As a professional newborn photographer based in Andover, MA and serving the Greater Boston area for the past 16 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of families to beautifully and safely capture their baby’s earliest days. One of the most common questions I hear is: “What makes a professional newborn photographer and how does that factor into the cost of a session?”
The answer comes down to experience. And when it comes to newborn photography, experience isn’t just important. It’s everything. Click here to learn a bit about what to expect during a newborn session with me.
Safety Comes First
The most critical difference between a beginner and an experienced newborn photographer is safety. Photographing newborns isn’t like any other genre of photography. Newborns are delicate, need to be handled with extreme care, and require posing knowledge that prioritizes their well-being.
After 16 years in this field, I know exactly how to safely pose a baby, monitor their comfort, and adjust quickly if they’re unsettled. I’ve taken newborn safety courses, worked with a wide variety of temperaments and situations, and understand the fine line between an adorable pose and a dangerous one. A beginner might not yet have that critical skillset.
Professional Equipment and Studio Readiness
At Crabapple Photography, my Andover studio is fully equipped with everything needed for a stress free and beautiful newborn session. This includes:
- Professional lighting tailored for the perfect newborn portraits
- A wide variety of high-end props, wraps, headbands, and backdrops
- A warm and cozy environment specifically designed for comfort and calm
New photographers may still be building their prop collection or experimenting with lighting. That’s totally normal, but it can lead to inconsistent results.
Editing Expertise When you Hire a Professional Newborn Photographer
Another big factor is post-processing. A seasoned photographer brings professional retouching skills that subtly smooth baby skin, adjust lighting, and correct colors without making the images look artificial. It’s a delicate balance that takes years to master. In fact, I’ve been using Photoshop since the 2000! That’s twenty-five years of experience (wild).
You’re not just investing in the hour or two it takes to take the pictures, you’re investing in the hours of careful editing afterward that bring the final images to life.
Consistency and Reliability
After photographing newborns for over a decade and a half, I know how to deliver consistent, high-quality results no matter the situation. You can browse through my portfolio and know exactly what kind of images to expect from your own session.
Beginner photographers may still be finding their style, and their results might vary widely from session to session. When your baby is only tiny for such a short window of time, there’s not often a second chance to “try again” if the results aren’t what you’d hoped.
The Cost of Expertise
So yes, an experienced newborn photographer will often charge more, but with that comes peace of mind, artistic excellence, and a fully customized experience.
You’re not just paying for photos. You’re paying for:
- 16 years of hands-on newborn photography experience
- A photographer who understands baby behavior and can soothe and pose with confidence
- A safe, comfortable, and fully equipped professional studio
- Gorgeous, heirloom-quality images you’ll treasure forever
Looking for the Best Newborn Photographer in Boston?
If you’re expecting and looking for a Boston-area newborn photographer with years of experience, I’d love to chat. My studio in Andover, MA welcomes clients from Boston, the North Shore, Southern New Hampshire, and beyond. I offer a warm, stress-free experience that makes parents feel cared for from start to finish.
Let’s capture these fleeting moments safely, beautifully, and with the experience you can trust.
Contact me today to book your newborn session. Availability fills quickly, especially for due dates in the upcoming months!
