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Originally Posted On: https://rebeccakaynephotography.com/do-you-tip-newborn-photographers/
Do You Tip Newborn Photographers? And 4 Other Great Ways to Say Thank You
Do you tip newborn photographers? It’s a question many new parents find themselves asking. As you navigate the exciting world of capturing those precious early moments with your little one, it’s natural to wonder about the etiquette surrounding tipping. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the topic of tipping newborn photographers, providing you with some valuable insights and guidance.
So, if you’re curious about whether or not to tip, keep reading to find out everything you need to know, including how much to tip, factors to consider, and alternative ways to show your gratitude.
Do You Tip Newborn Photographers?
In general, tipping isn’t expected in the world of photography. As photographers, we set our pricing to make sure that our time, talent, and equipment is covered by our fees. While tipping isn’t necessary, it is a kind gesture that shows appreciation if you feel like your photographer went above and beyond to create some beautiful memories for your family. Photographers spend a lot of time and effort not only taking the photos but also editing them to perfection.
Many photographers don’t expect a tip, but they certainly appreciate it when one is given. A tip can be a way to express your gratitude for their creativity, patience, and the special moments they capture. It can also go a long way toward creating a good relationship with a photographer you plan to hire in the future for other sessions.
Factors to Consider When Deciding to Tip
When deciding whether to tip your newborn photographer, several factors should come into play. In situations such as photography, where a tip is not expected, its main purpose is to show additional gratitude for a job well done. If the photographer goes above and beyond to ensure a successful shoot, a tip is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation.
While these things may look different to every client, some reasons for a tip may include things like the photographer creating an extra relaxing experience for the clients, or providing a large assortment of props and outfits for you or your little one.
The length and complexity of the session are also important. Newborn sessions can be longer and more challenging than other types of professional photography due to the unpredictable nature of working with infants. If your baby was just not having it during the session, and you feel like your photographer had to work extra hard, a tip may be a nice way to show your photographer appreciation for handing these challenges with skill and patience.
Another factor is the photographer’s pricing and your location. If your photographer charges premium rates and offers a comprehensive package, they might not expect a tip. However, if their rates are more moderate, a tip can be a nice bonus. Many photographers underprice themselves when they are just starting out in order to gain a client base, and so they may not be making much (if any) money on the session. In these situations, a tip can be an extra welcome bonus.
It’s also helpful to think about any additional services provided. Did the photographer offer extra props or special editing? Did they accommodate specific requests or make adjustments to meet your needs? These added efforts can justify a tip.
And of course, you should consider your personal budget and tipping habits. Some clients prefer to tip as a standard practice, while others may reserve tips for exceptional service. Understanding your own comfort level with tipping will help you decide what feels right for you.
How Much to Tip Your Newborn Photographer
When considering how much to tip your newborn photographer, there are a few general guidelines you can follow. A common practice is to tip between 5% and 10% of the total session cost.
If the session costs $500, a tip of $25 to $50 is appropriate. This range acknowledges the photographer’s effort without being overly burdensome on your budget.
If your photographer went above and beyond, tipping etiquette suggests that you might tip more. Extra efforts such as spending additional time to get the perfect shot, bringing unique props, or providing exceptional customer service can warrant a higher tip. In such cases, a tip closer to 10% or even a bit more can be a nice gesture.
For photographers who are part of a larger studio or business, tipping norms might differ. Some studios include gratuity in their pricing, while others leave it to the client’s discretion. It’s always a good idea to check with the photographer or studio beforehand to understand their expectations.
Another approach is to consider a flat amount rather than a percentage. For example, a flat tip of $50 to $100 can be suitable for most newborn photography sessions. This approach simplifies the calculation and ensures the photographer feels appreciated.
Alternatives to Tipping
1. Leave a Google Review
If you decide not to tip your newborn photographer, there are several other ways to show your appreciation. One great option is to leave a positive review online. This is actually my personal favorite way for clients to show their appreciation, as I tell my clients that the best way to say thank you for a job well done is to 1. Leave a google review, and 2. Tell their friends about me. Many photographers rely on word-of-mouth and online feedback to attract new clients. A glowing review on their website, social media pages, or platforms like Yelp and Google can be incredibly beneficial.
2. Tell Your Friends! Referrals are really appreciated
Referrals are another valuable way to support your photographer. If you have friends or family members who might be interested in a newborn photo session, recommending your photographer can help them gain more business. This kind of support can be even better than a one time tip, helping the photographer to keep their schedule filled with other great clients like yourself.
3. Buy Their Products
Another way I LOVE to have clients show their appreciation is by purchasing additional products or services from me. Many photographers offer prints, albums, or other photo products. By investing in these items, you not only get more beautiful memories for yourself but also support the photographer’s business. Oftentime photographers have access to the best labs around the world, who only offer their products to professional photographers to sell. Not only does your photographer get to make a little bit of extra income when you purchase your products from them, but you know you’ll be getting a high quality product that will last for years and years to come.
4. Send a Thank You (note or text!)
Another simple yet heartfelt gesture is to send a thank-you note, or even just a thank-you text. As a photographer, we are both capturing your photos and turning them into works of art, and so in many ways your portraits are a piece of artwork that we really love to know you appreciate. I’m always seeing posts in my photography groups from photographers anxiously awaiting a little bit of feedback about galleries they send to clients. A personal message expressing your gratitude for their hard work and the beautiful photos can make a big impact. It shows that you value their effort and the results they provided.
Quick Answer to “Do You Tip Newborn Photographers?”
I hope you were able to get a clear answer to your question, “Do you tip newborn photographers?” In essence, the answer is no, your photographer is probably not planning on or expecting a tip from your session. But if you have a really great experience at your session, there are a few great ways you can show your appreciation, including leaving a google review, telling your friends about your session, sending a quick thank-you, and (last but not least) leaving a tip.
Rebecca Kayne Photography is a full-service photography studio in Utah County. I specialize in Boutique Style Newborn and Maternity Portrait sessions. I’m proud to keeping my sessions simple and organized, with a focus on a stress-free experience!
Get in touch today to find out how I can help with a newborn or maternity session for you!