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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

New born photo session

48 replies

sazzleevans · 12/02/2011 16:42

Hi

We are a bit short of cash at the moment but I would really love a newborn photo session. I have a session booked in for next week when my baby will be 2 weeks old. I have 21 month old twin girls too and am going to ask for a picture of all 3 together.

Do you think it's OTT when money is tight? Just keep thinking once the newborn phase has gone I can't recapture it. I take loads of photos but rould love a professional one for sideboard. Be a real keep sake.

Opinions?

OP posts:
Mollymax · 12/02/2011 16:46

Why are you asking opinions when you have already booked it?
If you want to get into debt over a few photos, feel free.
If not, don't do it.

potoftea · 12/02/2011 16:49

If it's something you really want, and will regret not doing in later years, then go for it.

You have 3 very young children, and I'm guessing life is tough enough at moment, so if this is a big treat for you, be kind to yourself.

Of course if you will leave your children hungry because you've spend all the money on photos, it would be a bit different. Wink

ragged · 12/02/2011 16:49

Personally, I'd be just as happy with some nice photos I took at home, and sent off to online developer, for considerably reduced costs.
But it's your money to spend as you like.

lynniep · 12/02/2011 16:52

complete waste of time and money imo, but then each to their own.

cocoachannel · 12/02/2011 16:53

What sacrifices will you be making to afford this session? If it means it'll be tough buying food, paying rent, utilities, YANBU after all it's your money, but you are being daft when you can take some perfectly lovely photos for keepsakes yourself.

I agree with Molly, if the session is booked why ask on here? Although I guess it may be that you're looking for people to agree that you NEED to capture the precious flnewborn image on this way and appease your conscience about spending the money?

jellybeans · 12/02/2011 16:54

YANBU photos are priceless. You can never really get one yourself as good as a professional.Go for it!

LilBB · 12/02/2011 16:55

I suppose it depends how much you are spending. If you have the cash for one photo then YANBU but if you are going to get finance with pixifoto then YABU

Meglet · 12/02/2011 16:55

I don't think it's worth it for a newborn. They are a tad wrinkly and dull aren't they.

Save your money for when they are a few months old and can do more than just lie there. Or at least until they're smiling.

cloudydays · 12/02/2011 16:57

Jeez that first response is a bit harsh for someone who's just asked for objective opinions on weighing up practicality and sentimentality re: baby photos. There's nothing wrong with asking that question.

OP, you know from having your girls that newborns change almost minute to minute, so I can understand you wanting to capture a good picture of your baby just as s/he is right now.

Like others, I think it depends on what you mean by "a bit short of cash". If the rent/mortgage is paid, food bought and bills covered, I'd say go for it as it's obviously important to you.

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 12/02/2011 16:57

IMO they are a complete waste of money, but if you really want to do it then carry on.

Only thing I would say is, what do you mean when you say cash is a bit tight? If this is going to put you into difficulty with paying bills or buying food then IMO you would be insane to do it.

missmehalia · 12/02/2011 16:57

Not a waste of money, but think of ways to add value to your decision if you're feeling guilty? Ask for a good deal on prints. Haggle!! They cost a photographer peanuts, but you could use them for loads of family presents this year. So push for the best deal possible... to haggle over the cost of the sitting is a bit unreasonable, it costs thephotographer quite a lot for their equipment and time. But the reprints cost them virtually nothing.

GetOrfMoiLand · 12/02/2011 16:58

I suppose it depends.

If you are just using a normal local photographer and spending (guess) about £100, well that's fine because you really want a photo.

Just don't be daft, and sign up for photos on credit from somewhere like Venture. DP's friends wife spent £1100 on photos in frames, to be paid over a couple of years.

To be honest, you could do a decent array of photos yourself, and spend the money on having them blown up and nicely framed.

NacMacFeegle · 12/02/2011 16:59

Once I was in the job centre signing on, and a woman was there applying for a crisis loan. I say applying, the reason I know what she was asking for is that she was screaming at the person helping that she had no money for formula, nappies and food.

Saw her about half an hour later in the toy shop, paying £80 for Pixifoto shots.

Which I thought was bordering on mental.

Anyway, if you are doing ^^that, then YABU. If it's just a bit tight for a week, then YANBU, although I would wait until the NB is a bit older, but it's up to you. Grin

Original poster
sazzleevans · 12/02/2011 17:08

Lol not that strapped for cash. Thanksfully. Inam just normally very sensible and tend to just buy bigger items for kids. This is more for me than them which your right makes me feel guilty.

OP posts:
Original poster
sazzleevans · 12/02/2011 17:09

Ps not looking for people to agree just trying to decide if satisfying my own whim in worth it. Always listen to advice.

OP posts:
squeakytoy · 12/02/2011 17:10

I would charge about £80 for a two hour photo session if it was local to me. That would include one framed photo approx 20" x 20" and a sheet of proofs in case they wanted to order any more.

Original poster
sazzleevans · 12/02/2011 17:12

Pps the session is £75 then I was going to set limit of £200 in total for photos and session.

OP posts:
roomonthebroom · 12/02/2011 17:14

Ah, you're not that strapped so go for it as your treat. My SIL is v careful with money (and does wonders on her limited budget), but her one treat is photographs of her DC. Wouldn't be my choice, but each to their own.

Enjoy it and don't feel guilty :)

taintedpaint · 12/02/2011 17:15

Spending £275 on photos when you admit money is tight is a really silly thing to do. It's up to you whether or not you go ahead, but if I knew I was on a budget, there's no bloody way I would be wasting money like that.

Take some nice photos yourself and get them blown up, it's easy and cheap.

Anonymousbird · 12/02/2011 17:17

You will be lucky to get a photo for £125, seriously.

Depends on your studio, but they can be horrifically expensive just for a tiny picture and sometimes they pressure sell you more than you want/can afford if you aren't careful.

I know people who are as tough as nails who have gone to the studio saying "only two pictures" and come away with the album and several prints costing hundreds (and possibly thousand plus).

So all I say is TAKE CARE. If you want a natural shot do you know someone with a decent quality camera who could just fire off a load for you????

PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

squeakytoy · 12/02/2011 17:19

There is a difference between a professional photographer and someone with a good camera Wink

Original poster
sazzleevans · 12/02/2011 17:22

Thanks guys

OP posts:
LilBB · 12/02/2011 17:24

£75 for the session!! That is a lot. There is one near us that charges £20 for the session and prints start at £15. She's very good too. Luckily for me my husband is a photographer so I get all mine for free.

fluffygal · 12/02/2011 17:41

I didn't know these places charged for the session, the ones I've been to you only pay for the photos.

Can you not find an independant person rather then a studio? My friends do this, take you to the park, woods or wherever you would like the shoot and they charge about £125, then you can get all the photos on a disc and choose which you want to get printed.

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 12/02/2011 17:43

squeakytoy - there is! In this case, about £275! Wink