question about maternity shots...

[imthinkingoutloud]

Hey all I have a question....pretty important I think....I have the opportunity to do some maternity shots and am rather excited! I am still learning "people photography" so I usually 'give these away' within reason and use it to learn by. Well, all these great ideas ran through my head (trying to stay away from the usual maternity shots unless that is what mom wants), except I think (believe) I am quite limited because the mom is 17. Soon to be 18 but I don't think before baby is born in November. What is considered SAFE and what is considered "I could be arrested"?? Would a bare belly shot be okay? We aren't talking or even thinking nude shots because well I don't have a studio for privacy and am working my way up to such a comfort level (with adults). Now another question to throw in the mix, would a topless with her covering herself with a soft fabric that ya can't see through be considered okay or oh hell no? Her mother would be with us if that were the case. I also want to include shots of JUST her so she has something all her own and not just focus on the baby/pregnancy. Any and all input is greatly appreciated!! And of course I have looked through the tips here and got some wonderful advice that helped ease my nerves because people have got to be the scariest subject ever! But I have to admit, I am hoping I nail this because I would LOVE to do newborn shots of tiny toes and such.

Thanks!
Lori

[zona5101]

Unless you think you are going to go beyond what the statute says you should be fine....and the statute gives a lot of leeway for "art"



Idaho State Statues TITLE 18
CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
CHAPTER 41
INDECENCY AND OBSCENITY
18-4101. DEFINITIONS. The following definitions are applicable to this
act:
(A) "Obscene" material means any matter:
(1) which the average person, applying contemporary community standards,
would find, when considered as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;
and
(2) which depicts or describes patently offensive representations or
descriptions of:
(a) ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated;
or
(b) masturbation, excretory functions, or lewd exhibition of the
genitals or genital area.
Nothing herein contained is intended to include or proscribe any matter which,
when considered as a whole, and in the context in which it is used, possesses
serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

[SusanH1970]

I'm sure bare belly shots would be fine, but with a minor I'd avoid topless shots, even if she's not showing anything. I'd keep it pretty conservative.

[Jim Poor]

Make sure the mom signs the releases instead of the girl.

The topless 17-yo falls into the "are you nuts?" category.

Beyond Idaho 18, there are child pornography laws to worry about that are pretty broad.

[pcressey]

Some good points... just to cover yourself, I would...

1. Create a release form and have her and her legal guardian sign it... with a notary.
2. Have her legal guardian there during the shoot

If the future mother really wants to do the risque shots, that is up to her, but I would definitely discuss it with her and her legal guardian if it comes up. Also, be sure that it is included in the release form.

Children and young adults have been nude in movies and other art forms many times before, you just have to make sure you get all parties approval, and properly. You might want to contact a lawyer for advice about it.

[Photologyst]

Have you seen this stunning cover of Time magazine?

TIME Magazine Cover: How the First Nine Months Shape the Rest of Your Life - Oct. 4, 2010 - Pregnancy - Babies

I agree that you should get a release from her legal guardian. Make the photos tasteful, in keeping with the sanctity of the event. Don’t think erotica or sleaze.

I find it wonderfully refreshing that pregnancy is no longer treated as a “disease” to be hidden. I love to see the baby-bump on a normally proportioned woman: http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/20...fetal_1004.jpg

Unfortunately, so many of today’s pregnant women are obese.

Pregnant belly art: Pregnant belly painting art by Mark Greenawalt

[SuperDan]

makes me think of the old saying... 'if you have to ask, or you think you have to ask if its okay.. then its not... "


congrats on landing the job... but, honestly, ask her what she wants... if you really want to get into "photographing people" than you need to learn on working with the client and building a relationship/trust level with them prior to the shoot

also, remember what we, as photographers, dont like or see a million times, to these clients its what they want, and thats what we give them.. its when you find one that will allow you to use your creativity that you truly can work, but... its a fine line..