you could easily spend $8,000 for the most recent model for a professional camera and lens and we would still need lighting. Strobes can range from $400 to $1000+.
The props and session needs are a whole separate, never-ending expense. Our clients want their sessions to be as unique as their baby and so do we. Therefore, we are constantly changing out our props, wraps, and accessories and those items aren’t cheap. Just for some perspective, a knitted wrap and bonnet, that I may only use once, would cost me $90. The little tiebacks for the girls range from $25-$38 depending on the materials used.
Let’s not forget about the software and programs we need to invest in. 17hats (invoicing, calendar, client organization, etc.), ShootProof(image gallery program), Adobe Suite (editing program) at the minimum.
In the end, you get what you pay for. When it comes to your newborn photos, the old adage rings true. If you want professional-quality shots of your baby with an experienced photographer who specializes in this type of session, you’re going to pay more than you would for someone that is charging pennies in comparison.
If you’re in Ventura County or close by, consider hiring ME, my years of experience will give you peace of mind and gorgeous images that are sure to become cherished family heirlooms for generations to come. For Hidden Valley newborn photos, contact me now or request more information on our website for all the details about planning your perfect newborn photography session here at Melody in Bloom Photography.
