Maternity photography: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering maternity photography

You offer maternity portrait sessions in studios and outdoors, alone or with family. This guide covers what expecting parents ask, how to win the booking and what to show on your profile.

What customers ask

  • How do you pose someone who needs breaks?
  • Can my partner and children join?
  • What should I wear, and do you have outfits?
  • What if I go into labor before the session?
  • Can I see a full maternity gallery?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask about the due date, the comfort needs, the location preference and the family members who will attend before you talk about the booking
  • Send a full maternity gallery with a family photo, labeled with the location type
  • Put the session length, the look count, the family photo plan, the edited image count, the delivery date and the rescheduling policy in the written quote
  • Share an outfit and fabric guide so the client can plan the look
  • Confirm the studio time or the outdoor location and any permit needs in writing
  • Explain your break plan and how you handle a client who needs to stop
  • Name your rescheduling policy for early labor or illness, and confirm it in the contract

What to put on your profile

  • Full maternity galleries, grouped by location type and family makeup
  • Photos of your studio and any outdoor locations you use often
  • A short list of outfit and prop options you offer
  • Your insurance status and the types of sessions you offer

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a newborn session as a planned next step, booked during the pregnancy
  • Suggest a family session after the baby arrives, planned around the baby's schedule
  • Recommend a styling consult or a hair and makeup partner the client can choose to book

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for maternity photography. Carry general liability insurance and check local permit rules for parks and studios with your state or local licensing agency.

Questions

How do I keep a pregnant client comfortable?

Plan frequent breaks, a seat for rest, water and a short session. Ask the client how she feels at the start and adjust the pace.

What if the client goes into labor early?

Follow your rescheduling policy, which should be in the contract. Tell the client how to move the session and confirm the new date in writing.

Who owns the maternity photos?

Agree on this in writing before the session. The contract should say who owns the images and how the client may use them.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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