First time doing maternity pictures, need some help

[Joergeske]

A client saw a senior shoot that I did and basically decided she wanted me to do some maternity pictures for her. I have not completely agreed yet, but more than likely I will do them. First off I have never done maternity pictures, nor do I have a studio so I am a bit lost here.

I would love to keep the pictures as classic and timeless as possible. In my head im thinking doing some of the more traditional pictures where both the husband and wife are cradling her stomach, and some of just her. However, how do you go about the delicate issues of clothing choices and stuff like that? for example stomach exposed. A lot of the better maternity pictures I see have the woman wearing something like a sports bra.

My other concern is location, with seniors and engagement pictures doing an on location shoot seems to work just fine, but where would you suggest shooting a maternity set?

[Sara729]

do either an in person or over the phone consultation, and find out their wants and needs... a good way to get into the clothing situation without being like "HA, WANNA GET NAKED!?" would be to say something like "some people like to show bare belly in a few photos, so if this is something you're interested in, I would suggest bringing a button down shirt that we can open up on the bottom or something that is easily removed or rolled up" ...that way, if they're really modest they can just undo some buttons, but say, if they're not modest AT ALL and want to do something completely nude on top, they take that as an invitation to do so, without you coming out and saying it.


also, just pose as you would pose a couple, but put more focus on her tummy, instead of trying to mask it. still do sweet looking at each other, kissy/lovey dovey pics, but a few to include (keep in mind these are just suggestions)-

-hands making a heart on the belly, just a close up of hands, as well as looking down at belly together

-have dad rest his cheek on belly, and either have him look down or close his eyes... introspective, basically. also have him kiss her tummy ...he may oppose at first, but unless he seems REALLY uncomfortable with it, push him to do it

-with Mom's permission and depending on gender, either get tempra or acrylic paint, in pink or blue, and make 'footprints' on mom's belly... make a fist and dip the pinky side side of your hand down in, and while keeping them clutched, press them to mom's belly, around her belly button... then take a pinky and dip it in to the paint to make 5 toe prints for each foot... again, if they seem shy, you may ask Dad if he would rather...this looks adorable with spot coloring, or even in full color...do this last though, so she can clean up afterwards

-ask them to bring the baby's taking home outfit if they have it, and get a picture of them with the outfit draped over Mommy's belly

-if the baby in question has siblings, get them involved for one or two... if they're young compare bellys with mom, kiss the tummy, etc and if they're older (i'd say, younger than teens), a picture with Mom and everyone looking at the tummy is cute




I'll try to think of some more, feel free to IM me, or to leave me any questions or comments here!




**as far as location, if you don't have access to a portrait studio, I'd find somewhere green/pretty- a botanical park, somewhere with a lot of shrubbery, etc ...if the pictures are done correctly, the scenery isn't going to be a major focus to the eye, anyway.

[HMetal]

A client saw a senior shoot that I did and basically decided she wanted me to do some maternity pictures for her. I have not completely agreed yet, but more than likely I will do them. First off I have never done maternity pictures, nor do I have a studio so I am a bit lost here.

I would love to keep the pictures as classic and timeless as possible. In my head im thinking doing some of the more traditional pictures where both the husband and wife are cradling her stomach, and some of just her. However, how do you go about the delicate issues of clothing choices and stuff like that? for example stomach exposed. A lot of the better maternity pictures I see have the woman wearing something like a sports bra.

My other concern is location, with seniors and engagement pictures doing an on location shoot seems to work just fine, but where would you suggest shooting a maternity set?

I shot a set in the home of my niece and her husband. We used a single Alien Bees B800 for that one. She wore only a bikini. We also did a couple of topless shots. The first one is one of the shots from that session..

The second shot is from another session we did with another young lady, using only window light.

As for clothing, I left it up to the ladies as to what they wanted to wear and only made one suggestion. In the second, her undergarments were initially distracting. I took the shot and showed her by chimping the shot in the LCD screen. showed her the distraction and said that the lines were from her undergarments and would be much more evident in prints. It was then she suggested, "would it be better without my underwear?" To which I affirmed "Yes, I'm you will like it better without, especially in prints." She then got a bath robe, removed her panties and prepped for the shot, only removing her robe when I was ready to take the shot(s). As you can see by the second shot, the silhouetting of her curves would have been less pleasing if the undergarments were present.

Just be a gentleman and don't oogle her too much. Too much oogling may lead to discomfort that may show in her expression if her face is in the shot(s). Talk to her, make her feel comfortable. Ask about what she likes to do in her leisure time, a favorite book, etc. Simply engaging them in conversation will help them relax and be comfortable with both semi-nude and suggested nudes.

http://luminescentmemories.com/showphoto.php?pid=43 (http://luminescentmemories.com/portfolio/index.php?tag=Maternity&pid=43)
Photo copyright http://luminescentmemories.com . All rights reserved

http://luminescentmemories.com/showphoto.php?pid=20 (http://luminescentmemories.com/portfolio/index.php?tag=Maternity&pid=20)
Photo copyright http://luminescentmemories.com . All rights reserved

[Chrazer]

The second shot above articulates well what I see as a successful pregnancy shot. Misty dreamlike with indirect lighting. My theory is that during pregnancy women are so full of hormones that make them feel good that the memory takes on a very dreamlike quality. The actual details of being pregnant are uncomfortable and dangerous. Rather than lurid shots that graphically detail the belly the dreamlike shots will in the long run become the cherished memories.

Alan

[synapxe]

I took my sister in-laws baby bump photos recently. Took them almost like I would an engagment set with more focus on the bump of course. Took these in their backyard, didn't have to go far for a nice green spot.

[synapxe]

Two more pictures...