Tipping Culture in 2025 and Photography

Let’s talk about something that might be an unpopular opinion: tipping your photographer. I’ve been a newborn and maternity photographer for over 13 years, and the number of times I’ve been offered a tip is low. The number of times I’ve actually accepted a tip? Even lower. Over the years, friends and clients alike have asked me if I accept tips or what the norm is. Because here’s the thing—I don’t believe you should tip your newborn, maternity, or baby photographer.

In recent years, tipping culture in our country has gotten out of control. It seems like everywhere you go, there’s an expectation to tip, even for services that have traditionally not been tipped. But tipping was originally meant as a compliment for going above and beyond the job description—not as an expectation for simply doing the job well. (And to be clear, I’m not talking about industries with tip-based salaries, where tipping is standard and necessary.)

Why You Don’t Need to Tip Your Newborn, Maternity, or Baby Photographer

As photographers in this genre, we set our pricing to reflect the work we put in, the expertise we bring, and the experience we provide. We are paid for the service we deliver—capturing and preserving your most precious moments. A great experience should be the standard, not something that requires an extra financial reward.

If you truly want to show appreciation for your photographer, there are ways to “tip” that are worth far more than money and make a bigger impact on our business. Here are some of the best ways to support your newborn, maternity, or baby photographer that don’t cost you a dime:

Meaningful Ways to Show Appreciation

1. Leave a Google Review

This is, hands down, the biggest “tip” you can give me. Reviews help small businesses like mine get discovered by new clients. They build trust and credibility. If you loved your session, a few sentences about your experience can go a long way!

2. Refer Me to Friends and Family

Word-of-mouth referrals are pure gold. If you enjoyed your session, tell your friends, coworkers, or fellow parents-to-be. Personal recommendations carry so much weight and often lead to new, wonderful clients.

3. Engage with My Social Media

Like, comment, and share my posts. It’s such a simple thing, but engagement helps my content reach more people. When you share a sneak peek from your session and tag my business, you’re introducing me to potential new clients who might be looking for a newborn, maternity, or baby photographer.

4. Send a Personal Thank You

A heartfelt email or even a handwritten note means so much. Knowing that my work touched your family and will be cherished for years to come is truly rewarding.

5. Book Another Session

One of the best ways to show you loved your experience? Come back for milestone sessions! Whether it’s a sitter session, cake smash, or family portraits down the road, repeat clients are the ultimate compliment.

The Bottom Line

Newborn, maternity, and baby photographers don’t expect tips, and they shouldn’t. We are business owners providing a professional service, not working in a tipping-based industry. If you do feel compelled to tip, consider these impactful ways to show your appreciation instead. They help us grow, reach new clients, and continue doing what we love—capturing beautiful memories for families like yours.