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Why NOT to Hire a Cheap Newborn Photographer

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most precious milestones. As a parent, you want to remember every detail—the tiny fingers, the delicate eyelashes, and those first sleepy smiles. Many families turn to newborn photographers to capture these fleeting moments, but when it comes to choosing a photographer, cost shouldn’t be the only factor. Here’s why opting for cheap newborn photos and hiring a cheap photographer might not be the best decision, and why investing in a trained professional is essential for these once-in-a-lifetime memories.

1. Safety First

Your baby’s safety should always be the top priority during a newborn photography session. Trained professional photographers have extensive experience handling newborns and understand how to pose them safely. They know how to support your baby’s delicate neck and body and how to create composite images that minimize risk.

On the other hand, a less experienced or cheap photographer may not be aware of best practices, potentially putting your baby at risk. As a new parent, you want to feel confident that your baby is in caring and capable hands. My goal at Photos by Ashleigh is to ensure that all parents feel confident in their choice to hire me for their newborn photos! I am certified in newborn safety through the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographer’s International – an international database of newborn photographers that provides safety training and continuing education specifically for newborn photographers.

2. Expertise in Posing and Lighting

Newborn photography is a highly specialized art form. Achieving those dreamy, timeless images requires skill in posing, lighting, and post-processing. Professional photographers have honed these skills through years of training and practice. They know how to position your baby and the rest of your family for flattering angles and use lighting techniques to highlight your baby’s features in the most beautiful way. Not only can they help pose and swaddle your newborn, but they can also help with big brothers and sisters too!

Cheap photographers, while perhaps enthusiastic, often lack the technical expertise required to deliver polished, high-quality images. This can lead to poorly lit, awkwardly posed cheap newborn photos that just don’t do justice to your baby’s beauty or the specialness of this once in a lifetime moment for your family.

3. Quality of Equipment and Props

Professional newborn photographers invest in top-tier camera equipment, lenses, and editing software to ensure their images meet the highest standards. They also provide clean, safe, and high-quality props, blankets, and backdrops that enhance your photos.

In contrast, a cheap photographer may rely on lower-quality equipment and materials, which can result in cheap photos that feel subpar or even unsafe for your baby.

4. An Investment in Timeless Memories

Your newborn’s first days are fleeting. The images captured during this time will be cherished for a lifetime and beyond. A professional photographer understands the emotional significance of these moments and works to create images that will stand the test of time.

When you choose a cheaper option, you may find yourself disappointed with the final results, leading to regret over missed opportunities to capture your baby’s early days in a meaningful way. Remember, these are not just photos—they are heirlooms.

5. Personalized Service and Experience

Professional newborn photographers provide a seamless and stress-free experience for their clients. From pre-session consultations to customized setups and attentive post-session editing, they go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction. They’ll also help you choose the best prints, albums, or wall art to showcase your images in your home.

A budget or cheap photographer may not have the time or resources to offer this level of service, leaving you with a less enjoyable experience.

6. Protecting Your Investment

While hiring a trained professional might require a larger investment, the quality and value you receive are well worth it. When you hire a cheap photographer, you risk ending up with cheap photos that don’t meet your expectations or are so low resolution that they cannot be printed or don’t look good in digital form either. In some cases, families find themselves having to rebook with a professional to redo their session, which ultimately costs more in the long run.

Conclusion: Your Baby Deserves the Best

When it comes to capturing your newborn’s earliest moments, quality matters. Hiring a trained, professional newborn photographer ensures not only stunning images but also a safe and memorable experience. While it may be tempting to save money by choosing cheap newborn photos, the risks far outweigh the benefits. This is your baby’s first portrait session—an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t settle for less than the best for your family.

Newborn Photographer in Oklahoma City

Whether you’re expecting your little one any day or you just found out about your little miracle, now is the time to think about your newborn portrait experience. If you’re a new mama or welcoming a baby soon and want to know more about the iconic Photos by Ashleigh experience, I’d love to chat more with you about your dream newborn session!

Don’t forget to keep following the Photos by Ashleigh blog for more exciting updates about past sessions. Start collecting ideas now so you’ll be ready for an unforgettable session later! Find fantastic ideas on my Pinterest and Facebook socials, and when you’re ready to make the magic happen visit my website. Let’s celebrate this beautiful moment in your life with portraits that are equally beautiful.

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  1. Michelle Robertson says:

    This is such an important post, Ashleigh. While yes, every family wants beautiful newborn photos, there are so many other thing things to consider. Newborn safety is something that photographers need to be specifically trained in, even if you’ve had children of your own. Posing and swaddling, all the incredible props, and having beautiful artwork are all part of the process and worth every penny!

  2. Kristine says:

    Great post on newborn photography! Yes, you must pay extra for a photographer who is experienced with newborn posting and who has the right props!

    • Ashleigh Maxey says:

      Hi Kristine, yes I agree – trained professionals are rarely ever the cheapest option but they are always the safest option for your baby!

  3. Susan says:

    Great post on the value of hiring a great photographer for Newborn Photos–the cheapest option is rarely the best option!

  4. Nikki Wayne says:

    It is so cute to have one of this. I think this is important because this is a memory not just for the parents but also in the child itself.

  5. That’s so true, a reliable good photographer is essential important to keep the new born memories. Cheers SiennyLovesDrawing

  6. Beth says:

    I love this post! I hired a bargain basement photographer once, and you absolutely get what you pay for.

    • Ashleigh Maxey says:

      I’ve made that mistake as well for my wedding photos (before I was a photographer myself) and will never make that mistake again!

  7. Claudia says:

    You absolutely get what you pay for, especially with a newborn photographer. It’s not just the gear, it’s the know-how to make the best shots and calm a fussy baby.

  8. LisaLisa says:

    These are some beautiful pictures. My daughter did this, she hired a local/cheap photographer to capture her baby’s moments, and the images were “BEAUTIFUL”! One of the best investments I think parents should invest in.

  9. Michelle says:

    The concept of “you get what you pay for” definitely carries into the world of photography! I’ve made that mistake before and I wouldn’t do it again.

  10. Emily says:

    These are such important moments, you would want to ensure that the photos are taken by someone who knows what they’re doing both as a photographer, and in handling such fragile little ones. This was a great read!

  11. Stacie Ki says:

    Getting professional photos made is a whole science, I think. If I were to hire a cheap professional photographer, I might as well do it myself. Spending money wisely is important, but to a point.

  12. Carla Lehman says:

    The most precious thing we have, our babies. It’s so important to celebrate these moments with an investment in a professional, for your precious baby’s safety, and perfect results!

    • Ashleigh Maxey says:

      It truly is an investment in newborn photography. Thank you so much for taking the time to read, Carla!

  13. Marysa says:

    It is definitely not worth the risk to hire a cheap photographer. You only have a small window of time to capture newborn moments!

    • Ashleigh Maxey says:

      I agree, Marysa! Thank you for taking the time to read my post about NOT hiring a cheap newborn photographer!

  14. Brandi says:

    With something as precious as your newborn baby, you definitely don’t want to cut corners to save a few bucks!

  15. Love this! You can’t redo those newborn moments, so investing in a professional is worth it. It is such an eye-opener and a great reminder of good photography’s value. Thanks for sharing this! Must read for new parents!

    • Ashleigh Maxey says:

      Thank you Sonia – I completely agree! It goes hand in hand with wedding photography – there are no “do-overs” for newborns and you definitely want to find someone who is trained in newborn safety!