It has been a while since my last post...
We have been updating our website and fixing some errors here and there, and also updating our studio where we do maternity and newborn photography in Portland, Oregon. So, it has been a while since I sat down and wrote a blog.
Meanwhile, we have received many inquiries from all over Oregon about maternity photo shoots and newborn photo sessions. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us. I have also been asked why I do not offer digital only packages, and that question inspired me to write this blog post
I have been doing photography for over 20 years, and I have been the owner of a studio and a professional photographer for 12 years. There is something at the core of my heart that keeps me being a photographer, and I would like to share that with you.
Why would you like to have your baby's newborn photography? Is it just to announce your baby on social media?
Newborn photography was not so popular in Portland, Oregon when I started about 12 years ago. Now, you can find newborn photographers on Google Maps so easily. Whether someone is an educated photographer or just a beginner, we can all call ourselves newborn photographers. Photography is a job that does not require a license. There are many conferences and classes that teach photographers, but it is each photographer’s choice to continue learning or not.
In this era, we all can be a photographer, right? With a phone and some AI app, you can pop in your baby’s headshot and create an image! Share it on your Instagram and announce your baby. I believe that a photographer is not a person clicking a shutter and just editing digital images. If that is only what we do, our job is already taken over by AI and social media.Â
Then why do you hire a professional newborn photographer?Â
I love capturing moments and editing beautiful portraits, but I also love crafting art. Crafting something to last for generations. We are professional in photography, but also in printing as well. I know some people do not want to carry physical art. I understand that. However, I also would like everyone to think about why you want to have your baby’s pictures. Is it just for memorial photos? I believe photographs should and will be a tool to tell your baby how much he or she means to you and your family. They can be a love letter to your future family members. It depends on what we value.Â
How can we pass on these love letters?
It is easy to store pictures on digital format. Especially if you just want to capture them and share them on social media, it is a great way! How about 10 years later, 20 years later, and 30 years later or even more? Please imagine how many pictures are taken every year and you have to go through them to find the photo session you really love? When our generation is gone, how will those digital media files get transferred to your baby’s family? This is the most important part for me as a photographer who wants to be your messenger to deliver that love to your future family. There is still so much ambiguity with the circumstances on digital files. Â
How about physical art? It is not always easy to store. Yes, it does cost more, because we actually have to create art with materials and real human labor. BUT it is more certain that we can pass them on if the art is made to last and stored well. It is just like how you treat your treasure. (we chose these heirloom pieces)
I feel like if there will be some better ways to store and keep for generations are invented in the future, that generation will transform the format for their future family. In 2026 though, I believe that it is still too early for us to just depend on digital files. Like the Library of congress that also shares some helpful guidance about preserving family photographs and memories.
What do you choose for your newborn session?
Like I mentioned above, there are many ways to create newborn photography images. It can be done with a phone, with an app, by hiring a photographer who only delivers digital files, or by hiring a photographer who creates art products. There are also many reasons to capture these moments. Depending on the purpose, we can choose the format of media for our photographs.
I have photographed over 550 newborn babies (we have a small selection here) over the last decade or so. As much as you love and cherish your family, the photographs & memories will be valued more in your future life.
If you would like to learn more about our photographs and products, please contact us and let us know you want to cherish your new family member for generations.