How to choose a Maternity Photographer
How to choose the right Maternity Photographer for you
You’re pregnant and looking for a professional photographer to capture this special time in your life forever…go you!
Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy. It’s a wild ride of hormones and changes but I hope that you’re able to enjoy this amazing journey you’re now on. Selecting a maternity photographer can initially seem daunting which is why I’ve put together this guide to help you find the right one for you. So grab a cuppa, get comfortable and let’s help you find the perfect pregnancy photographer for you…
Recommendations
This may be the quickest way to get started in your search for a maternity photographer. Do you know anyone locally that has recently had a pregnancy photoshoot? Reach out and ask who they used. More importantly did they enjoy their experience, are they in love with their photos and ultimately would they recommend using their photographer? If someone does highly rate their photographer, that’s a great start, but it’s still worth reading on as with so many options it’s important to find the right person for you as you might be looking for something completely different.
Where are they located?
The first thing to focus on is location. There will be plenty of photographers to choose from in your local area which can be found by doing a quick Google search or by asking for recommendations in local Facebook groups etc. Consider how far you are happy to travel for your pregnancy photoshoot. If using public transport, are there easy links/routes?
What type of pregnancy photography do they offer?
There are usually three options when considering which maternity photographer to choose. Each type will create very different images so do some research and decide which type of pregnancy photos you’re looking for. This will help narrow down your search for a pregnancy photographer.
Studio Photographers with a dedicated studio space.
Lifestyle photographers who will come and photograph you in your own home.
There are also photographers that specialise in outdoor/location photography. Remember to consider the Season/time of year if choosing this genre.
Style/Vibe?
Once you have decided what type of pregnancy photos you would like (studio, lifestyle, outdoors) you will need to think about what style of photography you like.
Are you looking for posed images or more relaxed, natural ones?
Are you looking for a neutral aesthetic or the use of vibrant colours?
Are you looking for simplicity or the use of props?
Take a look through potential photographers website or social media pages to establish what style they specialise in. You’ll also start to notice different editing styles too, so have a think about what you’re drawn to.
Price Point
There are photographers suitable for every budget so make sure to establish their pricing before booking. They will also offer different pricing structures. For example, some will offer a session price which covers just that - the photoshoot itself. They then charge additionally for the images, whether in digital or print format.
Others will offer inclusive packages, including the photoshoot and various number of images. This is the model I use as I like to keep things simple and transparent. I provide pricing upfront ensuring potential clients are aware of the cost before booking with me. I offer the opportunity to upgrade/purchase additional images after they have received their viewing gallery but there are no nasty surprises and the last thing I want is for my clients to feel pressured into spending money they hadn’t planned for.
Partner/Family Photos
If you’d like to include your partner or Children in your maternity photoshoot make sure to establish whether a potential photographer offers/allows this. You may also want to include your dog, so check if the photographer is happy to do this before booking.
Do they also offer Newborn Photography?
If you’re looking to book a pregnancy photoshoot you may also be considering investing in Newborn photos when your little one arrives. All of my pregnancy clients come back for a Newborn session, so check if your chosen photographer also offers this. It makes sense to return to a photographer that you have already built a rapport with and have had an enjoyable experience with as this will reduce any concerns/anxiety around choosing a newborn photographer.
Some photographers also offer a bump to baby package, including both Maternity and Newborn Photoshoots, so do look into whether this is offered.
Personality
This is an important point that many may not consider.
Will you enjoy spending time with your photographer?
Will you be able to relax in front of the camera with them?
This will play huge part in the final gallery that you receive as if you aren’t able to relax/enjoy your photoshoot you may not be happy with your pregnancy photos. As photographers we need you to feel relaxed and happy in front of the camera to capture honest connection and reflect your true personality.
A good way to do this is to spend some time getting to know them online. Read through their website to get a sense of how they write, as this often reflects how they speak. Head over to their social media profiles and take a look at recent posts and stories to catch a glimpse into their world. They may have shared some behind the scenes of previous photoshoots, giving an idea of what to expect if you choose to work with them. They may have shared parts of their story/life that you can relate to. They may have videos of themselves which is a great way to get to know them and decide whether they’d be a good fit for you.
Reviews/Testimonials
As a final reassurance always look for reviews or testimonials from previous pregnancy clients. Lots of photographers share these on their websites or across social media, if not simply reach out to the photographer and ask for some. Look at how previous clients found their experience and how happy they were with their final images. Lots of negative reviews may indicate that this isn’t the right photographer for you.
Experience
An experienced pregnancy photographer will know how to pose you, position lighting and ultimately achieve the maternity photos you’re looking for. Someone with less experience, perhaps new to photography or new to photographing pregnancy may not be able to achieve this for you.
Price often reflects all of these things so basing your decision solely on cost may be a mistake in the long run. I’m often contacted by clients who have used a cheap/inexperienced photographer and been left unhappy with their photographs/overall experience so please do consider all of the above points before choosing your maternity photographer. As with most things, you get what you pay for.
I do hope this has helped you feel more confident in selecting the right maternity photographer for you. I absolutely adore capturing pregnancy as it’s such a special stage of your journey into Motherhood. If you’d like to find out more about my maternity photoshoots you’ll find lots of useful information here. I have a beautiful studio space located between Reading and Wokingham in Berkshire and specialise in relaxed, natural pregnancy & newborn photography with a simple, timeless style.
Rachel x
