Newborn and first year photography

[jm1982]

This is a very MM question. I'm trying to figure out which photographer to book. This will likely be our only child, so I'm looking at plans that include photo sessions beyond the newborn. Here are the top two contenders (I'm in a MHCOL city). Both have extensive portfolios that I have seen and like, and both shoot primarily on location (whether outside or in your house):

Photographer A.
$2500 package
Includes Newborn, 3-4 month, 6-7 month, 9 month, 1 year
NB session is 3-4 hours; the others are shorter.
We will get a digital full-res download with rights for 20-25 edited images from each session.

Photographer B.
$1000 package
Includes Newborn, 6 month, 1 year
NB session is 2-4 hours; the others are 1 hour each.
We will get 30-35 digital photos with rights from the NB session and 15-20 from each of the other session
This one also includes a small credit towards ordering prints ($50/session)

I don't think that we're considering maternity photos at all; I tend to like these photos better when there's an older sibling.

Photog A is much more money than the other, but the package includes more photos from each session, as well as 2 additional sessions in the first year. I can't decide if I would regret not getting photos of those intermediate months, or if it seems silly to spend so much for photography when we have other expenses (like $1400 part-time daycare) to consider. WWYD?

[Deleted]

It really depends on the work of each photographer. I will say that I think that photos at nb, 6-8 months (preferably when they can sit) and 1 year and 15-20 digital images from each session should be good enough.

[cajunmom]

Photographer B. Those intermediate months are not necessary.

[changedname]

I agree with @missy1. We did newborn, 6 month, will do a cake smash at 1 year and then a Christmas mini session. My photo charges $250 per session which includes all the images on a disc. The Christmas mini costs $80 for 12 images.

When I was looking for a newborn photo prices varied a lot but the good thing is, there are a ton of photogs out there.

[Susie]

The less expensive one would be good enough, and plenty of pictures, for me.

Whether or not you're OAD doesn't really play into the decision for me. I just can think of things I'd rather do with the $1500 difference, and I don't need that many photo shoots for the first year.

[pattieice]

I did a package of newborn, 4 month, 8 month and 1 year. Honestly, it was overkill and I would have been perfectly happy with newborn, 6 month and 1 year.

[L]

As a non-parent with zero experience with babies, I have no opinion on the frequency of photo shoots.

But I will say that I have never regretted splurging on photography. In decisions like this, I've found that my gut is usually leaning one way or another - that's how I would choose.

[msmerymac]

To be really MM, what about just buying a DSLR and calling it a day?

[Deleted]

Both are priced well. I would need to see their work to decide. I agree though that package b is probably fine. The a package is a little overkill

[MDmomof2]

I love having photos of my kids, particularly good quality professional photos, but Photographer A's package seems like too much. What will do you with the photos? Print them and give them to friends and family? Keep them for posterity? Kids change a lot in the first year but a newborn, 6 month, and 1 year session seem like plenty. Also, you don't need 35 great images - what would you do with them? You just need 2 to 3 good pics from each session so I wouldn't worry about the number of photos you're getting.

[spanikopita]

Sept 30, 2014 14:59:26 GMT -5 @missy1 said:

It really depends on the work of each photographer. I will say that I think that photos at nb, 6-8 months (preferably when they can sit) and 1 year and 15-20 digital images from each session should be good enough.

This exactly.

[jm1982]

Thanks for your feedback, everyone. I've been leaning to B as well, but was worried I might regret the missed sessions.

[cheezer]

I'd go with B as well.

But exactly what happens during a 4 hour newborn photoshoot? That seems really long.

[krystee]

I am looking into the same thing right now and vote B, assuming quality is equal.

[changedname]

Sept 30, 2014 17:11:17 GMT -5 cheezer said:

I'd go with B as well.

But exactly what happens during a 4 hour newborn photoshoot? That seems really long.

Mine ended up being that long. It took 45 mins to feed the baby at that stage and then diaper changes etc. My baby was super fussy that day though.

[jg183]

I lean towards B.
We did nb, 6m and 1y and it was perfect. With cell phone cameras, I take photos practically everyday anyways but like having the formal ones a few times a year.

[spanikopita]

Sept 30, 2014 17:11:17 GMT -5 cheezer said:

I'd go with B as well.

But exactly what happens during a 4 hour newborn photoshoot? That seems really long.

Get set up. Baby pees or poops on blanket. Change blanket, clean baby, shush. Get ready again, 10-15 min of shooting. Baby is cold, wakes up, needs to eat. 45 min later, baby is almost asleep. Set up again. 10 min of shooting. Repeat x3.

[brit]

Sept 30, 2014 18:20:04 GMT -5 spanikopita said:

Sept 30, 2014 17:11:17 GMT -5 cheezer said:

I'd go with B as well.

But exactly what happens during a 4 hour newborn photoshoot? That seems really long.

Get set up. Baby pees or poops on blanket. Change blanket, clean baby, shush. Get ready again, 10-15 min of shooting. Baby is cold, wakes up, needs to eat. 45 min later, baby is almost asleep. Set up again. 10 min of shooting. Repeat x3.

What she said. My typical newborn shoots last 3-3.5 hours. 

[cheezer]

Sept 30, 2014 18:20:04 GMT -5 spanikopita said:

Sept 30, 2014 17:11:17 GMT -5 cheezer said:

I'd go with B as well.

But exactly what happens during a 4 hour newborn photoshoot? That seems really long.

Get set up. Baby pees or poops on blanket. Change blanket, clean baby, shush. Get ready again, 10-15 min of shooting. Baby is cold, wakes up, needs to eat. 45 min later, baby is almost asleep. Set up again. 10 min of shooting. Repeat x3.

I hate spending 30 minutes getting my picture taken.  I think I'd die.

[bryantpark]

B.

A is way too much. We did B and were very happy with the spacing.

[Deleted]

 I would pick B. I never have more than 10 really great shots anyway, so I don't think you need more images per shoot.
I did newborn and 1 year with pricy photographers for DS and places like picture people for 3-6-9.
For DD we did newborn, 4 months and 9 months with the a different photographer.