4 Easy, Yet Stunning Maternity Photography Ideas
Photo by Asher Creek Photography
When it comes to maternity photography, I think there's a bit of a misconception that you're somehow limited creatively because your client is pregnant.
Sure, you need to take her health and the way she feels into account, but just because she's with child doesn't mean she wants a boring photo!
If you're looking for ways to amp up the glam in your maternity photos, look no further...
Below, I've outlined four maternity photo ideas that will help you elevate your photos of moms-to-be in a way you never thought possible.
Take Her to the Beach
Photo by Caity Anne
The combination of the cool breeze off the ocean, the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, and the feel of the cool, wet sand between her toes is sure to help your pregnant client relax.
I think we can all agree that after seven or eight months of pregnancy, a little relaxing beach time is just what the doctor ordered!
In the image above, you can see the feeling of relaxation that's washed over the model.
She looks as though she hasn't a care in the world, right?
The wardrobe selection helps in creating that relaxed, beachy feel, too.
The muted color of the dress is reminiscent of the ocean's waters, while the sheer, flowing fabric easily picks up the ocean breeze for a bit of a playful look. Learn more about maternity picture ideas on our website PhotographyTalk.com.
Play With Angles
Photo by Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie
Not every photo you take of your pregnant client needs to be from the front.
In fact, if you play with your angle of view, you'll be able to capture images that are a little unexpected, like the one above.
This image has a decidedly sexy or boudoir feel to it that throws the conventions of a typical maternity photo out the window.
But that's what's so great about this photo - it's unique and offers a totally different perspective on pregnancy.
By taking a high point of view above the model's head, you give viewer a seldom seen point of view, especially for a maternity photo.
The key is to choose an aperture that's small enough to get mom's head and belly in focus, but small enough to throw her lower body or any background elements out of focus, as was done above.
Photo by Sweet Dreams Photography
Another angle to try is at belly level.
When choosing to frame the shot in this manner, don't worry about cropping the top of mom or dad's head out of the frame.
Since the focus is on the belly, you can be a little freer with your cropping - as seen above, dad's face isn't even in the frame, yet we're still privy to the feeling of love between these two and their shared love for their forthcoming child.
Again, the angle makes the photo much more unique, and as a result, the image is more visually impressive.
Find Structure
Photo by Abba Color Photography
Adding shapes, lines, and other forms of structure to a maternity photo might not seem like a good idea at first.
However, doing so boosts the visual interest in the shot and makes for a more compelling viewing experience. Read more about maternity photoshoot ideas on our website PhotographyTalk.com.
Take the image above as an ideal example of this...
The columns along the sides of the shot help elongate the frame while also helping to restrict our view such that we focus more on the model.
That pop of color and the flowing movement of her gorgeous lace gown only help in that endeavor, too.
Photo by Kathryn Santa Photography
In a completely different structural image, you can see once again how the shape and lines of the rocking chair help frame the model.
As in the first image, in this one, that structure offers a nice juxtaposition to the free-flowing nature of the gown.
This presentation of hard and soft helps create an interesting visual tension that viewers will find highly engaging.
Make It Bright
Photo by Samantha Ann Photography
The colors and light levels in your photos have a distinct impact on how viewers feel when they view the image.
Bright colors and highlights tend to exude a feeling of joy and happiness; dark colors and abundant shadows tend to have the opposite effect.
By going bright, you not only create a photo that is aligned with how mom will feel once her baby arrives, but you also give mom a perfect setting to actually feel like having her photo made.
This isn't to say that you can't get a high-quality photo indoors or in dim lighting conditions, but one look at the image above, and it's hard to argue against a bright, sunny setting for your maternity photos!
Photo by Lacey Dippold Photography
Certainly, one thing you can to do help brighten your photos is make the right wardrobe choices.
Gowns that are made of light fabrics, like lace and knit, won't weigh mom down any more than she already feels.
And don't be afraid of color, either.
As seen in many of the images above, the gowns the models are wearing are bright, deeply saturated colors that give the images an extra bit of pop.
Remember, the better mom looks, the better she will feel, and the better your photos will be as a result!
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