MICHIANA Asked Google Questions About Pictures & Hartstein Photography Answered

Let's jump in!

How much should I pay for baby pictures?

The Short Answer:

The cost of baby photography can vary widely depending on several factors:

• Time Spent by the Photographer: How long will the photo session be?

• Number of Photos: How many edited images will you receive?

• Medium: Are you getting digital images, prints, or both?

• Location: Where is the photographer based?

• Experience: How experienced is the photographer?

In the United States, it's common for photographers to charge at least $400 for a standard session. For highly experienced photographers or those providing premium products, costs can exceed $1000.

The Long Answer:

There are generally three pricing models in the photography industry:

1. Based on Market Rates: Many photographers set their prices based on what their peers charge. However, this approach can be flawed if it doesn’t reflect the actual costs and value of the services provided. Studios that charge very low rates might be unsustainable in the long term, as evidenced by businesses like Portrait Innovations, JC Penney, and Sears, which struggled or went out of business despite their low-cost models. High-quality, independent photographers who invest significant time in shooting and editing should be priced accordingly to reflect their value.

2. Based on Cost of Doing Business (CODB): This model involves calculating all expenses, including time spent, lab costs, shipping, packaging, overhead, and profit margins, to determine a fair price. This approach ensures that the business remains profitable while offering fair prices to clients. For example, Hartstein Photography in Michiana uses a CODB model, revisiting their pricing annually to ensure sustainability and fairness.

3. Based on Demand: Photographers may also set prices based on the demand for their services. If a photographer is consistently fully booked, they might raise their prices to balance supply and demand. This model can lead to higher rates but also indicates a high level of trust and satisfaction from previous clients.

Investment Example: Hartstein Photography

At Hartstein Photography, we strive to provide families with timeless, high-quality images. Our pricing reflects the value and care we put into each session:

• One Hour Session: $50 non-refundable retainer (applied towards purchases)

• 5x7 Matted Print (total size 8x10): $125

• 8x8 Book: $400

• 8x8 Album: $1250

• One set of 25 flat 5x7 Birth Announcement Cards: $25

• Professional Slideshow of Images: $200

• High-Resolution Digital Images: Included with every physical image delivered

• Complete High-Resolution Digital Gallery: $3000

Click here to get the pricing menu that includes three collections offered to help you save. Mention "Birth Menu, please!" in the comments section.

Choosing the right photographer for your baby's pictures involves more than just looking at the price. Consider the photographer's experience, style, and the quality of their work to ensure that you are investing in beautiful, lasting memories.

What is the best age for baby pictures?

Birth pictures - Andrea arrives about when "mom" is being admitted to her birthing location. She leaves 2 hours after the baby arrives.

Fresh48 pictures - 0-48 hours old.

Newborn pictures - 1-14 days old

3 mo. pictures - anytime between 10 and 14 weeks old (or when baby is holding their head up & are alert for longer stretches of time)

6 mo. pictures - anytime between 22 and 26 weeks old (or when baby is sitting on their own)

9 mo. pictures - anytime between 30 and 34 weeks old (or when baby is crawling and pulling themselves up)

12 mo pictures - anytime between 50 weeks and 1 year + 2 weeks old (or when baby is standing alone, walking, and/or literally turning 1 and ready for a cake smash)

Why is birth photography so expensive?

Have you ever wondered why birth photography can be an investment?

A quote from Lexia Frank with Lexia Frank Photography that we love and truly hope speaks to all of you wanting to hire a birth photographer:

“Shooting a birth is like getting an inquiry from a bride saying that she wants you to come to photograph her wedding, but isn’t going to set a date. She’ll just call you whenever. And when you ask her how many hours of coverage she would like, she says she’s not sure, probably around 24, but maybe only 2. And you ask her when she’d like for you to start coverage and she says she won’t know, but probably around 2 am. And also, that she doesn’t want any use of flash. So when you ask her if there will be bountiful natural light she says that she’ll be getting married in a dark closet with no light whatsoever. And, she’s going to want the images right away to send out announcements. AND you’re not going to be able to use them anywhere on your website or blog because she wants to keep her privacy intact. We’d all be quoting this bride $50,000.” – Lexia Frank, birth and wedding photographer in Portland, OR.

Do you tip baby photographers?

Tipping a baby photographer is not strictly necessary, but it can be a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation for their work. Here are some considerations to help you decide whether to tip your baby photographer:

Industry Norms:

• Not Mandatory: Unlike service industries where tipping is expected, tipping photographers is not a universal standard. Many photographers do not expect tips as their pricing typically reflects the value of their work.

• Appreciation: While not mandatory, a tip can be a nice way to show extra appreciation, especially if you feel they went above and beyond.

Quality of Service:

• Exceptional Service: If the photographer provided exceptional service, was highly accommodating, and the final product exceeded your expectations, a tip can be a way to acknowledge their effort.

• Personal Connection: If the photographer created a particularly comfortable and enjoyable experience for you and your baby, you might feel more inclined to tip.

Cost of the Session:

• High-End Sessions: For more expensive sessions, some clients choose to tip as a sign of extra gratitude, though it is less common at higher price points where the fee already reflects the photographer’s premium service.

• Package Deals: If you received a significant discount or package deal, you might consider tipping to express appreciation for the added value.

Frequency of Tipping:

• Regular Clients: If you plan to use the photographer's services regularly, tipping might not be expected every session. Instead, consider occasional tips or a generous holiday tip.

• One-Time Event: For a one-time event, such as a newborn session, a tip might be more customary if you are particularly pleased with the results.

Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation:

• Positive Reviews: Leaving a glowing review on their website, social media, or review platforms like Yelp can be incredibly valuable to the photographer.

• Referrals: Referring friends and family to the photographer can be another excellent way to show your appreciation.

• Personal Note: A heartfelt thank-you note or email expressing your gratitude for their work can be very meaningful.

Suggested Tip Amounts

If you decide to tip, here are some general guidelines:

• Percentage: A common tip range is 10-20% of the total photography fee.

• Flat Amount: For a typical baby photography session, tips might range from $20 to $100, depending on the overall cost and your satisfaction.

Conclusion

While tipping your baby photographer is not required, it is a generous way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Consider the quality of service, the cost of the session, and industry norms when deciding. If you choose not to tip, expressing your gratitude through positive reviews and referrals can also be highly appreciated by the photographer.

In fact, the best compliment I could receive would be for you to use me again. The next best thing is when you refer me to people you love.

Is 3 months too late for newborn pictures?

Yes. By 9 weeks old, babies have lost their "baby scrunch".

Three month old babies have their own set of new skills to highlight, including holding their head up and smiling. Three months old is the perfect time to take baby pictures - they're just not 'newborn' pictures.

Who owns the photos?

Who Owns the Copyright?

• As the photographer, I (Hartstein Photography) own the copyright to all photographs I take. This is because, under copyright law, the creator of the images holds the copyright from the moment the photos are created.

What Does This Mean for You?

• Usage Rights: While I retain the copyright, you will receive high-resolution digital files and/or prints from our session. These files come with specific usage rights that allow you to use the photos for personal purposes. This typically includes sharing on social media, printing for personal use, and displaying in your home.

• Limitations: You may not sell, edit, or distribute the photographs for commercial purposes without my permission. This ensures that the integrity of the work is maintained and that the images are not used in ways that were not agreed upon. You will also need a print release from Hartstein Photography in order to print your images on your own.

Why is This Important?

• Protection: Copyright ownership helps protect both the photographer’s creative work and the client’s investment in high-quality images.

• Professional Standards: Retaining copyright ensures that the work is credited appropriately and used in a manner that reflects professional standards.

Custom Agreements:

• If you need to use the photos for purposes beyond personal use, such as in a publication or for commercial use, we can discuss additional licensing options. These agreements can be tailored to fit your specific needs and will include additional fees based on the scope of use.

Your Satisfaction:

• My goal is to ensure you love your photos and feel comfortable with how you can use them. If you have any questions or need clarification about copyright and usage rights, please feel free to ask.

Are professional baby photos worth it?

Yes! You will never get this time back. Hartstein Photography strives for you to not just remember what things looked like during this time of your life, but for you to remember the way you felt.