S/O Maternity pics

Melicakes · August 2011

Did you go to a studio/photographer or did you look into photo chains like Sears, JC Penney, etc.

I looked into photgraphers and holy expensive quotes Batman ! This one place the retaining fee alone was $375!!! It sucks to live in NY sometimes...

There is a Glamour Shots in my mall, but they wanted $195 and you only get one pose! WTF?? Plus rights to the photos were extra.

Then I checked in Picture People and for $135 you can get 10 poses plus an assortment of portrait sheets AND the rights to the pictures.

Did anyone go this route??

My concern is I won't get that ultra professional look in the pics because it's a chain, but I refuse to pay a bajillion dollars just for a few pictures...

What did you do ? Or what would you do ?

snoangel79 · August 2011

What about contacting an art school with seniors who are photography majors. I heard about people doing this for weddings so why not maternity <:

KYRN · August 2011

I had a private photographer but she was much more reasonable than you listed. If I were you I'd go with a chain. I don't think it's worth the prices you listed, although I'm sure they would be beautiful.

SunMoon&Stars · August 2011

I used a freelancer who does not have a studio; she just works on location which keeps her overhead costs down. I found a separate location myself and was luckily allowed to use it for free:) She wasn't outrageously expensive, but then I live in a small town in GA.

Whatever you do, stay away from Glamour Shots. They're a huge ripoff.

amers83010 · August 2011

We are VERY fortunate in that one of my closest friend is dating a professional photographer. When they were in town last, they took the most amazing pics for us. If they hadnt offered to do them for free, I wouldnt have had any taken. I would just prefer to spend the money on newborn pics or a new camera.

coloradoalyssa · August 2011

We are very fortunate in that we found a fabulous local photographer here that has a package deal that includes maternity, newborn, 6 month and 12 month photos for $550.00 at any location you want. We are having our maternity photos done at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston for example. I think if you can find a person that could even come to your home you will get much better photos for your money.

gripgirl · August 2011

If you want ultra professional looking photos do NOT do a chain place. Those are not professional photographers.. they are people trained to take pictures in a couple of standard poses with standard lighting, who get paid like $10 an hour.

I would try to find a college student majoring in photography or a free lancer. Check craigslist and ask to see samples of their work.. if you have facebook ask your friends for suggestions.. it's amazing how many people will offer advice.

If you can find a home based photographer their pricing will also be much less. I am a photographer full-time. My business is home based and since I don't have the overhead of a store front I can keep my pricing lower.

However, if you really want to know which photos to really invest your money in... I would recommend newborn, 6 month, and the 1 year photos. If you can only choose two I would say the newborn (these are the most difficult to do and require lots of expertise on the part of the photographer) and the 1 year.

Maternity photos are nice, but if you don't have the cash keep it as inexpensive as you can.. Unless you plan to hang a big beautiful portrait in your home of your pregnant self. Good luck!

tshott · August 2011

I have my own photography business, so I definitely advocate using someone with their own business. Can you ask around to your friends and see if they used someone local and if they liked them? FB will be your greatest resource to finding someone. While yes, you can find professionals who are established and charge a lot, you can also find newer professionals who charge a lot less and have less of a portfolio. I did my first newborn session a few months ago and everybody loved them. Just meet with them and see if you mesh with their personality and how they plan on shooting.

I would also recommend staying far away from one of the big box studios. You'll get cookie cutter pictures and they won't be worth your money.

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