Photos : Coco Dream Studio
There is no better time to take that special photo than when you are pregnant and glowing with happiness. A photo can forever capture the special bond that exists between mother and child from conception to childbirth. Here are some tips to help create that special maternity photo.
Where should the photo shoot take place?
On-location photos can be striking. Beautiful places (outdoors) for taking photos might be at your favourite place on the beach, perched on a rock looking into the horizon during sunset or sunrise, sitting under a huge oak tree etc. However, you will need to consider variables such as weather, temperatures and lighting.
Some mothers may choose to have the photo taken indoors at their home or at a photography studio. Having your photo shoot in a studio means you have more control over lighting, choice of background, privacy and you won’t have to deal with issues such as permission and licenses from the council to take photos in a particular public location.
What to wear?
Some of the most beautiful maternity photos have the pregnant woman nude and artistically positioned. The use of lighting, the choice of pose, and material/clothing can do a lot to hide flaws and maintain your sense of modesty.
If you choose to wear a dress, skirt, tank top or drape a piece of fabric over yourself, the general rule is to keep it simple and neutral (block) colours or soft colours work well. You should wear clothes that are fitted, rather than those that are loose and lack shape. If you want to drape a piece of fabric over yourself, fabrics like organza, silk and/or satin are good choices. You might want to bring some nude or neutral underwear/tank top to wear under the fabric (if required). You want to keep the focus on yourself and your baby rather than on your choice of dress.
When, during the term of the pregnancy, should the photo be taken?
It is up to you when you want to take the photo. However, if the belly bulge is not obvious then the photo will not be an obvious maternity photo. As a general guide, women are showing by the 6th month of the pregnancy, however, some women are showing much earlier.
Feel comfortable
Some of the best and most stunning maternity images are ones where the pregnant woman feels most comfortable. If you feel happy and comfortable with the photography, the pose, and generally etc, this will show through the photo. If the pregnant woman’s husband, partner and/or family are present at the photo shoot, she may feel more at ease. If the partner or husband and/or children are in the photo, the pregnant woman may feel even more at ease.
It is also a good idea to practice posing in front of the mirror before the photo shoot so you can see what poses look good (eg. which side of your face, body photographs better etc) and that might make you feel more comfortable with that particular pose. Letting the photographer know which poses you like will also make his or her job easier and might inspire him or her to create that special image.
A word about angles
Generally, a full-frontal pose of the pregnant woman is not flattering and highlights the size of the belly. Side angles highlight the profile of the body and are generally more flattering. Also consider unusual angles such as shooting from top down, from above with the pregnant woman lying on the ground, or shoot with the camera tilted at an angel. Trust your photographer and experiment with different angles and poses.
Colour or Black and White?
Colour photos are generally immediate and arresting. If there are props and/or colour backgrounds or it is in a location setting, colour photos might be appropriate.
Black and white photos can also be extremely beautiful and help accentuate the silhouette and curves of the belly. The use of shadows and lighting also help cover flaws and/or hide imperfections. Sepia photos are also beautiful and create a warm image.
Jay Shin is a Senior Photographer at Coco Dream Studio.
