Best Maternity Photographers in Washington DC

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Maternity photographers work with pregnant women to capture images during the peak of their pregnancies. Photographs are typically taken in the third trimester when the subject's belly is round. In some cases, photographers may offer mothers and families the option to purchase maternity photos in a package with newborn photos, once their baby is born.

  
  

  Because every photographer's style is different, mothers-to-be have options when it comes to how they want their maternity photos to look. While some photos have an artful quality, others may be taken in a studio for a more traditional feel. Learn more about maternity photography by reading the frequently asked questions listed below.

• What is maternity photography?

  Maternity photography is series a of photographs taken of soon-to-be mothers later in their pregnancies. These photos may be of just the mother, or they may include the father and other children. Often, maternity photos are whimsical and artistic, as they're meant to capture the beauty of pregnancy.

• What to wear to a maternity photoshoot?

  What you wear for maternity photos depends on the style of the photographs being taken. Mothers who want to show their bare belly for maternity photos may want to opt for a basic crop top or sports bra with comfortable pants on the bottom. Those who prefer to stay covered up might want to consider an elegant gown.
  

• What are good poses for a maternity photoshoot?

  Often, women will pose with their hands, or the father's hands, placed on their growing belly in maternity photos. Photos might be taken from the side to show a profile of the mother's shape or straight on to capture the joy on the subject's face.

• How much does maternity photography cost?

  According to Fash, portrait photographers, including maternity photographers, typically charge between $100 and $250 per hour when photographing subjects. That cost normally equates to anywhere from $25 to $100 per edited image. On average, a photoshoot takes one full hour, whether indoors or outdoors.
  

• What types of maternity photoshoots are most popular? 

  There are several types of photoshoots that are popular with families and maternity photographers.
  

  • Milk bath: Mothers lay unclothed in a tub of milk or milky water, typically surrounded by candles, flower petals, or other props for an artistic look. The white background created by the milk enables photographers to focus on their subject's features, including their pregnant belly.
  • Silhouette: A silhouette photo is generally taken from the side and shows only the shape and outline of the mother against a neutral background.
  • Underwater: Underwater maternity photos are often done in long, drapey gowns. The water allows the gown to flow away from the subject's body and creates an element of depth and artistic beauty.
  • In nature: Many mothers choose to take their maternity photos in natural settings, surrounded by trees, water, or meadows.
  • Dusk/sunrise: Maternity photographs taken at dusk or sunrise allow photographers to capture new mothers with unique lighting. Outdoor silhouette photos are often taken at dusk or sunrise.

• How to get a photography contract with a maternity hospital?

  As a photographer, you need to have experience and proper training to work in a hospital setting. Most hospital photographers have some training in medical terminology as well as experience and training in how to safely work with new mothers and babies.