Self-portrait - maternity pics

So ... taking my own maternity pics proved to me more difficult than I orginally expected. I ended up having to shoot in auto because I couldn't get it to focus in manual. Because of that they ended up really grainy.

I'll have to do a reshoot down at the studio but these are good for 19 weeks.
1.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

A couple more ...
3. I was not thrilled with how this one turned out but liked the idea - I'll have to give it another go when I'm brave enough to bare skin.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

You look great! I got that big early, too. With my last baby, I got the "are you having twins?" all the time. lol

Thanks! I got a lot of good comments from friends on the pics but none of them are going to tell me if they really look awful, especially right now.

Hey, congratulations. I'm at 19 weeks now too! I like the shots you took. I think #2 is my fave of these. I like the concept of #3 too, it's an interesting way of illustrating what's going on in this phase of your pregnancy.

It's really tough to take any self portrait! Earlier in my pregnancy I thought I would document every week with an image of my belly and the corresponding fruit for the size of the baby. Well, after 2 weeks I decided I was no longer inspired to do that (at least not every week). That was quick, but I did learn some things. Maybe it can help you too. Here's some insight on my setup...

1) Camera on tripod (of course),
2) Placed a "model" where I would stand
3) I set the camera to auto-focus (center point only) and got the focus set on a specific point on the model
4) Mark the spot on the floor with tape that is just below the focus point and move model
5) Set the camera to Manual Focus
6) Moved into position over the tape and used my remote (with my toes) to trip the shutter
7) I took tons of shots from that position and slightly varied my posture and hand positioning so that I would have lots of shots to choose from.

It was a big hassle and something I found I was not willing to do every week. I'd love to know that there is an easier way to take a self portrait (maybe with tethered shooting?) but this is how I've done it in the past. I won't hijack your thread by posting my own shots, but if you're interested in seeing my results they are here... http://www.meganjohnsp​hotography.com …20_iwdqF#119748​2974_RmDBa

~Megan

I love #1 and #2, very cute idea on #3 - great job for doing these yourself! I'm at 20 weeks and tried to take some today b/c DH is out of town - so hard!

LizzieJ wrote in post #12138365
Hey, congratulations. I'm at 19 weeks now too! I like the shots you took. I think #2 is my fave of these. I like the concept of #3 too, it's an interesting way of illustrating what's going on in this phase of your pregnancy.
~Megan

Megan: Congratulations to you too!!! Gosh I'm glad I didn't see yours first I would have never been brave enough to post mine. Your belly looks great. I'm not brave enough to take any bare belly (that I show anyone anyways) with all my left over stretch marks from #1.

Thanks for sharing your set up. I don't have a trigger but I think it wouldn't be a bad investment. I never thought of tripping it with your foot! I was thinking about a trigger last night but couldn't think of how to trip it with both hands in the pic.

Congrats to you too Justiss!! You'll have to post some of your pics if you have a chance!

I can't wait until we all have newborn pics to share!!!

tracyvb wrote in post #12135048
A couple more ...
3. I was not thrilled with how this one turned out but liked the idea - I'll have to give it another go when I'm brave enough to bare skin.

Nice shots.

Some lighter clothing or drapery would give you a different look without getting into the skin dilemma.

I agree, not every maternity shot needs to be done with bare skin, especially if you're not comfortable with it. Some of my favorties that I've seen were done clothed!

I think the outfit choice is fine. Classy and simple. I think you are very pretty and like the shots. You just need to work on your focus.

p.s. congrats.

Congrats on your imminent arrival! I think you've done quite well with these--never easy to shoot selfies. My fave is the last one. I love the expression on your face and the softness of the light. Really beautiful. All the best!