As a newborn photographer in San Diego, I have seen the value and the priceless reaction when my clients receive an email with their newborn photos. I cannot express it purely from my own words so I will share some feedback of clients who were overjoyed with their newborn photos.
Can you feel their joy too? These messages can easily make my day and instantly boost my day with an energy that drives me to create even more beautiful work.
On the other hand, I have also seen many families that never took newborn photos of their first child. They only started investing when the second child came along. If this is you, please don’t blame yourself for not making it happen. Life can be hectic, and taking professional photos was probably not on your to-do list. It’s perfectly okay, and you’re not alone. You have plenty of time to take family photos to document these precious memories. People always say it’s better late than never, and I find that applicable to everyday life.
Here’s the real question and ultimate reason why you’re here: Are newborn photos worth it???
Families that LOVE taking photos will naturally book a newborn photoshoot without hesitation. However, families that do not frequently take family photos might not think about it until someone tells them to do it or they see cute baby pictures on Instagram.
I’ll be honest. Your baby will only be this tiny once, and the same goes for your wedding day. Once the day is done and dusted, the only way to relive those moments is to look back at your photos.
Some families DIY their newborn photos and are okay with that. However, I believe the results will not be as comparable to the work of a specialist who has mastered their craft and created a vision beyond what you tried to attempt by looking at Pinterest photos. If you’re ever feeling “stressed” about taking newborn photos, I highly recommend booking a newborn photo session with a professional. Feel free to check out the portfolio to my lifestyle newborn photo session linked.
There’s a newborn photographer for everyone, at every price point and style. Today, I’m walking you through the 15 reasons why newborn photoshoots are worth it. These are the same reasons that helped my clients finally decided to make it happen. The highest of compliments I received from them was not a Yelp or Google review, but when they framed my work in their home.
Table of Contents
Reason #1 – To Tell Your Story
Photography is a form of art that weaves your family’s story together in a meaningful way. Every chapter is an exciting story worth documenting. This is especially true for parents who have struggled to conceive or have suffered from a great loss during their previous pregnancy. These photos are not just for sharing on social media; these photos represent your own unique story. A story that deserves to be shared to your future generation.
This chapter is about your newborn baby and the early stages of life that will only happen once. Your baby’s tiny hands, cute chubby feet, and the baby rolls will only be there for a limited time until he or she hits a growth spurt.
You might think you do not want newborn photos right now, but when I spoke to some parents, they regretted not taking them for their first child. Some parents were in “survival mode,” and the last thing they thought about was booking a lifestyle newborn session.
It’s no secret that all of my clients loved their newborn photos and still cherish them to this day. The ones who were on edge, but did it anyways were all shocked at how beautiful their photos turned out!
They have no regrets and would 100% get newborn photos done again for their next child. This is a new life transition; for some, it might even be their first time becoming parents. It’s your story, your legacy; let’s make it happen.
Reason #2 – To Create a Family Heirloom
A newborn photoshoot is the best family heirloom you can create for your family and future generations. You might not see its value right now, but those beautiful newborn photos will be priceless. Imagine 25+ years later, sitting on the couch one night, you flip through the family album…what kind of thoughts will you have? How are you going to feel?
I did this many times as a child and was always amazed each time I flipped through the family album. They’re the same photos every time you open the album, but for some odd reason, those memories just hit you differently in every stage of your life. Your present self will definitely thank your past self for making this lifestyle newborn session happen. Don’t wait, let this be one of the many reasons to book a newborn photoshoot.
Reason #3 – To Celebrate a Milestone
For some reason, I love hearing the word “milestone” because it defines a significant change or achievement worth celebrating. Having a new family member is a definitely a celebration that brings natural joy and happiness to your home.
This celebration deserves to be documented by a newborn photographer specializing in newborn photos. A celebration doesn’t always have to be a big party or gathering, it can be in the form of photography. Your milestone can be transformed into an artwork to be hung on the walls of your beautiful home.
One of my biggest dreams is to create a family “wall of fame” to share all the beautiful milestones we have achieved together. Imagine walking into a home filled with these prints and wall art, it adds warmth and happiness instantly.
Reason #4 – To Create a Connection to Your Baby
Do you recall anything that happened when you were a baby? If I were to dig deep into my memories right now, the earliest memory of my life would be my first birthday in America. I remember there being a cake and my aunt trying to pose for me and take photos with her film camera. Even then, those memories are very faint and hazy. I do not remember any details or anything else during those early years.
Photos are the perfect way to show your baby when he or she is old enough to appreciate them. I’ve personally witnessed my nephews pointing at people in pictures and identifying everyone in the family. It’s extra special because we all live in different parts of the United States and only gather together during special times of the year. Moments where families gather together are perfect picture opportunities…pssss…hire me. Just kidding! but in all seriousness, they are truly worth it.
Reason #5 – To Freeze Time
Time flies so fast! How does that happen when we see our kids every day? These moments often come as a surprise, especially when you notice that your baby is no longer a baby. It signifies that you’re having a good time and enjoying the present moment. Life continues to move on every day, and time cannot reverse.
The best way to preserve those precious moments is to “freeze time” and take newborn photos. You might not find it important because you’re living in the moment, but trust me; it will be of great value when you look back on these photos years from now.
Don’t just scroll past this & do nothing. Go make it happen!
Reason #6 – To Display Photos on the Walls of Your Home
I grew up in a household where framing photos and achievements on the wall was not a thing. When I came to my friend’s house, I was amazed by her family’s “wall of fame”. Her home was filled with memories and photos that were priceless. It was that moment when I realized how meaningful and warm it felt to walk into a home filled with memories.
I didn’t realize what I was missing out on until I saw her photos on the wall and how much her family has transformed. These photos were so fun to look at, and there was a story behind each portrait hanging on her wall.
On the other hand, I came home to a blank canvas, which continued to be like that for many years. My family didn’t take our first official family photos until I was in college. It was precious, but a part of me wished we had taken more photos during my childhood. There’s this gap of my life that wasn’t documented and I wish I could go back in time and bring a camera with me everywhere.
As a motherhood and family photographer, I’m on a mission to help families get their photos taken and on the walls.
Reason #7 – To Inspire
Scheduling your newborn photos at home and getting those images printed is an inspiration to anyone who enters your home. The photos decorated in your home are all masterpieces because each one tells a story and will remind you of life during that time.
Babies don’t remember what happens during their early life stages. Displaying family photos of life throughout the years can have a positive impact on your child. It can teach your child what a healthy family consists of and how this dream is also possible for them.
Reason #8 – To Foster Meaningful Relationships
Years ago, I was active on MySpace and Facebook because all of my friends were also on those platforms, and it would have been odd for me not to join the bandwagon. Here’s a confession: I was a bit obsessed with adding new friends and keeping track of the number of friends I had. I wanted to be popular, and it felt cool when you had thousands of friends.
That was how I felt during my teenage years, and I’m so glad I have moved on past that and learned what a true and meaningful relationship is. Nowadays, I value those around me who have supported, appreciated, and loved me for who I am.
One of the ways you can foster meaningful relationships as a family is to take annual family photos and milestone photos, such as a lifestyle newborn session.
Reason #9 – To Unlock Emotions
Newborn photos with your baby will naturally melt your heart and are also a powerful tool that unlocks emotions worth dreaming over. Besides taking newborn photos with family members, I love capturing the details: the tiny hands gripping a parent’s finger, your baby’s yawn, baby stretching, the dimples on the rolls, and that gentle smile. These small details will always bring you smiles and joy.
Reason #10 – To Strengthen your Family Bond
Family bonding time does not always equate to planning a camping trip or going somewhere far. It can be as simple as having board game nights or taking annual family photos.
When you work with a newborn photographer who cares, the entire photography experience is pure fun and laughter. At least, that’s how I feel after every newborn session or family photoshoot. Everyone feels uplifted and wonderful about the photoshoot experience.
Reason #11 – To Gift Yourself or a Family Member
When the holidays come, I personally feel like there’s this underlying stress about what to gift your friends or family. Have you ever thought of scheduling a newborn photoshoot as a way to gift yourself or your loved ones?
A gift is not always about the price tag or whether it’s the latest trending gadget. It can be much simpler; it can be a photo shoot that is more meaningful. It holds more value over time, unlike the expensive gadgets you see on Amazon that will eventually be replaced by a newer model of itself next year.
I’ve worked with many thoughtful mothers that has booked a family photo shoot for their parents (aka the grandparents). The best part was surprising them with an album afterward to flip through. Don’t forget that grandparents aren’t the best with technology and gifting them an album is much more thoughtful and priceless. Don’t hesitate to book your local San Diego family photographer to make this happen, you won’t regret it, I promise.
Reason #12 – To Make Memories
You’re probably wondering how a photoshoot with help you make memories when you make them on a daily basis, right?
Why do we need to pay someone to make memories?
A photoshoot is more than just a transaction. The value lies in the experience and the online gallery that you will receive. Here’s what you may have forgotten: memories are created every day, but how are you going to remember them 40 years from now? Especially when your child is now a working adult with a full-time job and probably living away from home. I’m exaggerating, but your investment today is an investment in a family heirloom that is priceless and irreplaceable.
If you’re in San Diego or Orange County, I would love to work with you and make this a reality. My favorite type of session is an in-home lifestyle session. You will definitely look beautiful in any type of lighting, let me light your way. Here’s a quick shortcut link to contact me here. Watcha waitin’ for?? Book a newborn photo session =)
Reason #13 – To Preserve Everyday Details
Since I was a kid, I have noticed that I never rushed through my artwork assignments and took the time of my life to finish them. As a result, I was always the last one to drop the paint brush and to clean up. One of my favorite activities in elementary school was learning about a new artist each month and creating work inspired by their masterpieces. Oh, those elementary days—I miss them so much.
Anyway, back to my story, it wasn’t until my college years. I realized I was VERY detailed-oriented. From my assignments to observing the people around me. I could observe and pick up the nonbehavioral cues fast and be able to adjust myself accordingly.
Parents, I know that life gets busy with kids, but it’s a good kind of busy. Parents often become immune to that lifestyle and don’t happen to notice the details anymore.
When you book your newborn photo session with a professional, don’t forget that they also have a vision. It’s like having another set of fresh and brand new eyes, witnessing the daily interaction of each family member with each other.
With this set of fresh eyes, your photographer will most likely pick up on things that you overlook on a daily basis, but it’s actually very meaningful.
Reason #14 – To Start a Family Tradition
Did I ever mention how rewarding my photography journey has been? It started off as a hobby, and it somehow became much more serious when people started paying me for my “hobby.” The reward was evident and I’m not talking about the monetary aspect of it, but the satisfaction and fulfilling happiness I get when families continue to work with me annually for their family photos.
It’s rewarding when I get to see how tall their kids are. They’re no longer babies; they’re running around, and here I am, chasing after them just for that one beautiful photo. That’s not always the case, though; I have some magic tricks to keep them from running away.
The point I’m trying to state is that taking annual photos is a great family tradition. Working with local families annually and being part of their annual tradition has been an honor I don’t take lightly. I love family traditions, and working with a local photographer is your first step to making things happen.
Reason #15 – To Highlight your Home’s Personality
An in-home lifestyle session is probably the most convenient type of newborn photoshoot that I look forward to capturing the most. It focuses on the comfort of the family and highlights your beautiful home. I know most people are worried about inviting a photographer to their home to take photos because they’re worried it’s not pretty enough or it’s unorganized.
Truth bomb: You do not need to deep clean your home. We will primarily use just the living room or the nursery room.
In case you need some nursery room decorating tips, here’s a thoughtful blog I put together on 5 Clever Tips On How to Set Up a Baby’s Nursery.
So what are you waiting for??? Are you waiting until you feel ready?
Because waiting to feel “ready” will not happen until you make it happen. Just do it.
In case you’d like to learn more about an in-home lifestyle newborn session and why it’s so convenient, then check out my mentor’s blog, “Five Reasons your Home is the Perfect Spot for Baby Milestone Photos” Ana Dufreche is a Dallas, TX photographer that has been more than just a coach. She genuinely guided me on how to navigate this entrepreneurial life so that I can be fully booked and thriving. If you’re a photographer and you’re lost, if you invest in Ana’s coaching program, she will not gate-keep anything. You can also check out her website for newborn photoshoot ideas at home. Her work is a dream!
Sarah Nguyen Photography – La Jolla Newborn Photography
Sarah is a newborn photographer based in San Diego and often travels to Orange County, where she had lived for 25+ years before moving to San Diego. If you love her work and have been persuaded by this blog post that she invested a whole week into writing, then you’re definitely going to want to do newborn photos with Sarah. She’s transparent about her pricing, photoshoot experience, and super flexible. Don’t let this opportunity pass by; you know what’s best for you, and you can definitely make this happen!
