Ok Google, “Maternity Photographers Near Me”. Raise your hand if you did this when you searched for a maternity photographer right now. Yup, its true I see some hands out there. But how do you know if the Maternity Photographers that Google brings up are going to be a good fit for you? I have some answers to that question in this post featuring, “5 Tips For Booking A Maternity Photographer”.
Tip #1: Do you love their style and is it consistent?
Ok, I know as far as tips go when booking a Maternity Photographer this may seem obvious but its a very important question to ask yourself. When you see a maternity photographers website or Instagram does it feel like you? Would the photographers light or dark shooting style match the walls of your home (framing and printing your portraits is so important), and does their work look and feel consistent when compared to itself?
Lets break these questions down so you really know what you are looking for.
Does the maternity photographer’s work feel like you and would it match your home or how you dress?
Does your home have lots of super dark saturated hues? Did you paint your bathroom the most stunning Navy and put in a brass faucet for a pop of awesome sauce? Or do you have white walls, an almost white couch (let’s be real if you have a white couch like I do…It hasn’t been all the way white since 2 kids ago!), and love soft grey tones?
Taking a moment to look at your home and even the clothing in your closet will help you when you look for and book a maternity photographer.
Another question that goes along with this would be to ask yourself if you are more formal or more casual? In my mind a formal photographer will produce images that feel dressy or regal. I would consider a casual photographer one who produces images that feel a bit un-posed or like they caught a moment as it was happening. Both ways of doing things are so beautiful and I love both styles.
Is the maternity photographer’s work consistent in style, quality, and feel?
This is a very important thing to take a few minutes to study as you look at a photographers website and social profiles. Do they have super dark images in one spot with super light images featured in another? Can you pick their work out from other photographer’s work because its consistent? If you take an image from the top of a photographers Instagram feed and scroll down a ways and take another image from the bottom are they similar in quality and do they feel like the work of the photographer?
A great way to see consistency is by scrolling on a photographer’s social media.
Tip #2: How long have they been in business as a maternity photographer?
Just because a photographer has been able to achieve a top ranking on Google does not mean that they have a lot of experience in the real portrait session world. Getting to really know light, photography equipment, and posing takes time, patience, and practice.
Now with that said, there are some photographers out there who have been in business for all of 5 minutes and their work is stunning but these are very few and far between.
I am a proud member of PPA. This organization certifies, insures, and educates photographers across America giving them much needed tools to serve their clients in an amazing way.
Tip #3: Are They Easy To Get Ahold Of & Talk With
If a maternity photographer is hard to get ahold of it can be frustrating. Obviously many photographers are moms too and a 24 hour wait to hear back time is understandable especially over the weekend. If a photographer has been in business for awhile they probably have automations setup in their business that would help your message not fall through the cracks.
When you get ahold of the maternity photographer and chat with them are they a good listener? When you share your vision for your maternity session do they catch the fire and help make that vision come to life? (Photographers are normally going to stay within their brand style so if your vision is to outside of that you may not be a good fit together.)
Tip #4: Are They Open About What They Offer Their Clients, And Your Investment?
In the decade I have been a photographer I have tried every pricing structure under the sun. Literally, all of them. There really is no wrong way for a photographer to price their business because what a photographer needs to make per client varies greatly. However, are they willing to chat with you about it? Do they have info on their website about what is included in each package or the session fee you can expect to pay for their services?
Do they offer stress relieving services that help you along like Client Closet? or In-Home Newborn Sessions?
Let’s talk about hi-res digitals and other products for a moment.
There has been much debate in photography world about how best to communicate your offering to your potential clients. I have decided to go with the “help desk” method where pretty much everything is laid out and information is easy for my clients to find.
Tip #5: Before You Book Ask Friends and Family
Maybe this should have been the first tip. LOL! Before you book a maternity photographer chat with friends and family. Have they used someone that they loved? Ask them why they loved that photographer or did not love that photographer.
If you would like to read all of the Cayton Heath Photography reviews you can do so HERE.
Would you like to start your Maternity Portrait Experience? Contact Cayton HERE
[…] Having grandparents at your newborn session really creates a beautiful experience that touches the sentimental heart. Are in studio portraits for your Newborn Photography session not an option for you? You can check out my post all about the In-Home Newborn Experience. […]