Maternity Photography Pricing in Hampton Roads, Virginia
Transparent Fine-Art Photography Investment
Understanding Your Maternity Photography Investment
Choosing a maternity photographer in Hampton Roads is an investment in preserving one of life's most transformative moments. At Motiontography, we specialize in fine-art maternity photography with transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and no hidden fees.
This pricing guide explains what professional maternity photography costs in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and throughout Hampton Roads, what's included in each package, and why investing in quality maternity portraits matters.
Maternity Signature Package
Maternity Signature - Studio
Elegant studio session with professional gowns and controlled lighting
- 3-hour studio session in Suffolk, VA
- 15 professionally edited images
- 11 Advanced Editing (magazine-quality retouching)
- 4 Creative Composite images
- High-resolution digital files
- Full printing rights
- Online gallery for sharing & downloads
- Access to maternity gown collection
- Partner & children included (no extra charge)
- Optional 30-min milk bath setup
- Pre-session wardrobe consultation
- Includes unedited proofs (optional)
Maternity Signature - On-Location
Stunning natural backdrops at Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, or your favorite Hampton Roads location
- 3-hour on-location session
- 15 professionally edited images
- 11 Advanced Editing (high-end retouching)
- 4 Creative Composite images
- High-resolution digital files
- Full printing rights
- Online gallery for sharing & downloads
- Access to maternity gowns (we bring selections)
- Partner & children included (no extra charge)
- Golden hour/sunset scheduling
- Location scouting & recommendations
- Weather contingency planning
- Travel included within Hampton Roads 7 cities
- Pre-session location & wardrobe consultation
- Includes unedited proofs (optional)
Additional Images
Want more than 15 images from your session? Purchase additional edits:
- $30 per image - Advanced editing (high-end retouching)
- $60 per image - Creative composite (artistic backgrounds & effects)
What's Included in Your Maternity Session
The 3-Hour Session Experience
Unlike typical 60-90 minute maternity sessions, Motiontography's 3-hour time block ensures:
- No rushing: Plenty of time to relax, change outfits, and try different poses
- Multiple looks: Several wardrobe changes and styling variations
- Family inclusion: Time for solo portraits, couples shots, and images with children
- Creative exploration: Time to set up composite shots and experiment with artistic concepts
- Comfortable pacing: Built-in breaks for pregnancy comfort and bathroom needs
15 Fine-Art Images: What You're Getting
Every Maternity Signature package includes 15 carefully edited, high-resolution images:
11 Advanced Editing Images
These images receive magazine-quality retouching including:
- Color correction and exposure balancing
- Professional skin smoothing and texture work
- Teeth whitening and eye brightening
- Optional body contouring for flattering results
- Stretch mark reduction (upon request)
- Complex object removal (exit signs, distractions, etc.)
- High-end refinement for timeless, polished portraits
4 Creative Composite Images
Motiontography's signature composite artistry transforms your portraits into unique fine-art pieces:
- Dramatic background replacements (clouds, deserts, fantasy landscapes)
- Digital elements and artistic effects
- Custom lighting and color grading
- Painterly blending for ethereal, dreamlike quality
- One-of-a-kind images you won't find anywhere else
Maternity Gown Collection (Optional)
You're welcome to use gowns from our collection if desired - no rental fees. We're continually adding to our wardrobe, so options vary.
Partner & Children Included
Many Hampton Roads photographers charge $50-100 extra to include partners or children. At Motiontography, family inclusion is always complimentary:
- Partner portraits alongside solo maternity shots
- Siblings connecting with mom's belly
- Full family moments celebrating your growing family
- No limits on how many children or family combinations
Pre-Session Consultation
Before your session, we'll discuss:
- Wardrobe planning and gown selection
- Location recommendations (for outdoor sessions)
- Creative vision and composite concepts
- Timing considerations (golden hour for outdoor, milk bath for studio)
- Comfort needs and any pregnancy considerations
Why Fine-Art Maternity Photography Is Worth the Investment
Specialized Maternity Expertise
Professional maternity photography requires specialized knowledge:
- Pregnancy-safe posing: Understanding physical limitations and creating flattering, comfortable poses
- Belly-flattering angles: Knowing which positions showcase your beautiful curves
- Lighting mastery: Creating soft, glowing skin tones and dramatic shadows
- Wardrobe expertise: Knowing which fabrics, colors, and styles photograph beautifully on pregnant bodies
- Timing knowledge: Understanding the ideal pregnancy weeks and times of day for sessions
Professional Equipment & Artistry
Your session price includes access to:
- Medium format Hasselblad X2D camera system with premium lenses
- Studio lighting systems and modifiers
- Maternity gown collection
- Professional editing software and high-end workstations
- Props, fabrics, backdrops, and styling accessories
Time Investment Beyond Your Session
What you're paying for extends far beyond the 3-hour session:
- Pre-session consultation: 30-60 minutes planning (included)
- Location scouting: For outdoor sessions, advance site visits to find perfect spots (1-2 hours)
- Session preparation: Equipment prep, gown selection, timeline planning (2-3 hours)
- The 3-hour session itself
- Image culling: Reviewing 150-250 images to select best shots (2-3 hours)
- Advanced editing: 30-45 minutes per image for high-end retouching (8-12 hours for 11 images)
- Composite creation: 1-2 hours per composite image (4-8 hours for 4 composites)
- Gallery creation: Uploading, organizing, delivering (1-2 hours)
Total time investment: 25-35+ hours of professional work per maternity session
Comparing Hampton Roads Maternity Photography Prices
Budget Options ($200-$400)
- Often newer photographers building portfolios
- Limited maternity-specific experience
- Typically 5-15 lightly edited images
- Basic color correction only
- Consumer-grade equipment
- Best for: Very tight budgets, casual lifestyle shots
Mid-Range Options ($400-$700)
- Established photographers with some maternity experience
- 10-25 edited images
- Standard editing (color correction, light retouching)
- Professional equipment
- Some wardrobe assistance
- Best for: Natural, documentary-style maternity portraits
Fine-Art/Premium Options ($750-$1,500+) — Motiontography is here
- Specialized fine-art maternity photographers
- 10-20 professionally edited images with advanced retouching
- Signature artistic style and creative composites
- Extensive gown collections and styling expertise
- Premium editing quality and artistic vision
- Best for: Clients wanting artistic, gallery-worthy maternity portraits
Why Motiontography offers exceptional value: At $750-$900, you receive fine-art quality (11 advanced edits + 4 composites), extensive gown access, 3-hour sessions, family inclusion, and specialized maternity expertise. You're getting premium artistic photography at mid-to-upper tier pricing.
Choosing Studio vs. On-Location Sessions
Studio Sessions ($750)
Ideal For:
- Timeless, classic aesthetic: Controlled lighting and elegant backdrops
- Climate control: Perfect for November-March when Hampton Roads weather is unpredictable
- Privacy: Form-fitting gowns or nude silhouette portraits in private setting
- Wardrobe variety: Full access to entire gown collection without transporting garments
- Milk bath option: Add ethereal milk bath portraits (30-minute setup included)
- Consistent results: No weather concerns, perfect lighting every session
On-Location Sessions ($900)
Ideal For:
- Natural, organic aesthetic: Virginia Beach sunsets, ocean waves, sandy beaches
- Dramatic backdrops: Sandbridge dunes, First Landing State Park forests, oceanfront piers
- Golden hour magic: Stunning sunset light creates warm, glowing portraits
- Spring/summer sessions: May-October offers beautiful Hampton Roads weather
- Flowing fabrics in wind: Beach breezes create movement with gowns
- Variety of settings: Multiple backgrounds within one location
- Lifestyle feel: Walking on beach, playing in water, candid family moments
Why is there a price difference for On-Location sessions?
The $150 on-location fee ensures we can bring the full Motiontography studio experience to the great outdoors. Unlike a controlled studio environment, creating cinematic portraits on location requires extensive logistical preparation:
- Mobile Studio Setup: We transport and set up professional off-camera lighting, stands, and equipment on-site to ensure dramatic, high-quality results regardless of natural light conditions.
- Travel & Scouting: Covers round-trip travel to locations like Sandbridge or Virginia Beach, plus advance scouting to identify the perfect backdrops.
- Logistics: We handle Golden Hour timing coordination, weather contingency planning.
Simple Payment Options
We keep payment simple and flexible.
How It Works
- Pay a $100 retainer to reserve your session date
- Pay the remaining balance in installments at your own pace
- Final payment must be completed before or on your session day
- We accept card, cash, Zelle, Cash App, Apple Pay, and other digital payment methods
That's it. No complicated payment schedules or rigid deadlines. Make payments on YOUR schedule leading up to your session - weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or however works for you. The only requirement is that your balance is paid in full before or on your session date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pricing
How much does maternity photography cost in Hampton Roads?
The Maternity Signature package at Motiontography is $750 for studio sessions or $900 for on-location beach/outdoor sessions in Hampton Roads. Each package includes a 3-hour session, access to maternity gowns, partner and children included, and 15 professionally edited images (11 advanced edits + 4 creative composite images).
What's included in the maternity photography price?
The Maternity Signature package includes: 3-hour photography session, professional photographer with 10+ years maternity experience, access to maternity gown collection, partner and children included at no extra charge, 15 total images (11 with advanced editing + 4 creative composite images), optional 30-minute milk bath setup (studio sessions), golden hour scheduling (outdoor sessions), location scouting, pre-session consultation, private online gallery, and full high-resolution digital downloads.
Do you offer payment plans for maternity photography?
Yes. Pay a $100 retainer to reserve your date, then make payments in installments at your own pace. The balance must be paid in full before or on your session day. We accept card, cash, Zelle, Cash App, Apple Pay, and other digital payment methods.
How many images do I receive with maternity photography?
The Maternity Signature package includes 15 professionally edited images: 11 images with advanced editing (high-end retouching, skin smoothing, body contouring) and 4 creative composite images (fantasy backgrounds, artistic effects). Additional images can be purchased: $30 each for advanced edits or $60 each for composite images.
What's the difference between studio and on-location maternity sessions?
Studio sessions ($750) take place in our Suffolk climate-controlled studio with extensive gown collection access and optional milk bath setup. On-location sessions ($900) are shot at Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach, First Landing State Park, or your chosen Hampton Roads location with golden hour sunset timing and natural backdrops. Both include the same 3-hour session time, 15 images, and partner/children at no extra charge.
Can I bring my partner and children to the maternity session?
Absolutely! Partner and siblings are included in the Maternity Signature package at no additional charge. The 3-hour session provides plenty of time for solo maternity portraits, couples photos, and family moments with children.
Do you provide maternity gowns?
You're welcome to use gowns from our collection if you'd like - no rental fees. We're continually adding to our wardrobe.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept card, cash, Zelle, Cash App, Apple Pay, and other digital payment methods.
Are there any hidden fees?
No hidden fees. The package price ($750 or $900) is exactly what you pay. There are no extra charges for partner/children inclusion, gown usage, the number of images included, or delivery. Optional add-ons are clearly priced: additional images ($30-60 each), rush turnaround ($75), and premium print products if you choose to purchase them.
Can I purchase more than 15 images?
Yes! Purchase additional images from your session for $30 each (advanced editing) or $60 each (creative composite). There's no limit on how many additional images you can order from your private proofing gallery.
What if I need to reschedule?
We understand pregnancy can be unpredictable. If you need to reschedule for medical reasons, weather, or other circumstances, contact us at least 48 hours before your session. Your retainer transfers to your new date one time at no charge. Rescheduling requests within 48 hours of the session will forfeit the retainer.
How long until I receive my maternity photos?
Unedited proofs are typically delivered within 24 hours after your session. You'll select your favorite images, then final edited photos (11 advanced edits + 4 composites) are delivered within 5-10 days. Rush turnaround ($75) delivers finals within 48 hours of your selections if needed for specific occasions.
Do you offer simpler maternity packages without the high-end editing?
If you'd like maternity photos but don't need the advanced editing and creative composites included in the Maternity Signature package, we offer other photography packages that may better suit your needs. These options still provide beautiful maternity portraits with professional-quality results at a lower price point. Contact us to discuss which package might be the best fit for your vision and budget.
Do I get printing rights to my images?
Yes! All images included in your package come with full personal printing rights. Print wherever you choose - online print services, local labs, canvas prints, albums, holiday cards, birth announcements, and more. For your convenience, professional print products are also available to order directly through a trusted third-party vendor (no obligation). You can also share on social media (we appreciate tagging @motiontography!).
Why Hampton Roads Families Choose Motiontography
Fine-Art Specialization
While many Hampton Roads photographers offer maternity as one of many services, Motiontography specializes in fine-art maternity portraiture:
- Over 10 years focused on maternity photography
- Signature artistic style blending classic elegance with creative composites
- Extensive knowledge of pregnancy-safe posing and flattering angles
- Investment in maternity-specific equipment, gowns, and props
- Understanding of Hampton Roads best locations and lighting
Generous Session Time
Most Hampton Roads maternity photographers offer 60-90 minute sessions. Motiontography's 3-hour sessions provide:
- 2-3x more time than competitors
- No rushing between poses or outfit changes
- Time for both standard portraits AND creative composite setups
- Comfortable pacing for pregnancy needs
- Opportunity to capture variety and family combinations
Composite Artistry Included
Unlike most maternity photographers who only offer traditional portraits, Motiontography includes 4 creative composite images in every package:
- Unique artistic images you won't find anywhere else
- Fantasy backgrounds, ethereal effects, dramatic transformations
- Gallery-worthy art pieces suitable for large wall prints
- Composite work typically costs $100-200 per image elsewhere - included here
Client-Friendly Payment Flexibility
Most photographers require 50% deposit and final payment 1-2 weeks before session. Motiontography's approach:
- Small $100-150 retainer (not 50% upfront)
- Pay on YOUR schedule, not ours
- Multiple payment method options (Zelle, Cash App, Apple Pay, Square, cash)
- Payment due before/on session day (not weeks before)
- No credit checks, interest, or fees
What Past Clients Say
"The composite images were STUNNING - unlike anything I've seen from other Hampton Roads photographers. Worth every penny for truly unique art." — Sarah M., Virginia Beach
"Three hours gave us so much variety and time to relax. Other photographers I looked at only offered 90 minutes. We felt rushed at the studio when we did our newborn photos elsewhere, but Motiontography's longer sessions are amazing." — Jennifer L., Chesapeake
"Being able to pay over 8 weeks with no interest or rigid deadlines made fine-art photography affordable. Roger was so flexible with our payment schedule." — Amanda T., Norfolk
Ready to Book Your Hampton Roads Maternity Session?
Don't wait - popular dates and golden hour beach times book quickly, especially spring and fall. Secure your session today with a small $100-150 retainer, then enjoy flexible payment options as you prepare for baby's arrival.
Questions about pricing or payment? Call/text 757-759-8454