So you think you want Maternity pictures. Now what?

Have you been thinking of maternity portraits, but aren't really sure where to begin? Let's break down the top 5 things to look for in a Maternity Portrait photographer. 

1. Who?
If you have recently started looking into maternity photographers, you've likely done one of two things; google searched "Maternity photographers in blah blah area" or reached out to the Almighty FaceBook and asked for recommendations on where to find one. Without fail, you probably got about 238462879 responses on both. Overwhelming, and often times counter productive.

Solution: There are probably a few names that have popped up more than once, or have been recommended over and over. Yay! There's your start. From there:

• The first place you should start is at that photographers website, where you can check out their portfolio. (Usually it's listed under "Portfolio" and looks like something like this : http://www.hannahmcmahonphotography.com/portfolio.html ) 
• The most obvious thing you can do is to make sure you LIKE THOSE PICTURES! This should be indicative of that photographer style (do you like light and airy? Dark and moody? Matte finish, or crisp colors? Figure out what your personal style is, so that it matches what you have in mind for you own portraits. 

2. What? 
This could really be interchangeable with our first problem- What I mean by this is, WHAT is it that you want from your maternity session? 

Solution- Ask what they offer!

• Most- if not all- photographers will offer printed artwork. Are you looking for an album to preserve your portraits, or to have canvases printed? Make sure that WHAT you want from your maternity session is available. 
• Are you looking for digital files from your session? These are usually available in two different forms- either high or low resolution. 
  • High resolution- usually refers to files that can be printed, or are given with a printing license for the client to print at their leisure. Make sure you check with your photographer to see if they have printing restrictions. 
  • Low resolution- these are either small files that can be printed up to a certain size, or files that are sized for web or online sharing. Some places (like me!) offer a low resolution file with printed artwork so that you have the best quality artwork for your own home, while still being able to share your gorgeous portraits with friends and family online.

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Interested in Albums, Canvases, or Fine Art Prints? Go check them out!

Check out Artwork!

• Are you looking for a more styled session? Ask if they have gowns or floral headpieces to choose from! Ask if they have a wardrobe, and if you can try them on first. Try to identify what style you like, and make sure they can accommodate it!

3. When? 
This is a bit different from photographer to photographer, and is based on preference, but it's super important to know when, or in what time frame to do your maternity portraits. 

Solution- Ask the pro! At your pre session consultation you and I chat about when the appropriate timing is for your session, and I often recommend around 6.5 or 7.5 months, for a few different reasons. 

• That bump tho. Seriously! I want you to feel gorgeous as we take your portraits, and around this time period you have really started to connect with your baby bump. I bet you've found yourself nonchalantly holding your belly, or circling certain areas where you know your baby kicks. 
• This is also just before that last trimester kicks in, when you typically have a bit more energy for this type of session! Sessions usually last 1-2 hours, and if you are using an outdoor location, I don't want to exhaust you just going from location to location. 
• COMFORT. I cannot stress this enough- So many of my mamas praise this time period because it is BEFORE the back pain really kicks in, making this time frame a bit more enjoyable for your session!

4. Where? 
Depending on what is most important to you (style, availability, locations, etc) this can vary quite a bit. 

Solution- Figure out what is most important to you, then assess if making that commute multiple times is OK with you. 

• Are they what you consider commutable distance? Most photographers like to meet before your session, then at your session, and for an ordering appointment afterwards, so try to get an understanding of how many times you will have to drive to meet them!
• If you are considering an on location session, check out that place first, or be prepared to ask your photographer for pictures of that venue before you go. Also check to see if they have entrance fees!
• Are you more interested in a studio session? GO TO THEIR STUDIO! Make sure you feel comfortable, confident and safe in that area. 

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Hannah's studio is located in the historic Washington Mill Building, in Dover, NH. 

5. Why? 
Every once in a while I get a client that says something to the effect of " well I'm supposed to get maternity pictures done" or " So and so told me I should". That is a really great place to start, and I want to expand on that a little bit- 

Why are you getting maternity portraits taken? ​There are really two simple ways to answer that questions....

• YOU want portraits of your body, as you grow a teeny tiny human inside you. YOU want to remember how your body held, shaped, and protected your baby as they were the closest to your heart. YOU wanted to look back and remember those little spots you could touch and feel your baby move, or kick, or how they reacted to your partners voice, or touch. You want portraits that capture that absolutely incredibly thing that is pregnancy as you experience it. 
• Or you may not have thought about this as something for you, but for you baby. These are memories- and when printed they are physical heirlooms- that you can pass down to your babies. An album that you can pull out and show your children when they ask what mommies look like before babies are born, and for your partner to remember the electric joy (and terror and excitement) as you welcome your first child. A portrait to commend your body on the incredible feat of bringing a child into this world. 

Your "why" might be different from someone else's, and that more than ok- it's totally normal. In order to find a photographer who can BEST serve you, and really tailor an experience to your needs, take some time and think about your "why", and how that might influence the other aspects of you maternity portraits. ​

​To learn more about Maternity portraits, please contact me for your complimentary pre session consultation!
http://www.hannahmcmahonphotography.com/book-your-session-today.html