If you're just starting out as a maternity photographer, you're probably realizing that being a professional photographer is a lot harder than you thought.
This doesn't mean that finding success is impossible. Quite the contrary - with hard work, time, and patience, you can certainly make maternity photography a wonderful and long-lasting career.
Having said that, it's often helpful to have a few tips to help you along the way.
With that in mind, here are three things you need to know about being a maternity photographer.
Editor's Tip: Not sure how to make your maternity photos stand out? Accessorize your pregnancy photo shoots with beautiful clothing and props.
It's Critical to Understand Maternity Shoot Poses
Anyone can tell an expecting mother to put her hands on her belly, look at the camera, and smile.
But what separates professional maternity photographers from everyone else is that they understand how to pose their clients in a way that's not only comfortable, but beautiful as well.
This can be a bit easier said than done because the chances are that your clients aren't going to be professional models.
That means that you need to prepare ahead of time, research beautiful maternity poses, and be ready to provide your clients with instruction (more on that later) regarding how to pose their body, what to do with their hands, the expression on their face, where to look, and so forth.
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The Success of Pregnancy Photo Shoots Depends in Part on the Wardrobe
Another difficult aspect of maternity photography is figuring out what your subject should be wearing in the shot.
On the one hand, not all expecting moms feel all that beautiful given how hard pregnancy is on their bodies. As a result, some of your clients might try to wear clothing that hides their body.
On the other hand, you'll encounter clients that want to pose nude, or close to it.
Since every expecting mom is different, it's necessary to sit down with her and get a feel for what she's most comfortable wearing.
If you find that she's on the more self-conscious side, try giving her a confidence boost and suggesting that she wears something elegant and beautiful, like the gorgeous lace gown in the image above or the beautiful chiffon gown below.
The great thing about stepping up the wardrobe game and going with a maternity gown or dress is that it brings a level of sophistication to the shot that might not otherwise be possible.
What's more, we all know how it feels to put on really nice clothes - there's an immediate boost in confidence when you see yourself in the mirror!
You can feed off of that by basing your maternity photo ideas around the wardrobe.
Do something bright, something sexy, something cosmopolitan, and you'll likely find that your client sheds her fears and starts working the camera!
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To Get Beautiful Pregnancy Photos, You Need to Direct Your Client
As noted earlier, the chances are good that the women you photograph aren't going to be professional models.
That being the case, you need to lock in your direction skills, that way you can quickly and effectively communicate to your clients exactly what it is you want them to do in front of the camera.
Now, this doesn't mean that you should be a drill sergeant and bark out orders to your pregnant client.
Instead, take a few minutes to simply talk to her and get to know her, that way you build a rapport with her right off the bat.
Then, it's a good idea to go over a few of your posing ideas with her, just so she knows what to expect. Don't be afraid to pose for her, either, that way you give her a visual of what you'd like her to do.
Once you get her in front of the lens, give specific directions as well as positive feedback.
Everyone likes to hear things like "You're so beautiful!" and "That's just perfect!" Showering her with positive feedback will only help your cause!
Learn More:
- Can't-Miss Tips for Better Maternity Photos
- What You Need to Know Before Becoming a Maternity Photographer
About Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories
This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories (like those shown in the images above) are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, and mommy and me sessions. These accessories not only make your clients look and feel great, but they also add a depth of detail and interest to your photos that elevate the images to an entirely other level. What started out with just a few people manufacturing these eye-catching items is a growing business that provides accessories to photographers worldwide. Help your clients look and feel their best by partnering with Sew Trendy Accessories.