Maternity Photography

Ever since Demi Moore's revealing cover shoot for the August 1999 volume of Vanity Fair, it appears that maternity photography is becoming more and more popular. In fact, it is becoming so popular that many photography studios cater specifically to maternity photo shoots. When it comes down to it, it makes perfect sense why this trend is increasing in popularity. People always remark how pregnant women have a certain "glow" about them. So why would a woman not want to capture that beautiful glow in a photograph? As with all photography, maternity photography is an art form that is meant to capture moments as well as people. That being said, before any cameras start clicking a person should have a good idea of what they are looking for. A great deal of thought should be placed into maternity photography such as who will take the photos, when to take the photos, where to take them, what to wear, and who to include in the photo.

As maternity photo’s popularity grows, more and more photography studios are beginning to offer them. When a person is looking for a photographer to take their maternity photos, they should be very careful in their search. Not all photographers will know how to take a good maternity photograph. As with other facets of photography, maternity photography requires a keen eye and knowledge of the subject matter. This attention to detail will help the photographer in choosing the best locations, angles, and backgrounds. Going online is a person’s best bet for finding a local and not to mention good maternity photographer. Looking through a photographer’s online gallery will help the client get a better feel for whether or not that photographer is their best choice and will also alleviate any unnecessary pressure of having to go in and have a face to face consultation first.

The best time to schedule a maternity photo shoot varies from photographer to photographer. Some suggest a month before delivery while others suggest two to three months. The bottom line is that it is up to the client to decide when the best time to take the photos is. The reason that many photographers stick to a photo shoot time table of about one to three months before delivery is because that is around the time when the stomach is at its “optimal” size. Depending on the pregnancy however, many women will not find it best to wait that long, especially if there are multiples or complications in the pregnancy. Generally, it is suggested that the woman simply do it when she feels the best and is most comfortable with the way she looks.

The decision on where to take the photos is primarily up to the client. However, the photographer will always offer his or her own opinions on what the best locations and backgrounds will be. Some people choose to have the photographs taken at their home rather than at a studio or other location. Many if not all photography studios will be open to in-home photo shoots. Some photographers even prefer it for the comfort level is gives the client as well as the personal touch it gives to the photographs.

Again, this decision is primarily up to the client. However, many maternity photographers suggest wearing pre-pregnancy clothes. The main reason for this is to emphasize the woman’s curves. After all, capturing the swell of the baby bump is half the point of maternity photography. Many maternity photographers also suggest wearing lacy pieces to help accentuate the curvature of the woman. Depending on the client’s bravery, some even opt for nude photo shoots. These kinds of shoots allow the photographer to truly capture the pregnancy in all its beauty. If done correctly, these shoots can come off as very sophisticated and classy, which Demi Moore proved in 1991.

Couple maternity photographs are also increasing in popularity. What better way to capture the beauty of pregnancy and marriage than to have both husband and wife posing together. Some people even include their other children, their parents, grandparents, and even siblings. As with everything else, choosing who to be in the photograph is strictly up to the client. Photographers will usually tell the client to stray away from having others in their photo who will make them uncomfortable when they show skin. The best idea for someone who is first trying out maternity photography would be to keep it simple and do the photo shoot alone. Once the person finds themselves at ease with the revealing shots, then they can begin to invite others to be in the photos with them.