How much is newborn photography in Pittsburgh?

Lily, Pittsburgh Newborn photographer here. (Specializing in motherhood/maternity/newborn)

I’m obviously biased in a “been around the block” because I’ve been the cheap photographer just starting out and now I’ve had camera in hand for a decade.

What I can tell you is sometimes you get what you pay for and sometimes you don’t, some folks charge prices that are higher and their work isn’t as good. But at the end of the day the public will speak to what they want to pay for. Here is my suggestion:

Pittsburgh newborn photographers have such a wide budget. But you don’t get a redo so I’d choose more based on who’s work you love if you are able to. If you love their style, service, experience, personality, pick them. Don’t go based off of who is the lowest price- because price is rarely a determinant of quality in photography. You are going to be recovering from a birth, and wanting this photos captured once- no redos for newborn photos! You want someone that is going to take care of you so you don’t have to worry about a thing- in my opinion a great newborn photographer in Pittsburgh should handle all the details from props to ordering and have coffee in your hands the moment you walk into the studio to If you want it. New parents need a ton of support and love- and postpartum is more vulnerable than anyone can imagine. Photographers need to hold tenderness for that space. (Maybe because I’m also a doula it is my superpower too- not sure if I’m too empathetic but that is just my personality. )

Pricing-

In Pittsburgh newborn photography it ranges from pay a session fee of around $200 then buy your package of pics 300-3000. And then I’ve also seen pricing structured as preset packages like you get session and xyz for 550, abc for 850, efg for 1350. Etc. Some folks do a hybrid where you can get a package then get add ons, personally I like session fee + buy what you want because then you actually only spend on what you absolutely love.

A lot of folks that are Pittsburgh Newborn Photographers will offer payment plans or work with you on a package that is right for you! I know we do at Burgh Babies Photography. So just find someone who feels like a good fit all around is my suggestion.

What goes into the pricing of newborn photos?

As self-employed folks, we have the best job in the world, but we also have a ton of expenses for some of the things we used to take for granted. We pay our own liability and renter’s insurance, continuing education/workshops, furnishing, studio rent and bills, camera equipment, lighting, wardrobe, makeup artists and assistants, software, props and wraps from boutiques and heirloom stores, and we have to pay ourselves too- and this is all before you even come in!

The time/talent beforehand are not including...

1 hour studio preparation

2 hours shooting time

1 hour cleaning/breakdown

1 hour culling

10 hours photo retouching to get our signature style

1 hour ordering appointments for prints or doing album layouts

2 hours lab creation and to inspect order and deliver

You must have love for the craft to be as meticulous as we are! Thank you for supporting local small businesses.

Good luck finding your photographer! We have some amazing colleagues in Pittsburgh, but of course we would love to serve you in our North Shore studio (beautiful building on the mexican war streets!) with our full service experience. Text us to get started - 4129830019