Search for photographers in Pretoria and you will find hundreds of names, from weekend hobbyists to full-time studios. Many have lovely portfolios. What is harder to see from a gallery is how the session will actually run, what is included in the price, and whether the photographer specialises in the kind of photos you want.
This guide breaks down the main types of photography sessions families and businesses book in Pretoria, what to look for in each, and the practical questions that will help you compare quotes. We are a Gauteng photography company serving mainly Pretoria and Johannesburg, so we will also explain how we do things at Bau Photography.
Start with the type of session you need
Most photographers have a speciality. A brilliant wedding photographer is not automatically the right person for a newborn session, and someone who mostly shoots events may not enjoy directing a toddler. Decide what you are booking first, then look for photographers who show plenty of that work.
Maternity photography
Look for a photographer who guides your poses, helps with outfits and knows flattering light. At Bau Photography, maternity sessions include professional hair and make-up, maternity dress hire and venue hire. We usually schedule maternity sessions between 28 and 34 weeks, but every mom is different.
Newborn photography
With newborns, safety and patience matter more than anything. Ask whether the photographer has newborn safety training and how long the session runs. Our newborn sessions take place in your home, with a fully equipped mobile studio, and can last up to four to five hours to allow for feeds, nappy changes and breaks. The best time is usually when baby is between 5 days and 5 weeks old. See our newborn photography packages.
Family photography
A good family photographer keeps things relaxed, works quickly with small children and helps you plan colours and outfits. Bau family sessions take place at a venue or in your home, and pets are welcome. Our family photography packages start from R3 500 and include the photographer’s travel, luxury venue hire and all design, printing and delivery fees.
Baby milestones
If you would like to document baby’s first year, a milestone plan saves you from finding a new photographer every few months. Our Watch Me Grow Baby Plan covers four sessions (maternity, newborn, sitter at six to nine months and first birthday) and comes with a custom-designed luxury album.
Couples, engagements and micro-weddings
For couples, look for natural, relaxed images in the portfolio, not only posed shots. We focus on intimate weddings, elopements and engagement sessions across Pretoria, Centurion and Johannesburg. Our wedding packages range from R3 500 to R40 000, depending on what is included.
Headshots and corporate events
For business photos, consistency and convenience matter: every person on the team should look like part of the same set. We bring a mobile studio to your office or event venue in Pretoria and Johannesburg. See our headshots and corporate packages.
Look beyond the portfolio
A portfolio shows the best images from many sessions. To judge a photographer properly, ask to see one complete gallery from a session like yours. It shows whether the photographer delivers consistent quality from start to finish, and how many images you can expect.
Then think about the experience. Read reviews for comments on how the session felt: were people relaxed, were children handled patiently, was the photographer easy to communicate with? Our clients often mention exactly this. One family wrote that our photographer came to their house so the fur babies could be included, and that the shoot was fast and efficient.
Finally, check training and process. For newborn sessions in particular, specialist safety training is essential, and our team is certified in newborn safety. A relaxed, unrushed session also matters: we build patience and time into every booking, so you are never rushed.
What “all-inclusive” should mean
Two quotes that look similar can include very different things. When you compare photographers in Pretoria, check whether the price covers:
- Travel to your home or the venue.
- Venue hire, if the session is not at home or in a public space.
- Hair and make-up, especially for maternity sessions.
- Outfits and props, such as maternity dresses or baby props.
- Editing, and how many edited images you receive.
- Prints, albums or wall art, and whether design, printing and delivery cost extra.
Also look at session time. Most photographers charge per hour, whereas we mostly charge per session, which can be two to three hours, or sometimes more, depending on the session. We do not rush.
At Bau Photography our packages are all-inclusive: we take care of the venue, hair and make-up, styling and props, so you can simply arrive and enjoy the session. Flexible payment plans are also available.
Studio, home or outdoor venue?
Many photographers in Pretoria work from a fixed studio. Others, like us, are location-based and come to you. A home session suits newborns and families with small children, because everyone is relaxed in their own space. An outdoor venue suits maternity, family and couples sessions, especially in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon. If you are not sure where to shoot, our guide to photoshoot locations in Pretoria covers our favourite spots, and we keep a list of suggested venues in and around Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Questions to ask before you book
- How many sessions like mine have you photographed, and can I see a full gallery, not just highlights?
- How long does the session last, and will we feel rushed?
- What exactly is included in the price, and what costs extra?
- How and when will we receive our photos?
- Do you help with outfits, colours and locations?
- For newborns: what safety training do you have?
With us, once your account is settled, your digital images are released on an online gallery and mobile app, so you can download and share them easily. If your package includes an album or wall art, we send you the design to approve before it is printed and delivered.
Pretoria and beyond
Bau Photography works across Gauteng, mainly in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Because we are location-based, we come to your home, your office or a venue that suits your session, and our team of photographers, stylists and editors handles the details.
Frequently asked questions
How much do photographers in Pretoria charge?
Prices vary widely depending on the photographer’s experience and what is included. At Bau Photography, family and newborn packages start from R3 500 and include the photographer’s travel, and wedding packages range from R3 500 to R40 000.
Do you have a studio in Pretoria?
We are location-based, which means we come to you. We photograph at your home, at your office or at a choice of venues in and around Pretoria and Johannesburg, and we bring a fully equipped mobile studio when needed.
When should I book a maternity or newborn session?
Maternity sessions usually take place between 28 and 34 weeks. For newborns, the best time is usually when baby is between 5 days and 5 weeks old, so it is best to book during pregnancy.
Is hair and make-up included?
We offer all-inclusive sessions for all our sessions, and it is your choice whether to include hair and make-up. Usually hair and make-up is included in all our Baby Plan sessions, and on request for other sessions. We recommend including it, because it just makes your life easier.
How do we receive our photos?
Once your account is settled, your digital images are released on an online gallery and mobile app. Any albums or wall art are designed, approved by you, printed and delivered.
Book your session with Bau Photography
Looking for a photographer in Pretoria who takes care of every detail? Contact us or call (+27) 84 333 0822, tell us what you would like to capture, and we will help you choose the right package.
