Maternity Photography Charges in Kolkata: What’s Worth Paying For? (2025 Guide)

Maternity
May 25, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jun 4

Introduction: The True Value of Maternity Photography

In a world dominated by selfies and smartphone cameras, why do people still invest in professional maternity photography? Because these aren’t just photos—they’re carefully crafted memories of your once-in-a-lifetime journey into motherhood.

If you’re searching for maternity photography charges in Kolkata, you’re likely overwhelmed by wildly varying prices. From INR 4,000 to over INR 50,000, what exactly are you paying for? What’s genuinely worth your investment? And how do you ensure you get value without breaking your budget?

This guide answers all that and more—with rich insights tailored for Kolkata-based moms-to-be in 2025.

"Photographs of pregnancy are not just keepsakes. They are empowering visual stories of strength, transformation, and anticipation." — Rituparna Das, Lifestyle Maternity Photographer, Ballygunge

Maternity Photography Charges in Kolkata: 2025 Snapshot

Price Tier	Range (INR)	What's Typically Included
Entry-Level	4,000 - 7,000	1 outfit, 30-minute session, 3-5 edited photos
Mid-Range	8,000 - 15,000	2 outfits, 1-hour shoot, location option, 10-15 edits
Premium	16,000 - 30,000	Concept shoot, stylist, MUA, 20+ edits, photo album
Luxury	35,000 - 60,000+	Designer gowns, full glam team, multi-location shoot, cinematic video

What's Worth Paying For in a Maternity Shoot?

Let’s unpack the cost drivers in a maternity photoshoot and evaluate what’s truly worth investing in:

1. Professional Photography Gear & Setup

Worth It? YES
Why: High-resolution DSLRs, specialized portrait lenses, lighting, and post-processing equipment produce images you can print, frame, and cherish forever.

2. Photographer's Experience & Artistic Vision

Worth It? ABSOLUTELY
Why: A skilled photographer understands maternity posing, lighting techniques for different skin tones, and how to capture your best angles while keeping you comfortable.

"You don’t just pay for the shoot. You pay for years of creative experience and technical precision," says Indrajit Ghosh, a maternity specialist in New Town.

3. Location Scouting (Indoor Studio vs Outdoor Shoots)

Worth It? Depending on Your Style
Indoor: Controlled environment with props, lighting, privacy (ideal during hot months)
Outdoor: Beautiful natural backdrops like Eco Park, Princep Ghat, or botanical gardens

Tip: Outdoor shoots may save on studio costs, but indoor shoots offer more creative control.

4. Maternity Gowns & Styling

Worth It? YES, if fashion and elegance matter to you
Custom maternity gowns and flowy fabrics can elevate your look significantly. Premium photographers often include outfit styling or designer rentals.

5. Makeup Artist & Hair Styling

Worth It? Optional but Enhancing
A light, natural pregnancy glow with the help of a professional MUA is a bonus.

Cost: INR 2,000 – 5,000 for full MUAH (Makeup + Hair)

What Influences Maternity Shoot Prices in Kolkata?

Photographer Expertise

Newbies: INR 4,000 - 7,000
Intermediate: INR 8,000 - 15,000
Top-tier Professionals: INR 20,000+

Session Duration

30 mins = budget mini shoot
60+ mins = standard
2-3 hours = premium with outfit changes & prop usage

Outfit Options

Own wardrobe = low cost
Custom gowns by photographer = added cost (INR 1,500 to 6,000 per gown)

Edited Photo Count

Basic: 3-5
Mid-tier: 10-15
Premium: 20-30+ high-end edits

Location Fees

Eco Park, Botanical Garden, Princep Ghat may charge minimal permit or entry fees

Checklist: What to Ask Before You Book a Maternity Photographer

What’s included in the package price?
How many edited images do I receive?
Are outfit rentals or makeup included?
Can I bring my partner or other children?
How long is the shoot and how many outfit changes are allowed?
Do you offer printed albums or only digital images?
How long until I receive the final gallery?

"Always sign a service contract and clarify deliverables upfront. Transparency protects both sides," advises Sayantani Roy, a legal advisor for creative professionals in Kolkata.

Ideal Time to Book (And Save!)

Trimester 2 is the best time to book. Shooting happens around weeks 28 to 34.
Off-Season Discounts: Book during summer months (April-June) for better rates as demand drops.

Featured Kolkata Studios (2025)

Studio Name	Area	Base Price (INR)	Specialties
Bump & Beyond Kolkata	Salt Lake	9,500	Studio-based fine art maternity shoots
Grace & Glow Portraits	Behala	13,000	Outdoor + Indoor combo packages
Belly to Baby Moments	Ballygunge	6,500	Budget shoots with optional upgrades
Studio Nine Months	New Town	22,000	Cinematic video + photo storytelling combos

Real Mom Reviews (2025)

"I didn’t go for the cheapest option, and I’m so glad. The comfort and creativity of the shoot made me feel like a goddess." — Shruti Mitra, Kasba

"We chose an outdoor shoot at Eco Park. Spent around 10K and received amazing edits. Totally worth it for the memories!" — Puja Ghosh, Dum Dum

"Our photographer gave us a combo deal for maternity + newborn. Saved 20%. Highly recommend bundling!" — Nandita Sen, Howrah

Cost vs Value: What Makes the Difference?

Feature	Budget Tier	Premium Tier
Posing Direction	Minimal	Extensive, comfort-first
Lighting	Natural/daylight only	Studio-grade LED lighting
Props	Simple or none	Designer props and concept-based setup
Retouching	Basic correction	Fine art-style skin smoothing, color grading
Delivery	Google Drive or pen drive	Online gallery + printed album