Maternity shots? Need ideas...

I am going to be taking Maternity shots for a friend due in December. When is the best time to take the pictures? I am NOT a professional. I have no studio. All I have (at the moment) is My Rebel, kit lens and 300mm lens. If there is one other piece of equipment I should buy, would you suggest another lens, or a flash attachment, or what?

Could I see some poses you all have done of your maternity subjects? I have plenty of time to research, and I want to get this right!

Thanks in advance

flash definitely. you can fake the background. I just did a maternity shoot outside and with a sheet hung over a door frame and it turned out well... good luck!!!

I've been thinking flash too. What flash would you recommend?

well I'm no expert, but I just got the 430 EX because it was in my budget. Most would recommend the 580 EX if you can swing it. This thread https://photography-on-the.net …t=193630&highli​ght=430+EX is just one that will tell you about the difference. I decided that the master capacity was not in my budget and by the time I can afford a second flash, I can get the 580 for the master. Just my take on it. Good luck!

I guess you're asking both pose ideas and equipment to use. First, trying searching in this forum using "maternity" and you will find quite a few threads. However, if you want to see the ones that I shot about two months ago, you can check them out here. http://kaitcilla.smugm​ug.com/gallery/1541532​.

I did some rearch myself before taking those shots, so some are quite similar to what you will find at others' thread. I also had some of my own.

For the equipment, it will vary significantly depending on how much you want to spend. For the shots on my site, I use 4 flashes for high key (white background) and 3 flashes for black background. It may be too much for you to start, so going with one flash is better for you. However, don't expect to get the same quality as those shots that use 3 to 4 flashes. I hope you won't get offended.

The best way to use the single flash is to bounce off of the ceiling instead of straight on shot. Make sure that the subject is at least 5 feet away from the background. For light background, you just use the room wall. For black background, use a black bed sheet or some cheap cloth and hang it on the wall. You do need some decent experience with Photoshop. Those shots on my site didn't come straight out of my camera. I had to post process individually to get those.

Good luck!

Hi, i just my first maternity shoot about a month ago and it went really well. I did do my shoot with flashes, however i suggest you use natural light by a window or outside shots since you dont have equipment. Rent a good flash from your local camera store and bounce it off the wall for indoor shots. Usually you can rent a flash in my area for about $23.00, a canon 580EX to be exact! I got really good feedback on my poses from my client. I shot a few images with a gerber daisy by the navel or above the bump to one side, i also shot a few belly shots with a heart around the navel using the hands (a popular one online). I had my client lay on her side and place a baby lamb right next to her belly (my fav.) It looked really sweet and since it belonged to the baby to be...well, it made it somewhat special. Once your there and get going....you'll come up with more stuff! Maternity shots are my favorite thing to do and they are easy! Good luck. Your gonna do great!

Ericka

Thank you very much for your tips! Amorous your pics were great!