| Maternity photography, like any other type of | | | | that it can be done in shade or sun, so it gives a lot |
| photography, is what we make of it. As | | | | of interesting lighting options, especially if you're |
| photographers, we have almost unlimited options for | | | | shooting some rolls in black and white. Keep in mind |
| creating unique and amazing photos: lighting, filters, | | | | that the time of day will affect your lighting, so if |
| background and setting all give us endless | | | | you're shooting in the middle of the day, obviously |
| opportunities, yet I've noticed that many maternity | | | | you'll have a much stronger light, and using film or |
| photos look rather pedestrian and cliche. | | | | regular digital will usually produce harsher images, |
| Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life, and the | | | | particularly of the skin. (This is a situation where |
| maternity photos that you take should reflect that. | | | | shooting infrared can produce outstanding results, by |
| Don't be afraid to go beyond the ubiquitous | | | | the way.) Also, be careful about putting your models |
| hands-forming-a-heart-over-her-belly shot and do | | | | in the sun for very long periods, since sun, for long |
| something different. While your model will let you | | | | periods, is a skin killer. |
| know what she's comfortable with and how | | | | And while we're on the topic of lighting, I've gotten |
| conservative (or daring) she wants to be, you can | | | | great results using varied lighting techniques: the use |
| make suggestions and help to encourage her to push | | | | of backlight or sidelight will usually enhance most |
| her limits. Conversely, you may also be surprised by | | | | photos of people (with or without clothes), resulting |
| how open she is, and some ideas that she may have, | | | | in creative results. Don't be afraid to highlight and |
| so don't be afraid to have an open and frank | | | | shadow different features of your mom-to-be, not |
| discussion beforehand. | | | | just the aforementioned belly shots. Use filters, |
| One technique that I like to use in my maternity | | | | backlighting and shadow to catch and feature her |
| photo shoots is infrared. Infrared produces a soft | | | | face's radiant glow and the natural beauty of |
| grain that is flattering to both face and figure, and | | | | pregnancy, capturing her expressions from different |
| should you be shooting outdoors it gives your model | | | | angles and perspectives. Does your model have |
| an almost otherworldly appearance, with vegetation | | | | tattoos? These can be featured in interesting ways, |
| taking on a white glow, and any clothing or fabrics | | | | and using different fabrics, such as lace or gauzy |
| that you're using can turn out looking completely | | | | linen, can spark additional creativity. On a technical |
| different in print form than expected. Is it often seen | | | | note, if you're using infrared, shooting with the light |
| in traditional maternity shots? Not really, but it's | | | | source from the back of the photographer or slightly |
| exciting and different, and many of my mom-to-be | | | | from the side is preferable. As you add infrared |
| models have been genuinely enthused when they | | | | shooting to your repertoire, experiment, experiment, |
| see these shots. | | | | experiment; in addition to the learning part, it's fun! |
| Another thing that I like about shooting outdoors is | | | | |