Deborah McCabeWelcoming a new baby is a chaotic and beautiful season, making the search for the best newborn photographer in Philadelphia an important step for expanding families. Those tiny fingers and sleepy yawns fade quickly, so capturing these memories requires someone who understands both photography and the delicate nature of infants.
Whether you’re a nervous first-time parent navigating the early days or a generous relative looking for the perfect gift, finding a professional who prioritizes safety and comfort is vital. I’ve looked at several local options to help you choose the right fit for your home.
How much does a newborn photography session cost in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, newborn photography generally requires an investment between $450 and $1,400 or more, often split between a booking session fee and a separate image package for your growing family.
| Session Type | Estimated Price Range |
| Mini-Sessions (15 – 30 mins) | $275 – $400 |
| Full Studio/Lifestyle Sessions | $450 – $1,200+ |
| All-Inclusive Packages | $1,500 – $2,500+ |
1. Rachel Utain-Evans Photography
Website: rachelutainevans.com
Address: 762 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Schedule: Daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Booking a session during those hazy first months shouldn’t add stress, which is why Rachel Utain-Evans Photography embraces the entire newborn phase without rushing you into the first two weeks.
They skip traditional swaddling and focus entirely on natural interactions, using beautiful window light right inside your house. This unposed method is wonderfully cozy for expanding families who want authentic memories rather than stiff portraits. You simply hang out with your little one while the camera quietly works its magic.
When my sister had her second baby, she hired Rachel Utain-Evans, the principal photographer, and loved how the documentary approach captured her family just relaxing together.
The only real downside is that you have to pay an upfront retainer to secure a spot on their calendar. Keep in mind that digital files and physical albums are sold separately after the session ends.
Customer Reviews
Great maternity and newborn photo experience
We did maternity pictures with Rachel and the whole experience was great! Rachel is so easy and fun to work with. She was flexible in moving our date for poor weather. The entire session felt very natural, and we spent time taking pictures in some of our favorite Philly spots. The pictures turned out amazing, and we have gotten so many compliments. We are using her again for our newborn pictures once our baby arrives. Highly recommend! Thank you, Rachel!
- Lauren Grant | Google Reviews
Stunning photos and a comfortable atmosphere
Rachel is THE BEST. She took our maternity and newborn photos. If you want to truly capture the moment you are in and have unique, interesting photos, she’s it. Not only does she have an amazing eye and take stunning photos, but she is a great person. She made us feel very comfortable during our photo shoots and will always have a special place in our hearts for capturing such transformative moments.
- Martha Guarnieri | Google Reviews
2. ElannaDPhotography
Website: elannadphotography.com
Address: 7220 Hill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Contact: 518-859-2074
Schedule: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Parents feeling anxious about handing over their fragile infant can rest easy knowing the photographer at ElannaDPhotography holds extensive training in infant safety and secure posing techniques.
You can also show up completely empty-handed since their home studio is fully stocked with curated outfits and soft blankets. Every session is personalized to match your specific aesthetic preferences, resulting in beautifully tailored galleries. This studio has even earned global recognition for its artistic portfolio.
Because they deliberately limit their monthly bookings, they offer incredible flexibility when babies inevitably arrive earlier or later than expected.
However, you face a very narrow two-week window after birth to capture those specific sleepy poses. You must reach out well in advance of your due date, or you will likely miss out on their schedule completely.
Securing a reliable family photographer early is often as competitive as booking the best wedding venues in Philadelphia, so planning ahead is smart.
Customer Reviews
Talented family and newborn photography services
Elanna is a true talent. She has captured my newborn babies so perfectly. She is also amazing at capturing great family photos even from wiggling and uncooperative older kids. We have been with her for 8 years for minis and studio sessions for our big kids and new baby and we keep coming back!
- Christina Matteliano Haviland | Google Reviews
Highly recommended for gorgeous newborn photos
We had our newborn photos done with Elanna and they came out absolutely gorgeous! She was wonderful to work with, and was amazing with our newborn during the photo shoot! Highly recommend using Elanna for your photos!!
- Justine Conoline | Google Reviews
3. Carolyn Clement Photography
Website: carolynclementphotography.com
Address: 4339 Freeland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Contact: 347-215-1739 | [email protected]
Schedule: Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sometimes the most meaningful photos happen right in your own living room, which is why Carolyn Clement Photography brings the entire shoot to your home without relying on generic props.
The photographer focuses purely on your natural connections and prefers incorporating your own sentimental items into the frame. This organic approach recently earned them recognition from Philadelphia Magazine as a top family photographer.
There’s absolutely no pressure to deep-clean your house before the shoot begins. The photographer simply scopes out the best light and handles the rest.
You do have to be a little patient after the shoot concludes. It takes up to three weeks to receive your final gallery, and you must put down a non-refundable deposit to lock in your initial date.
Customer Reviews
Amazing in-home newborn photography session
Carolyn was AMAZING for our newborn photoshoot. She came to our house and was so patient and kind to all of our family, plus our dog absolutely loved her. She got a wide variety of photos, and we loved that we were able to get the photos done in our own home to make them more authentic. Highly recommend for anyone looking to do a newborn or family shoot!
- Sophie Blau | Google Reviews
Capturing beautiful and loving baby moments
Carolyn is a wonderful and lovely person to work with. She worked with me for my baby’s newborn photoshoot and again for the first birthday, both time the photos turned out amazing. I am fascinated by the moments she captured; they are full of love. She’s so amazing at capturing the cute moments of my baby. We had fun at both photoshoots. Also, her studio manager is also pleasant to work with. She’s very throughout and helpful.
- Thien Venus | Google Reviews
4. Diana Smyth Photography
Website: dianasmythphotography.com
Address: 1516 N 5th St, Studio 209, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Contact: 484-269-4553 | [email protected]
Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Walking into a studio should feel like a luxurious break for tired parents, and Diana Smyth Photography welcomes you with hot coffee alongside a dedicated wardrobe full of infant outfits.
Every session starts with a detailed design consultation to dial in your preferred colors and styling elements.
I recently chatted with a coworker who gifted a session to her daughter, and she was amazed by how the photographer actively soothed the baby without ever forcing uncomfortable poses. If your little one gets fussy, the photographer completely takes over the calming process so you can sit back and relax.
They even offer family and sibling portraits during the same block without charging extra fees.
Just be aware that if you opt for an in-home lifestyle shoot instead of visiting the studio, formal posing and studio props are strictly not allowed.
Customer Reviews
Professional and warm photography for children
Diana is THE BEST. She is warm, professional, and excellent with children (and adults!). We have used her for all our milestones from newborn to one year to family shots. There’s never any stress or worry when shooting with Diana… she has years of experience and I know whenever we shoot with her, we are getting unique and beautiful photos that we will treasure for years to come. We love her!!!
- Julie Katz | Google Reviews
Fun and exceptional maternity photo session
We had such wonderful experience with Diana both at the maternity and the new born photoshoot!
Diana is exceptional at her work!!! We have fabulous photos for both of the sessions! We not only had the best photos but also had SO MUCH FUN at the session!
She is dedicated, attention to details, patient, and kindly trying to understand our aesthetics and requests prior, during, and after the session.
- Yuqing “Madison” Zhang | Google Reviews
5. Jessica Catherine Photography
Website: jessicacatherinephotography.com
Service Area: Philadelphia, PA, and surrounding areas
Contact: 484-496-8866 | [email protected]
Schedule: Available 24/7
Taking a tiny infant out of the house can feel overwhelming, so Jessica Catherine Photography solves the problem by packing up their entire equipment setup and bringing it straight to your living room. They handle every single logistical detail from start to finish, including a personalized aesthetic consultation months in advance.
Coordinating a smooth photo session from home requires almost as much precision as hiring top event planners in Philadelphia, but this team manages it flawlessly.
Once the editing is complete, they even deliver your finalized artwork right to your front door. The photographer has a perfectionist mindset and prioritizes building warm client relationships throughout the entire process.
That said, because they dedicate so much time to returning families, there are very few openings available for brand new clients each month. You really have to plan ahead, as their calendar fills up well in advance.
Customer Reviews
Professional care and beautiful newborn shots
Jessica was absolutely amazing with these photos. She is a joy to interact with and is extremely professional and handled our baby with so much care. She takes every precaution when it comes to health and safety for a newborn which really set our minds at ease. Her attention to detail and commitment to getting the right shots left us with absolutely beautiful photos. We were so so happy to have contacted her to do our newborn photos and can’t recommend her enough. The photo books we received were also amazing quality
- Douaa Abdulrazak | Google Reviews
Patient and phenomenal newborn home photoshoot
I am thrilled that I hired Jessica as my newborn photographer!! Her patience and kindness in working with my daughter was phenomenal! She spent over 14 hours across 2 days to get the pictures we wanted. She then returned to review the photos which are gorgeous and helped create a beautiful photo album. I’m glad I chose a photographer who creates newborn photoshoots at home because it made for a much better experience. I would definitely use her as my daughter’s photographer in the future.
- Jennifer Parker | Google Reviews
