A mother, writer, lifestyle wedding & portrait photographer once said in her article about maternity shoot, "The point of the matter is, these images matter." Many years ago, taking pictures of baby bumps (mother's belly) is kinda awkward. But today, it only did not become a trend, it is making memories with your not yet born child. This is making memorable treasures of your baby. Only a mother knows and understands how precious these 9 months to them.
Before jumping into maternity shoot, there are two types of maternity shoots: Studio and Outdoor shoot. Studio shoots are great because of privacy. Outdoor shoot is different. Privacy is not that friendly but there is something breathtaking in outdoor photography. It is bringing the beauty of a woman to the world who is ready to bring new life.
In outdoor photography, you need to protect your subject from the tiger looks and eagle eyes out there. This will help you get a better, honest, and natural pose from your subject. This type of shoot may sound complicated and challenging but as long as you know how to handle people especially pregnant moms, you're good to go.
So, brace your self for my simple tips on how to take stunning photos for an outdoor maternity shoot.
1. HELP HER LOOK & FEEL BEAUTIFUL
Being in front of a camera, especially for the first time, may be awkward. Help her feel comfortable and help her look beautiful. One of my ways is I'll take candid shots of her (this is really important) and show it to her. If you captured her angle properly, complement it honestly. This will help her boost up her confidence while you are taking photos of her.
2. CONSIDER A THEME
Being in front of a camera, especially for the first time, may be awkward. Help her feel comfortable and help her look beautiful. One of my ways is I'll take candid shots of her (this is really important) and show it to her. If you captured her angle properly, complement it honestly. This will help her boost up her confidence while you are taking photos of her.
2. CONSIDER A THEME
In General, it's always best if you have a concept/theme. Having a theme means you can prepare and visualize your images before the shoot, and it means everyone will be mentally, materially, and physically prepared for the shoot.
2. BE CREATIVE WITH YOUR ANGLES
In photography, finding the angle is your key. This principle applies to maternity photo shoot too. Vary your angles to give interesting looks and feels.
3. DO SOME ABSTRACT SHOTS
Abstract shots are also flattering. It's not always the bump, the face, and the mom, give the couple something different. Something a shot they don't expect.
Abstract shots are also flattering. It's not always the bump, the face, and the mom, give the couple something different. Something a shot they don't expect.
4. SHOOT WITH DADDY
And why not include daddy? Remember, outdoor shots are way different from indoor/studio shots. You know that already. Daddy may help Mommy-to-be stay calm or vanish that awkward feeling in front the camera.
5. TAKE IT SERIOUSLY BUT BE GOOFY
Take the photo session seriously. The images you take really matters especially to the mother but do not shoot too serious. It's boring in the long run. Add some fun to your photographs.
6. TAKE CANDID SHOTS
Nothing beats candid shots. It's real and honest.
7. BE SIMPLE
No matter where you take your shoot, studio or outdoor, make it simple but artistic. Be aware, your background must not to ruin the story of your images. Make sure to capture the beauty of a mother anticipating the arrival of her child. Her excitement, her happiness. Capture it. It's a beautiful story.
And why not include daddy? Remember, outdoor shots are way different from indoor/studio shots. You know that already. Daddy may help Mommy-to-be stay calm or vanish that awkward feeling in front the camera.
5. TAKE IT SERIOUSLY BUT BE GOOFY
Take the photo session seriously. The images you take really matters especially to the mother but do not shoot too serious. It's boring in the long run. Add some fun to your photographs.
6. TAKE CANDID SHOTS
Nothing beats candid shots. It's real and honest.
7. BE SIMPLE
No matter where you take your shoot, studio or outdoor, make it simple but artistic. Be aware, your background must not to ruin the story of your images. Make sure to capture the beauty of a mother anticipating the arrival of her child. Her excitement, her happiness. Capture it. It's a beautiful story.
As a photographer or a simple guy/gal out there who owned a camera or a smartphone being asked/requested/invited to take photos of your pregnant friend, do not hesitate to accept it. Maternity shoot matters a lot to both parents, especially for the mother. It is her treasured memory after 20 years and sees her daughter/son get married and so on and on.
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