How much should you spend on newborn or family photography?

How much should I spend on newborn or family photography? This is a great question.

 

 

 

How much should I spend on newborn or family photography? This is a great question. When seeking a photographer for newborn or family photography, you may find a wide range of pricing from local photographers. What’s the difference? What affects these large jumps in pricing?

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

• The average price of family and newborn photography
• What determines the difference in photographers prices
• What YOU value in your photographer
• Average New Orleans area pricing for newborn and family photography

 

First, let’s look at the average price of family and newborn photography.

AVERAGE PRICING FOR NEWBORN AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

You probably guessed it – there is not an exact “average” for a family or newborn photography. A LOT goes into the pricing of any photography package.

The first thing you need to do is determine what you value most when it comes to your photographs.

• Do you want one simple picture of everyone looking at the camera?
• Do you want tiny details and connection documented?
• Do you prefer the look of film for a nostalgic feel?
• Do you want a specialist who is accustomed to working with small children and/or newborn babies?
• Do you want your photographer helping you figure out wardrobe?
• Do you want your photographer to provide albums and wall art so you don’t need to do it yourself?
• Do you want your photographer guiding you through the process?
• Do you want your photographer to take care of all of the little details so you don’t have to?
• Do you want to FEEL something after your photography experience?

What is most important to you? Once you determine what it is that you value, it is then that we can start looking at a few different average ranges for family and newborn pricing based what you value.

 

$99-$250 | BEGINNER

• This is definitely a beginner or amateur range for photography services, and many photographers (including myself) begin in this range.
• They might lack the experience of working with little kids or newborns during sessions, meaning – when your kids start becoming rambunctious, they may not have too many strategies learned yet.
• They likely do not have much  knowledge to provide you when it comes to session preparation.
• They may still be learning the most flattering poses for families.
• They likely don’t have a consistent style yet.
• They likely do not provide products.
• They may be the perfect fit for someone who just wants pictures in a short time frame.

$250-$500 | AMATEUR

• You’ll likely find photographers who have been in business for 1-3 years in this range, although they have more experience than a beginner, they are still learning a lot.
• Posing may not appear natural and organic yet.
• They likely are still developing skills on working with toddlers.
• They likely do not provide wardrobe consultation.
• They are likely still working on honing in on their style.
• They likely do not provide products.
• May be perfect if you want one picture of everyone looking at the camera.

 

 

$600-$1100 | MIDDLE TIER PROFESSIONAL

• They likely have an established style.
• They may work full-time but are overworked.
• They likely do not provide products.
• They provide only an online gallery.

 

$1200+ (STARTING PRICE MAY RANGE FROM $1200-$2500) | LUXURY

• They have ample photography and business experience.
• They likely only work with young children and newborns.
• They may photograph with film.
• They likely want to take the burden of all the small details from you.
• They likely provide a high-touch experience (i.e. planning consultation, welcome box, art reveal).
• They likely offer some form of products (i.e. albums, wall art).
• They likely offer wardrobe or wardrobe consultation.
• They likely run their business full-time.
• They are likely well-known in their market.
• They deliver high-quality, consistent results.
• They may own a studio or bring their studio to you
• They provide hair and make-up.

 

 

SO WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PRICE FOR A FAMILY AND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER?

 

Now that you’ve seen that a photographer can average between $99-$2500 per session, determine what you value most in your photography experience to base your answer. Do you want your photographer to design an album or plan out your session with you? You are likely looking at the luxury level. Do you want one cookie-cutter photo with a quick turnaround for Christmas cards? A beginner or amateur may be your best bet.

 

OTHER FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT PHOTOGRAPHY PRICING:

 

 

 

SO WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PRICE FOR A FAMILY AND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER?

Now that you’ve seen that a photographer can average between $99-$2500 per session, determine what you value most in your photography experience to base your answer.  Do you want your photographer to design an album or plan out your session with you? You are likely looking at the luxury level. Do you want one cookie-cutter photo with a quick turnaround for Christmas cards? A beginner or amateur may be your best bet.