Written by: shari.binder | March 1, 2012 1:42 PM in Photographers | 570 views | Tags: Baby / Child , Digital , Family Portrait , Female / Women , Maternity / Pregnancy , Photo Retouching & Restoration , Photography Staging , Photojournalism , Portrait
I have photographed about a dozen or so Maternity Sessions in the past year. I am new to this type of photography because I never really thought about it until my friends started getting pregnant. One of them mentioned to me that they were interested in some photos before the baby was born, but was uncomfortable about hiring someone she didn't know to start showing her bare belly (besides that she is camera shy in the first place). She asked me if I would be interested in taking her photos even though I had never done them before. I told her I would be very excited to try something new and would do research as to what these types of photos would look like. We had so much fun that day. I also got the idea to try writing the baby's name on the bare belly (which became my signature maternity photo). They came out so nice and she was very pleased. This started me advertising my new love on top of all the photography I already love doing (newborns, children, weddings and families....i love photographing people, but thats another story). But, back to what I have learned. I have learned that you do not want to take them too early or too late. I know timing things like this is hard, but it's easier if you know when to plan it. You should definitely be in your third trimester. Before this there is not much of a bump and you may not like the fact that you may not look very "pregnant". Also do not wait until the last 2 weeks. Babies do not have and exact date and stretch marks are more visible by this point of the pregnancy. The only time I recomend shooting before this time is if you want a photo every month to document, which works best if you do the same pose/position each month to show the progress. If this is your desire, your best bet whould to make a deal with one photographer as to avoid overpaying by hiring a different photographer every month/session/trimester. Most should offer a discount or package rate for a full set like this, maybe even including a newborn photo/session after. You should also make sure to include the father and/or siblings in the photos if possible. It could make a great addition to family photos or to the birth announcement. Kids also love nothing more than getting ready for a new baby. Last, make sure to at least try some bare belly shots. Yes this means shaving, putting on lotion, and making sure that you find a photographer that is willing to retouch whether included or for a small fee. Some people may want it all to show, but a pretty belly always looks better. Make sure you at least have the option if you decide. If you are very uncomfortable with bare belly just remember no one has to see them if you don't want them to and years from now looking back you will look a lot better than you feel at that moment. Don't be afraid to by a new shirt, get your hair and nails done, and put on makeup even if you haven't for months or years. These photos are for you and the baby in years to come. Make the most of it because you can't get the moment back. These will be the best and the worst time of your life, so cherish every moment (worst meaning morning sickness, weird cravings, and labor....but all worth it). Love it all. :)
