Maternity photographs should capture the sense of family and love.
Maternity is a time of great change for a woman, both physically and emotionally. Many women opt to take portraits during this time to capture the changes and the sense of expectancy and joy. As you plan a maternity shoot, consider ways you can capture the emotions and personality of the woman and her family.
Family
Create the sense of family in a maternity photo by including both parents and children. If there are no other children, you can ask the father stand behind the mother with his arms wrapped around her while both look lovingly down at her belly; this captures the sense of love and security of a family-to-be. If there are other children, include the entire family and have them gather in front of the mother. It can be sweet to have a very small child lay his cheek on his mother's belly, or for each person to place one hand on the belly.
Semi-Nude
Maternity is a time you can take semi-nude photos without being tacky or overly sexual. Rather, this type of maternity photo celebrates the beauty of the pregnant body and the miracle of life. Choose a shadowy, black-and-white silhouette photo for artistic effect, and cover the pregnant woman with draped material, a robe or flowing dress. You can also choose a topless photo in jeans or a skirt, making sure the woman covers her breasts with her arms.
Outdoor
For a pregnant woman who identifies strongly with nature, take photos outside to create the sense of an earth mother. Pose the mother-to-be standing among the trees in a forest, sitting in a field, or walking through tall grass, for example. Before the shoot, speak with the mother about places she feels most at peace--reading on a large rock off of a lake shore, sitting in a canoe or walking in the hills. Outdoor maternity photos should communicate a sense of great calm and peace, both with the setting and in anticipation of the birth of the child.
Dramatic Silhouette
The silhouette of a pregnant woman can make a striking photograph. Play with light and shadow by posing the mother-to-be against a vibrant light source such as a window. You can also use a natural setting by placing the woman against a bold sunset or standing between the camera and the direct sunlight. Work with the mother-to-be to find out what scenes appeal to her most in a photograph and find a way to place her in the scene.
Tags: pregnant woman, maternity photo, Maternity time, other children, sense family
