You finally have finished with a photo session of your newborn baby. The photographer has just left your house, and everything has been great.
Now, you probably question yourself; maybe I should have tipped her?
Should you tip the newborn photographer? Tipping photographers isn’t necessary, everything is included in the fee that you already pay for their services. The photographers, in general, are more than happy with positive feedback online and referrals.
However, there might be a different situation. Below, we will dive deeper into this commonly asked question, looking from parents and a photographer’s perspective.
Why don’t you need to tip a newborn photographer?
Despite the fact, this is the last thing you need to worry about when it comes to newborn photography.
Many moms keep asking each other, what should they do? Tip them or not?
Just don’t worry about it!
There is not such a standard or tipping etiquette in the photography world, including newborn photographers!
A professional photographer has a well-established business plan, as well as prices and fees for their products.
So, It’s unlikely that the photographer will expect some extra money from you at the end of the photo session, no matter how brilliant he/she might be.
Some of us don’t realize, for photographers, it’s a passion which turned into a business.
Most of the talented photographers started business as a hobby, with a huge desire to make beautiful pictures.
They genuinely love the whole process from A-Z; if otherwise, the impact on pictures is noticeable.
Spending hours dealing with newborn babies, which are fragile little creatures and be patient at the same time.
It’s just not a job for everyone…
That’s why newborn photographers are usually delighted to see your positive feedback on their Instagram, Facebook, and Google. And referring your family relatives to them.
Saying that, if you feel the photographer has gone above your expectation, and you are thrilled about the way he’s done the work. You are welcome as a friendly gesture to tip him.
Check out what Moms are saying around the world;
They are a few popular forums, where this topic is highly discussed. Parents are expressing their opinion and experience they had.
I have done a bit of research for you and you can click straight on a link that will get you on the discussions about tipping newborn photographers: Reddit, thebump.com,whattoexpect.com.
How should I thank the photographer that invited me for a free newborn photography session?
Newborn and family photography industry is booming at the minute, and there are many new photographers.
During your pregnancy, they might contact you for a free newborn photo session.
Or, you will notice them advertising a lot about it.
Even THEN! You are not obliged to pay him, as a photographer only needs your baby model to gain experience and build up the portfolio.
I remember myself when I was at the beginning; inviting as many as possible moms with their newborns.
Parents always try to leave some cash at the end of the photo session, not even looked at the pictures.
Every time that was challenging for me to convince them, that I don’t need the money!
By tipping the photographer, will I get the pictures quicker?
It’s still not the case, but if you’re lucky and the photographer is not busy, you might get pictures sooner.
But, Again if you have chosen the highest package, don’t expect to get them quickly.
Photographers are using a third party to print canvas and albums, which have their T&C and processing time.
Save money on printing newborn photos;
When you look at the difference between packages, you might feel the ones that include printing are overpriced.
But, here is a crucial thing to consider;
Photographers spend a lot of time working on getting results on canvas (and not only), to match the digital version of it.
Often we print the photos, and they don’t look good at all.
A lot of times, the difference is enormous, photographers and the guys on the machines play with the printing specs to get the best results.
However, If the time is on your side and you are familiar with printing, framing; then don’t hesitate to do on your own.
Quick tips on how to print and frame low cost;
Use your own printer.
Most of us don’t even know that the home printer is excellent at printing photos, we never tested usually.
The most common ones like Canon and HP can do a great job of printing quality pictures.
If you have extra cash, and if you planned to buy a new printer for a while now, check out the best printers for home on google,
Look on YouTube for tips to get the most out of your printer.
And then check out an Amazon or eBay four glossy photo paper that has the most positive reviews.
And that’s it really, all you need to start printing.
Frames
Here you might want to go straight to IKEA, the range and the prices they have sometimes is just not worth going somewhere else.
In case the IKEA is not an option for you, you might try the vintage or antique shops in your hometown.
Etsy
Yes, Etsy it’s not just for handmade stuff. I used to find hassle-free printing with Etsy. There are shops which are offering services for painting and framing as well, especially if you do 3-5 pictures or more they offer a good discount.
All you need is to upload the pictures into the email that they’re going to send to you and send it back.
Printing services
This one might be not the cheapest, but still, might work out less expensive than the photographer’s option.
Here try to avoid the ones from the shopping centres, as they might be way expensive then the ones you’ll find on the internet.
What is milestones photography?
Usually, this is a photo session every single month, on your own or with the photographer in the first year of your child’s life.
Often called as milestone photography.
Some people might say it’s too much, but you can’t blame the parents, babies are changing so much in the first year, and they wanna save all these moments.
If you can afford to bring the photographer every single month, it’s fantastic.
But usually, moms are considering the photographer for the first month, six months and one-year milestone.
Is it worth doing milestones pictures with a professional photographer?
If you love capturing those special moments; first smile, first sitting up and the first step in more of an artistic way, then yes!
If you are still keen to have high-quality pictures that will remain gorgeous after printing, you definitely should go with a professional.
However, if you feel you are good at photography and you have enough gear; why not save some money?
Before you decide, glance over the internet, what an average photographer can do, and if you’re impressed, check out the prices.
Will newborn photographers do the milestone sessions as well?
The Newborn photographers specialize in milestones and cake smash photo sessions also.
Rarely, the well-known photographers with a big brand name in industry will be oriented just one category like; Newborn or Maternity photography.
Newborn and Milestones photography bundle, will I get a discount?
It’s worth asking just before you book the newborn photo session. The photographer may have a bundle offer where all first-year photo sessions are included for a reasonable price.
When are you doing your research in your area, and you really like what’s in the gallery on their website, jump straight to the prices/offers page and check if they got any bundles offers.
Some photographers offer a package for the parents who are tight on the budget to get a few pictures done for each session.
This is an affordable way to get the professional at every session( newborn, milestones, cake smash)
Related Question
Is newborn photography safe?
Usually, newborn photographers who have been in the industry for years and years are highly skilled and safe professionals, who have a lot of experience. These are mom’s, and rarely dad’s who have got quite a few first aid and child safety courses done throughout their career.
Is newborn photography worth it?
It’s always worth taking professional newborn photography pictures, not just because of the experience, gear and an artist’s eye that the photographer has. But also for the high-quality photos that a professional camera can take, which you can print out on a large scale and won’t lose quality. Although your iPhone can take amazing pictures, you may not be able to achieve the same results.,
What is a cake smash photo session?
This is a new trend in newborn photography. The photo session takes place just before the first birthday, where the baby is messily destroying the cake.
Often the photos are ready by the child’s birthday, so the parents can decorate the party with them.
That gives the photographer and parents, to obtain the most colourful and emotional pictures of your baby in the first year.