How to Pose Couples for Maternity Photography
Loveprint Photography
Couple Maternity Photos
My guess is that when most people hear the term "maternity photography" that they think of portraits of the mom-to-be.
However, taking portraits of mom with her significant other is a great way to focus on the relationship that brought about the baby in the first place.
But things can get a little tricky when you add a second person to the shot. That means another set of eyes, another smile, someone else's posture, and so forth, that you might need to manage.
There's also the question of how to pose two people for a portrait when one of them has a baby bump.
Here's a few tips on doing just that...
Lean In, Part 1
Chelsea Haworth Photography
An easy and effective way to show the closeness between the couple is to pose them in such a way that they are actually physically close to one another.
In the image above, both mom and dad are leaning toward one another, each with their heads tilted slightly toward center.
Notice as well how their hands are interlocked - which, again, provides a visual cue as to the closeness of their relationship - as well as frames their daughter and their upcoming child as well.
It's a simple pose but has a strong visual impact on the image (along with that incredible red dress and the breathtaking location!).
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Lean In, Part 2
Amy Doak Photography
In another version of the lean in pose, you can have the couple face one another instead of facing the camera, and lean in until their foreheads touch.
As you can see in the image above, this is a more intimate pose that helps create an image that feels as though we've happened upon this couple having a private, loving moment.
Notice as well how the photographer has had the couple hold hands, which helps eliminate the possibility of them hanging awkwardly at the couple's sides. It also gives the couple another point of contact to help strengthen the visual cues of the closeness of their relationship.
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Try Something Simple
Julie Newell Photography
No one ever said that you had to get wild and crazy when posing couples for a maternity shoot.
Something as simple as the pose above, in which mom is positioned in front of dad, and both are looking directly at the camera, can be an effective couple maternity pose.
Notice, however, that to provide more of a visual connection between the two that his hand has been placed on her belly.
Another trick you can use to make this sort of "traditional" pose a little more visually interesting is to suggest that mom wear something form-fitting, as seen above.
This highlights her baby bump (and mom's other curves, too), and with something that's got texture and a great color like the gown in this image, it provides immediate visual pop.
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Get Creative
Sue Mac Photography
If a more traditional pose like the previous one isn't your cup of tea, try switching things up a bit and getting creative.
In the image above, it's essentially the same pose as the "traditional" one earlier, but this time dad has been turned around.
Despite this, we can still see his face since he's turned to look at mom who is posed in a very neutral, traditional way.
Notice that we still get a strong feeling of connection between them due to dad's arm being draped across mom's body and mom's arm positioned upward to meet his.
To add a little more interest, mom's right leg has been kicked out to add a little curvature to the lower half of her body.
Caity Anne
Another creative couple maternity pose you can try is one in which the couple has locked lips, as seen in the image above.
Again, by finding ways for mom and dad to physically connect through the manner in which they're posed, we get a better sense of their relationship with one another.
Much like the previous image, in this one, mom's leg has been bent to add a bit of curvature. Additionally, notice how having her right arm positioned behind her helps balance out the angle created by her legs to create a pose that feels a little more balanced.
Something else to point out here is the manner in which mom is posed in front of dad. This helps highlight her baby bump (as does the lightly colored, form-fitting gown she's wearing).
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