This morning I was sitting in a local doctor’s office with my child. Bored, I grabbed a magazine and quickly flipped through it. I came across an article on the “Top 10 Craves” for pregnant women. The list included many of the name brand baby items that I expected but it also included professional maternity photographs. It seems that maternity portraits are as ubiquitous as baby showers and strollers.
Clients often call with questions about maternity portraits so I finally came up with a list of the top frequently asked questions relating specifically to maternity pictures.
- What is the best time to take maternity pictures? Some time during the 7th or 8th month is best. By this point, your belly will be quite round but you will be able to move more freely and will be more comfortable than if you wait until the 9-month mark.
- What should I wear? This is up to you. The more outfits you bring, the more options we will have to work with. Jeans or khakis & body-hugging tops look great as do loose men’s button-down shirts. The options are endless! I will provide white sheets for draping.
- Should I do anything special with my makeup? For this type of photography, light makeup is recommended.
- What should I bring to the session? Feel free to have your husband and children present if you would like them included in any of the photographs. If there are any props or items that you want included in your pictures, please have them ready.
- Where will the pictures be taken? Sarah will come to your home to take your maternity portraits. Many times, one’s own home provides a more intimate setting for these special photographs. For all maternity sessions, Sarah will bring a black backdrop with her so that we can do a mix of traditional backdrop shots as well as lifestyle portraits. If you do not want to do the session in your home, we can meet at another location. Studio sessions are also available on a limited basis.
- Will the pictures be color or black and white? Either/both—it is up to you. Maternity portraits often look classic and timeless in sharp, high contrast black and white. Color photographs also look fabulous! We can do special treatments as well to enhance the photograph with aged looks or use selective coloring to color in only certain parts of the picture.
And finally, here are a couple of pictures from a maternity session that I shot on Thursday (used w/ the mommy’s permission):
Oh, and in case you are worried, the doctor reassured me that my daughter is healthy.
