How Much Does Maternity Photography Cost?

Professional photography is a wonderful way to capture the special moments in your life. Whether it’s a wedding, milestone birthday, or annual holiday portrait, there is always an opportunity to hire a professional photographer. One such important life event that warrants great photographs is pregnancy.

Maternity photos are a wonderful way to document your journey through pregnancy and celebrate your growing family. However, cost often plays a part in which maternity photographer you shoot with, and what services you include in your photoshoot. Like any professional photography session, these photos become keepsakes that you can cherish forever.

It can be tempting to go the route of cheap maternity photographs if you are on a tight budget, but sometimes you get what you pay for—and you don’t want to be disappointed. The more you know, the less stress-inducing the shoot will be, and the more you can make an informed decision that works best in your situation.

On average, a maternity photoshoot can cost you anywhere from $200 to $3,000; a top-notch photographer can sometimes cost even more. Here are a few factors that can influence the cost of a photoshoot:

The Type of Photographer You Want

There are four types of photographers that you can hire: a luxury photographer, a mid-range photographer, a budget photographer, or a freelance photographer who takes photos as a hobby. As you can imagine, the cost associated with each type of photographer varies considerably.

A luxury photographer is a highly skilled and experienced professional. These types of photographers know the ins and outs of maternity photography, what works, and what does not. They understand their craft and have a portfolio of incredible photos to prove it. The services they provide are most likely unmatched, which justifies the price tag that comes along with it-photographs taken by a luxury photographer are generally upwards of $1,000. If you do decide to hire a luxury photographer, it is worth explaining your vision, asking what services they can offer, and figuring out the total cost of the session ahead of time.

A mid-range photographer is also skilled and experienced, but might not have the ‘special touch’ often found with luxury photographers. These photographers tend to charge anywhere between $500 to $800 for a maternity photo session. The locations they offer might be limited, and they might not offer support with styling. Keep in mind that they are still reputable professionals.

A budget photographer can cost anywhere from $250 to $400. While these photographers are more affordable, their rates often coincide with their experience and the range of services they provide. You will still get the shots you want, but they might lack some of the additional options you’re looking for, such as editing or preparation advice beforehand.

A hobby photographer is exactly what it sounds like: a photographer who shoots maternity photos for fun, but not for a living. These photographers tend to charge under $200, but the results can be a hit or miss. If you decide to hire a hobby photographer, be sure to see their work ahead and ask about their photography background and training; it would also not hurt to read as many reviews as you can.

Of course, it’s important to remember that not all luxury photographers will be a good fit and that some budget photographers might exceed your expectations, which is why it’s important to do your research.

Location Matters

A photographer based out of Los Angeles or New York might have higher rates than one in Texas or Oklahoma. Even within your area, a downtown photographer is probably going to be more expensive than one based in the suburbs.

In Summary

As you go about your search for the right photographer, be sure to ask questions. Do they have experience in maternity photography? Do they have a portfolio you can look at? What additional services are they able to provide for your session?

Find a professional, like those at Valent Lau Photography, that makes you feel comfortable, helps you find the right maternity photo poses, and assists you in celebrating the beauty of this special occasion. The more you know, the better off you’ll be!