Artistic Photography in Pregnancy

Mood

• What maternity photographers try to capture on film are the mother's joy and expectation. As such, most maternity photos contain little or no movement. The goal is to convey a sense of the sincerity and seriousness that accompanies a major change in her life.

Clothing

• The mother always decides how much or how little clothing she will wear. A maternity photographer can make suggestions, but in the end, it's what the model is comfortable with. Usually, however, the entire belly is bare; the "bump" usually is the focal point of the photograph. Some women choose to wear a skirt, open jeans, a wrap or skirt on the bottom with a pulled up shirt, bikini top, small wrap or nothing on top. If the mother decides to wear no clothing, the photographer can use light and vary his angle position to make sure nothing is showing. This is usually accomplished by the mother using her arms to cover her breasts or by the mother holding something in front of her. Loosely-draped clothing is also commonly used as a cover-up.

Positioning

• Most maternity shots are silhouetted side views that allow the photographer to capture the full outline of the pregnant belly. Possible poses include being positioned against a backdrop, leaning in a doorway, sitting on the ground, lying down and even occasionally facing the camera straight on. It is common for the model to wrap one hand underneath her belly in a holding embrace and to cover her breasts with the other hand. For full silhouettes, back lighting--or a combination of back lighting and side lighting--is usually used, particularly in black and white photography.

Father and Siblings

• It is common for either the father of the child, or the siblings of the new baby, to be present in pregnancy photographs. The father can be positioned behind the mother, and wrap his arms around her belly from a silhouette position or facing the camera head on. He can also be seated with the mother and rest his head on her belly--or kneel and to hug the belly. When children are in the photograph, they usually are being hugged by their mother or are pretending to listen to the baby inside her baby as they face the camera.

Location

• Artistic maternity shots can be taken anywhere the model is comfortable. If you choose an outdoor scene, regular clothing or beach clothing are both appropriate. Shooting inside a studio, home, bedroom or living room allows for more freedom in your clothing attire.