Gothic Maternity ideas - please help

[Jared Byer]

Next weekend I am do a maternity shoot with my belly dancer friend here. She is 24 weeks pregnant. Her fiance will probably be with her.

The shoot will be outdoors since neither one of us has access to a studio that weekend. Most likely we will be shooting in a nice old graveyard.

I am lost for ideas other than that. I don't think she is the type for the draped in white cloth images. So any ideas about wardrobe or props would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.jaredrbyer.com/dailyphoto/images/20080623105142_20080623.jpg

Hopefully the shoot will be half maternity portrait and half maternity glamor.

[Mark_Cohran]

So, if you're shooting in a graveyard, drape her in tattered black cloth, black fishnet, and black boots. Even better, sit down with her and have a discussion with her of what she would like the final images to be.

[XSImages]

I have an idea that came to mind that you might consider trying. Of course, there are two things to consider first. One, is that Mark is certainly right when he suggested talking to her about what she wants the end results to be. Second would be that I am probably a bit twisted, so the idea is too.

To start with, a black t-shirt would be needed. It needs to be one that will not be needed after the shoot is finished. It also needds to be a bit small for her current size. Rest of the wardrobe can be anything that will match up well that is handy. Now for the fun part. If you can, find a large, spooky type of monument that allows for her to be seated or crouched in front of. Do a shot or two with the shirt as is. Then, make a few cuts to the midsection of the shirt, and tear it a bit. Since the shirt is a bit small, it should give a nice stretching/tearing effect look. Her expression would be sort of, shock/horror etc, and reacting to the 'growth'. Do a bit more tearing on the shirt, more shocked look, hands on belly, etc.

Basically you end up with the effect of a supernatural rapid growth "evilish" pregnancy and her reacting to it. The last ones can end up with her keeping up the shock horror look, or make it even more sinister. Have her change her last expressions into a satisfied smirk/grin, as if it was the plan all along.

At any rate, this is just something that is a bit different that you can try if either of you decide you would like to. Good luck with the shoot either way.

[Jared Byer]

So, if you're shooting in a graveyard, drape her in tattered black cloth, black fishnet, and black boots. Even better, sit down with her and have a discussion with her of what she would like the final images to be.

I have spend some time talking to her. I think we will probably do something along the lines of the dark cloth. Maybe a couple of slightly more traditional images. She asked me to come up with a couple of ideas also. She overestimates my originality. I have never been crazy about coming up with the ideas, I have always enjoyed shooting what is presented to me and finding ways to make that interesting.

Basically you end up with the effect of a supernatural rapid growth "evilish" pregnancy and her reacting to it. The last ones can end up with her keeping up the shock horror look, or make it even more sinister. Have her change her last expressions into a satisfied smirk/grin, as if it was the plan all along.

Thanks, that might be fun. I will run the idea past her.