Choosing the Best Charlotte Maternity Photographer: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy… It’s such a unique and beautiful season of life, with all the incredible things it has to offer, but in all honesty, it can also feel like it passes by in the blink of an eye (sometimes even less, despite the number of months we experience it). So, of course, many families want to capture this special time with photos that they’ll be able to look back on for years to come. Choosing a Charlotte maternity photographer is quite a big decision because you’re not just picking someone with a camera to take some photos of you in your most beautiful season of life. You’re choosing the person who will help you tell your (and baby’s) story.

With so many talented photographers in our gorgeous area, it can feel overwhelming to know, or even consider, where to start. At QCD we’ve been there, and it can feel like a nightmare sometimes, but this blog is all about bringing you the good news: 

With a little guidance and some thoughtful, careful planning, you can (and you will) find the right match for your family!

Why Maternity Photography Matters

Maternity photography isn’t just about doing a photoshoot or checking one of the “pregnancy experience” boxes. It’s about so much more than that. Maternity photography is a subtle yet hugely impactful way for you as a soon-to-be mama to pause, take a breath, and celebrate the journey you’re on! It’s about honoring the anticipation, the joy, and even the uncertainty of bringing new life into this world.

Families often choose maternity photos because they:

• Create keepsakes that their children can look back on one day
• Document the incredible physical and emotional transformation of parenthood
• Provide a chance for bonding before baby even arrives
• Offer professional-quality images that feel timeless, compared to casual snapshots or regular photos 

At the end of the day, maternity photos become more than just pictures you can hang on your wall. They become memories you can hold in your hands, and ones you’ll forever be able to treasure in your heart.

What to Look for in a Charlotte Maternity Photographer

If you’ve hired a photographer before, you may know that not all photographers are the same. If that’s the case, you may also know that finding the right fit is, well… about more than liking their pictures on Instagram. 

We’ve compiled a few things that you should consider when you’re searching for the perfect Charlotte maternity photographer to capture your beautiful moment:

Style and Aesthetic

Every photographer has a signature style. Some may have a focus on natural light and candid moments, while others’ fortes might be creating more polished, studio-style portraits. You should take the time to browse through portfolios on your list of options and think about what feels most like YOU.

Experience and Expertise

Maternity photography is really its own niche. A photographer who specializes in this will know exactly how to guide you into comfortable, flattering poses and adjust for lighting that highlights your bump beautifully.

Comfort and Connection

The way you feel during the session matters—A LOT! A good photographer will put you at ease and help you enjoy the experience, which will definitely show in the final photos.

Packages and Pricing

Pricing can vary widely. So, while you’re doing research, be sure to ask them what’s included, so you know exactly what you’re investing in. Consider things like session time, the number of edited photos you receive, access to galleries, or extras (like prints or albums).

Recommended Charlotte Maternity Photographers

Charlotte is home to many skilled pros, especially in photography. While every family’s preference is different, here are a few qualities to look for when researching photographers:

• Natural outdoor shoots: If this is the vibe you’re going for, look for photographers who take advantage of Charlotte’s beautiful parks and gardens
• Studio sessions: If you’re a mama who wants a more polished, magazine-style experience, a photographer who does these kinds of sessions would be best
• Full-service packages: Some photographers offer maternity + newborn packages, so you can continue capturing memories as your family grows

Whichever style you choose, make sure you ask to see a full maternity gallery (not just highlights), as this will give you a sense of their consistency and range.

Our Fave Charlotte Maternity Photographers

These are some of our favorite photographers in Charlotte specializing in maternity photography + their details:

Moonlit Photography

• Photographer: Monica Daar
• Website
• Contact Monica
• Instagram

Lubov Yarygina Photography

• Photographer: Lubov Yarygina
• Website
• Contact Lubov
• Instagram 

Melissa Mayrie Photography

• Photographer: Melissa Mayrie
• Website
• Contact Melissa
• Instagram

Maryam Adiyeva Photography

• Photographer: Maryam Adiyeva
• Website
• Contact Maryam
• Instagram

Lisa Yvette Photography

• Photographer: Lisa Yvette
• Website
• Contact Lisa
• Instagram

Tips for Having a Successful Maternity Photoshoot

Even the best photographer can only do so much if you’re stressed or unprepared. These tips can help you make the most of your session:

Schedule at the Right Time

Most families book their photography sessions between 28-34 weeks. This is when your bump is beautifully rounded, but you still feel relatively comfortable.

Choose a Location That Fits You

Charlotte offers great options for photoshoot locations: gorgeous gardens, urban backdrops, or cozy indoor spaces. Location is important for your maternity shoot, so think about what feels most meaningful to you, and choose based on that. We actually have a blog that guides you on how you can choose the perfect maternity photography location.

Include Loved Ones

If you’d like, your shoot doesn’t have to only include you and your beautiful bump. Feel free to let your partner, older children, and even those precious pets be part of your session; this is honestly such a great way to celebrate the whole family’s anticipation for the coming chapter!

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Go Easy on Yourself

This is not about perfect poses, mama… This is all about capturing love, joy, and connection in a moment right before you embark on a new chapter in your (and your family’s) life. So, trust your photographer and let yourself enjoy the process.

Questions to Ask Before You Book 

Before making a decision on your Charlotte maternity photographer, consider asking:

• How much experience do you have with maternity photography?
• What’s included in your packages?
• Do you offer wardrobe guidance or styling advice?
• How flexible are you with rescheduling if something does come up?
• Can I see a full gallery from a recent maternity session you’ve done?

These questions will give you confidence in your choice, plus they’ll help avoid any surprises later down the line.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Charlotte maternity photographer isn’t about finding the “best” overall; it’s more about finding the best fit for your family. By considering style, comfort, experience, and budget, you will land on someone who can capture this season in a way that feels genuine, beautiful, and unique to you.

Your pregnancy will only happen once with this baby. So, taking the time to capture it ensures that you will have photos that tell your story and preserve these memories for years to come. 

PS: If you’re looking for some great outfits to wear for your maternity photoshoot that are both flattering and comfy, we have a blog that goes into detail about maternity clothing stores in Charlotte. You can check it out here.

PPS: You can also check out our Pinterest page for some inspo for both maternity clothing and the type of photography you might want to consider.