How much does baby photography cost?

A variety of factors affect the cost of newborn and baby photography, including the photographer’s experience, the length of the session, the location, and the number of photos provided.

While some photographers charge a flat rate for the photo session and photographs, others charge separate rates for the session fee and the photos, while others set a price based solely on the number of desired photos.

Keep in mind that photographers also require a deposit upfront (typically 50 percent) and require the remainder of the payment when the photographs/digital images are delivered. In addition, while a tip is not expected if the photographer owns their business, tips are appreciated for employees who work for a larger company.

Some children’s photographers charge by the number of photos provided. For example:

• RDT - Studio of Los Gatos, California, offers a session of any length necessary along with 20 photos for $165 or 35 photos for $199. Customers can purchase all images taken during the session for $299.
• Thomas Sparks Photography of Suisun, California, offers a 30-minute outdoor session for $200 that includes 30 – 40 digital images from the shoot and three professionally edited images of the customer’s choice.
• Shanta N. Covington Photography of New York City charges an average of $350 for a two-and-a-half-hour baby photography portrait session, which includes 50 edited digital images and one 5x7 print.

A variety of factors affect the cost of newborn and baby photography, including the photographer’s experience, the length of the session, the location, and the number of photos provided.

While some photographers charge a flat rate for the photo session and photographs, others charge separate rates for the session fee and the photos, while others set a price based solely on the number of desired photos.

Keep in mind that photographers also require a deposit upfront (typically 50 percent) and require the remainder of the payment when the photographs/digital images are delivered. In addition, while a tip is not expected if the photographer owns their business, tips are appreciated for employees who work for a larger company.

Some photographers have elaborate studio setups with props and professional lighting, which can add more to the final cost. For example:

• Bonnie Raley Photography of West Chester, Pennsylvania, offers two- or three-hour sessions at her studio, with pricing at $600 for 20 photos and $700 for 50 photos. A $425 one-hour session includes seven photos, with additional images at $25 each.
• Thomas Sparks Photography charges an additional $130 for the use of his studio on top of his flat fee of $200 for a shoot, 30 - 40 digital images, and three professionally edited photographs.

Additional locations mean added travel costs, time, and energy to move equipment, set up lighting, and stage the scene. Some photographers charge a travel fee to go to the customer’s location or simply charge a higher rate for sessions not in their own studio. Location can also affect the average cost if you want portraits taken at your home or office and the photographer has to travel beyond their standard service range to reach you.

• RDT - Studio charges a fee of $70 for each additional location.
• Song’s View Photography of Fort Worth, Texas, charges $175 for an in-studio session but $250 for an on-location session.
• Memories in a Flash Photography of Keller, Texas, offers a newborn photography session that starts at $300 and includes four hours of studio time; the same package at the client’s home starts at $400.

Retouching photos usually costs extra. For example:

• RDT - Studio charges $10 per retouched image.
• Thomas Sparks Photography includes three edited images in his flat rate, and charges $20 for each additional edited image.

Finding the perfect newborn/baby portrait photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Following a few simple tips from the pros will ensure that you find the style you love at a price you can afford, and that clear communication occurs from start to finish.

• Make sure you love the photographer’s work: Review their Instagram and online portfolio to make sure their photographs convey the style and aesthetic you want.
• Ask about the setting: If you’re going to be shooting at the photographer’s studio, find out how easy it will be for you to park and access it with all of your baby gear, whether there’s a place for you to change the baby, and whether other immediate family members are welcome. You want the environment to be as relaxed and inviting as possible in order to get the best photos.
• Ask about safety practices: There’s nothing more precious than your baby. Make sure the person taking the photographs has a basic understanding of safe newborn and baby handling practices and has experience working with infants.
• Find out if they provide props: It may seem counterintuitive, but it can take a lot of stuff to capture a baby in a way that looks natural and organic. At the very least, you will likely need blankets, swaddling wraps, fabrics, and headbands — and that’s just if you’re keeping things simple. Does the photographer have all of that, or will you be expected to provide it?
• Ask about the photo delivery time frame: How fast will the photographer be able to deliver the photos? This is especially important for newborn photography, as you likely want to get those photos out to friends and family as soon as possible. Read customer reviews: Make sure the photographer has a positive track record with clients.
• Confirm the details: Make sure you know how many edited photos are included in the cost, how many photos you will have access to, and whether you have printing rights.
• Ask how you’ll get the images: Confirm whether your price includes any print photos or whether you will receive digital files via email, or on a CD or USB.
• Ask for a contract: Make sure you have a written record of all these details, and be prepared to pay a deposit, often 50 percent of the total.
• Make sure the photographer is licensed and insured: This shows that your photographer takes their business seriously and cares about themselves and their clients. Accidents happen, and insurance protects not only the photographer and their equipment but you and your baby as well.

Because baby portrait photographers typically charge a flat rate based on their experience, the length of the session, the location, and the number of photos provided, there are really only a few ways to cut costs. Cost-saving options include:

• Hiring a more junior photographer
• Requesting fewer untouched photos or fewer images overall
• Using only one location

Some photographers will also offer a discount if you use them again the next time you want professional photos taken.