Your pregnancy is an amazing time filled with the joy of bringing a new life into this world.
As you know, a woman’s body goes through many changes during this special time. Most notably the tummy grows in the later stages.
If the new arrival already has older siblings this is a great time of excitement for them too.
This is a unique time for a mother-to-be. Their beauty takes on a completely new dimension.
They positively glow.
And maternity photography is the perfect way to capture this special time.
Five tips to get the best from your maternity photography
1. When should you book your maternity photography?
The best time to schedule your maternity photography session is when your belly is large. But don’t leave it so late you risk missing your opportunity to capture this precious time!
The best time is around 7 to 8 months.
Your belly will already be large and beautifully round. It’s best to avoid the ninth month in case the baby decides to make an early appearance.
If this is your first baby, you may be more comfortable having your pregnancy photography in the eighth month. However if you’ve already had a child the seventh month will be fine. You should book your photography session well in advance.
You’re more likely to feel better in yourself before the ninth month due to hormonal changes towards the end of pregnancy.
2. Location
Consider where you’d like your pregnancy photography.
The studio is an excellent choice for complete control over the environment, such as the background and lighting. If you don’t have suitable space at home or wish to have nudes photography portraits, the studio is a great choice.
On the other hand, the home environment can be wonderful for homely warmth. For example, your bedroom or living rooms make excellent choices. The key to success is to clear any clutter and create a romantic atmosphere.
The great outdoors is another option if you are comfortable posing in public places or know a quiet location with privacy. The biggest threat will be the weather, so you should have a back-up plan to go either to your home or to the studio in the event of bad weather. Of course, time of year is also another factor.
3. Sensitivity
There is something special about a human life growing inside your womb. It redefines how you perceive your body. Therefore, it’s essential that you feel comfortable with your photographer. And that he/she is sensitive to your feelings and exposure. It’s important to discuss your intended level of exposure with your photographer in advance to help avoid embarrassment on the day.
You may have concerns about stretch marks – perhaps from a previous pregnancy.
Your photographer will understand these concerns and be able to help hide marks through lighting and posing. Most photographers these days will be able to enhance your images and remove any blemishes. Discuss any such concerns with your photographer. You don’t want to find out on the day of your photo session that your photographer cannot produce the imagery that you desire.
Be prepared for pauses during your session for changes of location, scenery or lighting. Bring a robe or a shirt from the father-to-be so you can cover yourself. This will help you feel more comfortable.
4. Your Bump
Your photographer will know how to light you to attract focus to your best features in the final images. In your case, this will be your bump!
In most portraiture attention is focussed on the subject’s face and in particular the eyes and mouth. And lighting patterns are created to show your features in the most favourable light.
Maternity photography is different. Your belly will be the primary focus in most images not the pregnant woman. Your photographer will take photographs from different angles to create different perspectives of your tummy to give it a rounder appearance and perhaps appear larger to draw the viewer’s attention.
5. Feel Beautiful
Feeling beautiful is the key to the success of your maternity photo shoot.
You’re doing something amazing – growing a new life in your tummy. Soon you’ll be holding your new baby in your arms!
And that is beautiful!
A photography session can be a daunting prospect especially if you’re revealing more than ever before or in a public location. Your photographer will help reassure you that you look beautiful. And if the father-to-be is also there, he will also offer you lots of encouragement.
If however you still feel a little anxious, a great tip is to close your eyes and put your hands on your belly. Feel your baby and think about your baby. Before you know it, you’ll smile and the twinkle will return to your eyes and you connect with your baby. This is the moment that your photographer will capture the perfect shot of you and you unborn child.
Mother and father to be pose for creative black and white pregnancy photography.
Click here and find out more about maternity photography
top 5 tips for amazing maternity photography
Pat Bloomfield is your boudoir glamour photographer / artist. Years of experience and craftsmanship goes into every portrait he creates for you.
Imke Bloomfield is your make-up artist. A keen make-up practitioner trained by professional artists; she has a great flare for creating beautiful make-up especially for you.
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