Need some words of wisdom for pregnancy shoot

[Stina3246]

So I've been shooting weddings, events and pets for a few years with quite a bit of success but I'm getting ready to do a pregnancy shoot for the first time. I'm doing it for free for a friend as practice for me so if they aren't up to par she can have them done again but I'd like some words of wisdom from those of your who have done this...and post pics PLEASE.
I'll be shooting outside at sunset. We have a LOT of pretty places to choose from, from a wooden bridge through the woods to a boat dock by the water. She will have her husband and kids with her. I told her to wear a white spandexy tank and to bring a few changes of pretty clothing and to make sure the family is wearing the same colors. I chose white because she is darker skinned.

You're going to be doing this at sunset and expect her to change multiple times?

Naga... Naga... Not gonna work here.

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

You're going to be doing this at sunset and expect her to change multiple times?

Naga... Naga... Not gonna work here.

Why not? We're starting just before sunset actually and she will add on clothes as we go. She is starting with a little spandexy thing, then throwing on a white button down blouse over it and then from there we may have her take off the blouse and throw on a pull over clingy dress. Even with the sun all the way down there will be some ambient light for a little while.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by Stina3246

Why not? We're starting just before sunset actually and she will add on clothes as we go. She is starting with a little spandexy thing, then throwing on a white button down blouse over it and then from there we may have her take off the blouse and throw on a pull over clingy dress. Even with the sun all the way down there will be some ambient light for a little while.

...because the speed of a sunset is always faster than you think it is going to be.

You're not just dealing with the couple, but apparently also kids, as well as taking little breaks to add clothing. If you're using flash you're constantly going to have to be adjusting your flash-ambient balance, as well as constantly changing WB. If you're not using flash, you're going to be pumping the ISO and shooting with narrow apertures (which with groups of people is going to be challenging).

Figure out the sunset time, accounting for the local terrain and environment, and give yourself an hour at least.

[PixSixSix]

When she has a blouse/dress on make sure to constantly check that the fabric is tucked under her breasts correctly so she doesn't end up looking like a snow man!

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by PixSixSix

When she has a blouse/dress on make sure to constantly check that the fabric is tucked under her breasts correctly so she doesn't end up looking like a snow man!

Wish I would have read THIS sooner. The shoot went great but there were a lot of shots where I should have been paying attention to the shirt. I did end up having an hour or so to play with and the family was AMAZING at following directions. They were willing to try anything. I rarely get a chance to work with such good kids. The last thing I had them do was pose in one of those water fountains where the water comes up out of the ground. I had them run in, sit down, gather around mom and started shooting as the water started springing up and drenching them. They were screaming and laughing and jumping around and just having a wonderful time. I'll post a few when I get them edited. All in all it was a great first try.