Is newborn photography worth it?

While smartphone cameras have made photography more accessible than ever, there's simply no substitute for the quality, expertise, and emotional impact of professional photography. 

Investing in professional photography is a decision you won't regret. So, the next time you're considering snapping a photo with your smartphone, remember the value of turning to a professional to ensure that your memories are captured in the best possible light.

COMPARE PHOTOS VALUE TO BABY PRODUCT COSTS

Let’s put it in perspective a little. Investing in newborn photography is for around $1400, and these are memories you will have forever.

BABY PRODUCTS THAT LAST MONTHS, NOT YEARS
Here are some items for baby that are equally expensive, that you won’t have forever.

• A jogging stroller, for example the Thule Urban Glide 3 is $650, or the Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller is $1000. At most you will use for 5 years, at most. Most parents have 2 strollers not just one.

• Baby snoo runs at $1600, and at most you can use it for the first few months.

• The owlet dream sock is $300. At most you will use the first year. 

• Baby Bjorn bouncer is $210 and they can only use this for the first 3-4 months.

All of these items you will only need or have for the first couple months of baby’s life, at most the first years. 

DO THE MATH

Doing the math on the snoo for example it’s $4 a day for the first year. 

Doing the math on newborn photos, it would be 26 CENTS every day for the first 15 years. 

VALUE OF YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOS INCREASE AS THE YEARS PAST
I know when your baby is 15 years old, you will adore these photos. Not just when they are teenagers, but in a couple months or a year you will appreciate them! Children grow way too fast. The days are long and the years are short.

I do. My children LOVE seeing themselves as newborns. You can also get an album from me that will last just as long.

Photos last forever. 

You will not regret capturing your newborn’s first photos.

50% off Seattle newborn and maternity photography

Julia Christina Photography is now available in Seattle for your newborn session or your maternity session, or both!

Starting mid April on Wednesdays you can book a newborn or maternity studio session in Seattle.

Located in Greenwood area of Seattle:
310 NW 85th St.
Seattle, WA 98117

I understand the importance of space, light, and ambiance in creating captivating imagery for your family’s first memories. That's why I am thrilled to announce the opening of our new studio location in Seattle!

Expanding to a new location is an exciting milestone for me. It not only signifies growth but also our commitment to providing exceptional photography services to my clients.

Located in Seattle, my new location will still have all fabulous equipment, versatile backdrops, and amazing props—everything needed to bring your vision to life. Whether you're looking for professional maternity, newborn photos, baby photography, this studio offers a versatile environment to suit your needs.

I believe in creating a comfortable and collaborative atmosphere where you can relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through.  My goal is not just to take pictures but to create timeless memories that you'll cherish for years to come.

HALF OFF YOUR ENTIRE SESSION
To celebrate the opening, my first Seattle bookings get HALF OFF their entire session. Yep that’s right 50% off your booking fee, and 50% off your digital images. You can choose just newborn or just maternity or both!

Yes you can use this code now, and book in advance. For example you are not due until the summer. You can use this code today and you will still get 50% off your photos. 

• Full pricing and booking information:
  NEWBORN
  MATERNITY
  Use code “HALF” at checkout to get 50% off your SEATTLE studio booking.

More about the studio HERE. I can’t wait to see you!

Outdoor Maternity sessions Woodinville

Outdoor maternity sessions are available for expecting moms!

• April through August ONLY on request.

  • Please TEXT Julia Christina Photography at 415-967-0860 BEFORE you book this.

    • nonrefundable session fee

• Monday OR Wednesday ONLY

• choose the 6:30pm SLOT - NOTE this will be adjusted to 1.5 hours before sunset.

• this booking is RAIN or SHINE.

• yes, you have the option to move to in studio inside if it’s raining.

LOCATION:

• We will use my Woodinville location.

• Examples of this location in all photos on this post AND in the past two years of on my instagram (be sure to follow me!).

• It’s a large field, trail and dog park.

• Located close to Woodinville Coscto.

  • Julia Christina will only supply directions and exact location after booking is confirmed (with signed contract and paid session fee).

• Special requests for locations accepted with travel fee $100+

HAIR AND MAKEUP:

• Studio sessions require your makeup to be professionally done.

• I also STRONGLY suggest it for outdoor sessions but not a requirement.

NOTES:

• outdoor maternity sessions are never discounted.

  • If you book maternity and newborn together, your newborn will be discounted but your maternity will NOT be.

• they are an additional $150 + sales tax.

  • this amount will be CREDITED towards your collection if you buy a standard collection or higher.

WHEN TO BOOK:

• https://www.juliachristina.com/seattlenewbornphotography/2024/1/19/when-to-book-your-maternity-session-in-my-redmond-maternity-studio

EXAMPLE OF OUTDOOR PHOTOS:

• BELOW are examples of my outdoor sessions.

• These are all in my Woodinville location and lighting varies based on weather.

How to choose between a full newborn session and a mini wrapped session?

Full newborn session

• You can pre-booked with pregnant.

• You can book last minute if there is a session available. 

• No time constraint, set aside 3 hours. I take my time posing babies.

• Baby will be photographed in their birthday suit and wrapped. 

• Far more poses and memories of your sweet little one and new family.

• You can add siblings and grandparents to the session.

• You will get anywhere from 50-90 images to choose from. (More images if you have siblings and grandparents).

• Baby is anywhere from 5 days old to 3 months old. 

• Sessions are during the week, during the day. 

• Book HERE.

Wrapped mini session 

• Baby is already born.

• Baby is between 1 week and 6 weeks old.

• Session is 1 hour, no more.

• Baby is wrapped the entire time.

• Parents can be added.

• Siblings and grandparents cannot be added to a mini session.

• You will get about 30 images to choose from.

• Saturday morning booking available, as well as during the week.

• Wrapped mini sessions are available by request, text Julia Christina at 415-967-0860 for more information.

One year session with cake smash in my studio in Seattle, WA

For your one year milestone session, I would be happy to do a cake smash for you. You just need to bring your own cake!

Cake for your cake smash

this cake was special ordered from the sweet side or approx $35

• 5 inch diameter

• 3 small tiers - not just two. Makes for a more dramatic looking ‘smash’

• white icing or light colored icing so it doesn’t stain teeth/clothes in photos

• no piping of icing on the bottom of the cake - this makes is hard to transfer without ruining the icing

• sprinkles or plain bottom is great

• cake stand - I have a 6 inch cake stand as pictured.

  • cake topper

    • I have one that says “one” you are welcome to use for a couple photos.

    • this is first thing baby destroys

    • if baby reaches for it, I suggest we take it away. It can be sharp.

    • you are welcome to bring one, or use mine, either way it will used for only 1-2 photos

  • SOFT sponge cake - has to be soft so baby can “smash it”

• order it from - Safeway

  • inexpensive and still super cute.

  • you are welcome to use other bakeries, just please give them the specifics we need above.

  • show them the photo green check mark below and ask for above specifications (cake: 5 inches, white icing, 3 small tiers, no piping icing on bottom, sprinkles instead).

  • before your session make sure the cake has been at room temperature for at least one hour

Understanding photography pricing structure

Sometimes my clients don’t understand why I charge a separate session fee followed by a separate cost to purchasing images. I believe this two-tiered pricing model has it’s benefits for both photographers and clients.

WHY I CHARGE A SESSION FEE (OR SITTING FEE):

1. Investment in Time and Skill: The sitting fee is not just the photoshoot; it's an investment in the photographer's time and skill. From your initial inquiry to the actual session, photographers dedicate hours to liaising with client's, answering questions, creating and maintaining schedules, and preparing for your shoot.

2. Customized Experience: Many photographers strive to provide a personalized and exclusive experience for their clients. The session fee may include this by offering specialized props, and making sure that the photoshoot is tailored to the client's preferences and expectations.

3. Professional Editing and Post-Processing: Beyond the photoshoot, a significant portion of a photographer's time is spent perfecting the images through post-processing and editing. I spend a significant amount of time, culling, creating proofs and editing sneak peeks, and creating a customized slideshow. Additionally I spend time with you choosing your images and products that best suit your needs.

4. High-Quality Equipment and Gear: Photographers invest in cameras, lenses, lighting, and other tools to ensure amazing results. The session fee helps cover the cost of maintaining and upgrading this equipment.

5. Business Sustainability: Running a photography business involves various overhead expenses, such as marketing, insurance, studio upkeep, and more. The session fee plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of the photographer's business, allowing them to continue providing quality services to their clients.

WHY DO I PAY FOR MY IMAGES SEPARATELY?

Freedom of Choice: Purchasing images separately gives clients the flexibility to choose only the photos they truly love. This model empowers clients to curate a collection of images that resonate with them, ensuring that they get the maximum value for their investment.

1. Budget Flexibility: Not everyone has the same budget, and separating the session fee from image purchases allows clients to manage their expenses more flexibly. Clients can opt for additional images based on their preferences and budget, creating a more tailored photography collection.

2. No Obligation: Clients are not committed to purchasing a set number of images upfront. They have the freedom to review the proofs and decide which images they want to buy after seeing the everything we’ve captured together.

IN SUMMARY: The combination of a session fee and separate image purchases is a strategic approach that benefits both photographers and clients. It enables photographers to sustain their businesses while offering clients a personalized experience and the freedom to choose images that hold sentimental value. Ultimately, it's a win-win formula for creating lasting memories through professional photography.

How many poses do I get at my FULL newborn session?

POSED FULL NEWBORN SESSION

My sessions are about 3 hours long, depending on your little one. 

For wrapped mini sessions refer to THIS POST.

PROPS

I provide all the props, and style your session. All you need to do is choose the colors you want, and tell me if there are any images in my portfolio to avoid. 

HOW MANY IMAGES DO WE GET TO CHOOSE FROM?

One week after your session you schedule a zoom appointment with me. They are up to forty minutes long. I show you a slideshow of everything we have captured together (around 50-80 images depending on if we have a sibling to include or not). Then I help you choose your favorite images. 

SPECIAL ITEMS

If you have some special item or heirloom item to include please let me know ahead of time. Limit it to no more than two please. 

Examples are a teddy bear that had been passed down, a blanket with baby’s name on it, a hand knit blanket from grandma etc. 

Please do NOT bring a bunch of items you haven’t told me about and ask me to incorporate them. I am very often flexible if you can be upfront with your needs. 

HOW MANY NEWBORN POSES?

I have a posing flow I do with all my newborns. I try all these poses (often capturing them in two angles), and may skip or replace some if baby is being fussy.

Froggy - timber - taco- bum up - hands on chin - side lying - hands up - close ups of lips, ear, face, dad holding baby’s feet, mom holding baby’s finger - 2 basket poses.

If your baby is older than 2 weeks, I will try newborn poses but adapt my posing to what they can do. Again I will FLOW with baby!

HOW MANY PARENT POSES?

I do all of the following poses, so please do not request them. 

Dad: dad looking at baby - dad looking at camera with baby - add mom in for snuggle photo with dad holding baby - then looking at camera with dad holding baby.

Mom: mom snuggling baby - mom looking at the camera with baby - add dad in for snuggle photo with mom holding baby - then looking at the camera with mom holding baby. 

Backlit shots in profile: - mom looking at baby, dad looking at baby, family together looking at baby. 

HOW MANY SIBLING POSES DO YOU DO?

I always try for: holding baby looking and camera and snuggling, then backlit looking at baby and kissing or closer to baby. 

This will depend on your children ;) Be patient with them. Try not to tell them they are being ‘bad’, they are doing the best they can with their new sibling that has just entered their world. 

If we get family and sibling shots done with time to spare, then I will also try for a photo of dad with both children, and mom with both kids. 

Can we include grandparents?

Yes you can, there is an option when booking to add them to the session. Each additional adult is $75, or two additional adults for $125.

STUDIO ATTENDEES

Additional people (grandparents and siblings) are only welcome in studio when it’s their turn to be photographed. Only parents can stay for baby’s portion of the session. 

I will work with you to schedule the day to make this work for the family. With a toddler it often works best for everyone to show up together in the morning, we capture family and sibling, then dad can go drop off sibling at daycare and return. This can be similar for grandparents. 

SUMMARY

Be flexible. 

Do not come with a list of things poses you want. I guarantee you if you do, your newborn will ensure to be extra fussy that day. 

Trust that you will get a gorgeous gallery of your little one. Let me flow with baby and their needs. 

When to schedule your milestone session?

Julia Christina photography does milestone sessions, also called sitter sessions, from 4 months to 13 months of age.

WHAT AGE TO SCHEDULE A MILESTONE SESSION

Truly it’s always a good time to photograph your growing baby. The first year is the longest, shortest, year of your life!

Some good milestones are:

• Newborn -  3 months - 6 months - 9 months - 12 months

• Newborn - 4 months - 8 months - 12 months

• Newborn - 6 months - 12 months

• 3 months - 6 months, 9 months, 12 months.

• Etc! no wrong time.

It just depends how often you want to capture your growing baby.

WHAT IF I MISSED THE NEWBORN SESSION?

No problem, photograph your baby at a time in your life that works best for your family. I will always get a beautiful gallery for you. What we capture just changes based on poses they are able to do as they grow.

BABY SITTING UNASSISTED

Baby doesn’t have to be sitting for their milestone session. If they aren’t sitting unassisted, we use a basket to help them sit upright 5 months and up.

If they are 4 months, they really can’t sit yet, they are still stiff and need to develop those sitting muscles. We won’t do basket poses but tummy and lying down ones instead.

MINI MILESTONE BUNDLES

I have mini milestone bundles available to photograph your baby! They are 20-30 minutes each in length, include baby only. Option to add parents or siblings for a small fee.

I have a 3 session bundles and a 2 session bundles for the first year.

PRICING FOR MINI MILESTONE BUNDLES

Pricing HERE, password ‘thankyou’