Another try at this maternity thing

[keyairuh14]

I am all brand new at this and I took into heart the comments from my last maternity photo. I too felt that later in the day would have been better, but it was the only time we could agree on to go out to get it done. I feel this phoo is much better than the previous one, but I would like everyone's opinion still thank you.

camera: nikon d5000
Lens: AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G
Image Size: 4288x2848
Image Quality: FINE
Fstop: f/9
ISO 200
Exposure time: 1/200 sec
Focal length: 80mm

[MrJones]

you have the light coming from the left but she is turning right.. so most of the light doesn't reach her at all.
I think it would have been a lot nicer had she turned toward the light or if you used a reflector to fill the shadows.

[Photologyst]

Great idea. . . but, the water is a distraction. She looks like she may be walking on it.

Try for light from the side with a better background.

[Maik]

I think it would be better to turn her towards you're light source (probably the sun) or use a flash to fill in. Also it would be good to show her feet (hopefully standing in sand) and after that, straighten the horizon....

Keep shooting and practicing.

[SuperDan]

the pose works.
unfortunatley your color is off too.. white balance is tough and the exposure for the right arm is blown out...

i can offer to say you should use a reflector for the right side *if you stick with that same pose

[BigFuzzy]

I find the 'halo' that's around her as a result of whatever post processing you did to be a bit distracting as well. When doing this sort of dodging/burning/darkening, you use layers to avoid getting these halos as it's a dead giveaway of post processing (and not very well done at that).

Still, I agree with most, turn her more to the light and use reflectors for fill light (or flash ).

[GalArt]

I personally love it I like evrything about it the colors, mommy, her dress everything! great job!!!!!!!!

[ReenaG]

since she is in black and the shadows fall upon her with not alot light really hitting on her stomach it is harder to tell she is pregnant (obviously we know cause you told us)

now mind you, I have never done a maternity shot at all....but from all the shots I have seen, the stomach/baby should be very well defined...usually from a side shot (which this would have been fine if there was more light)

[RuthieMae]

I agree with all the cc mentioned above. I would add that the black dress doesn't really go with the environment? I think a light more airy outfit would be better for a beach portrait. (although I know you can't always choose what people decide to wear )

[keyairuh14]

Thank you everyone!!!! I really appreciate all of the help. I actually looked up alot of information about lighting and reflectors and all the other things mentioned and learned alot. Even though there are no rules to photography, there are still alot of things to learn to get a good picture. thanks again.