The Art of Pregnancy Photography (3 page)

This pair of images shows once again how a few simple tools and props plus great window light can be used to your advantage when creating an image in your subjects’ home.

SCHEDULING THE SESSION

Don’t forget to determine the client’s due date, and try to book the session as close to that date as possible. Many photographers feel that it is best to photograph the mother about midway through the eighth month. At this point in the pregnancy, the mother is still mobile and the abdomen is close to its full size. For the mother carrying twins, the time for photographing the pregnancy will be toward the beginning of the third trimester, at about seven months. By this time, the mother of twins will already have a large midriff, and because many twins are born early, scheduling a session later in the trimester may mean missing the opportunity to capture the moment.

Booking the session for a time of day that best suits the mother’s schedule is critical. Choose a time of day when the mother will be well rested, and make sure she has no other activities planned for the day of the shoot. If young children will be present during the session, it may be best to work in the morning before the toddler becomes tired. Suggest the mother eat a light snack before the session. Finally, realize that if she is bringing a baby, she may need to stop during the session for a feeding.

The neutral clothing complemented this subject’s coloring and keeps the eye on the focal point of the portrait.

CLOTHING AND MAKEUP

During the consultation, you’ll want to discuss the type of clothing and makeup that will yield the best portrait results. As the many images in this book show, my own approach is to drape and wrap the subject in beautiful fabrics rather than have her wear street clothes. To do this, the woman must wear a strapless bra (preferably one that is well matched to her skin tone). You might also consider providing tube tops in a variety of sizes; these can be beneficial in a pinch. The mother should wear low-cut, small underwear that can easily be covered with the fabric. Be sure to suggest that she wear loose clothing before the session, so as not to create lines or indentations on the skin. Street clothes, of course, are also an option for some clients.

Unless you are able to hire a makeup artist, the subject will have to apply her own makeup. It is recommended that all subjects wear makeup for their portrait session. Applying a thin layer of complexion-matching foundation will smooth out the pregnancy mask and blemishes from changing hormones. Eyebrow pencil will help keep the eyebrows from disappearing in the images and will help to give the face structure. A light coat of mascara is needed for eyelashes. Adding a little blush to the cheekbones gives form to the face, and lipstick will help keep the lips from vanishing in the portraits.

A comfortable bed and rich, luxurious fabrics provided the perfect backdrop for this beautiful portrait.

2. CONNECTING WITH YOUR CLIENTS

U
ltimately, your success in creating truly great portraits will stem from your ability to establish a close connection with your clients. While this point may seem obvious, not all photographers put as much effort into the way they relate to people as they do to the technical aspects of their photography. In this chapter, we’ll look at some strategies for making the client physically comfortable, building her enthusiasm for the session, working with other family members, and expressing your goals for the session.

BUILDING THE RELATIONSHIP

In maternity photography, ensuring that the client is comfortable and relaxed is critical. Starting with the pre-session consultation, your goal is to establish a trusting relationship with your subject while getting the critical information you need to ensure the session meets her needs. Ask questions about the outcome she wants to achieve in the session, but also be sure to ask about her life. Determine why she is interested in having this time in her life photographed. Share stories about other maternity clients you have photographed. Gather information that will help you ensure the best location for the setting. As you do so, determine when the baby is due and whether there are any siblings—if so, find out whether the sibling or other children are excited or upset about the new addition.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“I love my pregnancy pictures because they give me a chance to look back at a special time in my life, waiting in anticipation, not knowing the face or the personality of that little person to be born.” —Iris H.

Ensuring your client’s physical comfort is an essential component in building your relationship. If your pregnant subject is uncomfortable, her ability to relax and enjoy the session will be hampered. Being mindful of the physical changes that pregnancy brings will be tremendously helpful in preparing you to ensure your subject’s comfort during the session. For instance, a mother carrying a nearly full-term baby will find herself uncomfortably warm most of the time. Anticipating the problem and asking her if the room temperature needs to be changed or lights should be moved can make a world of difference in the quality of the session.

SHARE YOUR VISION

In the beginning of the session, express your goals and share your ideas. Help them get excited about your vision. Explaining the lighting setup, the direction of the light, and where the subject should stand, sit, or lie down will help to build their trust in you. Giving a brief overview contributes to their understanding and support for your idea.

A good way to instruct a couple or group is to set the anchor person in place first, then role-play the second position. With a group, this is a good way for the other subjects to see what you are trying to achieve before they try to get into place.

BE ENCOURAGING

A woman in the late stages of her pregnancy will need lots of encouragement. From the moment you first meet the subject, take note of the positive aspects of her appearance and pay her compliments. This will help build her confidence, which, in turn, will help you in posing her and composing the image later in the session. For example, if your subject has bright blue eyes, compose an image that brings the viewer’s attention to her face. A woman with a tiny figure can do several poses standing, while one with extra weight may have to do most lying down.

When it’s time to move on to the posing, there are a variety of ways to ensure a successful, flattering pose. The various strategies will be covered in detail below.

Show and Tell
. To evoke the emotion you are looking for, talk to your subjects about your creative vision for the images. Like a movie director, you will have to prompt the subject to express the emotion you want to show. Calmly give the woman several verbal cues regarding the emotion, all the while watching for small nuances that will help to keep the emotion real. If you are telling a mother to relax and be serene, for instance, make sure that her shoulders are not held too high or rigid.

When you direct the subject, physically show them where and how to pose. Step back and let them try your pose. Once you walk back to the camera area, refine the pose verbally and by demonstrating with your hands.