First time maternity pictures

[justalive]

Hello,

I guess once people hear you have a good camera and can take decent pictures they want you to do their photoshoots. One of my friends is asking whether it would be ok to take her maternity pictures. I've never done this kind of shoot before and would like some advice. I'm also wondering whether you would do it for free (since shes a friend) or charge a little bit of money for the time and effort.

I figure I need to build a portfolio anyway (I plan on getting into the photography business next year). Thanks for the advice.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by justalive

Hello,

I guess once people hear you have a good camera and can take decent pictures they want you to do their photoshoots. One of my friends is asking whether it would be ok to take her maternity pictures. I've never done this kind of shoot before and would like some advice. I'm also wondering whether you would do it for free (since shes a friend) or charge a little bit of money for the time and effort.

I figure I need to build a portfolio anyway (I plan on getting into the photography business next year). Thanks for the advice.

Not another one! learn the business and know what to charge, before going into the photography business. There's whyyyyyyyyyy too many out there that don't know that the hell they are doing and it's killing the business. I call them PhD users (Press here Dummy!)

[justalive]

I was looking for advice not smart remarks. I'm sorry that people are saturating your business, unfortunately you're going to have to get used to it. It's not my fault for people devaluing your art thats the nature of your business and it will continually be so as technology progresses.

Now I just want to know how much other professionals charged to help build up their portfolio. And if there is any advice for taking maternity pictures for the first time. Thanks.

[G'Hopper]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Not another one! learn the business and know what to charge, before going into the photography business. There's whyyyyyyyyyy too many out there that don't know that the hell they are doing and it's killing the business. I call them PhD users (Press here Dummy!)

Jim, she's asking for advice and your answer is only a recrimination. I personally know nothing about the business side of photography and have no interest in getting into it. I do photography because I love it. However, there's a girl wanting to learn and asking for help. It does not help telling her that she's killing the business or making wisecracks.

[G'Hopper]

The best I can do for you is to give you a link to two of the best maternity pics I have ever seen:
Week 39.0 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Week 28 - Barely See The Feet! | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Not mine, but they sure are cute! :-)
Good luck.

[Jim Bryant]

Sorry.....doesn't hunt my business....I have no interest in that style of photography. But, others do make a living at it.
Hell....why don't you just google maternity photography?

[G'Hopper]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Sorry.....doesn't hunt my business....I have no interest in that style of photography. But, others do make a living at it.

Fair enough, but some real advice may help about the business side of things.

[SusanH1970]

Most photographers I know (myself included) do/did portfolio building sessions for free. If you're still learning and know you're not going to be delivering professional quality portraits, then you shouldn't be charging, honestly.

Tips: with pregnant women, it's all about light and shadows. Flat lighting kills maternity images. Also, pay special attention to posing. Most pregnant women have added weight gain that they may not be thrilled with - so watch for double chins, pose them at angles that are flattering, etc.

Go on Flickr and search for maternity images. There's lots of inspiration there! Good luck, be sure and post your results.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Most photographers I know (myself included) do/did portfolio building sessions for free. If you're still learning and know you're not going to be delivering professional quality portraits, then you shouldn't be charging, honestly.

Tips: with pregnant women, it's all about light and shadows. Flat lighting kills maternity images. Also, pay special attention to posing. Most pregnant women have added weight gain that they may not be thrilled with - so watch for double chins, pose them at angles that are flattering, etc.

Go on Flickr and search for maternity images. There's lots of inspiration there! Good luck, be sure and post your results.

Thanks for being so kind to someone trying to learn.

[Pinellas Guy]

I love the art of photography. I shoot for free because I'm learning but I don't release HQ images. I give them low res 750 pt images for Facebook. They are happy because that seems to be the way people now share.

Now if they want that image for their wall - they pay. Still not pro prices but as I take it if they think the photo would look great on their wall, they shouldn't get the photo for free. It is my time, talent, and my equipment. Plus I refuse to have my images printed on crappy paper from Walgreens. I print on Kodak Pro Endura or Metallic paper. Twice now, I was tipped by a $20. Yes - I know thats not great money but it does pay for gas, and wear and tear on my shutter.

For maternity shoots as for all my shoots, I shoot on location with natural lighting and fill flash from my SB-600. I am blessed to have the beach ultra close and some other great shooting locations.

As Jim said google Maternity or any type of shoot you are looking for. There are 1000s of photos online. I need to get Flickr Pro to upload some more images.

There are many things you will only learn my practice and by reading blogs, books. Pay attention to the background if you are on location, keep it clear. Watch the hands - always have your females spread the fingers a little. Don't have your subject have a mugshot square shoulders.

read this post on this board: The Rules Of Good Portraiture


Kyle