Professional newborn photography - is it worth it?

[newroundhere]

Just wondered what the views were on newborn photography sessions? I'm 34 weeks pregnant and was trying to decide if it would be worthwhile booking a professional photo session in the first couple of weeks. I really want some nice natrual photos of DC1 but don't want to end up with a posed Anne Geddes calendar so would be interested in any experiences. Thanks!

I didn't do it with DD and really regretted it as the photos you take yourself just don't compare. I had actually booked a session with the photographer in the hospital (live in Germany when they tend to have somebody in-house). I then cancelled as I found her really pushy, with the intention of looking for somebody else when I got home. With the newborn chaos I never got round to it. Eventually I did a shoot with DD when we was 11mo.

I'm now pregnant with no. 2 and will be booking the same lady to do a newborn shoot.

If you have a look at the portfolios it should give you an idea of the photographer's style. Also a good one should take your preferences into account. I would maybe get a move on though as the best ones tend to get quite booked up.

My best friend had some done recently and they were beautiful. My issue is that they're quite staged. I've got some lovely photos of my DD and they're all very natural whereas I felt these were either quite stiff and looked posed or were too twee for my tastes and involved a vast amount of fluffy rugs and watering cans. I am 29 weeks pregnant with my second and would love to get some done if I could find a style I liked.

Look up Jules Photography, she does amazing newborn stuff.

I had a session for my twins when they were just over a week old, and I'm really glad I did. She came to my house and the photos were very natural: natural light, both babies cuddled up asleep with a blanket draped over them. No silly props or anything.

If you want it and have the money for it do it. I never did it but I don't regret it, however if you have your heart set on it and don't do it you might regret it.

Personally I prefer natural photography rather than the Anne Geddis style poses but each to their own.

I'm due in September with my first and I've just booked a session. I've found someone relatively local so don't have to travel to far with a newborn and found someone who had a style that I liked. I know what you mean about staged photos but at the same time I think it works newborns.

One thing I did notice was be wary of the costing. I saw a lot which stated the shoot was £70 but then you had to purchase the files or prints separately for ££££. The lady I chose does a package deal so I know exactly what in getting and what the whole thing will cost. I can only imagine that otherwise it would be easy to get carried away and spend hundreds and hundreds on pics.

I've just booked ready for my little one due in October - and she's already nearly full!

Definitely think it's worth it - quite a few people I know have used this particular lady (Klaudia Kula photography) and the photos have been stunning and they've all said how worth it, she was and she took the time during the sessions, not rushed etc

Thanks for the feedback - I hadn't realised that photographers got so booked up, I will have to have a better look into it quickly!!

I think you're right about the style FellOutOfBed - having something natural is my preference.

And the costs are also a consideration - all the photographers I've looked at seem to have different ways of pricing, which makes it a bit difficult to compare

Not worth it to me, use a decent camera, make sure it's in focus and your pictures will be worth as much to you as any professional's. I don't like the staging, just take a picture when the baby is fed and content. Lay them on a nice blanket or bean bag if you want a bit of extra colour/texture.