Research the Photographers in Your Area

• 1). Look for photographers who regularly take maternity portraits. Prior to scheduling any kind of appointment, you should determine which photographers in your area actually take maternity portraits. Look through the yellow pages under photographers. Look at the ads in local maternity and family publications. Talk to other pregnant women at your Lamaze group or gynecologist’s office. Even asking your doctor is a great idea! He may know a great one to recommend.
  
  
• 2). Check to see if the photographers you found have Websites with photo galleries. Once you have a “starting list” of potential maternity portrait photographers, you want to get an initial peek at their work. Often, you can quickly and easily go to a photographer’s Website to see a sample of portraits he has taken.
  
  
• 3). Call several of the photographers and ask to schedule a portrait consultation. Not all photographers have Websites. Don’t stop with online research. Most professional photographers will gladly meet with you briefly to show samples of their work and discuss your potential portrait needs at no charge to you. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet the photographer in person and see more of his work.
  
  

Schedule a Consultation

• 1). Go to meet with the photographers. Since maternity portraits can be a very intimate thing, be sure you meet with the actual photographer who would be taking your portraits if you book with a particular studio. You don't want to make an appointment to speak with an assistant or receptionist.
  
  
• 2). Talk briefly with the photographer at the consultation and ask to see samples of maternity portraits he has taken for other clients. If you have something specific in mind that you do not see in the photographer’s portfolio, describe your vision. Make sure you are both on the same page and equally comfortable with all ideas.
  
  
• 3). Assess your personal comfort level with this particular photographer when you are meeting one-on-one. When taking intimate portraits such as maternity portraits, you need to be able to relax and let your guard down.
  
  
• 4). Go over examples of your favorite ideas. If you have seen other maternity portraits you like, show those to the photographer. Assess his willingness to create the kinds of portraits you desire. You want to select a photographer that will deliver what you want, not just cookie cutter images of other photos he’s created. Discuss whether you will want maternity portraits that include the baby’s father and siblings as well.
  
  
• 5). Discuss price, cost, and options--if you feel genuinely comfortable with the photographer. Ask the photographer if he can provide references from former clients.
  
  

After the Consultation

• 1). Follow up on the references you receive from several different photographers. A personal reference is the best way to find a maternity portrait photographer.
  
  
• 2). Expand your search if necessary. If you can’t find a maternity photographer you’re comfortable with in your immediate area, look further. Maternity portraits are generally once-in-a-lifetime portraits. It’s worth the drive to find the best photographer who will meet your needs and desires.
  
  
• 3). Schedule your maternity portrait photo shoot with the photographer you select. Whether your maternity portraits are private "just for you and your family" mementos or whether they become art you display in your home and share with others, maternity portraits are a growing trend. They're a beautiful, artistic expression of this time in you and your baby's life. They are a gift you--and your baby--will treasure for a lifetime!