Are you expecting a bundle of joy and looking to capture this special moment in your life? As a Wiltshire-based maternity photographer with years of experience, I understand the importance of choosing the right maternity photographer. This decision can make all the difference in ensuring that you have stunning and memorable photos that you can cherish for years to come. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which photographer is right for you. In this blog, I will share my expertise and provide you with useful tips to help you make the best choice when choosing your maternity photographer. So, whether you're looking for a photographer who can capture your unique style or one who can create timeless, classic images, this blog will guide you through the process of finding the perfect maternity photographer for you.
Why is Choosing the Right Maternity Photographer Important?
Pregnancy is a special time in your family's story, filled with excitement and anticipation. However, it's also a fleeting moment that will pass by quickly, and once your baby is born, your pregnancy memories will soon fade away. This is why choosing the right maternity photographer is crucial. With the right photographer, you can have beautiful images that celebrate your unique style and personality, and help you remember the joy and wonder of your pregnancy as the years go by. By researching maternity photographers, you can ensure that you choose someone who you can trust to create your special images. Investing time in this process will allow you to find a photographer who will understand your vision and capture your essence, resulting in photographs that you will treasure for a lifetime.
When is the Best Time to Book Your Maternity Photography Session?
Maternity photography is incredibly popular at the moment and as a result the best photographers tend to be booked several months in advance., so I recommend booking early. Typically, the best time to schedule your maternity session is between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is when your bump is usually large enough to create a beautiful, round shape, but you're not too far along that you feel uncomfortable and less mobile. However, it's essential to take into account your own body and pregnancy experience, as everyone's pregnancy is unique. I recommend scheduling your session at least a month in advance to avoid any last-minute stress, and to ensure that you get the date and time that works best for you. This is especially important if you would like to add hair and makeup styling before your session, as our lovely HMU gets very busy!
What Questions Should You Ask Your Potential Maternity Photographer?
Choosing the right maternity photographer can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first pregnancy, but asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision. Here are our top 7 questions you should ask before booking a maternity photographer:
1. What is your experience photographing maternity sessions?
Experience is key when choosing your maternity photographer. A photographer who specialises in maternity photography will have the expertise to use the best poses, lighting, and angles to create stunning images that flatter your growing bump and highlight your natural beauty. They will also have the knowledge to ensure that you feel comfortable, confident and empowered during the session. With over 8 years experience photographing maternity sessions, our mission is that you leave the studio feeling like a goddess - you deserve nothing less!
2. Can you provide examples of your previous maternity work?
A specialist maternity photographer will have a portfolio of work that showcases their skill and style, giving you the confidence that they can create beautiful images of your pregnancy. Their website, Instagram account or Facebook page are a great place to see examples of their work. Don't forget to check out the reviews too while you're there! Because it is such a specialised genre, when it comes to maternity photography experience matters, so I highly recommend choosing a photographer who has a proven track record of capturing this precious period in your life.
3. What is included in your maternity photography packages?
All maternity photographers have their own pricing structure, so it's important to ask for details of the sessions and packages they offer before booking your session. Most professional maternity photographers will have a brochure or investment guide which they can send you so that you view all the options. We offer a Signature and a Petite Maternity Session option with a set number of digital image files included in each package.
4. How long will the maternity session take, and what can I expect during the session?
The length of your maternity session will depend on the package you have booked and your photographer. Remember, a longer session isn't always better - the end result is what counts, and an specialist maternity photographer will most likely be able to produce beautiful images in a shorter time than a photographer with less experience in pregnancy photography.
Most maternity sessions involve a few different outfit choices, a variety of poses and backdrops. If you've never had a maternity session before your photographer should be able to reassure you and chat through what will happen in the studio beforehand. This is a good time to discuss fully clothes, verses semi- nude images and what you are comfortable with.
5. Do you provide wardrobe options, or will I need to bring my own outfits?
Some professional maternity photographers provide a client wardrobe of maternity dresses, body suits and fabrics which suit their style. If this is important to you, check with your photographer before the session about the options available. We provide a client wardrobe for maternity sessions; it is incredibly popular and makes planning for your maternity photoshoot so much easier! However many clients also choose to bring one outfit of their own, for example a dress or jeans for some more casual images as well. The most important thing I ask my maternity clients to bring is underwear. The right underwear can make a huge difference to your pregnancy images, so it's worth investing in something you feel amazing in!
6. Can I have my hair and makeup done at the studio?
Again, some specialist pregnancy photographers offer professional hair and makeup before your session. We partner with the amazing Shannon from Shannon Belle Professional Makeup and Hair Design to give our maternity clients the chance to be pampered in the studio before their session and to feel their absolute best for the shoot. It's an amazing way to feel extra special for your once in a lifetime pregnancy photoshoot.
7. Can I bring a partner or family members to the session?
If your vision for your maternity photographs includes beautiful photographs with your partner and/or older children it's important to check that they can be included in your session. There is something incredibly special about including the whole family in your pregnancy photographs as you all look forward to welcoming a new baby into the world, and for many clients this is an important part of the experience. Equally, other mummies to be decide that the session will be an intimate experience just for them and an amazing window of 'me time' before their baby arrives.
What Should You Do After Your Maternity Photography Session?
So, you've enjoyed an amazing maternity photoshoot and love your images, what next? Book your newborn session of course! Now you have captured the beautiful miracle that is your growing bump, don't forget to be super organised and book your newborn session well in advance to capture your little bundle of joy in those first few weeks after birth. Once your baby arrives life will be incredibly busy so it makes sense to have your newborn photoshoot booked in advance - it's one less thing to think about! Most specialist maternity photographers also specialise in newborn photographer, so if you loved your maternity experience it's likely that you will love your newborn shoot too. Many photographers also offer a Bump to Baby package which saves you money when booking both sessions together.
Hi! Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm Rachel, an award-winning, specialist Maternity, Newborn and Cake Smash photographer based in Salisbury, Wiltshire. I hope you find our content useful. If you are looking for a pregnancy or newborn photoshoot in the Wiltshire, Hampshire or Dorset area get in touch for a brochure and all the details of our sessions. I would love to hear from you!