Loxley Colour blog

Why Maternity Photography Should Be Printed

Admin — Fri, 08 May 2026 08:45:12 GMT

Emilie Zangarelli

Maternity / Newborn Photographer and Loxley Colour Ambassador

In my work, I don’t just take maternity photos. I look after the whole experience. Because pregnancy is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s intense, emotional, and full of change. And one day, these images won’t only be “pregnancy photos” anymore. They’ll be the very first pages of a family story. That’s why I truly believe maternity photography deserves to be printed. Not because it’s a nice extra, but because it’s the right way to honour it.

Luxury isn’t the background. It’s how you’re treated

A high-end session isn’t only about styling or lighting. It’s about the little things that make a client feel comfortable: taking time, listening, guiding gently, knowing when to slow down, and make space for real emotion. During a maternity session, I want my client to feel safe and confident. I want her to forget the pressure, the self-doubt, the “I’m not photogenic” thoughts. I want her to enjoy the moment and to leave feeling proud. And for me, the job doesn’t stop once the images are delivered. Because if we’ve put that much care into the experience, it wouldn’t make sense to end it with a gallery that stays on a phone.

The final step matters

I’m a photographer, but I’m also helping families keep something that will matter later. Choosing the right print isn’t about selling an add-on. It’s part of the service. It’s making sure the images have a real place in your life, not just in your camera roll. Maternity photographs carry so much meaning. They deserve a finish that matches that.

Images deserve to live in the real world

Digital is easy. But it’s also fragile. Phones change. Files get lost. Passwords disappear. And suddenly, years of memories are harder to find than they should be. A print is different. It stays. You can hold it, frame it, keep it, or pass it on. A fine art print has presence. An album tells the whole story. A print box becomes a family treasure. And most importantly, printed images become part of everyday life: on a wall, on a shelf, in a book you open again and again.

Choosing the right format is part of the experience

When I recommend a product, I think about how the family will live with these photos. Some images are meant for a fine art print - strong, timeless, made to last. Others belong in a luxury album, because maternity is a journey, not a single frame. And sometimes a print box is the most precious option of all; beautiful, tactile, easy to revisit, like a keepsake. The print isn’t a detail. It’s the natural end of the story.

Why maternity photography deserves to be printed

Because it’s not just “another shoot.” It’s something foundational. It’s the “before.” The promise. The beginning. And if we take the time to create images that matter, then we should also give them a life that matches their meaning. A beautiful photo is an emotion. A printed photo is an heirloom.

Why I choose Loxley Colour

I choose Loxley Colour for the consistency and quality of their products, which perfectly align with the high-end experience I want to offer my clients. Their finishes truly enhance the images and transform them into timeless pieces. It’s also a real comfort to work with a lab I trust, both for reliability and for the elegance of the final result.

How to Start Getting Consistent Bookings

Admin — Fri, 08 May 2026 08:06:39 GMT

Tips from our Sales Team and Nicole Whyte, Brand Ambassador

One month you're turning clients away, the next you're refreshing your inbox hoping for something. Consistent bookings don't happen by accident, they're the result of small, intentional habits that compound over time and they have nothing to do with going viral.

You don't need to have a large following, reinvent your style or drop your prices. What you need is a system that turns strangers into bookings that works reliably and repeatedly. These four principles will get you there, plus some tried-and-tested tactics we've seen work time and again.

Show up consistently before the bookings do

Consistency in your content and presence builds trust over time. People book photographers they feel like they already know, so showing up regularly on social media, even between busy seasons, keeps you front of mind.

Post on social media as much as possible, always remembering to tag clients. This will encourage growth and get you more interest which should result in leads. Don't forget to include product images - you want to sell, not just post content!

Make sure you have a plan for the year ahead. You should be posting about and marketing themed shoots well ahead of time: Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween themed shoots, summer location shoots, Christmas themed shoots.

Let everyone know you have availability. Friends, family and past clients all need to hear when you've got space in your calendar.

That quiet, steady consistency is what separates booked photographers from those waiting for the phone to ring.

Get clear on who you're speaking to

The more specific you are about your ideal client, the easier it is to attract them. Generic marketing gets ignored; speaking directly to the right person gets bookings. And if you're just starting out or pivoting, advertise a 'model call' shoot on socials. This will allow you to gather a portfolio of images to get you started, as well as build a customer database of emails you can reach out to.

Make it easy to say yes

A clear, simple booking process makes it easier for people to book - people want to instantly be able to book these days. A clear website answering all questions, online booking available and quick response to all channels.

Beyond your website, form alliances with local businesses. Get them to recommend you and vice versa. This adds value to both sets of clients, especially if it's something like a 'voucher for a portrait shoot' or money off some wall art.

And if you want to generate quick interest, advertising a 'competition/giveaway' gets leads coming in and will maybe create a bit of interaction on social media, though it's not a long-term strategy.

Ask for and showcase reviews

Social proof is everything. After every session, follow up and ask for a review or testimonial. Display them everywhere (on your socials and your website) then people will then have trust in you, seeing that others have used and recommend your services.

Don't forget about your existing clients either. Contact past clients with a special offer, such as a discounted rate on products they didn't purchase first time round. Or even better, push a different type of shoot to them. Maybe they did a newborn shoot, get them in for a family shoot next.

The truth about consistent bookings

Getting consistent bookings isn't about luck, timing, or being in the right place at the right time. It's about being intentional with the small things you do.

You also don't need to overhaul everything overnight. Just pick one of these areas and tighten it up this week. Reach out to five past clients, plan your themed shoots for the next few months, or set up a partnership with a local business, then pick another area next week.

Consistent bookings aren't built in a single viral post or a lucky enquiry. They're built in the dozens of small, deliberate actions that make it easy for the right people to find you, trust you, and choose you. Start with one and the bookings will follow.

10 ways photographers can sell more photo albums and boost revenue

Admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:28:56 GMT

Can creativity and selling ever align?

For many professional photographers, the creative part of the job comes naturally. Capturing meaningful, timeless images is what inspires most of us to pick up a camera in the first place. But when it comes to selling products, such as albums, things can often feel less intuitive. Many photographers feel uncomfortable when talking about products after a photoshoot, which can result in clients missing out on beautiful keepsakes — and photographers missing out on valuable revenue.

The good news is that selling albums doesn’t need to feel like “pushing” or being overly 'salesy'. With the right approach, album sales can become a natural and rewarding part of your service. After all, capturing the essence of what made your client have that photoshoot in the place is the anchor to which you can help them be reminded regularly.

Here are some practical tips to help you sell more albums with confidence.

1. Change your mindset about selling

The first step is to shift how you view selling. Instead of thinking of it as persuading clients to buy something they don’t need, consider it as helping them preserve their memories in the best way possible. A high-quality album isn’t just a product – it’s an heirloom. Your clients have invested time, money and emotion into their photoshoot; showing them how an album can turn those images into a tangible story is part of the service you provide. The shoot was a moment in time, but an album, for example, can engender that feeling of empowerment, or happiness or love continually. Selling, in this sense, is about caring for their experience and ensuring they walk away with something they’ll treasure.

2. Plant the seed early

The most effective sales conversations don’t happen after the shoot – they begin long before. Mention albums on your website, in your price guides and during your initial consultations. Show sample albums in your studio, or bring them to meetings. By introducing albums early, you set the expectation that they are an integral part of the photography experience rather than an optional add-on.

You might even consider including a small album in your packages by default, with the option to upgrade in size or number of pages. This not only normalises albums but also makes upselling feel natural rather than forced.

3. Use the power of storytelling

Albums are about telling a story. Whether it’s a wedding day unfolding from morning preparations to the first dance, or a family shoot capturing playful moments and tender connections, albums provide narrative flow that single prints or digital files can’t. When showing samples, talk about the story each spread tells. Invite your clients to imagine their own photographs brought together in the same way. Use assumptive language, like, 'And this is where we can add your preparation images, capturing that balance of excitement and nerves'. By framing albums as storytelling tools rather than collections of pictures, you’ll help clients see their deeper value.

4. Showcase the quality

Clients may not fully understand the difference between a professionally crafted album and cheaper alternatives they might find online. This is why samples are so powerful. Let them touch the covers, turn the pages, and feel the weight and craftsmanship. When clients experience the tactile quality of a Loxley Colour album, they immediately understand that this is something designed to last for generations. No amount of digital images on a phone can compare to that physical, emotional connection.

5. Simplify the options

Too much choice can overwhelm clients. Instead of presenting a long list of album styles, finishes and sizes, narrow it down to a carefully curated selection that you genuinely love and recommend. A simple “good, better, best” structure works well: offer a base option, a popular mid-tier option, and a premium choice. This not only makes decision-making easier for clients but also subtly encourages them to choose the middle or top tier.

6. Use emotional triggers

Selling albums is about more than product features; it’s about the emotions attached to preserving memories. For example:

Future-proofing: Talk about how albums protect images for future generations, unlike digital files that may be lost, corrupted or forgotten on a hard drive.
Tangible experience: Highlight how turning the pages of an album feels more personal and immersive than scrolling through a screen.
Connectivity: Albums can communicate something for those that were not part of the experience, as much as for the subject of the shoot.
Legacy: Remind clients that albums often become family heirlooms passed down through the years.

By connecting albums to these emotional values, you’ll make them more meaningful in the eyes of your clients.

7. Create a smooth ordering process

Even when clients love the idea of an album, they can be put off by complicated ordering. Simplify the process by offering guided album design. For instance, you might pre-design a draft layout using their favourite images, which they can then approve or tweak. Many photographers find that showing clients a ready-to-go design dramatically increases album orders, as it helps people visualise the finished product rather than trying to imagine it themselves.

8. Frame albums as an investment

Cost can sometimes feel like a barrier, but the way you position albums makes a big difference. Instead of focusing purely on the price, emphasise the value: albums are designed to last a lifetime, hold irreplaceable memories, and serve as a tangible legacy. Encourage clients to think of albums not as expenses, but as investments in preserving their family history. What is the cost of not making this investment?

Offering flexible payment options, such as instalments, can also make albums feel more accessible without you needing to reduce your prices.

9. Share success stories

Testimonials and real-life examples are powerful selling tools. Share stories from past clients who were thrilled with their albums – perhaps how a couple proudly displayed theirs at an anniversary party, or how a family’s children loved flipping through the pages as they grew older. These stories reinforce the idea that albums are not just products, but meaningful experiences. They don’t need to be complicated and anecdotes can easily form part of the conversation.

10. Build confidence through practice

Finally, remember that confidence grows with experience. The more you practice talking about albums, the more natural it will feel. Role-play sales conversations with a colleague, rehearse how you introduce your album options, and refine your pitch until it feels authentic and easy. Over time, you’ll find that clients respond positively, and what once felt daunting becomes second nature.

In summary…

Selling albums doesn’t need to be uncomfortable. By shifting your mindset, introducing albums early, and making the process simple and emotionally engaging, you can help clients appreciate the true value of having their memories beautifully preserved. Not only will this strengthen your business, but it will also elevate the service you provide – ensuring your photography lives on in the hands and hearts of your clients for years to come.

Ready to discover more of our albums? See our collection.

Future of printing

Admin — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Sample Blog Post

This is a bold statement, and this is underlined text. You can also use italic text for emphasis.

Lists

Here is an unordered list:

First item
Second item
Third item

And here is an ordered list:

Step one
Step two
Step three

Image

Table

Name	Role	Age
Alice	Writer	28
Bob	Editor	34

Quote

"This is a sample blockquote often used in blog posts to highlight important ideas."

Code Example


function greet(name) {
  return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}

Link

Visit this website for more info.

Repeat clients

Admin — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Retention tips.

Print finishes

Admin — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Matte vs gloss.

Photo gifts

Admin — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Gift ideas.

Seasonal campaigns

Admin — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Plan campaigns.

Client experience

Admin — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Improve client journeys.

Branding prints

Admin — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Build your brand.