5 Things to Look for in a Maternity Photographer
First off, congratulations! What a special moment to capture. I know it can feel a little daunting, there’s the anxiety about how your body’s changing, the stress of dragging your partner along to a photoshoot, and maybe even the uncertainty of what kind of images you’ll end up with. Trust me, I get it. I hear it from my clients a lot of the time. Here’s what I believe are the key things to look for in a maternity photographer.
1. An Aesthetic That Feels Like You
It’s easy to get caught up in what is trending. Gosh I remember a few years ago there was this trend of SUPER warm maternity photos. Nothing wrong this! However, I do urge you to think about what you’re own preferences are. When you're scrolling through portfolios or photographer’s instagram feeds, do you feel that it resonates? The composition, the colours, the poses? Whether it’s soft and ethereal or vibrant and bold, you’ll want to be choosing your photographer based on who you think can capture your and your partner’s personality. You’re going to look back on these photos for the rest of your life, so it’s important they feel like you, not just some generic image from a Pinterest board.
2. The Medium That Jumps Out At You (Film or Digital)
Here’s the thing—I’m a huge fan of film and I am extremely bias, but I get that it's not everyone’s cup of tea. Digital is great for crisp, clean, and sharp images, and it gives your photographers a lot of freedom to edit and even get them printed. But if you want a timeless, emotional feel that brings out the raw beauty of your journey—especially in maternity—film is where it's at. There’s a softness to it that digital just can’t replicate. But at the end of the day, it’s about what feels right for you.
3. How They Communicate and Guide You
Let’s face it, posing in front of a camera can feel awkward, especially when you're expecting. It’s also hard to gage a photographer’s direction-style when you haven’t shot with them before. That’s why I always recommend either jumping on the phone with your photographer or meeting up in person for a coffee. That way, you can get a really good feel based on first impressions whether you vibe with them or not. It’s important before you book that you pay attention to how they interact with you. Are they friendly and open to your ideas? Do they answer your questions clearly and thoughtfully? A photographer who knows how to direct and make you feel at ease will help co-create a plan for your shoot together.
4. Someone Who Understands the Emotional Side of Maternity
It’s not just about getting a cute shot with a flower crown. Pregnancy is an emotional rollercoaster, and you want a photographer who gets that. Typically you can see this through the photographer’s portfolio of other clients. They aren’t just capturing a belly, they are capturing the excitement, the nervousness, and the love that comes with growing your family. A photographer who can read those emotions and bring them out through the lens will create images that truly reflect the essence of this time in your life and again, you can probably gage this when you have a conversation with them.
5. Real Reviews and Happy Clients
I know you’re probably looking for some reassurance that this whole thing is going to go well. And the truth is, you really don’t know until you try. All you can do is trust the experiences of other clients. Look for testimonials or feedback on Google Reviews from past clients who have gone through the maternity shoot process with your photographer. If past clients are raving about the experience, you’re probably on the money.
So, within all this in mind, choosing the right maternity photographer is more than just booking a session. It’s about finding someone who sees you, who understands the changes you’re going through, and who can help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. When you choose the right fit, the photos won’t just be pictures—they’ll be memories that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.
If you happen to be on the Gold Coast and Byron Bay and are looking to shoot 35mm film and you think my style and Google Reviews fit your vibe, shoot me a message, let’s create some magic together.