How to Find and Hire the Best Maternity Photographer
In August 1991, Demi Moore appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair pregnant. The stunning, now-iconic photo also made TIME Magazine’s top 100 most influential photographs.
It was taken by internationally acclaimed photographer Annie Liebowitz and inspired pregnant moms the world over to photograph their gorgeous pregnant selves so they will always remember this special time.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect maternity photographer, aim high like the stellar Liebowitz shot and photography. Use that as a jumping-off point in your search for the ideal photographer.
But what exactly should I look for in a photographer, you ask, and how do I find the best person for the job?
Keep reading to learn what to look for, then get started meeting potential photographers to get your photos done in time!
Take a Good Look at the Beauty
First, take a look at the best maternity photographers in your area. Ask mom friends for recommendations. Look at local blogs, magazines, and boards.
Online mom groups are also a terrific resource for anything to do with maternity and being a mom. Ask moms about their favorite personal maternity photos and who did them. Moms love to help each other with awesome advice!
Start doing this early enough that you have time to find your dream photographer before your baby arrives! The earlier the better.
Next, peruse the website of each maternity photographer you have your eye on. Get a sense of the style and personality. Do you go “wow!”? Does this feel like it fits with your style and personality?
Does the site feel professional, informative, and helpful? Can you imagine this as your photographer? Does it emanate mama beauty?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, the photographer makes it to the next round where you take a closer look to find your ideal photographer for your gorgeous photos.
Choose Your Favorite Style
You want to find the photography style that speaks to you. You can take a cue from the photographers you’ve been looking at to see what jumps out at you.
You can also work the other way around by looking at professional photography from around the globe, seeing what you like, and then finding a local maternity photographer that does that style.
There are posed studio portraits like Annie Liebowitz’s Demi Moore shots. There are posed lifestyle shots where the photographer directs you as you pose within your world (or outside). There are documentary-style shots where there’s no direction from the photographer as she or he follows you around and shoots you in your life or world.
And there’s everything in between. Style also includes editing, lighting, colors, color saturation, and that je ne sais quois creativity that the photographer brings that you just can’t put your finger on. That’s probably the thing you’re looking for most and you will only find when you see it! Hence, the research! Do it now!
Go for Experience, a Good Eye, and a Kind Demeanor
Ideally, you’d find a photographer with years of experience in photographing tons of pregnant moms and perfectly capturing their beauty in all the varieties of photography styles who can also give you advice about what would work best for you and do it all with a fabulously fun and nice demeanor that comes with experience.
You can get an idea about each photographer’s level of experience by looking at their website for variety and professionalism. Also, it’s helpful to call the photographers you’re considering to get a sense of personality and ask questions. A good photographer will be patient with you and answer your questions thoroughly and clearly.
There are some photographers that are new to the profession and lacking the years of experience yet still have a wonderful eye. These newbies can still be ideal as long as they can show you they can do exactly what you want and possess that friendly and professional demeanor when you talk to them. These people often have the experience thanks to their love of photography and all the photos they took before they became professional.
Keep an Eye on Your Budget
The cost of maternity photographers varies greatly by experience, quality, location, the market, and demand. Also, where you shoot can determine the cost. If you shoot in your home, there won’t be an extra location cost, for example, but if you shoot in a studio, there probably will.
Other costs might include special equipment, makeup, hair, lighting, editing time, reshoots, touch-ups, and wardrobe.
Ask All the Questions
There are only good questions when you’re the mommy customer, so ask away!
Ask photographers to show you their favorite work. Ask about timing/schedule and location. Ask for their recommendations.
Ask about their editing process. Ask about their equipment and lighting.
Come prepared! And pay close attention to how professional they are and how comfortable you feel with them. You want to feel comfortable so you will be more relaxed during the shoot. If you’re relaxed, you’re likely to get better photos that you’ll be happy with.
The Right Maternity Photographer for You
Now that you have an idea of what to look for when hiring a maternity photographer, you’re ready to find the right person for you. Start asking around for recommendations — like our friend Lisa Ann — in your area. Check out portfolios and call to set up a meeting to get a sense of the photographer to see if she or he is the one for you.
This is an exciting time! You want to capture it perfectly.
It’s also a great time — while you’re waiting for baby to arrive — to read up on other mom topics on our blog. We cover all kinds of family and lifestyle news, ideas, and more.
