How does one go about finding the BEST maternity photographer? That’s a question that many a pregnant momma has asked herself and the answer isn’t quite as easy as you’d think, due to the plethora of photographers in the DMV area.
There are a lot of things to consider but here are some things to look for when trying to decide if you’ve found the best maternity photographer for your family – and trust me…there is a photographer out there for everyone, so set your mind at ease and jump into this with me.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Pricing
Pricing is a usually (but not always!) the first consideration. Most of us don’t have an unlimited budget so of course we’re going to be looking for someone that we can afford. But there’s definitely a spectrum that needs to be considered and remember that photography is typically considered a luxury item: it’s a want, not a need.
The least expensive photographer is not necessarily the one with the most experience or the one who delivers the most pleasing result. Low-priced photographers typically have little to no experience, they usually aren’t legal businesses that pay taxes and if they don’t respect themselves enough to charge a living wage, are they really someone to trust with your memories?
On the other hand, the most expensive photographer, while potentially able to deliver a really pleasing result, may include other things that you aren’t necessarily looking for, like designer gowns or large-scale wall art that you may not have space for in your home.
At LVP, we offer pricing to fit most budgets and we hope that we can be the best maternity photographer for you. Payment plans are absolutely available (just ask!) so that you can get the photos you’ve dreamed of without worrying about how you’re going to pay for it.
What type of photos are you looking for?
Are you looking for a really posed result with images of you looking at the camera? Are you wanting more of a candid feel with lots of interaction with your loved ones and not much engagement with the camera?
The best maternity photographer for you is the one who will deliver the result you’re looking for. Maybe you want lots of giggling and snuggling with your person during your session. Maybe you know you want that “almost kiss” look that is so intimate and sexy. Or maybe you know that what I just mentioned isn’t your vibe at all and you wouldn’t be caught dead pseudo-making out with your husband in front of God and everybody.
Either way, if you choose LVP, our consultation phone call will pull out those important details so that I can be prepped to deliver exactly what you want. This way your giggling/snuggling (or not) maternity session dreams are just waiting to come true.
What location appeals? A studio? An outdoor location? Your home?
The best maternity photographer for you is one who can accommodate the location of your dreams. Some maternity photographers only shoot in a studio with studio lighting and wouldn’t dream of going into a client’s home where the only light is natural and the unfamiliar space would need to be navigated.
Other photographers don’t have a studio and only have the client home or an outdoor location as options.
I shoot at all three of the above and, this winter, have branched out to using other indoor locations (The Annapolis Studio and Rawlings Conservatory here and here) to get us through the cold winter months. The point being, I can basically shoot anywhere and adapt to most any circumstances to get the results you want.
Consider the Portfolio
Do you want super posed photos? Would you rather mostly candids/lifestyle? Do you want a lot of emotion and connection shown in your images? The best maternity photographer for you is one who can deliver what you’re looking for and the best way to determine that is to look at his or her portfolio.
There are many ways to do this, thankfully.
Check out their Instagram. Look at how their grid is organized. Also notice the colors and style of editing. Is what they’re showing pleasing to your eye? Can you see yourself being represented by their work? Check out their stories. How do they sell themselves? Do you get a sense of their personality? Is this someone you’d trust around your kids or want to invite in your home?
Stalk their website. Look at the posing and level of emotion showcased. Check out the blog. Is their work consistent, not only within each session but from client to client? Do you trust that what you’re seeing in one gallery is going to be what you see in your own gallery? Can you imagine this photographer’s work on your walls? Do you want to see this type of image throughout your home day in and day out?
Check Google Reviews
Sure, you’ll see great client experiences showcased on the website but those are curated and chosen purposefully to present the photographer in the best light. You’re going to get a more well-rounded, less-biased perspective if you look at Google or Yelp reviews.
People are free to be honest and go into detail about their experience with the photographer you’re considering. You can get an idea of how the session goes, what the interactions are like, good and bad parts of the overall experience, and use other people’s words to make your decision about who will be the best maternity photographer for your family.
PICK ME, PICK ME!!
Ok, I couldn’t end without giving you a little bit of my personality. If you like someone who is real and down-to-earth, someone who’s going to carry your bag and hold an umbrella over your head when you get out of the car in the rain, someone who understands what you’re going through during these baby years, not only from a human perspective but also from a nursing perspective, someone with a sense of humor and self-deprecating personality, pick me to be the best maternity photographer for you ❤️
Liz Viernes Photography is based near Ellicott City, Maryland, and specializes in maternity, fresh 48, posed and lifestyle newborns and first year milestone portraits.
Come follow along on Facebook and Instagram, and the Blog!
You might also like: How to Find the Best Newborn Photographer (For You)
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