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.
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!