Maternity Photo Shoot

[laura11383]

Hi guys! I'm shooting my first maternity shoot this week and I have some questions. The mother is a bit overweight to begin with, and I'm not sure what the best way to pose her is. The shoot is going to be outdoors (her choice), and her husband is going to be with her, along with her 2-year-old daughter (I believe).

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated!

[Skubagirl]

Hey Laura .. I too am doing a family portrait where the Mom is pregs (8th month) .. I'm also looking for idea's .. I'll share what I find out!

[RussHeath]

My wife is pregnant and we've been taking lots of photos. A few simple tips:

1) Be very careful about shooting pregnant women straight on. More often than not, that cute belly will not be obviously pregnant unless it's in profile. Shoot her in profile if at all possible.

2) Shoot from a high angle with her looking up at you. This will de-emphasize extra weight. For an outdoor shoot, this may mean taking along a step ladder.

3) Stick with soft light.

4) Black and white is your friend.

5) Shots that show relationships between anyone and the belly are cute. Mom looking at her belly, dad looking at the belly, other kids kissing the belly.

6) Simple props such as a baby outfit or tiny pair of shoes can add a lot if used tastefully.

7) Moms-to-be have this habit of holding their tummy and looking down at it longingly. I think most pregnant women do this instinctively. Go with it.

All of the above are just suggestions, if you have time to show her samples of maternity shots and see what she likes, that's probably more useful than all of my combined rambling . . . good luck!

[jsl]

great tips - I'm going to keep these in mind when I take my maternity pics (of my wife).

Thanks!