So it’s time to choose a maternity photographer…

I know I start every professional maternity photography blog this way, but that’s because it’s a big deal – so… congratulations, mama!! You did the thing, and it’s a BIG thing, and you’ve got a bun in the oven! A Baby on the way! There’s very little in life more exciting than that, and I just have to spend a moment celebrating with you before we get into the details.

Which, today, are all about your next step now that you know you’ve got a little one on the way! One of which, should definitely be booking Maternity Photography so you can remember every detail of your new-mom glow. (Yes, even if it feels like you don’t want to document your body the way it is right now… I promise you’re going to want to look back later!!) But when it comes to choosing a professional maternity photographer, you have a ton of choices. Even if we’re only thinking about the Minneapolis area! So, today we’re going to walk through some of the things you should think about when you’re choosing a Minneapolis maternity photographer. Some of them are about what you want for your session, and others are about the photographer’s history itself!

Think about locations that are going to make sense for you

When you’re choosing a professional maternity photographer, one of the first things you should look at is whether or not they have a studio. This isn’t the case for all photo session types, for example, it’s a lot less relevant for family photos! But if your chosen photographer only works outdoors, and by the time you’re ready for your maternity photos it’s not suitable to spend time outside… it’s kind of important that they have an alternative for you!

So, make sure you look at whether your photographer has a studio, when you’re evaluating who to work with! Even if it doesn’t feel like it will make a difference whether you can access indoor areas for your session NOW, while you’re booking it, pregnancy is unpredictable. It’s always good to make sure you have options!! There are a ton of ways to figure out what locations will work well for you, if you’re struggling to make the decision! 

Think about the style the photographer works in

Of course, when you’re choosing a photographer for any type of session, you’re going to want to look at the style that they work in. Take a peek at their Instagram! Go look at their website! I know it might sound a little silly to say that, like, it might feel like a cop-out. But you wouldn’t believe the number of people who end up booking a photographer by recommendation alone, without looking at their portfolio. And in those cases… it can be really upsetting if you get your photos, and it turns out the photographer’s style wasn’t your cup of tea!

Maternity photos aren’t a session you get a lot of lee-way with when it comes to “reshooting”. Other kinds of sessions can be rescheduled, or you can book easily with another photographer. But unfortunately, the window for maternity photos is smaller, which means you may not be able to book in a session with another photographer before your due date!

The best way to avoid any kinds of problems like that, is to just do the legwork beforehand. Even if a photographer has been highly recommended to you by your bestie who also just added a new member to their family, just make sure you look into their work too.

Make sure you take a look at their reviews!

While you’re doing that due-diligence with the photographer’s portfolio, make sure you look at their reviews, too! Google is a great place to do that, but they probably have sections with their reviews on their website too. It’s one thing to like their portfolio, but if it turns out a ton of clients have had not-the-best experiences working with the professional you’re looking at, it might be a deal-breaker.

When you look at your photos (because you’re totally going to print them, right??) you’re going to remember all of those moments. The ones leading up to it, the ones at the session – the way your photographer made you feel. It’s all going to rush back to you in a little magical flash of memory. And you want those little flashes to be POSITIVE! So make sure you take a look at the photographer’s reviews to ensure that the overwhelming majority of their clients already have those magical positive vibes when they look at their printed images.

Consider whether they offer photo printing

This one isn’t a true deal breaker for most folks, because you really can get some lovely prints from direct-to-customer printers now (instead of the printing companies that work directly with photographers who you HAVE to be a professional to order from.) But working with a photographer who offers printing directly through them means you’ll know that the prints will be high quality, probably archival, and will stand the test of time! When you’re left on your own to get them printed… it can be a little more difficult to figure out what’s going to last and what will degrade over time. Choosing a photographer who offers printing services solves that problem super easily!

Think about the wardrobe options they have available, and whether they include hair and makeup!

Finally, when you’re choosing a maternity photographer, ya gotta think about the extras!! Of course, when I say extras, I mean the things that they offer alongside the session to help you feel your best. Some photographers (like me!) have a client closet full of dresses you can wear for your session. Other photographers (I also do this!) offer hair styling and makeup in the studio when you get there for an added fee! Others partner with local stylists to help you with those things, or help you secure rented clothing to wear – there are all kinds of “extras” on the spectrum from “I’ll handle everything for you” to “I’ll hold your hand a little in prep.”

Depending on your approach to wardrobe for your maternity session, whether your photographer has a client closet may not make a huge difference for you, but just like knowing whether they have a studio, it’s helpful info for you to have up front!

Maternity photography is pretty time sensitive… so it’s important to choose a photographer whose work you love!

Choosing a photographer for your maternity session is a HUGE deal, because realistically it’s not something you get a ton of chances to do. You can definitely fit more than one session into your pregnancy, but it’s still a limited time situation! So when you’re choosing your maternity photographer, make sure you look at their reviews, their website, their portfolio, and get all the information you need about where they hold sessions!

If you’re looking to get a Minneapolis maternity session on the calendar, and you’re vibing with my style, I’d love to talk to you! So reach out, and any questions you don’t already have the answer to, I’ll clear up. And again… congratulations, Mama!!