How-To: Find Your Maternity Photographer & More

Finding Your Maternity Photographer

Times and trends are always changing and the internet can seem like a black hole of useless information and spam. Where are the best photographers hiding? Yelp? Google? Instagram? There are a lot of photographers out there and they all have their different styles, sales strategies, and specialties. You’ll want to make sure you can see a portfolio of their current work.

Most photographers in 2021 are on instagram and are consistently posting their work on their business page. The best way to browse maternity photographs in your area is to use instagram’s # (hashtag) feature and search for a relevant tag, for example: #milwaukeematernityphotographer, #mkematernityphotography #milwaukeelifestylephotographer.

From there you will see a variety of work from local photographers and you can choose to follow them, message them, or browse their website. You can also do a google search, but you might miss out on newer photographers who haven’t had the time or budget to build their SEO (search engine optimization). Google and Yelp are both search engines that work best for businesses who can afford to spend a lot on advertising.

Some photographers offer discounts or packages if you book a newborn session and a maternity session together. If this is something you're interested in, make sure to find a photographer that offers both.

How much should you pay for Maternity Photography?

The cost of professional photography is truly all over the board. From newbie photographers charging under one hundred dollars to seasoned photographers charging thousands of dollars for one photo, it can be confusing as a customer to figure out what is a fair price in this market.

The short answer is, most professional photographers will cost at least $300 for a session. Sometimes this will only cover a session fee, other times it will include a gallery of photos. Some photographers will edit a gallery full of photos and let you choose a set number of your favorites. Sometimes they will allow prints to only be purchased through them. These are all different business strategies based on how much a photographer needs to charge based on their COBD (cost of doing business).

What is their overhead? Do they pay rent on a studio? How much are they spending in equipment and props? How in-demand are they? How many years of experience do they have? How many hours do they spend editing your photos? This will all affect how much you can expect to spend on your session. And if you decide to book a photographer charging $100 for a gallery full of photos.. Don’t be surprised if they show up with an iphone as their camera and little to no experience. PLEASE spend a few hundred more and have photos that you are proud to show off to friends and family.

When should you schedule your session?

I typically suggest that my maternity clients book their sessions when they are 30-34 weeks pregnant. This is the ideal window because it is far enough from your due date that you are still feeling comfortable, but your bump should be big enough to show up well in photos. Every body responds uniquely to pregnancy, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer, but the goal is to shoot your session when you are feeling beautiful and comfortable.. and look pregnant.

I have had a few sessions that cut it very close. One of my clients was even experiencing early labor contractions during our session. She delivered her baby a few days later. The last thing I want is for you to stress on your session day, so please consider contacting your photographer a few months before your ideal window so that you can have the best experience possible.

Where to Shoot

Your photographer will most likely have location suggestions based on what will suit your vision. Pretty photos can be produced anywhere, but time of day, time of year, and your backdrop will all affect the overall vibe of your photos. I am a photographer who prefers to shoot maternity sessions in natural settings.

Pregnancy is primitive in the best sense of the word. It is something that connects all mothers across earth and I love highlighting the connection between nature and motherhood in my photography. Not only do I think it is empowering for a woman to connect with the natural world while she is growing life inside of her, but I think it ties her story back to Mother Nature in a beautiful way. The photographer you choose will have their own visions and favorite places to shoot, but all good photographers will work with their clients to create photos that will tell their unique story.

What to Wear

While you are researching photographers, pay attention to the style of photos you like and the role clothing (or lack thereof) plays in creating the image. Your outfit should fit with the location and your personal style. The color you choose, the fabrics you are wearing, and the flow of your dress will all affect the aesthetic of your photos.

Some women want to emphasize their connection with the natural world and want to be naked or partially nude. Nude maternity photos are raw, vulnerable and timeless. They highlight the strength and beauty of your body’s ability to grow life. Talk to your photographer about whether they offer this option ahead of time.

A dramatic dress that catches the wind, hugs your bump, and makes you feel like a goddess will create powerful imagery as well. Many photographers will allow you at least one outfit change, so if you’re feeling torn between two looks, see if you can use both.

The color of your outfit is also important. Most photographers would prefer if you didn’t wear bright colors that reflect off of your skin and contrast with your backdrop. Do some research on complementary colors, the tones of your location, and choose accordingly. A safe bet is to wear warm neutral tones that you would find in nature: rust, beige, soft pinks are always flattering.

I hope this information has given you the confidence and knowledge to find the perfect maternity photographer in your area. Growing a life inside of you is one of the most magical human experiences and I hope you are able to capture the joy and beauty in this chapter with photos that stand the test of time. The most exciting life chapters seem to go by the fastest, so don’t be afraid to invest in photos you can look back on for years to come.

Author: Kristen Cari Photography based in Milwaukee, WI

Kristen CariJuly 8, 2021