Thursday, November 8, 2012

Taking Good Maternity Portraits


Motherhood is a subject that’s been captured from so many perspectives and taking maternity portraits has been a fast growing trend for the average person and a subject of interest for professional photographers. Encapsulating a moment where mother and child are one is an emotionally beautiful sight. For mothers of more than one, each pregnancy is unique and cannot be classified by just a swollen belly. Motherhood photography is an art in itself and for anyone who wants to remember this experience, having their maternity portrait taken is one way to have the memory for a long time.

Showing a mother’s growing belly is just part of the process. Emotions that convey serenity, vulnerability, and natural beauty need to show and it is half of the photographer’s job to make sure the model is placed in that set of mind.

The Studio

The studio does not strictly pertain to the photographer’s place of work but any venue where the shots are being taken. From a model’s perspective, you should find a place where you feel most comfortable with. However, you can also go towards the opposite direction and find yourself an unconventional place to take photos. You can go to the beach and wear a bikini or on a building’s ledge (safety first) and show a “carefree” image. It can be your own bedroom or just your garage. The important thing is you feel good from where you stand.

The Theme

Themes for pre-natal portraits are virtually unlimited. Explore not just the physical side of being pregnant but also other aspects of pre-motherhood. Go for humor and ad quirky elements like a funny scribble on your belly or a humorous hand-written signage that says “Next Attraction: (insert baby name).” Your theme needs to reflect how you feel while carrying your baby. A black and white maternity portrait is a classic theme that is timeless and always perfect. You could just be sitting by the window, holding a cup of tea, with the silhouette of your tummy showing on the photo.

Also, don’t forget to involve the father. Look at it as your first family portrait. Some mothers choose to just feature their partner’s hand on their belly, taken in simple black and white with no other elements and that’s a type of simplicity that always works for motherhood photography.

Keep exploring and as always, try to be unique in your concepts. However, there’s also no fault in choosing themes that are classic and fuss-free.

Make-up and Wardrobe

There’s no strict rule for this part of the photography process but the photographer still has to make sure that you look appropriate and effortless in the image. A little cover up for the little imperfections won’t take too much time. Wardrobe also has to be in line with the theme but also has to appear easy and not forced. Otherwise, the whole portrait will look tacky and we don’t want that.

Photographers recommend you choose either a free flowing fabric or one that accentuates your pregnant belly. Again, they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum. You just need to choose one that works for you and how you feel.

Messerli Photography
4406 Gentrice Dr
Valrico, FL 33596 -8469
813.662.2248



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