Maternity 101

Ok so this post is going to be a little different in aspects there is no story tell as this is real life and not a fantasy shoot like I normally do! We are going to touch basis on Maternity photography basics.

I often find a lot of portrait photographers bomb out on someone's intimate moment. Once the time has passed you can't get the Maternity photos again and it's normally simple things such as hand placement, posing, and even lighting.

ISO 125 • 55mm • F4.5 • 1/125s

First and foremost, I ALWAYS under expose every image. You can recover information way better than if you blow out your white balance. But you must remember to "edit" the under exposed image. Above is the edit and below is the original.

ISO 125 • 55mm • F4.5 • 1/125s

I also never use flash both on camera and off camera. Flash on Maternity will highlight the negative unflattering aspects. Remember your client is already probably miserable and feeling swollen. All flash will do will show the swollen contours. My editing technique allows me highlight properly the subject.

ISO 200 • 55mm • F4.5 • 1/125s

Hand Placement:

This is another big mistake I see photographers make. Always have the hand that's positioned under the belly closest to the camera / photographer. If the hand under the belly is hidden behind the belly, thumbs and fingers poke out, hence making it look like the soon to be momma has an exposed male part!!! Always be mindful of hands.

ISO 125 • 100mm • F5.0 • 1/125s

Leg and Other Poses:

As with the hands, the leg closest to the camera photographer gets popped out. Never photograph a pregnant woman head on as well. It's just not flattering. Always shoot them from a side angle.

ISO 200 • 70mm • F5.0 • 1/125s

Always shoot at level with your client. Never above and never below. If your client has their partner with them, a cute pose is them kissing the baby belly!

REMEMBER THESE ARE ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY PHOTOS. Maternity is shot between 28 and 34 weeks gestation.

ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY ME ON MY CANON MSERIES MIRRORLESS CAMERA EDITED IN ADOBE PS AND LR

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Glowing Maternity

Maternity 101