How to find the best maternity photographer in newcastle

1 - Do you love their photos?

This one might sound obvious, but it's important. Before considering anything else, when you look at a photographers work, do you genuinely love it?

Every photographer sees the world a little differently. Some are drawn to bright and airy images, while others create dark and moody photographs. Some focus on perfectly posed portraits, while others are drawn to connection, movement and storytelling. When you spend some time scrolling through their website and social media, do their images make you stop? Can you imagine yourself in those photographs? If the answer is yes, you're already off to a great start. I don't think there is a "best" maternity photographer, only the best maternity photographer for you.

2 - Will you feel comfortable in front of their camera?

Most of the mums (and dads) I photograph tell me they're nervous beforehand, and this is completely normal. A beautiful gallery is about so much more than a beautiful location or a gorgeous dress. It's about feeling comfortable enough to relax, connect with yourself and your baby, your partner, your children, and to simply enjoy the experience.

A photographer can pose you, tell you where to look, and what to do with your hands, but there is a difference between being told what to do and being made to feel comfortable and at ease. The more comfortable you feel with your photographer, the more natural your photos will be.

When looking for a photographer, before you've even spoken to them, how do their captions, website and reviews make you feel. Sometimes it's hard to explain, but you can often get a sense of who someone is before you've even had a conversation with them. And once you do reach out, do you feel heard and understood? Do you feel like they're taking the time to answer your questions and provide the information you need? Choosing a photographer is about more than loving their photos, it's also about finding someone who makes you feel comfortable, supported and excited for your session.

3 - Does their personality align with yours?

A photographer's personality and approach can have a huge impact on your overall experience. The way your photographer communicates and interacts with you can have a huge impact on your overall experience and is a continuation of the point above about feeling comfortable in front of the camera.

Some photographers are energetic and outgoing. Others are calm and quiet. Some provide lots of direction, while others take a more relaxed and candid approach, and some sit somewhere in between. You might love a photographer who is constantly encouraging and talking throughout your session, or you may prefer someone who has a bit of a chat, offers gentle direction while allowing space for moments of stillness, connection and reflection with your partner, your baby and yourself. You might also feel more comfortable with a photographer who has been in a similar life stage, or this might not matter to you.  There is no right or wrong. It's simply about finding someone whose personality feels like a good fit for yours and whose approach allows you to feel comfortable, relaxed and genuinely yourself.

4 - Do they offer a client wardrobe?

For many clients, having access to a photographer's client wardrobe is both helpful and enjoyable. Having access to a maternity photography client wardrobe not only saves money, but also removes the stress of deciding what to wear for your maternity photos.

A lot of my clients tell me they live in comfortable activewear, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. They often say it feels difficult to justify buying a beautiful outfit for a single photoshoot, particularly when they may only wear it once or twice. Purchasing a maternity dress for your session can add hundreds of dollars to the overall cost of the experience. Many photographers allow you to choose multiple pieces within their wardrobe, which can add beautiful variety to your gallery without the added expense of purchasing several outfits yourself.

Another benefit is that photographers carefully curate the pieces they include. They consider factors such as movement, fabric, colour, fit and how each item photographs in different lighting conditions. In most cases, every piece has been tried, tested and photographed before, meaning your photographer already knows which items photograph beautifully and flatter a range of body shapes and stages of pregnancy.

5 - Do their locations match your vision?

A big factor in creating beautiful maternity photographs is choosing a location that feels like you. Every photographer has locations they know and love, but it's worth considering whether those locations align with the vision you have for your images. Some photographers specialise in beaches, coastal landscapes, open fields, forests and waterfalls. Others specialise in urban settings such as inner-city locations, and some love to work in studios.

If you're dreaming of adventurous images surrounded by nature, you'll want a photographer who regularly works in those environments and understands how to use the landscape as part of the story. You may prefer something more urban, perhaps you love a city skyline or modern architecture. For others, the dream is minimalist imagery in a styled studio with complete control over lighting and every detail within the frame. There is no right or wrong choice. A location should provide a backdrop that helps tell your story and reflects who you are.

Other factors to consider include the atmosphere of the location and its accessibility. If you're feeling a little nervous about having your photographs taken, just because your photographer regularly shoots at Merewether Beach or Newcastle Baths doesn't necessarily mean it is the best location for you. There may be beachgoers, people out for a walk, or others enjoying a morning coffee nearby. If you would prefer as few eyes on you as possible, driving a little further to Dudley Beach, Redhead Beach or Caves Beach can often provide a much quieter experience, particularly at sunrise. Likewise, if you love the beach or sand dunes but aren't feeling up to a long walk, your photographer may be able to suggest a different beach or an easier way to access the sand dunes.

6 - What is their plan for bad weather?

For outdoor maternity photography, most photographers will reschedule for anything more than light rain. This is for your safety, the quality of the images, and to protect the photographer's equipment. But what about overcast, cloudy, or grey skies?

Photography is an investment, and if you are drawn to a photographer because of their warm, sunlit imagery, you are probably picturing your own session filled with golden light, beautiful colours in the sky, and glowing skin as the sun warms you. While photographers can't control the weather, they can control how they approach it.

Because it is perfectly safe to do so, many photographers will proceed with a session on the booked date if conditions are grey and overcast. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, and the photos will be beautiful in a different way. However, if the look and feel of the images is a big part of why you chose a particular photographer, it is worth asking what their approach is. If you love images filled with sunshine, will your photographer happily give you the option to reschedule to try for better conditions? Would they be willing to do this more than once if needed? While no one can guarantee a perfect sunrise or sunset, don't be afraid to ask the question. A good photographer should be happy to discuss how they can help you achieve the look you are hoping for.

7 - Does Their Investment Align With What You Value?

At the end of the day, price will be a factor for most clients when choosing a maternity photographer. When considering cost, it can be helpful to ask what matters most to you. Photographers don't all offer the same experience or inclusions. Some invest heavily in equipment, client wardrobes, education, hand editing, insurance, and the time they spend guiding clients throughout the process. Others may offer shorter sessions, fewer inclusions, or a more simplified experience. Neither approach is right or wrong, but understanding the differences can help you make a more informed decision.

While a lower-priced photographer may initially seem more budget friendly, it can be worth considering what is included and what you value most. Are you hoping to receive photos with the quality to create large wall art for your home or beautiful albums for your children to look through one day? Do you want access to a client wardrobe? Is a photographer's editing style, experience, or ability to work with changing conditions and young children important to you?

Some photographers spend significant time and money developing their skills through education and experience and spend hours editing every image in your gallery. Others use a preset on all images to lower their costs. These differences contribute to both the experience and the final investment and it is always best to understand what matters most to you when choosing the best photographer for you.



Choosing a maternity photographer is a personal decision and the best photographer is one whose work you love, whose approach makes you feel comfortable, and whose experience aligns with what matters most to you.

If you're currently looking for a maternity photographer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens or the Hunter Valley, I hope this guide has helped you feel a little more confident in knowing what to look for.