The cost of maternity photos can vary widely depending on several factors such as the photographer’s experience and reputation, location, and the package chosen. On average, maternity photo shoots can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It’s a good idea to research and compare different photographers and their packages, and determine what fits within your budget and what services are most important to you. It’s also important to consider the quality and style of the photographer’s work, and make sure they have a portfolio that you like before making a decision.

Let’s dive into the nitty gritty. Why would one photographer charge $50 and another cost thousands? Aren’t they essentially providing the same service? No. They are not.

What is a Boutique or Luxury Photographer?

A Luxury or Full Service photographer will charge thousands of dollars for a maternity photoshoot. But what you’re getting is far more than just photos. You’re getting the “fine dining” experience of photography. The full service photographer is the opposite of a DIY. It is the “You do nothing” experience. Hair and makeup, wardrobe, framing, album creation. It is all taken care of for you. The photographer often begins by a consultation to figure out your priorities and desires and then crafts the experience for you. They take on a limited number of clients because they provide a customized, high touch experience for their clients.

How Much is a Full Service, Luxury Investment?

How much should these Maternity Photos cost? The investment for this type of experience is typically $1000 to $5000. These photographers are often very experienced and have invested a lot of time and money into their own education and with resources to provide you with a quality experience from designer wardrobes to the best equipment and editing software available. They will also be providing the best products the market has to offer and will spend a significant amount of time with you making sure you’re prepared for your session and you have heirloom products from your session. Part of the service is often designing and planning gallery walls and albums so you are left with truly no stone left unturned. If you’d like to learn more about my high touch, custom experience, check it out here.

What is a Mid Range Photographer?

Mid range photographers are usually fairly experienced and talented. They often have a quality portfolio but because they have many clients, they typically provide a streamlined experience. They may include a wardrobe guide, an email on preparing, etc. And it will be up to you to follow through with their suggestions to make sure your photos look like the ones you see in these photographer’s portfolios.

How much is a Mid Range Investment Investment?

How much should these Maternity Photos cost? These photoshoots are typically between $500-$800. You’ll typically be given some guidance to follow before the session and an online gallery to download photos from afterward. There may be options to purchase prints or products from these galleries but they’ll typically be mid-range products and you’ll need to DIY the design and installation yourself.

What is a Budget or High Volume Photographer?

These photographers are often part of a larger company and will often provide a wide variety of services, they’ll do headshots, weddings, newborns, events, seniors, etc. They’re taking on multiple clients at once, providing a minimal experience for their clients outside of the session itself. They also might be an individual with a specialty in one thing and just take on a high volume of sessions for a lower price each. Places like Thumbtack often are a good directory of these kinds of photography studios.

What do Budget Photos cost?

How much should these Maternity Photos cost? Budget photographers are typically between $250-$400. Their price is due to the fact that they are providing minimal communication and service to each client and are delivering photos and moving onto the next client. There are many experienced photographer who opt to operate in this business model, so it is not necessarily a reflection on the quality of them as an artist.

Hobbyists

There are lots of people who buy a nice camera and start calling themselves a photographer. I once took my neighbors family Christmas card photos, a friend’s newborn photos, and photographed a small, budget wedding long before I ever had a website or called myself a professional. Every photographer starts somewhere. If someone is charging under $200, they are likely a hobbyist. This typically means they are inexperienced. If the photos are very important to you and it is not something that can be repeated (like a wedding or newborn photos), I would recommend making sure you’re hiring someone experienced. If you’re real chill and just want a Christmas card pic, then go for it! Help your friend learn their craft.

How Much Should Maternity Photos Cost?

Whats important to you? Are you wanting this to be a memorable experience? Is this a way of celebrating your new family addition? Then look for Luxury photographers in your area. You’ll spend a couple thousand dollars and they will provide you with a dream-come-true type of experience. In the end you’ll have legacy products in your home to help remember it by.

Are you looking for someone who can help you check the box so you have a decent picture from this time of life? then maybe look at mid-range or budget photographers and expect to spend $250-$800