Pregnant Belly

[D Boone]

Trying to take a photo of my wife's pregnant belly for use at a baby shower! After a couple days, and a bunch of different poses, this has been the best one. Any suggestions, ideas, or comments welcome.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/196/196466/folders/184740/1387434NudeBelly.jpg

[shniks]

Your wife looks beautiful, and the photo looks good too - nice lighting.
But in my opinion it's maybe a little bit too raunchy for a baby shower photo, how does your wife feel about it? But if she is happy to use it, then go ahead.

[tpinchback]

great job!

[Jyoti]

Awww, that's simply a very beautiful photo. I'm sure you're going to treasure it in the future.

[cricket]

Ithink the lighting and the way you made her look so natural is lovely!

I think the way she is holding her breasts is too uncomfortable looking. I do like the wedding ring in the shot.

Maybe try one with her hand on her belly and crop to the lower part of her breasts?

I do like it though! Great job!

[Esquire]

I like the idea, but I would try some different angles. Maybe lift the left leg up a bit for more discreet presentation of pubic area and maybe forearm over both breasts. You are capturing a beautiful experience, and if your wife is as willing as this photo demonstrates then count yourself lucky. My wife is 6 months pregnant and I have been trying to capture month-by-month photos. I might as well have been pulling teeth . . . My wife is smart, though, and she probably figured out that her (beautiful) belly would end up on this forum. Congratulations and I hope you have a helathy, beautiful baby.

[ShowMrocK]

ya that is amazing....I like how the wedding ring is visible...gj

[shiningstardv]

I agree with what some said about the overall feel of the photo. It just seems almost a little too erotic (not sure that is the right word...but you get the idea) for something like a baby shower. I REALLY like the wedding ring though, and my attention was drawn to it's sparkle. Also like the B&W and lighting. Like others said, maybe try some different angles/positions to see what other effects you can achieve. Keep up the wonderful work!

[D Boone]

Honestly, I guess I am the prude... She likes it and doesn't think its too erotic... maybe its just the male perspective? She was the one who wanted me to post it and see if anybody had any ideas to making it better... Thanks for all the great comments and encouragement.

[sheye]

It's a beautiful photo and I truly believe every woman should capture this amazing time in their lives - I had gorgeous portraits taken of my belly with all three of my pregnancies...The only thing is I personally find it distracting to see so much area below the belly - I would prefer to see it cropped just above the pubic line. Although it's obviously an intimate image, I feel this is just a bit too much. Of course it's really up to how you both feel and if you're comfortable with it then there's no problem! Congratulations on your little miracle.
Sheye

[shniks]

Honestly, I guess I am the prude... She likes it and doesn't think its too erotic... maybe its just the male perspective? She was the one who wanted me to post it and see if anybody had any ideas to making it better... Thanks for all the great comments and encouragement.I am female and pregnant at the moment myself, so I guess I am a prude too! I am way too embarrased to show off my belly, wish mine was as beautiful as your wife's though.

[charlesu]

You know, this is one of those subjects that polarizes people. I think it's perfectly decent, especially as presented here.

Suggestions? Softening the light. Right now, the light is blown out a bit so it is distracting. Other thoughts? Possibly some softening, blurring or diffusion. I like the b&w. How about a warm tone duotone or tritone?

[D Boone]

Charles, Thanks, I was hoping you would post. I have seen your pics and respect your opinion. It is very polarizing... Seems like the people we have shown it too either love it or hate it, there hasn't been much in between. How would I soften the light without studio lights to counter the light coming in the window? I understand the back light is kind of harsh, which was sort of what I was going for, but I wish I had better lighting this side of the window to soften/counteract the light from the window. I will play around in photoshop and try and get some of the effects you suggest. Thanks for all the comments...