The 5 Most Common Mistakes When Choosing a Maternity and Newborn Photographer (And How to Avoid Them!)
You’ve been waiting months for this moment. You’ve dreamed of every detail and imagined your baby’s little face, and of course, you want to capture everything in the most beautiful way possible. But when it comes to choosing a photographer for this unique moment, are you making the best decision?
Believe me, many parents make mistakes they only realize when it’s too late—and I don’t want that to happen to you! So, I’m going to share the 5 most common mistakes when choosing a maternity and newborn photographer (and how to avoid them). Let’s go?
I get it—pregnancy comes with so many expenses that any savings seem tempting. But choosing a photographer based only on price can end up costing you more in the long run—and we’re not just talking about money, but also regret.
Think about it: a newborn session requires knowledge, patience, and safety when handling such a tiny baby. Maternity photography also needs careful direction to highlight the mother-to-be and capture this special moment beautifully.
Photography is an investment. You don’t just want pictures, you want to create memories that will last a lifetime. If your budget is tight, try finding a professional who offers smaller packages but still delivers quality work and proven experience.
The cheapest option might end up being the most expensive one. Imagine investing in a session, not liking the results, and having to pay for another one. Or worse, if you don’t have the resources to redo it, you’ll have to settle for something that doesn’t represent you. That’s neglecting your memories.
✨ Smart tip: Before making your choice, analyze the cost-benefit. If a photographer is offering a price way below the market, ask yourself why. Experience, quality, and customer service make all the difference in the final result. A less experienced photographer might struggle with lighting, create awkward poses, or lack the refined eye needed to compose meaningful images.
Choosing a photographer without looking at their portfolio is like buying a dress without trying it on. Could it work? Maybe. But the chances of regret are sky-high!
Every photographer has a unique style—some prefer soft, neutral tones, while others love vibrant, colorful images. Some do highly stylized sessions, while others opt for a minimalistic and timeless approach.
If you don’t check beforehand, you might end up with a result completely different from what you had in mind. Let’s be honest. No one wants to spend hours getting ready and planning everything just to receive photos that don’t make their heart skip a beat.
✨ Essential tip: Before hiring, analyze the photographer’s work. A good professional maintains consistency and delivers quality in all sessions.
You arrive at your session with a clear vision of a sunset maternity shoot, only to find out the photographer only works in a studio. Or maybe you wanted a minimalist newborn session and ended up with your baby dressed as a teddy bear with a busy background full of props.
To avoid disappointments, talk to your photographer before the session!
- What is the photographer’s style?
- Do they edit in the way you like?
- Do they direct poses or prefer a more spontaneous approach?
- What’s included in the package?
✨ Golden tip: Create a reference folder with images you love and compare it with the photographer’s portfolio. Just remember—every professional has their style. The best choice is one where your expectations match their work.
Notice in the images below how one of the photos stands out differently from the others. All of them are stunning—after all, an experienced photographer knows how to work with light and direction to create breathtaking images. However, the key point here is to highlight the importance of reviewing the photographer’s portfolio and ensuring that their style aligns with what you are looking for.
"Oh, but my cousin has a good camera, he can take the photos!"
No, my friend. Owning a camera doesn’t make someone a professional photographer, just like owning a pan doesn’t make me a Michelin chef.
Newborn photography requires a lot of technique and knowledge. The photographer needs to know how to handle babies, position them safely, respect their natural rhythms, and understand lighting and composition.
Likewise, maternity photography requires sensitivity and skill to capture the essence of this moment delicately and elegantly.
✨ Smart tip: Before hiring, ask about the photographer’s experience with newborns and maternity sessions. Check client reviews, read their bio, seek recommendations, and make sure they’re truly prepared for this type of photography.
After an amazing session, the most exciting moment arrives—receiving your photos! But if you don’t ask beforehand how editing and delivery work, you might have unpleasant surprises.
Every photographer has a different workflow, so it’s important to know:
✔ How many photos are included in the package?
✔ What is the average turnaround time for edited images?
✔ Will the photos be delivered digitally or as prints?
✔ Can I choose which photos will be edited?
✨ Must-ask tip: Ask everything beforehand! That way, you avoid frustration and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Choosing a photographer isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about creating memories that will last forever.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smoother, more enjoyable session that aligns with your expectations. So, before booking your session, remember:
✔ Prioritize quality and experience
✔ Check if the portfolio matches your style
✔ Align expectations and ask all your questions beforehand
✔ Choose someone who values your baby’s safety and comfort
✔ Confirm how the editing and delivery process works
Tell me, did you already know all these details, or did you learn something new today? 😊
If you’re looking for a delicate, timeless, and deeply emotional session, I’d love to be part of this special moment! Get in touch, and let’s create beautiful memories together. 💛📸
Did you like this post? Please share it with a friend who’s expecting or planning a newborn session! 😉✨
Are you looking for a newborn, maternity, or baby photographer in Houston or the surrounding areas? Paloma Schell offers portrait sessions with over 15 years of experience. She serves families in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Richmond, Cypress, Memorial, River Oaks, Fulshear, Bellaire, and Spring.
Whether you are expecting your first baby or capturing milestones, our sessions are designed to be timeless, minimalist, and filled with emotion.
Contact us today to learn more or to book your session!