Kate Brown Photography

Getting great portraits doesn't have to be complicated.

In fact, sometimes the best ideas for creating gorgeous portraits are the simplest ones to implement.

That's true whether you're photographing families, newborns, large groups, or individuals.

In this article, I'd like to share three easy tips for getting beautiful portraits. Though the sample images feature girls and young ladies, these ideas can work for just about any portrait subject.

Editor's Tip: The sample images in this article were shared with us by Sew Trendy Fashion and Accessories. Sew Trendy is one of the top photography accessories companies in the world, providing everything from maternity wear to newborn props to mommy and me sets. They also have a wardrobe line for girls and young ladies. To learn more, visit their website.

Add Dad (or Mom!)

Eden Bao Photography

When you're photographing very young girls, it can sometimes be a challenge to get them to focus on the task and hand.

However, if you add dad to the shot, you have a ready-made method for helping the young lady to relax in front of the camera and be herself.

In the example above, the setting isn't anything particularly special, but that doesn't matter because the focal point is the pretty little princess with her dad.

The interaction between the two creates a sweet moment, which is aided by the "magic" added to the shot with bokeh effects that look like fairy dust.

Katie Andelman

Of course, you can add mom to the shot as well.

The advantage of highlighting mom and daughter is that you can create continuity between them by dressing them in matching mommy and me sets.

In this case, the light, flowing gowns that mom and daughter are wearing help amplify the brightness of the image.

The matching floral crowns add color and texture to the shot as well.

If you photograph young children and find that a solo portrait is proving difficult, simply try adding a parent or sibling to the mix.

Learn More:

• 4 Fun Posing Tips for Portraits of Girls
• 6 Jaw-Dropping Portraits to Inspire Your Week

Add Interest to the Shot With the Wardrobe and Accessories

Eliz Alex Photography

In landscape photography, there's a misconception that what makes the shot beautiful is some fantastic, iconic scene.

However, you can make a beautiful landscape shot out of more mundane settings - you just have to know how to dress it up.

Similarly, you don't need to go to some exotic location to get a beautiful portrait.

In the image above, the setting is a normal, everyday kitchen, yet the portrait of the young lady works in large part to the gorgeous gown she's wearing.

The texture of the top of the gown juxtaposed with the flowy volume of the bottom of the gown make for an eye-catching moment.

What's more, her floral crown draws attention to her with gorgeous colors and textures, both of which help highlight her beautiful red hair.

Eliz Alex Photography

In this shot, the setting is simply the backyard, yet again, we see how the wardrobe and accessory choices help elevate the photo to another level.

The light, bright green color of the dress immediately draws your attention amidst the darker tones in the shot. The volume and movement of the dress also help add drama.

Again, the use of a floral crown helps anchor the young lady as the centerpiece of the shot, drawing attention to her face. It's also a great tool in this situation for creating a connection between the model and the flowers that surround her.

Wardrobe and accessory choices can't necessarily make a bad shot a good one - the fundamentals still need to be there.

But by incorporating wardrobe and accessory choices that have color, texture, patterns, and movement, you can make even the most mundane scenes into gorgeous portraits.

Learn More:

• Shop for Girls' Portrait Fashion and Accessories
• These Three Tricks Will Help You Create Beautiful Portraits
• How to Pose Couples for Maternity Photography

Give Them Something to Do

Cherish This Photography

Perhaps the easiest trick for getting precious photos of young girls is to give them something to do.

By distracting their attention, you can capture genuine, authentic moments like the one in the image above.

Rather than being a heavily posed shot (not that there's anything wrong with those...), you create something a little more whimsical.

And in this case, the setting certainly helps in the whimsy department, with tons of colors and textures that add interest to the photo.

So, to summarize, by giving your subject something do to, accessorizing them with beautiful clothing, and including mom or dad in the shot, you have plenty of ways to create more interesting portraits of girls.

Again, these techniques can be used with just about anyone else, too, so give them a try to see how your portraits might improve.

Learn More:

• Unique Portrait Ideas for Girls
• Portrait Photography Tips for Beginner Photographers

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, mommy and me sessions, and portraits. 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.

^{Stevie Cruz Photography}

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

^{Simplicity Photography}

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.

Learn More:

• Creative Portrait Ideas Anyone Can Try
• How to Improve Posing for Portraits

The Success of Pregnancy Photo Shoots Depends in Part on the Wardrobe

^{Ashly Collins}

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.

^{Brooke Drumm}

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!

Editor's Tip: Making money doesn't have to require tons of effort. Join our #1 referral program and earn extra income on the side.

To Get Beautiful Pregnancy Photos, You Need to Direct Your Client

^{Vic and Marie Photography}

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.

^{Naturally Newborn}

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.

---

^{Belly Beautiful Photography}

When thinking about how to start a photography business, things can quickly become overwhelming.

There's a lot to do, and much of it has nothing at all with being behind the lens.

Managing all that business stuff like marketing, getting a website going, registering your business and business name, working with accountants, and so forth can be tedious tasks, but they're important nonetheless.

What's also important is that you take some time to hone your craft as a photographer.

Here's a few tips for becoming a newborn photographer that focus on what you need to do from the business side as well as behind the lens.

Editor's Tip: Need additional income? Put more money in your bank account by joining our #1 affiliate program.

Word of Mouth Marketing is Where It's At

^{Bianca Hubble Photography} 

Hands-down, the best marketing for your newborn photography business will be word of mouth.

Getting referrals from clients is an absolute necessity because potential clients will be much more likely to give you a shot if they've heard about you from a relative or a friend than if they see your name on a business card thumbtacked to a wall somewhere.

Of course, generating positive word of mouth means that you have to produce gorgeous photos, be fun and easy to work with, be attentive and responsive to your newborn subjects and their parents, and delivering beautiful products in a timely manner (among many other things!).

^{Nikki Lenae Photography}

The key to maximizing word of mouth marketing is timing.

You don't want to ask for a referral too soon because doing so might seem desperate. Besides, how can your clients give you a referral before you've completed the work for them?

You also don't want to ask for a referral too late, like when you send your clients their final bill.

The sweet spot for getting a referral is when you've sent proofs to your client.

Their level of excitement will be through the roof at that point, so they'll be more likely to refer you.

You can also think about offering referral discounts or bonuses to clients, like getting 20 percent off their baby's one-year photos if someone they referred to you books a session.

Learn More:

• 4 Tips for Photographing Your Newborn Baby
• Newborn Photography Tips You Can Do at Home

Get the Right Props

^{Vic and Marie Photography}

Using props in portraits is something that can add tons of interest to the shot when done well. If not done well, they can be an eyesore.

That's why it's so important to get the right props for your newborn photography business.

Though every little guy and gal will be different, there are a variety of props that you can buy now and use over and over again.

This includes beanbags for supporting their little heads, necks, and backs.

It also includes throws and blankets to keep them warm and to add some texture to their portraits, as shown above.

^{Purest Light Photography}

It's also a good idea to have props that bring in colors and patterns to create more visual interest.

As seen in the image above, something as simple as a headband can help draw the eye to the baby's face while adding a pop of color as well.

^{Moonstruck Portraits}

Of course, you can combine these various props into the same shot for a beautiful look.

In the image above, the newborn crown adds sparkle to the photo while the texture of the jumper and blanket add depth to the shot.

But notice how in each of these examples that the props look and feel as though they're an integral component of the photo.

What's more, none of these props are distracting or compete for attention with the true star of the shot - the baby.

That's an important thing to keep in mind when styling your newborn photos - use props in a way that seems natural.

Editor's Tip: Newborn photos can really stand out by making smart decisions with accessories. See how newborn photos should be accessorized.

Figure Out Your Target Market

^{Abba Color Photography}

Perhaps one of the more difficult tasks you'll have when thinking about how to start a photography business is determining what your target market will be.

It's not good enough to say "newborn photography" as your market, either...

Sure, you'll initially need to cast a wider net in order to get things off the crowd with as many clients as possible.

But as your business grows, you'll want to zero in on the specific kind of clients that you desire to have.

^{Amber Fite Photography}

Here's a great photography business tip: When thinking about a target market, consider financial and geographic factors.

That is, when you think about your future as a photographer, you have to set goals for your income. And to make that income, your clients will need to pay a certain amount of money for your services.

That, in turn, drives who your ideal client becomes - they must be able to afford what you charge.

Likewise, it doesn't do you any good to target customers that are too far away. That means that you have to consider geographic factors when figuring out your target market.

Learn More:

• 4 Tips for Stunning Newborn Photography
• These Babies Dressed Like Princesses is Cuteness Overload

Final Thoughts

^{Bianca Hubble Photography}

With these newborn photography tips, you have a few pointers for how to become a newborn photographer.

While this isn't a comprehensive overview of every step you need to take, this will still get you pointed in the right direction.

Remember that starting a photography business is tough work and it will be a long road.

But if you produce beautiful photos, work well with your clients, and have a long-term strategy for success, you should be in good shape!

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.

---

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!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

^{Photo by DNA Photography by Ann Jessup}

I'll let you in on a little secret...

Photographing girls is a much different process than photographing boys.

Shocking, right?

Girls and boys tend to have different needs and wants when it comes to having their photos made.

They usually have different temperaments, too.

That's not to say that photographing one is better or easier than the other - it's just different.

That includes the way that you pose them for their portraits...

With that in mind, let's look at four crucial posing tips for getting the best portraits of girls.

Have Her Lean In

^{Photo by Amber Fite}

When it comes time for a portrait, most girls will have their hair done, and if they're of an age in which make-up is an option, they'll have that done too. They'll likely be sporting a special outfit too.

It's a lot of work to do hair and make-up, so you'll want to do what you can to get a few shots that emphasize your model's pretty face. 

An easy and effective way to do that is to have her lean towards the camera. 

Doing so gives the impression that her neck is slightly longer while also defining the chin (in the absence of a double-chin, as well). 

This will also allow her hair to fall away from her shoulders, which makes it look fuller and richer, as seen in the image above.

^{Photo by Katie Andelman}

When asking your female model to lean towards you, be sure she does so without slouching.

Posture is important for most portraits, but it's especially important in this situation because her shoulders are so prominent in the frame, particularly if she's wearing an off-the-shoulder gown like the one shown above.

For a different twist on the "lean in," have your model lean slightly to the left or right, as was done in the image above.

Note how the young lady's face and eyes are still fully visible, and her hair falls away from her body.

Either way, leaning in or slightly to the side will help ensure the viewer's attention is drawn first to your model's face.

Try Movement

^{Photo by Loni Smith Photography}

It's hard for anyone to sit still for a portrait, but that's especially true of kids.

Why not use their desire to move to your advantage?

In looking at the image above, you can see how fun the shot is due to the slight movement of the model as the shot was being taken.

With a fast enough shutter speed, you can freeze your model's movement, but still give viewers enough information to know that she was on the move as the shutter was fired.

^{Photo by Shutter Darling Photography}

Images like these are less stuffy and formal than a posed shot, which might align more with the energy and personality of a child.

But to keep things from getting too informal, you can dress your model in a gown or dress that has formal details.

For example, both gowns pictured above are simple and clean cut, but in the first image, the long sleeves add a formal touch to the dress, while in the second image, the ruffle detail on the bottom of the dress gives it a bit of formality.

The result is an image that has a nice contrast between being laid back and formal.

Try Alternative Viewpoints

^{Photo by Frosted Productions}

Part of your process of working with a young lady as a model should be to find unique ways to photograph her.

Rather than relying on a typical three-quarter or half-body shot from the front, why not get a little creative?

In the image above, having the model lay down gives viewers a more unexpected view of her face and eyes.

Note how the focus is sharply on the girl's eyes, but that the supporting details in the shot - namely the lace gown she's wearing - help to give the image even more interest.

^{Photo by Jennie}

In this example, there's much less detail in the gown the girl is wearing, but it's deeply saturated color adds a pop of interest to an otherwise very simple, beautiful shot.

Note as well how the little girl's hair fans out, which gives it more volume but also indicates just a bit of movement as if she's just laid down on the floor.

The placement of her hands really helps this pose as well because our eyes follow the lines of her arms and fingers to the center of the shot.

Use the Wardrobe as a Posing Mechanism

^{Photo by Virginia Rose Hodges Photography}

As noted earlier, getting kids to pose for the camera can be a challenge.

But armed with the right wardrobe, you can get your young model in the right mindset for a knockout portrait.

In the image above, the gown the model is wearing clearly gives her confidence and makes her feel like a powerful young lady.

Looking at the expression on her face and her stance in the shot tells us that...

In this case, having a gorgeous, flowing gown facilitated the pose you see above.

^{Photo by Amber Fite}

A slightly different take on using the wardrobe as a posing mechanism is seen in the image above.

A great way to get your model to relax is to give them something to do or to hold.

In this instance, merely playing with her gown helps this girl relax and forget for a moment that she's being photographed.

The result is a relaxed pose and a portrait that seems more like a window into an authentic moment as opposed to a formally posed shot.

^{Photo by Spinelli Portraiture}

No matter the age of the girl you're photographing, these simple posing tips will give you a greater ability to create a unique, eye-catching portrait of her.

As you can see in the images throughout this article, the tactics you use to get a more impactful image don't have to be over-the-top or time-consuming, either.

Work on directing your model in a way that helps her relax and have fun, and give her some awesome clothes to wear, and you'll likely have a young lady that's excited to get her portrait taken!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

^{Photo by Amanda Gates Photography}

As a man, I can't claim to know the daily struggles that my wife goes through when deciding what to wear for the day.

As a photographer, though, I feel like I have some pretty good insights into wardrobe struggles of the fairer sex.

Picking out an outfit for a day at work is one thing; picking out a wardrobe for a photo that will immortalize her for the rest of her life is another thing entirely.

Add in pregnancy, and oh boy, there's lots of factors at play.

Every expecting mom wants to look good, wear clothes that are comfortable, and have some semblance of elegance, even if she's dead tired and aches all over.

On top of that, what she wears can make or break her maternity photos.

With that in mind, I'd like to offer up four ideas that might make it easier on your maternity clients to select wardrobe pieces - and make them look good too!

Wear a Solid Color

^{Photo by Vic and Marie Photography}

A solid colored gown is a great choice for expecting moms that want something simple, yet elegant.

By selecting something that's a single color, the emphasis remains on mom and her belly bump, which is the whole point of the maternity shoot anyway.

That's not to say that patterns or prints are bad for maternity photography, it's just that simple, solid colors give the viewer a little less to inspect so their eyes remain locked in on the mom-to-be.

In the example above, the black gown has a simple elegance about it. The solid color contrasts beautifully with the busier background, making mom the focal point of the shot.

^{Photo by Chelsea Ruger Photography}

But a solid colored gown needn't contrast with the surroundings to have the same elegant effect.

In the image above, mom's bright white gown matches the brightness of her surroundings for a beautiful high-key look.

Also note how the gown has been paired with tasteful accessories like the floral crown. Doing so adds a bit of texture and color while maintaining the simplicity of a shot with a solid colored wardrobe.

Dark colors like black and blue, as well as light colors like white and yellow, can be used to create a gorgeous look. It's just up to mom to decide what color she wants!

Try Something Form-Fitting

^{Photo by Abba Color Photography}

Not all of your maternity clients will want to wear something that's form-fitting, and that's okay. Above all, you want your client to be comfortable and happy with how she looks.

But for moms that don't mind showing off their curves, a form-fitting gown like the one pictured above could be a great move.

These gowns make a dramatic statement in the portrait by showing off not just the belly bump, but mom's other curves as well. There's really no better way to accentuate the beauty of pregnancy!

Pair a tight-fitting gown with an interesting pose like the one above, and you have a recipe for a gorgeous maternity photo.

^{Photo by Casey Nystrom Photography}

Of course, just because she's wearing a gown that's form-fitting around her belly doesn't mean the dress can't still have some volume.

The gown above adds some interest to the shot with the inclusion of the draping at the top of the dress.

What's more, the train at the bottom pools almost like water at the base of mom, giving the gown a flowing, dramatic look that, when paired with the dry, textured ground makes for an interesting juxtaposition.

Again, as seen in earlier images, the wardrobe selection brings a touch of elegance to the shot without being over the top.

Go For a Classic Look

^{Photo by Andrea Toth}

When it comes time for the maternity photo shoot, you certainly want to help mom make wardrobe selections that she won't regret 10 or 20 years down the road.

After all, you want the photos you create to be a lasting legacy in your client's family, and if you let mom wear something that's downright hideous, it will be tough for your photos to take their place on the mantel.

That's why it's important to make wardrobe suggestions that offer a timeless or classic look.

In the image above, the white lace maternity gown is the epitome of classic, with a little volume to cover areas mom doesn't want to show off, and a little leg and shoulder to give the shot just a hint of sexiness.

^{Photo by Bella Lei Couture}

On the other hand, gowns with clean lines and an impeccable fit also fit the bill for a classic look.

In the example above, the gown accentuates mom's curves as was discussed above, and with the plunging neckline and bare arms, it's another example of a maternity gown that can help make mom feel beautiful.

When going classic, the inclination might be to go too simple. But as you can see above, adding a punch of color with a brightly colored gown elevates the image without making it so over the top that it takes away from the timeless appeal.

Add Accessories

^{Photo by Eden Bao Photography}

One of the tricky aspects of maternity photography (well, any portraiture, really...) is finding a way to bring visual interest to the shot that doesn't detract from the subject.

As noted earlier, suggesting a single color wardrobe helps bring simplicity to the shot, but can be on the boring side. The same goes for a classic look - with clean lines and a lack of texture in the fabric, the portrait might need a little dose of color or texture to give it more visual interest.

That's where accessories come in.

Something like a flower or two as seen above can be just enough to give your maternity photos a little more pizazz and help mom feel a little more beautiful.

^{Photo by Created in His Image Photography}

Of course, the accessories you recommend can be a little more involved too.

In the image above, the floral crown gives the photo the color, shape, and texture it needs to maintain the focus on the beautiful mom to be.

Note how the simplicity of the dress gives the image a classic look, and how the bright white material makes mom the most noticeable thing in the portrait.

When it comes down to it, the accessories and wardrobe items you recommend can run the gamut from clean, crisp, and simple like the gown above to bright, colorful, and even sexy like gowns shown in earlier images. Whatever you recommend, just be sure that the colors, shapes, and textures work with your overall plan for the shot and that above all, mom is comfortable and looks her best!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

When it comes to newborn photography, there's a lot to consider.

Not only do you have the typical list of tasks you have with any portrait subject - lighting, wardrobe, composition, and the like - but you also have a very delicate, often temperamental little human that you have to ensure is safe throughout the shoot.

For me, newborn photography has to rank right at the top of the most stressful photography gigs with weddings.

It's not something I'd recommend for the faint of heart, that's for sure!

Yet, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your infant photography sessions.

Heck, these tips are so simple and straightforward that you don't even have to be a professional to use them and use them well.

Without further ado, let's explore a few of these tricks to help you take better photos of infants.

Take Inspiration From Your Subject

^{Photo by Gina Y Photography}

Just like with any portrait subject, you'll want to be prepared for the shoot with a shot list, which is likely something you'll create with the help of the baby's parents.

However, as handy as shot lists are to have, don't get trapped by the notion that you have to get each and every shot on the list.

If you do that, you run the risk of the photo shoot becoming a little rigid, which can show up in the photos you take.

When working with a baby, you have to learn to roll with the punches, and that flexibility can help you get shots that might be even better than the ones from your shot list.

In the image above, continuing to fire the shutter as the baby opened his eyes, moved his legs, and stretched his arms resulted in a very sweet photo that might not have been captured had the photographer not continued to shoot.

^{Photo by Baby Bare Photography}

Similarly, you can take a cue from a baby that's sound asleep, because that's a prime time to capture photos.

In the example above, note how the baby isn't perfectly posed - and that's okay.

Her head is a little askew, her mouth is open, and her arms aren't clasped closely to her chest as was likely the desired look for the photo.

But rolling with the punches allowed the photographer to capture a very sweet moment nonetheless, and one in which the baby looks relaxed, happy, and perhaps more natural than she would have been had she been more formally posed.

Posed Photos Should Occur in the First Couple of Weeks

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

You really have two choices when it comes to the style of your newborn photos: lifestyle and posed.

In the case of the former, there's definitely more leeway regarding how you work.

Posed portraits of infants are another animal, though.

Because they require so much time and effort to get the baby to look just right, it's best that posed portraits are done when the baby is small, sleeps a lot, and is fairly moldable.

By moldable, I mean that a brand new newborn can be positioned fairly easily, as seen in the image above, because their little bodies are so flexible and because they sleep so much.

^{Photo by Julie Newell Photography}

Another aspect of their "moldability" is that newborns can be swaddled in blankets, as seen above, for a different take on the "perfect shot" of a newborn.

Regardless of the type of pose you and the parents of the baby select, it's essential that the utmost care is taken to ensure the baby's safety.

Poses like the one in the first image above should be done delicately, with the parents close by ready to support their child should he or she start to lean, slide, or fall over.

When wrapping babies in blankets or newborn wraps, ensure that they aren't too tight. Also ensure that the blankets or wraps are soft, warm, and not too flashy, like the one you see in the image above.

When shooting in the studio, also be prepared for frequent breaks. The baby will wake up, and there will no doubt be the need to feed and change the baby as well.

Use Props Selectively

^{Photo by Marie Grantham Photography}

As with any portrait, adding props to a newborn photo shoot can be both a blessing and a curse.

On the one hand, if the props chosen are over-the-top, they can easily distract the viewer's eye from the real star of the photo - the baby.

On the other hand, if the props lack much visual punch at all, they just become something else occupying space in the frame, without a real purpose to their presence that's evident to the viewer.

On top of that, the more props you (or the parents) bring to the shoot, the more easily overwhelmed all of you can be at the prospect of which props to begin with, how many to use, and so forth.

That means you have to strike the right balance, as was done in the image above.

Note how the scene is relatively nondescript, so the canopy over the baby doesn't become too overwhelming for the shot.

The dark background helps the canopy pop, and its delicate lace adds a little texture to the scene while also helping frame the baby in the shot.

^{Photo by K. Photography}

A great way to add a little interest to your newborn photos without going overboard is utilizing props like the crown and angel wings in the image above.

These gorgeous props for newborn photography from Sew Trendy Accessories give a little sparkle to your images that's enough to catch the eye without overwhelming it.

In the case of the image above, note how the crown and wings are paired with a very detail-free shot - the baby is without clothes and the blanket is a single color with just a little texture evident in the foreground.

^{Photo by Loni Smith Photography}

Another option is to add a floral headband like the one seen above.

Like the rhinestone crown, the floral headband adds some visual interest to the portrait, but without seeming out of place or over the top.

In this instance, the flowers add color and texture, but those features aren't overwhelming because of the simple, Bohemian styling of the crown.

And by coordinating the crowns, wings, headbands, and other props you might use with the rest of the elements in the scene, you further make the prop something that's integral to the shot as opposed to an add-on.

In the image above, note how the colors of the baby's jumper and the blanket are incorporated into the crown.

Therein is the secret with using props in newborn photography - make them an integral component of the shot, and they will enhance the beauty of the baby rather than feeling like something that was added to the photo without much thought.

Watch That Aperture

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

A lot of photographers that aren't used to photographing babies might default to shooting wide open. However, that's a mistake.

For starters, you'll often be working at odd angles with very steep or shallow points of view.

When that's the case, shooting as wide as possible can result in parts of the baby falling outside the depth of field.

What's more, with all those odd angles, you run the risk of having one of the baby's eyes in focus and the other not, which I don't have to tell you is not the look you want.

Instead, avoid your lens's maximum aperture and step it down by two or three stops. That will give you the added depth of field you need to ensure the entirety of the baby's face is in focus, even if you work from very steep angles.

Wrapping It Up

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

Working as a newborn photographer is challenging, but the time and effort you put into the craft certainly pays dividends when it all goes right.

Remember, plan ahead with a shot list, but don't be afraid to deviate as the baby "speaks to you" and the circumstances warrant a shift in your approach.

Also ensure that if the goal is to get perfectly posed shots, that the photo shoot needs to happen in the first couple of weeks of the baby's life. Doing so ensures you can pose the baby with the greatest of ease while adding beautiful and tasteful props to the scene that add visual punch.

Last but not least, keep an eye on the aperture you use, opting for something a little smaller to increase the depth of field, that way your sweet subject is in focus.

If you can do these things (or, even just one of these things!), you'll find that your newborn photos are for the better!

About Sew Trendy

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.

---

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography}

Spring is in the air, and I don't know about you, but I'm thinking of all the ways to use springtime as inspiration for newborn photography.

It's a great time of year to get outside and take some portraits.

Heck, it's a great time of year to take some indoor portraits with a springtime flair, too.

If you're looking for a few ways to celebrate the season while giving your newborn photography some added visual interest, give these springtime newborn photo ideas a try.

Incorporate Color

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

Springtime is all about renewal, and for many of us, that means an explosion of color in the environments in which we live.

Why not capitalize on the abundance of color and incorporate it into your springtime newborn photography?

This is particularly helpful if you're shooting indoors because the addition of some vibrant colors will help give your photos that sense of springtime without the benefit of being outside.

In the image above, the bursts of orange add a sense of vitality to the shot that screams of springtime.

Not only do the flowers add color, but they also help give the image some dimension. The petals of the flowers create an interesting texture that helps add some depth, which is aided by the blurriness of the floral background due to the shallow depth of field.

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

In another take on adding color, the image above shows how you can incorporate more subtle colors, but with the same effect of generating a distinct springtime vibe.

Here, the soft orange tones create a beautifully soft backdrop for the portrait of this newborn.

And by incorporating those same subtle orange tones in the newborn's floral crown and wrap, the image has greater cohesion.

The result is an image that looks fresh, clean, and colorful - just like spring!

Let the Wardrobe Capture the Mood of Spring

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

Springtime is all about lightness and brightness, and using those same characteristics in the baby's wardrobe will help you capture the essence of spring. 

That means utilizing gowns and rompers that are airy, light, and colorful - all details that we associate with spring. 

In the image above, notice how the baby's gown is elegant, yet simple. The lace details add the softness that's reminiscent of the spring, while the bow on the back adds just enough detail to make the gown a little more eye-catching.

An important tip when photographing a baby in any season is to thoroughly inspect their wardrobe before you press the shutter button. Look for bunching or folds that will distract the viewer's attention, and if the baby is wearing a gown or a dress, make sure it isn't wrapped under the baby and instead has a flowing look, as seen above.

^{Photo by Shannon Leigh Studios}

Another wardrobe option that's ideal for spring is a crown that mimics the feeling of the season.

In the photo above, there is a distinct springtime feeling due to the floral background and the soft, floral tones of the newborn's gown.

But that springtime effect is heightened by including the floral crown.

Even though the headband and the flowers are very small, dainty, and delicate, they have a powerful effect on the overall feel of the photo.

The flowers are reminiscent of being outside on a spring day, and the cloud-like bed on which the baby is laying reminds you of a warm spring day with a sky full of big, white clouds.

Take the Opportunity to Use Props

^{Photo by Axsys Design}

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - props can go really wrong, really fast. That's the case for any kind of portrait, including newborn photography.

But that doesn't mean that you can't ever use newborn photography props and use them effectively.

The key is to ensure that the props you're using in your photos don't take away from the view of the baby.

Take the image above as a prime example of this concept.

The addition of the flowers gives the shot that springtime feel but in a way that enhances our view of the baby.

This is due in part to a couple of compositional choices.

First, the higher point of view means that we can look down into the flowers rather than through them, giving us an unobstructed view of the baby's face.

Second, the flowers form a frame around the baby (more on that later) that helps keep our attention on the tiny model. The circular shape of the flower arrangement is echoed in the baby's headband, which gives the shot nice balance and symmetry as well.

^{Photo by Julia Rozental Photography}

In this photo, we see a different take on using props with a baby that's a bit older.

Once they are able to sit up on their own, you've got a whole new set of possibilities for incorporating props into the shot.

Here, the color palette continues with the theme of spring with bright colors, and the use of flowers only emphasizes the spring theme.

But the most important props are the crate in which the baby is sitting and the gorgeous headdress and gown that she's wearing.

The crate, like the flower arrangement in the previous shot, helps contain our eye on the subject. Meanwhile, the colorful and intricate crown and gown further pull our attention to the center of the shot.

With so many other props and details in this image, it was crucial that the photographer use props to draw our attention to the little model.

That was done very successfully by using the baby's wardrobe as an eye-catching prop.

Use a Frame Within a Frame

^{Photo by Baby Bare Photography}

Using a frame within a frame is a tried-and-true technique for helping direct the viewer's attention toward the primary subject.

And while this trick can be used for any type of photo in any season, it's especially helpful for newborn photography.

After all, you're photographing a tiny subject, and when you incorporate some of the elements listed above, like springtime wardrobe and prop selections, the baby can get lost in all of the supporting details in the shot.

As noted earlier, a frame within a frame, like the crib in the image above, helps direct our attention where it needs to go, in this case, to gaze upon the beautiful babies inside the crib.

Notice how the frame of the crib does this job even in the relative absence of other details in the shot.

In that regard, this frame is fairly subtle, especially because it's white in a photo that has an abundance of white.

^{Photo by Marie Grantham Photography}

But in this shot, notice how the frame works in a more literal sense.

The A-frame shape the lace canopy frames the baby's face beautifully and helps direct our attention downward toward the baby.

What's more, the upside down A-frame shape of the cloth that's falling over the edge of the crib helps keep our eye from moving too far downward, again, with the effect of keeping our attention on the gorgeous little subject.

Beyond that, notice how delicate the materials are in this shot. This helps create that sense of renewal and rebirth that we associate with spring.

Though each of these tips might seem like a bit of overthinking the composition, when it comes to newborn photography, it's important to be purposeful in how you approach each shot. That goes for choosing the colors and the wardrobe, using props, and incorporating frames within the frame as well.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

^{Renee Joanne Photography}

With Mother's Day coming up, I thought it would be a good time to discuss a few tips that will help you take better photos of expecting moms and moms with newborns.

Though it might seem on the surface that taking a maternity or newborn portrait is just like any other portrait, that's not exactly the case.

After all, there are few sights as personal and that show such a strong bond between two people as maternity and newborn photography.

With that in mind, it's important to understand how you can take better maternity photos and knock newborn photography out of the park.

Here's a few suggestions for doing just that.

Editor's Tip: Get all the maternity and newborn photography accessories you need at up to 45% off for Mother's Day from Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories. Preview the sale now, which runs May 3-8, 2018.

How to Take Gorgeous Maternity Photos: Consider the Wardrobe

^{Neidy Parra Photography}

Sure, the star of your photos should be the mom that's expecting a child.

But there are plenty of ways to make her look and feel her best for her photos, and that includes considering what she's wearing.

If you have a client that isn't averse to showing a little skin, you might consider putting her in a glamorous bodysuit, like the Josette bodysuit shown in the image above.

This kind of wardrobe choice isn't for all expecting moms, but as you can see, if she's got the confidence, she can totally rock it!

^{12:9 Photography}

If you're working with an expecting mom that wants something a little more traditional for her wardrobe, something like the Hera Gown shown above is a great choice.

This gown offers more coverage than a bodysuit while also having an elegant vibe about it with the inclusion of the cape.

If there's a bit of a breeze (or if you have a fan handy), you can add even more interest to the shot by capturing the cape flowing upward and outward in the breeze.

When it comes down to it, being pregnant isn't always the most glamorous experience. However, beautiful clothes and styling can help any mom - no matter how tired or achy - to feel like the beautiful woman she is!

Learn More:

• Do's and Don'ts for Beautiful Maternity Photography
• Quick Tips for Posing Women for Portraits

Be Smart About Accessories for Maternity Photography

^{Glass Menagerie Photography}

When accessorizing a maternity shoot (or any type of portrait, for that matter), it's necessary to be purposeful with every single accessory that you add.

By that, I mean that you don't want to overwhelm the shot with tons of accessories.

By the same token, you also don't want to add loud accessories whose colors, textures, or patterns are distracting to the eye.

Instead, for the most gorgeous maternity photos, add accessories that increase the elegance and sophistication of the shot, like the floral crowns in the photos above and below.

^{Precious Moments Photography}

In both these images, you can see how the floral crowns bring a touch of color and texture to the shot.

This not only helps brighten both images, but it also helps draw our eyes to the subjects in both photos.

Notice as well how the crowns coordinate with the gowns that both models are wearing.

Though you don't necessarily want to be matchy-matchy, having coordinating colors will bring a cohesion to the look.

Editor's Tip: Add gorgeous floral crowns to your collection of maternity photography accessories and get 20% off May 3-8, 2018!

Use Newborn Photography Accessories to Add Character and Warmth

^{Purest Light Photography}

As with maternity photography, adding accessories to a photo of a newborn is a great way to give the shot a little more character and warmth.

Again, it's important not to go overboard when accessorizing a newborn photo lest you overwhelm the viewer with too much stuff in the shot.

Instead, a simpler-is-better approach is the way to go.

In the image above, for example, the floral tieback adds a pop of color and texture to the shot, which, given that the backdrop is a solid color, is needed to bring more interest to the photo.

^{Moonstruck Portraits}

In this example, you can see how you can add additional accessories to the shot without it becoming too chaotic.

In this case, this beautiful newborn is wearing a crown and a jumper, and is laying on a texture-filled blanket.

But because each of these elements is a solid color and in the same color family, they complement each other well and don't compete for attention.

That's the key - adding accessories should highlight your subject, not detract from it.

Learn More:

• Unique Ideas for Newborn Photography
• 4 Tips for Photographing Your Newborn Baby

Highlight the Relationship in Mommy & Me Sessions

^{Corinna Shutz Photography}

I'm the youngest child in my family, and my older sister has mentioned more than once over the course of my life that she hated me when I was born.

It's tough sometimes on older kids who have to share the spotlight with a new sibling, but you can help alleviate that a little bit by including older siblings in mommy and me photos.

These portraits not only give older kids a chance to be center stage, but it also gives you all kinds of fodder to highlight the relationship between mom and child as well as the relationship between the child and their upcoming brother or sister.

^{Amber Fite}

One way to highlight that relationship is to capture images of mom and child looking at one another.

This subtle trick helps connect the two visually in the photo, but it also helps bring them together on a relational level as they gaze into one another's eyes.

^{Samantha Vickers Photography}

Another idea is to have the child interact with mom and her baby bump in some way.

As seen above, the little girl kissing her mom's belly and feeling it with her hands offers a sweet reminder of how strong the bond between siblings can be.

At the end of the day, creating gorgeous maternity photos and newborn photos is fairly straightforward.

Mind the wardrobe. Select beautiful maternity and newborn photography accessories. Bring older siblings into the shoot to highlight the relationship they have with their mother and upcoming sibling. If you can do these things, you'll be in position to create more dynamic - and meaningful - portraits.

Editor's Tip: Don't miss the Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories Mother's Day Sale, May 3-8, 2018. Find great deals, discounts, freebies, and more on photography accessories!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

^{Bianca Hubble}

When my son was born, we had professional photos taken of him.

If you can find the right photographer, I highly recommend it, even if you're a photographer yourself!

But that doesn't mean that you can't grab your camera and take photos of your own baby...

Here's a few quick tips for photographing your newborn.

Give It Some Time

^{Bianca Hubble}

If you're like me, you feel a rush to get photos before your baby starts growing and changing rapidly.

But to try to cram a lifetime worth of photos into an hour or two just doesn't make sense. It doesn't make for very good pictures, either.

Instead, resolve to take a few photos each day or every other day.

Each time you shoot, try a different setup, a different angle, use different lighting, and so forth, that way you get different looks from one shot to the next.

Another benefit of pacing yourself is that you can document the subtle changes that occur with your baby in their first weeks and months.

You won't notice those changes in the moment, but when you look back on your photos, you'll be amazed at how much your little one changes!

Accessorize Tastefully

^{Abba Color Photography}

One thing I see in some newborn photography is over-the-top additions that make the shot look and feel chaotic.

Whether that's a busy background, too many props or something in between, going overboard with accessories will only detract from your baby's beauty.

With that in mind, do yourself a favor and accessorize your newborn photos in a tasteful manner.

In the image above, for example, notice how the darling floral crown adds some color and texture to the shot, while the wrap that's swaddling the baby keeps her warm and cozy (while also adding a gorgeous pattern to the photo as well).

These accessories work so well together because they complement one another color-wise, and because the background is fairly plain and empty.

The result is that these accessories help draw your eye to the baby for a more powerful shot.

 

Editor's Tip: See the floral crown from the image above and other newborn photography accessories by clicking here.

 

^{Purest Light Photography}

In this example, the addition of the floral crown adds texture and interest to the photo.

Again, this is important because it helps make the baby the focal point of the image.

But in this case, since the baby isn't clothed and the background is a single, solid color, the floral crown adds a punch of visual interest that takes the photo to the next level.

Learn More:

• Get Outfitted With Newborn Clothing and Accessories for Your Next Photo Shoot
• Take Your Newborn Photography to the Next Level With These Simple Tips

Keep Your Baby Comfortable

^{L & O Photography}

It should be a no-brainer, but I'll mention it anyway...

The more comfortable your baby is, the more likely they are to stay asleep, and if they're asleep, you'll obviously have a much easier time taking their photo.

That means turning up the heat so the room is nice and warm for them when you take their photos.

That also means ensuring that noise is at a minimum, that way they aren't woken up as you work.

Also try a beautiful wrap to keep them warm and swaddled.

Wraps like the one above also add color and texture to the shot, as I was explaining earlier.

That gives you an accessory that pulls double-duty!

 

Editor's Tip: Click here to see lace rompers, knit wraps, blankets, and other newborn accessories you can use for your newborn photos.

 

Include Yourself

^{Purest Light Photography}

Remember that when you're photographing your own newborn that you need to include yourself, your significant other, your other kids, and other friends and family in some of the photos.

Putting yourself into the shot, as seen above, creates a beautiful dynamic between mom and baby.

Showing that love and the relationship you have with your newborn makes it easy to capture a gorgeous photo that you'll love for a lifetime!

Learn More:

• Newborn Photography Tips That Will Completely Change Your Images
• These Babies Dressed Like Princesses is Cuteness Overload

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

Photo by Belly Beautiful/Karen Marie

When it comes to maternity photography - well, any kind of portraiture - the goal is to make your model look amazing.

There are a million ways to help yourself do that, too.

But sometimes you just need a quick tip to help you get your creative juices flowing or you need an easy idea that has tons of visual impact.

I've got just those kind of tips below!

Use a Frame

Photo by Belly Beautiful/Karen Marie

Framing your subject is an easy portrait photography trick that helps direct the viewer's gaze toward the model.

This trick works with any type of portraiture, including newborn photography.

Looking at the image above, notice how the chair perfectly frames the tiny subject but does so in a way that's not in-your-face.

The sides and back of the chair cradle the baby, and the strong vertical lines of the chair's legs help move our eyes up towards the newborn.

Photo by Lovely Baby Photography

In another example, note how the bright, fluffy, pink pillow serves to frame the baby.

Again, even though the pillow has a strong color and texture to it, the fact that it's a frame within a frame isn't overly noticeable.

In this case, the color and texture of the pillow contrast nicely with the baby's wrap and floral headband to create a dynamic viewing experience.

Learn More:

• Newborn Photography Tips That Will Completely Change Your Images
• Photography Composition Tip: Using a Frame Within a Frame

Try Different Angles

Photo by Lovely Baby Photography

When it comes to taking a portrait of a newborn, don't limit yourself to plain old horizontal and vertical shots.

Instead, play around with different angles to increase the visual interest of the shot.

For example, note how the image above is taken on an angle such that the baby is perfectly vertical but the bucket in which she sits is on a diagonal.

This gives the shot a more dynamic feel because of the difference in the angles of the lines in the shot.

Photo by Abba Color Photography

In this example, the baby herself creates angular lines that give the impression that this photo was taken at a unique angle.

The positioning of her body such that it creates a line from upper left to bottom right is a much more compelling way to view this beautiful baby than a traditional vertical or horizontal composition.

Learn More:

• Newborn Photography Tip: How to Master Up-Close Shots
• Five Ways to Make Your Maternity Photography More Unique

Break the Rules

Photo by Meraz Photography

When composing your newborn photos, don't be afraid to break the rules of composition.

Typically, a portrait benefits from shifting the subject left or right of center to agree with the rule of thirds.

But as you can see in the example above, this photo actually benefits from breaking the rule.

Notice how placing this cutie in the middle of the shot helps highlight the fact that she's sitting up on her own.

And with the tasteful use of props around her, she's grounded in the shot, too.

Photo by Belly Beautiful/Karen Marie

In this shot, you can see how a center placement works from a top-down perspective, too.

In this case, the baby's wardrobe helps make her placement in the middle of the shot more successful.

The gown blends beautifully into the background, and together they give the appearance that the baby is almost floating in the center of the shot.

Learn More:

• These Babies Dressed Like Princesses is Cuteness Overload
• 4 Newborn Photography Tips That Will Have You taking Photos Like a Pro

Shoot Often

Photo by Belly Beautiful/Karen Marie

Just like with any portrait subject, newborns will give you a wide range of facial expressions over the course of the photo shoot.

The trick, of course, is to be at-the-ready to capture those facial expressions when they happen.

That's why it's important to shoot often.

Keeping your camera ready to bring to your eye to capture that fleeting smile as the baby sleeps will get you rewarding shots like the one above.

Photo by Amber Fite Photography

What's more, you also want to be able to capture those precious moments in which the baby is perfectly content, looking like the little angel she is.

Again, this requires that you always be at-the-ready with your camera settings, lighting, props, and wardrobe choices all lined out, that way you can get the shots when the perfect moment occurs.

Just one look at the beautiful little lady in the image above, and you can see the value of shooting often and always being prepared!

Learn More:

• Basic Composition Tips for Newborn Photography
• 11 Photos of Newborns That Will Melt Your Heart

About Sew Trendy

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.

---

^{Photo by Tracy Koenke Photography}

I don't know about you, but when I see maternity photos I see a lot of the same thing...

There's the required pose with the father and the natural light portrait by herself at Golden Hour.

Usually, there's some indoor shots too, maybe a lifestyle portrait of the mom-to-be relaxing.

There's nothing wrong with these kinds of photos, that's for sure.

In fact, they can be both beautiful and meaningful for the expectant parents.

However, if you want to expand your maternity photography horizons, I'd recommend that you venture into something a little more unique. Learn more about maternity photo ideas on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

Let's have a look at five beautiful examples of maternity photography that you might not have seen before, and explore how you can replicate each one.

Go Rustic

^{Photo by Shutter Darling Photography}

Taking your maternity photography outdoors is nothing new. Outdoor maternity photoshoot not only allow you to take advantage of the natural lighting I mentioned above, but it also gives you the opportunity to show the beauty of pregnancy in a natural environment.

The tricky part is often balancing the beauty of the outdoor scene with the beauty of your subject.

After all, you want her to be the focal point - not the environment in which you're photographing her.

One option to help in this regard is to give your photos a rustic feel like the image above.

All the natural colors, tones, and textures of the logs give you the best of what an outdoor shoot has to offer.

Note how the image feels casual, yet sophisticated (which is certainly helped by the maternity gown), while at the same time benefitting from a background that doesn't allow the eye to stray.

Instead, we're focused on the model in all her beauty and getting a distinctly rustic feel in the shot as well.

Have a Mom Party

^{Photo by Vic and Marie Photography}

No one ever said that maternity photos had to have just one mom...

If you find that you have several moms that know one another, a group photo can be something they all cherish for years to come.

Naturally, when there are multiple moms (and bellies!) in the shot, the key to making a successful photo is to ensure that there's nothing in the frame that takes attention away from the subjects.

Some photographers would take this as an opportunity to take the photo shoot indoors. However, if you frame the shot right, you can get a beautiful shot outdoors too.

In the example above, note how the elevated perspective of the shooting position allowed the photographer to look slightly down at the models.

The eliminates the horizon in the background and fills the surrounding space with a sea of wildflowers.

Combined with eye-catching wardrobe choices, this has the makings of a powerful maternity photo that's quite eye-catching too.

Incorporate a Child

^{Photo by Lauren McCormick Photography}

If mom already has a kid, adding them into the shot gives you a chance to highlight mom's relationship with her child and the one that's on the way.

These "mommy and me" photos take on a different level of meaning if you incorporate elements that give the photo a dash of uniqueness.

In the image above, for example, the way that the mother and her daughter are interacting demonstrates their love for one another.

What's more, the simple indication of action - the daughter kissing mom's belly - adds additional visual interest to the shot.

Speaking of visual interest, there are other elements here that make this a gorgeous photo, namely the black and white conversion and the addition of a beautiful gown that gives the shot some lightness and texture.

Go High-Key

^{Photo by Shanna Brophy Photography}

You don't have to add in a child or take your pregnant subject to a beautiful outdoor location to get a photo that has tons of visual appeal.

For a bit of a unique take on maternity photography, you can create a high-key look as seen above.

By going with a high-key look, you give the image a lightness and airiness that elevates the look and feel of the image.

And, let's face it - nothing about pregnancy is easy. Giving mom a light, bright look that's glamorous will help elevate her mood and remind her of the good things she experienced while she was pregnant.

^{Photo by Glow Portraits}

One thing to bear in mind when creating a high-key maternity photo is to add props to the shot that make up for the lack of color and light contrast.

These items needn't be overly heavy or detailed, either, as seen in the image above.

The addition of the array of candles adds a little bit of shape and height, while the form-fitting maternity gown adds a nice element of shape that contrasts well with the linear lines of the draperies behind the model.

Take a Wide Approach

^{Photo by So Cute Photography}

There is no maternity photography rule that says you have to be up close to the model.

In fact, there's no rule that says your model even needs to be the most prominent feature in the shot.

Looking at the image above, you can see how this concept plays out.

With the wide angle of view, we get some context to the environment in which mom is standing. That benefits the shot because of the inclusion of the repeating patterns created by the columns, archways, and doors.

However, as noted earlier, when creating an outdoor shot, you have to be leery of losing mom amongst all the details.

By putting the model in a gorgeous gown that's a deep, opposing color that contrasts with her surroundings, our eye is still drawn immediately to her, even though she's not placed in a prominent position in the shot.

^{Photo by Bailey Smith Photography}

Of course, taking a wider view doesn't mean you have to go as wide as in the previous image...

In the image above, you can see the value of taking a few steps back to once again put mom into the context of her surroundings.

This time, however, by taking up a closer shooting position, the photographer was able to minimize foreground elements that could be distracting. What's more, with the use of a much lighter color wardrobe, a closer view of mom ensures that we keep our attention squarely on her.

Really, whichever of these maternity picture ideas you use, you'll be able to create an image that is both memorable and unique.

A large part of that is composition, and other typical photography-related factors like focus, lighting, and so on.

But as we've seen in each of the photos above, the wardrobe selection can elevate the image to another level as well.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

^{Photo by Marina Strachan Photography}

Sometimes it seems like all the good ideas for photography have been used up, doesn't it?

This is especially true of maternity photography, where moms tend to be posed in the same way, standing in the same location, wearing the same wardrobe as the next mom.

But your photography doesn't have to be that way...

To help you achieve a more unique look, try one of the following maternity photography tips.

Mix and Match

^{Photo by Adam Opris Photography}

Given the right model, the right setting, and the right maternity gown, you can mix and match colors and textures to get a detail-rich image like the one above.

Just scan the image and your eye is tantalized with textures in the foliage and the rock wall.

These textures contrast nicely with the smooth, flowing gown the model is wearing, creating visual tension that makes the shot more interesting to view.

There's also a ton of vibrant colors, which would normally be a no-no, but in this case, it works gorgeously.

The light and dark greens and reds of the plants on the left act as a good balance to the calm, cool blue of the model's gown. If you want to mix and match, this is how to do it!

Take the Indoors Out

^{Photo by Love Story Photography}

Another unique maternity photography idea is to take the indoors out to combine the homey feel of an indoor shoot with the natural light and beauty of an outdoor shoot.

One way to do this is shown above - just take a nice, comfy chair outside, frame up the shot, and voila, you've got a unique maternity photo.

The key here is to select indoor pieces that have a large enough scale that they won't get drowned out by the surroundings.

In the case of a chair, something with a lot of detail and structure is a good idea. If you're more ambitious, use a chaise lounge or even a bed as an indoor-outdoor prop.

However you do it, the indoor-outdoor look will get you a casual, yet elegant photo that'll be sure to catch the viewer's eye.

Go Rugged

^{Photo by Sherry Comella Photography}

If you have an adventurous mom on your hands, you might try to take a more rugged maternity photo than what one normally sees.

In the image above, you get a sense of adventure as mom poses in the middle of the desert.

Even if this particular spot is right next to a highway turnout, it still has that in-the-middle-of-nowhere flair.

Something else that helps make this a unique shot is the wardrobe the model is wearing.

The deep blue color of the gown immediately draws the attention of the eye while the softer tones and textures of the floral crown and sash work well with the natural theme of the photo.

But notice how there's a mix and match going on as well - the colors of the desert are muted while the gown is quite bold. Combined with the interesting scenery, it's a recipe for a more compelling shot.

Go Urban

^{Photo by Vic and Marie Photography}

If your client isn't prepared for a jaunt out to the wilderness, the urban jungle provides ample opportunities to create unique maternity photos.

When you think about maternity, you probably think of femininity and delicateness.

Those features juxtapose nicely in an urban environment that tends to be much harsher.

In the example above, the strong lines of the fire escape in the background give this shot plenty of structure and an interesting backdrop on which to highlight mom.

Speaking of highlighting, notice how the soft, Golden Hour lighting helps illuminate the model while her form-fitting gown also adds a softness to the image.

Again, this is another prime example of mixing and matching features to get a shot that's sure to draw lots of attention!

Add Movement

^{Photo by Summer Hope Photography}

A final look to consider if you want a more unique maternity photo is to add movement like what you see in the image above.

When adding movement, less is more. After all, you don't want mom's gown to end up flying all over the place.

In this case, the subtle movement of the gown gives the image a feeling of being more dynamic, almost like a three-dimensional experience rather than just a two-dimensional photo.

What's more, when mom is dressed in a gorgeous gown, it doesn't hurt to show it off a little bit by adding wind.

In some cases, nature might be all you need to add movement to the gown, but if it's a still day, have an assistant off-camera to move the gown's train or if you have a fan with power nearby, that can work wonders too!

With that, you've got five unique maternity photography ideas to think about for your next shoot. Try one or try them all - I'm willing to bet you'll like the results!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

Photo by Meg & Me Photography

It's easy to look at portraits like the one above and think "I can't do that."

But no one ever said photography is easy!

If you take some time to learn a few skills, think purposefully about how you setup the portrait, and give your model a little direction, you'd be surprised at the results that are possible.

In the shot above, notice how the movement of the model's gown totally elevates the shot.

Just adding a bit of a breeze to lift the gown and give the model a bit more visual interest is all this photo needed to go from a good shot to a great one!

So, that's lesson one - incorporate movement into your photos to increase their visual interest.

Let's take a look at a few more portraits to inspire your photography this week...

Think About Relationships

Photo by Angie Englerth

As we saw in the first photo in this article, there's certainly nothing wrong with taking a portrait of a single subject.

But there's something to be said for adding a second person into the shot, too.

In this case, adding the little boy to the shot allowed the photographer to focus not just on his gorgeous mom and her incredible wardrobe choices, but also on his relationship with his mother.

There's a sweetness and a playfulness to this shot that exudes love and joy, and that's not necessarily something that would have been possible had the image just been of mom.

If you want to increase the drama in your portraits, find a way to incorporate a loved one into a few frames. You'll find that the results, like the one above, are truly eye-catching.

Learn More:

• How-To Maternity Photography: Focus on Emotion and Relationships
• This is the Key to a Great Portrait

Think About the Background

Photo by Ross Kyker Photography

Even though the chances are that the background in your portrait will be nicely blurred, as you can see in the image above, you can still see what's going on behind the model.

That means that even if it's blurry, the background still needs to have the visual qualities that will help you elevate your portrait.

In this case, the barren landscape and the sunset above offer a muted palette to compose the portrait - note how there's nothing behind the model that serves to distract the eye or draw it away from the model's face.

Additionally, it should be pointed out how the foreground elements are at work here as well.

The rough texture of the stones beneath the model's bare feet creates a gorgeous contrast with the smooth, flowing gown she's wearing.

Combined with the use of both artificial and natural lighting, and you've got a gorgeous combination of factors to create a stunning portrait.

Learn More:

• Explore handmade designer gowns for portraits
• How to Blur the Background in Portraits in Four Simple Steps

There's Nothing Wrong With Simplicity

Photo by Abba Color Photography

I know that sometimes when I take a portrait I try to do too much. In the end, that doesn't do my images any favors.

Instead, there's something to be said for simplicity.

In the portrait above, note how the model's pose and her gown are both simple and straightforward.

Unlike other images in this collection, there's no movement, no extraordinary lighting - it's just the model, her gown, and a pleasing background that's framed by the columns.

But there's beauty in that simplicity. It allows us to engage with the model in perhaps a deeper way.

By that I mean that our eye is drawn to her immediately because of the color of her gown, and then our eyes sit there, inspecting her rather than bouncing from one eye-catching detail to the next.

If you find that your portraits just seem to busy or muddled, work to eliminate distracting elements and focus simply on the model.

Learn More:

• 9 Can't Miss Portrait Photography Tips That Will Help You Create Better Portraits Today
• Simple Yet Effective Composition Tips That Have Tons of Impact

Focus the Drama

Photo by April Elizabeth Photography

On the other hand, if you do decide to punch up the drama in your portraits in lieu of a more subdued look, focus that drama on one or two specific areas.

That means rather than having a shocking pose, an eye-catching wardrobe, crazy lighting, and a killer background, pick and choose where you amp up the drama and where you keep things low key.

In the portrait above, notice how the drama is confined to two features - the gown and the lighting.

As we saw in the earlier example, adding the motion effect in the gown gives viewers something to immediately latch onto with their eyes. The deep red color of this gown helps in that endeavor as well.

The use of artificial fill light also gives this image added visual punch.

By placing the lighting to our right, the photographer was able to highlight the volume of the gown and add subtle shadows on the model's face to give the image a little bit of depth.

As far as jaw-dropping portraits go, I think you can see why lighting and wardrobe choice are so important!

Learn More:

• Find elegant gowns to outfit your portrait subject
• How to Take Better Portraits in Five Steps

Consider the Lighting

Photo by Lin Jirsa

The takeaway from the incredible image above is that with good lighting, you can create an absolutely stunning portrait.

In this case, the strong natural lighting serves a few purposes.

First, it helps reduce the details in the background of the shot, which, in turn, helps keep our eyes focused on the models.

Second, the use of natural lighting means that the image has a nice, golden tone that warms up the shot and gives it a feeling of happiness.

Lastly, that brightness and warmth of the light in the background helps set the couple apart, especially given what they're each wearing.

The deep purple of the woman's dress and the dark black of the man's tuxedo stand out more, and as a result, we have a combination of wardrobe, lighting, and setting that I think you'll agree is quite breathtaking!

Learn More:

• Easy Portrait Lighting Tips for Beginner Photographers
• The Secrets for Better Natural Light Portraits

Final Thoughts

Photo by Meg & Me Photography

So, as seen in the images above, if you want a better portrait, try incorporating movement or focusing on relationships.

Be sure the background doesn't compete with your model and that the lighting you use adds drama.

But be careful when using dramatic elements - only use one or two - or go in the opposite direction and focus on a composition that's simple.

Any way you cut it, the results of using these techniques can be outstanding!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, mommy and me sessions, and portraits. 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.

^{Photo by Julia Rozental Photography}

It's no secret that newborns are at the same time some of the easiest and most difficult portrait subjects to work with.

On the one hand, they sleep a lot, and that gives you plenty of opportunities to get the shots you (and their parents) want to get.

On the other hand, if they wake up - watch out!

Screaming, hungry babies that need a diaper change aren't exactly what parents want captured in their newborn photography.

Of course, they're also delicate little things that require you to work with an incredible amount of care.

But, boy, when things fall into place, you sure can get a beautiful photo of a newborn.

Here's eight examples of adorable newborn photography that's sure to make you want to find some cute newborn cheeks to pinch!

^{Photo by Abba Color Photography}

This newborn couldn't look more serene and cozy!

When photographing newborns, it's important to capture these moments because, before long, these moments will be few and far between for the parents.

One way to up the cozy factor is to use soft wraps and blankets to swaddle the baby. Not only does that give the shot a cozy, comfortable look, but it also helps keep the little one warm and comfortable (and asleep!).

Note in this instance how a vertical aspect shot elongates the scene. Don't just photograph babies in landscape orientation - take some in portrait orientation too to give more interest to the composition.

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography}

In contrast to the first picture in which the baby was swaddled, this image takes it in another direction and reveals a lot of skin so we can see the baby's little fat rolls.

In this instance, the view from in front of the baby's face allows us to see her chubby body, in addition to the smaller details of her face, like her eyebrows and eyelashes.

What's more, the sequin crown adds some bling to the shot, while her folded arms give the image an added level of cuteness that's hard not to love. 

That's the advantage of working with a sleeping newborn - you can pretty easily pose them in ways that amp up the cuteness factor!

^{Photo by Abba Color Photography}

This adorable photo is a prime example of how you can use props and wardrobe selections to create a shot that's got tons of details and visual interest but isn't overwhelming to the viewer's eye, either.

Placing the newborn in the small cradle accentuates her tiny size, while the dainty tieback frames her face and gives some detail to her head area.

What's more, the lace gown offers more daintiness to the shot but also brings in some texture that contrasts well with the blanket that occupies the foreground of the photo.

Don't be afraid to layer different colors, textures, and fabrics - in this instance, you can see how they can be used to create a more interesting image.

Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography

Newborn photography (and any portrait photography, for that matter) can benefit from a relatively monochromatic color palette, like the one seen in the image above.

By using mostly purple tones, the photo has a great sense of cohesion and calm.

By repeating certain elements like the flowers surrounding the baby and again in the floral headband, this photo has a nice repetition to it that our eyes tend to enjoy as well.

Notice how there are different textures in the shot to delight the eye, but because most of them are the same shade of purple, they don't feel like they overtake the photo. The result is an image that has tons of visual interest but one in which the baby remains the star of the show.

Photo by Abba Color Photography

When I think of a newborn, I think of chubby cheeks, tiny hands, and little feet.

Putting all those features on display is easier if you manipulate the posing and the wardrobe to put them on center stage.

In the image above, this adorable baby's hands and feet are highlighted because they protrude from the beautiful gown.

It's like you can reach out and pinch them, right?

There's an elegance and lightness about the photo as well, giving it a feeling that the baby is almost floating above the ground.

Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography

It's difficult to find a pose that makes a baby even more adorable, but this one gets pretty close!

Sleeping newborns can be molded and shaped pretty easily, assuming you take care in doing so.

That means you can pose them in ways seen above, that aren't natural for a baby to do and create a portrait that is hard to resist.

In this case, the baby's delicate head and neck are supported by its arms. The way the hands cup the cheeks draws attention to the baby's face (and the size of its cheeks, too!).

Also notice how the beautiful crown adds some height to the shot while also helping draw attention to the little curls in the baby's hair. That makes for one cute close-up newborn portrait!

Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography

Earlier, I noted how using monochromatic colors helps create a calm and serene portrait.

There's value in going for high-contrast too.

In this case, the deep, saturated purple gives the image tons of depth and contrasts nicely with the baby's pale skin.

What's more, that contrast helps draw more attention to the newborn, as do the crown and angel wings that adorn her body.

By using color, texture, and shapes in harmony, you can create newborn photography that not only makes the baby look wonderful but is also eye-catching and pleasing to view.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie

Sometimes, you just need a great picture of a cute baby to make your day better...

There are a million and a half ways to make an eye-catching portrait. But when it comes to capturing portraits of babies, much of the photographer's success will rely on just a few factors.

How the baby is posed, what they're wearing, the angle of the camera, and props are among the most important factors in newborn photography.

As you'll see in these adorable examples, these master photographers used one or more of these principles to generate some jaw-droppingly good newborn portraits.

Let's have a look!

Sweet Embrace Photography

In this sweet shot, the photographer used props masterfully as a way to create a more impactful newborn portrait.

Not only does the basket offer a nice tonal contrast to all the white in the shot, but the fact that the handle of the basket helps frame the faces of the babies makes it that much more effective of a prop.

Note as well that when you use props in portraits that they should feel natural to the shot. In this case, the basket feels like an integral component of the portrait rather than a cheesy add-on.

Props in portraits can go wrong very quickly, so be careful when you use them!

Learn More:

• Newborn Photography Tips That Will Completely Change Your Images
• Shop for Newborn Photography Props

Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie

The angle of the camera relative to a portrait subject also has a strong impact on how the final image turns out.

When photographing a newborn, looking down toward them is usually a pleasing look because it's so familiar to us. However, because it's a familiar look, you need to take steps to enhance the interest of the shot.

In the image above, note how the photographer used texture to provide that interest. But even though there's a lot of texture in the shot, the fact that it's all the same color helps keep it from becoming overwhelming to the eye.

Another subtle touch is the floral crown the baby is wearing. It adds a little more texture and just enough color to give this image a little extra visual appeal.

Learn More:

• Newborn Photography Tip: How to Master Close-Up Shots
• Shop for Newborn Photography Accessories

Axsys Designs Newborns

Another factor that influences the success of a newborn portrait is how the infant is posed.

The great thing about newborn photography is that babies are extremely moldable, so photographers can create unusual poses that generate adorable photos, like the one seen above.

If the baby is asleep, you can do things like tuck their legs under and place their arm and hand under their face, as was done above.

Naturally, great care must be taken when posing a newborn such that their head and neck are supported at all times.

You can use bumpers under the baby (as was done above) to give them the support they need.

Learn More:

• Basic Composition Tips for Newborn Photography
• 4 Tips for Stunning Newborn Photography

Sweet Embrace Photography

What the newborn is wearing can have a significant impact on the look and feel of the image as well.

In the case of the image above, a simple tieback is all that's needed to add a little texture to the shot.

But since the baby's wardrobe is so simple, the photographer used other principles discussed above (using props, the angle of the camera, and posing) to create a more dramatic newborn portrait.

Sweet Embrace Photography

In this image of a rainbow baby, we see a different approach to the wardrobe.

With such bright colors (and so many of them) the neutral color and linear lines of the background help ground the image.

What's more, notice how the blanket in the basket is the same color as the top of the baby's gown, thus helping create harmony between the dress and the prop.

The fact that the floral crown mimics the colors of the gown helps create even more continuity in the shot.

Learn More:

• Newborn Photography Tips You Can Use at Home
• Shop for Newborn Photography Outfits

J Marie Photography

With that, you have a few beautiful examples of newborn photography to get you through the rest of the week.

And if you're a photographer, take these quick tips and see how you can utilize them to improve your newborn portraits.

You don't have to be a pro to implement these strategies, either. If you're a mom or dad, see what you can do with these tips to take better shots of your newborn!

About Sew Trendy

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.

---

Photo by Marina Strachan

There's plenty that needs to go right in order to create a portrait like the one above.

This post is all about preparing you to do so with crucial tips that will help you get the composition, lighting, posing, and wardrobe just right.

Are there other factors at play in the quality of your maternity photos? Absolutely. But if you can master these four areas, you'll be well on your way to creating show-stopping maternity portraits!

Mind Your Composition

Photo by Loveprint Photography

When creating any portrait, there's a delicate balance between having too much in the frame and not enough.

By that I mean that you want to give the viewer a close enough view of the expecting mom, but not be so zoomed in that you feel like you're right in her face.

Likewise, you want to have a wide enough view of the scene such that you can see mom's face and belly, but not be so far away that too many details from the surroundings confuse the eye.

In the example above, the perfect balance is achieved as we're able to gaze upon mom, her belly, and her significant other.

But, because there are elements in the shot to frame the couple - the posts to their left and right - the details of the foreground landscape don't distract the eye.

What's more, notice how the shallow depth of field keeps our focus not on the mass of details in the background, but on the couple instead.

Photo by Karen Marie/Belly Beautiful

In another example of a well-composed shot, notice again how the photographer has used framing elements to keep our attention on the expecting mom.

In that regard, the lamp post to our left and the wall to our right serve as a frame within a frame to restrict our field of view.

The bright, deep red of the maternity gown the model is wearing certainly helps draw our attention to her as well!

Learn More:

• How-To Maternity Photography: Simplify the Composition
• How-To Maternity Photography: Photographing Mom Outdoors

Work the Lighting

Photo by Amber Fite Photography

When photographing mom outdoors, bear in mind the kind of lighting you have available to you.

Typically, you want to avoid harsh, mid-day lighting as that will cause some pretty serious shadows that can make your model look like she has dark circles under her eyes. That's not to mention that harsh sunlight can wash her out, too.

But that's not always the case, as seen in the image above.

Note how the sun is shining brightly and that the subjects are in the midst of a wintery scene.

That makes for a very bright backdrop, but it works beautifully with the couple as they're wearing dark, deeply saturated clothing.

The trick when shooting in lighting conditions like this is to have your model face you, not the sun. That way there's no squinting, and as was the case in the image above, you might get some nice rim lighting that highlights mom's hair.

Photo by DP Photography

Another way to use lighting to your advantage is to use it as a tool to draw more attention to mom.

In the image above, the beautiful, light, and airy gown picks up the sun's rays and almost gives the model a glow about her.

Looking back over her shoulder towards the light source helps eliminate shadows on her face, and since the sun is low enough in the sky and has lost some of its intensity, she doesn't have to squint, either.

These are two great examples of how to use lighting that's perhaps not ideal, yet still gets you a breathtaking maternity portrait.

Learn More:

• Essential Tips for Preparing Your Pregnant Client For Her Photo Shoot
• Things to Do (and Not to Do) For Gorgeous Maternity Photography

Strike a Pose

Photo by Tracie Jean Maglosky

One thing I learned when my wife was pregnant is that she didn't feel all that beautiful. Posing can change that.

Just look at the image above - this mom-to-be certainly doesn't always feel as gorgeous and glamorous as she looks in this shot, yet there she is, absolutely rocking it!

In this case, having the expecting mom lean back against the glass wall makes her look powerful, strong, and confident. Her reflection in the glass helps in that endeavor, too!

The point is that just because she's pregnant doesn't mean your model has to be sitting down or laying down. If she's up for it, have her strike a pose like the one above!

Photo by Sunny S-H Photography

Of course, more traditional poses are certainly worthy of a shot.

Take the image above as a great example of a pose that's well executed.

Notice how mom is cradling her belly bump with her hands. This not only gives her something to do with her hands to avoid awkward arms, but it also helps draw our attention to her baby bump, which is a little less noticeable in a front-facing view.

Also note the slight lean to our right, giving her body a very gentle curvature that's more visually interesting than if she was simply standing flat footed with equal weight on both feet.

With shoulders back and her back straight, she looks beautiful and confident!

Learn More:

• How-To Maternity Photography Posing Guide Part 1
• How-To Maternity Photography Posing Guide Part 2

The Wardrobe Matters

Photo by Silver Lining Photography

Perhaps above all else, when you're talking about something that can help your tired, stressed out mom-to-be feel like a gorgeous woman, it's the wardrobe.

With a gown like the one in the image above, how can this mom not feel beautiful?!

If you have a model that's comfortable showing a little more skin, you can opt for a sheer gown that offers a view of her bare belly. You can even opt for something like maternity separates or perhaps something with lace to add a delicateness and femininity to the photo shoot.

Photo by Vic and Marie Photography

When selecting a dress, don't let your model shy away from something that's form-fitting, either.

As you can see in the image above, the form-fitting gown hugs the mom-to-be's curves and shows off her great form as well as her baby bump.

The off-the-shoulder gown just adds another level of beauty and helps mom feel like she's dressed like a million bucks (she sure looks like it!).

In the end, a successful maternity shoot is predicated on a number of factors, but if you ask me, giving mom something outstanding to wear will help more than just about anything.

With a great gown comes greater confidence, and that's something that certainly shows in maternity photos!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, mommy and me sessions, and portraits. 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.

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^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

Just like any other type of portraiture, there are certain types of compositions that work well for newborn photography and others that don't.

Naturally, part of that is because your subject is a very delicate little being with whom you must take the utmost care. That means that there are some types of compositions that simply will not work (i.e. the baby sitting up on its own).

But just because there are some limitations with your subject doesn't mean every photo you take of a newborn has to be of him or her on their back.

In fact, if you did that, your newborn photos would get a bit boring!

Let's take a look at a few different composition ideas that will help you create photos of newborns that maximize their cuteness and make you look like a pro.

Move to the Sides of the Frame

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

One of the simplest ways to spice up your newborn photography compositions is to simply place your little subject near one of the edges of the frame.

As you can see in the image above, putting the baby at the top of the frame gives us a unique view.

In a sense, the baby seems like they're floating in midair, which is inherently more interesting than, say, a top-down view of them sleeping on a pillow.

Additionally, this type of placement in the frame allows you to incorporate props in a meaningful manner, like this beautiful basket.

Not only does the basket serve as a frame within the frame to bring our attention to the sleeping baby, but its long trains of feathers add texture to the photo as well as length. What's more, those feathers act as leading lines, directing our attention upward to the baby.

Move to the Middle of the Frame

^{Photo by Sweet Embrace Photography}

Conversely, you can go the opposite route and place your little subject in the middle of the frame, as seen in the image above.

Placing a portrait subject in the middle of the frame breaks the most fundamental of compositional rules - the rule of thirds. Yet, as you can see here, doing so still results in a pleasing image to view.

The key when placing your newborn subject in the middle of the frame is to ensure you have plenty of visual interest that helps draw the viewer's eye in.

In this case, having two babies certainly helps, but the basket in which they are sleeping also goes a long way in adding something to the shot that grabs our attention.

The dark wood provides a nice contrast against the soft, light tones that are predominant in the shot. What's more, like the basket in the first image, this basket also serves as a sort of frame within a frame, with the handle helping to contain our attention on the babies.

Make Use of Negative Space

^{Photo by Happy Acres Photography}

Though negative space might not typically be associated with newborn photography, it can certainly be a powerful compositional tool that gives your photos added visual punch.

In the image above, we see how the abundance of negative space in the upper two-thirds of the photo helps give the image a light and airy feel.

What's more, all that empty area helps us move our attention to the subject because there's nothing there to compete for our eye.

But as you can see in the example above, negative space doesn't have to be completely devoid of detail.

The lace canopy adds just a touch of detail that breaks up the brightness and detail-free background with a little bit of texture and shape.

Notice as well how the shape of the canopy acts like a frame within a frame as we've seen in previous examples.

When using negative space in newborn photography, adding subtle details like this will help elevate the photo to another level and make it feel as though the negative space was a purposeful compositional choice rather than a mistake.

Go on the Diagonal

^{Photo by Loni Smith Photography}

Another really simple way to add more visual punch to your newborn photography is to shoot on the diagonal.

Parents see their baby on the horizontal all the time. They also get plenty of views of their child from a perspective of looking down at them.

By composing the shot on a diagonal, you give them a more unique view of their baby that has a dynamic feeling to it - much more dynamic than a traditional horizontal shot.

In the image above, all that was needed was a bumper under the blanket to help elevate the baby's head and create the diagonal sight line from the upper left corner of the shot to the lower right corner of the shot.

This type of positioning and perspective also gives you the opportunity to add props, like the rhinestone crown and angel wings seen above.

Since the background is devoid of detail and is a soft, consistent color, adding props with a little sparkle to them helps ramp up the visual interest.

I think you'll agree that combined with the diagonal pose, this is one compelling photo to view!

Go Wide

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

One option when tackling newborn photography is to get in for close up shots.

But you don't want all your images to be close-ups, so a good complement to them is wider shots that give you a full view of the newborn's body.

As you can see in the image above, the wide shot allows us to see this little guy from head to toe, but the photo isn't framed so wide that we feel like we're too far away to see any details.

What's more, this wide point of view gives you the opportunity to incorporate elements of interest that add depth and dimension to the shot.

In this case, the bedding adds just a touch of texture for that depth I mentioned, and the soft, blue background helps make it feel as though the baby is floating, not unlike we noted with the first image.

Wrapping It Up

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

Newborn photography certainly has its difficulties, not the least of which is the delicate state of the subject.

However, as you can see in the images above, newborn photography is also ripe with opportunities to create images that are unique. It's a simple matter of understanding the compositional choices you can make to create that interest.

Though this list isn't an exhaustive one, these tips are simple, basic ways to start creating photos that have a greater ability to grab ahold of - and keep - the viewer's attention.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

^{Amber Fite}

Now that we're well into spring, I thought it would be a prime time to go over a few maternity shoot ideas for beautiful spring maternity photos.

The great thing about this time of year is that there's a rebirth of the world around us with flowers, trees, and other plants coming back to life after a long winter.

That means that there are gorgeous outdoor scenes that are rife with possibilities for maternity photography.

Here are just a handful of maternity photography tips to help you get your game on!

Editor's Tip: If you want to earn extra income (who doesn't?!) join our top-rated photography affiliate program. Get the details here.

Try Something Off the Shoulder

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, that means that you can get a little more creative with the wardrobe selection for your maternity photo shoots.

A particular favorite of mine is to feature the model in an off-the-shoulder gown like the Elia Gown by Sew Trendy that's shown above.

Adding a little skin to your maternity portraits makes for a sexier shot, and might give your model a little more confidence being in front of the camera.

Another quick tip is to add accessories that bring more color and texture to the shot. In this case, the simple floral bouquet contrasts nicely with the deep blue color of the dress.

Use the Vibrancy of Spring to Your Advantage

^{Angel's Photography}

As the trees get their leaves and flowers begin to bloom in spring, you have all sorts of colors, shapes, and textures at your disposal to add visual interest to your maternity photos. Learn more abour maternity picture ideas on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

In looking at the example above, you can see how bright and lively this image is.

That's certainly due in part to the light background, but it also has a lot to do with the colors of the foliage in the photo.

Something else to note in this image is that the foliage is used as a frame, which helps direct our attention to the model. 

^{Vic & Marie Photography}

But using the bounty of spring doesn't have to be so overt.

Instead, as you can see in this image, all the colors and shapes of the plants take a backseat and appear mostly in the background of the photo.

The different tones of green in the background give a liveliness to the shot that would be hard to achieve in the winter.

Additionally, notice again how the photographer has used both natural and manmade elements to frame the model.

Editor's Tip: Small details like accessories often make or break portraits. Find beautiful maternity photography accessories for your photos.

Get Mom Outdoors for a Sunset Photo Shoot

^{Barbara Gallardo Photography}

We have gorgeous sunsets pretty much year-round where I live, but there's something about a sunset in the spring that sets it apart. The colors seem more varied and vibrant.

Naturally, a sunset is a beautiful backdrop for a springtime maternity photo.

As shown above, the range of yellows, pinks, and purples in the sky pair perfectly with the deep blue color of the Rachel Gown and the deep reds of the accessories worn by the model.

The light at sunset is also ideal for portraits because it's soft and golden, and that will help give your model a warm glow about her.

^{April Reeves Photography}

Of course, you can also use the setting sun as the backdrop of the shot if you want something that's next-level dramatic.

In the image above, the burst of golden light from the sun adds a richness and brightness to the shot that contrasts beautifully with the darker tones in the foreground.

In particular, blue and orange pair well together, so putting the model in a blue dress complements the orange sunlight was a perfect choice.

In the end, springtime maternity photography is all about taking advantage of warmer temperatures, gorgeous light, and the colors and textures of the new life that comes forth this time of year. 

In that regard, it's a perfect backdrop for taking photos of moms-to-be that will soon have their own bundles of joy!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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I don't know about you, but I'm incredibly excited about the direction that photography is headed.

We're seeing more innovation than ever in cameras, lenses, and other photography gear, which gives us more power to create epic photos.

Post-processing programs are evolving into highly powerful editing suites that allow us to take our photography to the next level more quickly and efficiently.

We're even seeing changes in how we buy and sell photography equipment, share our photos, and market our businesses.

It's exciting times, for sure!

Here's some of the top businesses in the photography industry that are leading the charge in innovating the artform we love so much.

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Legacy Photography

Sew Trendy started humbly in a basement just a few years ago.

Today, it's one of the premier wardrobe manufacturers for maternity photography, girls' photography, and newborn photography.

Their success in growing their business is attributable to many different factors, not the least of which that they constantly develop new designs for their line of maternity gowns, girls dresses, and newborn clothing, so photographers have fresh looks to offer their clients.

And in an age in which customer service is often lacking, Sew Trendy certainly bucks the trend. They're with you every step of the way, ready, willing, and able to help you with any questions or concerns you might have.

Valerie Best, the company's Founder and CEO has a lot to do with the success of her company as well.

She's committed to quality, and that shows in every handmade garment that leaves her company's warehouse.

Learn more about Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Sirui

Over the years, Sirui has built a reputation for manufacturing some of the best photography tripods on the market.

I can attest to the quality of their tripods, as I own one!

But Sirui is much more than a tripod company...

They supply photographers the world over with high-quality gear that ranges from monopods to tripod heads, camera bags to lens filters, and even photography accessories for your mobile phone.

As if that's not enough, Sirui also offers a complete line of humidity cabinets, broadcast tripods, and various quick release plates, too.

In other words, Sirui is a one-stop shop for just about all your photography needs, and is definitely a company to keep your eye on in 2018.

Learn more about Sirui

CaptureLife

When talking about innovative photography companies that are sure to turn the photography world on its head in 2018, CaptureLife should immediately come to mind.

If you're not familiar with CaptureLife, check this out...

This app allows you to share photos with your clients right on their smartphone.

That means you can streamline how you get photos to clients as well as make it a more personalized process - the images are delivered via a branded text message that's personalized to the client.

On top of that, CaptureLife is a sales platform that allows your clients to order prints right from their phone. They can also share their photos with friends and family, which increases your sales footprint.

Mobile is the future, and if you're in the photography business, you need to capitalize on that by teaming up with CaptureLife!

Learn more about CaptureLife

Click Props

One of the challenges of staying relevant in the photography industry is keeping your ear to the pulse of what photographers need.

Click Props does just that.

With a huge collection of gorgeous portrait backgrounds, Click Props gives photographers the ability to create more impactful portraits no matter who the subject might be.

Aside from their commitment to crafting the best backgrounds in the business, Click Props understands the practical needs of photographers as well.

They offer backgrounds in various sizes, each of which is easy to setup and takedown. They're even easy to clean and easy to store, too.

That means you spend less time messing around getting things setup and stored away, and more time actually taking photos.

What's not to like about that?

Learn more about Click Props

Vanguard

Another company that's sure to make waves in 2018 is Vanguard.

I've been a fan of Vanguard for years now, and I can tell you firsthand that in the last couple of years, they've really stepped up their game with their product line.

In particular, their tripods and camera bags are among the best in the business, not just because they have innovative features that make photography easier and more efficient, but because their products are budget-friendly as well.

That means that Vanguard has figured out a way to offer photographers the best of both worlds - high-value, well-made products that won't break the bank.

Vanguard is at the tip of the spear of innovation in photography. If you aren't excited to see what they come up with in 2018, you should be!

Learn more about Vanguard

Artbeat Studios

Photography isn't just about the gear you use, nor is it just about your skills in composition, framing, post-processing and the like.

Instead, the process of creating an image isn't truly complete until you have a gorgeous print. That's where Artbeat Studios comes in.

I came across Artbeat Studios last year, and after touring their facility, I was blown away by their process and the products they make.

Among their best sellers are their acrylic and metal HD prints, the latter of which you can see in the photo above.

To say that Artbeat's prints are gorgeous is an understatement. What they produce is truly fine art.

That's because they're committed to using archival materials, paying close attention to color fidelity, and providing custom services so you get the exact print you want.

If you're looking to revolutionize the way your photos look, give Artbeat Studios a try!

Learn more about Artbeat Studios

Uniregistry

One of the best things about the photography industry is that there are so many companies doing so many awesome things for photographers.

In 2018, I strongly suggest that you change the way you market your photography business by partnering with Uniregistry.

These guys have two domains - .pics and .photo - that will help you get more eyes on your photos and more clients knocking on your door.

Why?

It's simple - Uniregistry's domains are photography specific, so you can promote your work on your website with a professional and credible domain name.

Not only do .pics and .photo domains tell the world exactly what you do right there in the URL, but they're fresh and new, so the chances of you getting the exact name you want are much greater.

It's just a better way to market yourself on today's crowded internet!

Learn more about .pics and .photo domains

MPB

Let's face it...

Photography gear can be expensive, and all that expense is cost-prohibitive if you're on a budget.

But MPB has changed the way that photographers buy gear because they've created an extensive marketplace where you can find high-quality pre-owned gear for excellent prices.

Not only that, you can sell your old gear to MPB and either pocket the money or get a credit toward the purchase of something on their site.

That means you can refresh your kit from time to time by getting rid of what you no longer want or need and replace it with well-priced, pre-owned gear for less.

Stretch your budget. Get more gear for less. Get better gear for less, too. Not bad, right?

Learn more about MPB

SHUTTERbag

Not that long ago, there was a lack of photography gear specially designed for female photographers.

But in 2010, that all changed when SHUTTERbag was founded.

SHUTTERbag specializes in crafting leather camera bags for women that are beautiful and functional, too. 

This commitment to quality is evident in every SHUTTERbag model. 

For mom photographers on the go, SHUTTERbag offers the Girls Day Out bag (shown top left, above). 

This ingenious camera bag has three separate compartments - one for your camera gear and two zippered compartments for things like a tablet for business tasks and books, toys, diapers and other items for your kids.

Like all SHUTTERbag models, the Girls Day Out is the height of form and function.

It’s an ideal size for daily use, and with its built-in organizational aids, you can keep your photography stuff separate from your personal items with ease. 

That means you can grab your camera, your phone or a diaper at a moment’s notice. 

Now that’s how you get more production out of your day!

SHUTTERbag’s Trailblazer bag (shown top right, above) is another example of commitment to innovation.

This bag has a unique style and flair that make a strong fashion statement, but don’t think that this bag is just about looking good… 

Inside, you’ll find room for a camera body and up to four lenses. Alternatively, you can carry two camera bodies and three lenses. There’s even a spot for your tablet or laptop!

With padded dividers that are removable and adjustable, you can truly customize this bag to suit your specific needs.

For mid-range carrying capacity, SHUTTERbag designed the Heirloom 5-in-1 bag (shown bottom left, above).

Not only can this bag accommodate a camera, three lenses, and up to a 15-inch laptop, but it can also be carried in a variety of ways - as a tote bag, a messenger bag, a shoulder bag or even as a backpack.

Talk about innovation! 

Their Journey bag (shown bottom right, above) is a tote bag that’s made of genuine leather and features a breathable cotton lining that provides a soft surface for your gear inside the bag.

The Journey has a detachable strap that has a slip-resistant shoulder pad that gives you confidence when carrying your bag either over the shoulder or across your body. 

The bag can easily accommodate a camera with a 70-200mm lens attached, as well as a laptop, a tablet, camera accessories, and personal items like your checkbook and smartphone as well.

And as if their bags aren’t enough to impress, consider this - SHUTTERbag is a small business, so they treat their customers like family.

That means that you not only get to choose from a wide array of incredible camera bags, but you know that you’ll get the service you deserve before, during, and after the sale, too.

Learn more about SHUTTERbag.

nPhoto

When you think of photo albums, you might think that they're all the same or that there's not much room for improvement.

But you'd be wrong.

nPhoto has proven that by becoming one of the top producers of photo albums and other products in the world.

Their handcrafted albums, triplexes, photo boxes, and other products are second-to-none in the industry.

nPhoto uses the best materials to construct their products, from fine textiles and leatherettes for their album covers to silk and metallic papers that give each page of their albums a hefty, crisp, and expensive feel.

What's more, nPhoto gives you plentiful options for customizing their albums, so you can get something that's truly your own or tailored to your clients' specific tastes.

Taking great photos is only half the battle - how you present them matters, too. If you work with nPhoto, you'll certainly have the presentation aspect of it down pat.

Learn more about nPhoto

MyStudio

The MS20PRO 20”x20”x12” tabletop photo studio by MyStudio is an ideal accessory to help you take your product photography to the next level.

Unlike many other tabletop studios, this one offers a seamless cyclorama infinity background with 90-degree corners that gives you many more shooting angles to highlight the products that you’re photographing.

The studio comes with dual 5000k color-corrected daylight fluorescent lamps, which offer tons of light for your images while providing excellent color as well. 

MyStudio also includes 9”x12” white and black bounce/fill cards with easel stands to create nice, even lighting, and a pair of 9.5”x11.5” white and black reflective acrylic panels to create beautiful reflections beneath the products you photograph. 

The folks at MyStudio have even produced a series of instructional videos that are available on their YouTube page to get you going with your new photo studio!

Learn more about MyStudio

MrStarGuy

I only became familiar with MrStarGuy in the latter half of last year, but they quickly became one of my favorite photography companies.

For starters, MrStarGuy is an authority on astrophotography gear - no matter what you need, whether it's a scope, a mount, a tripod, or something in between, MrStarGuy has what you need.

Secondly, these guys offer their high-quality products for prices that you can actually afford. You get tons of bang for your buck, which isn't always the case in photography.

But maybe most importantly, this family-owned business is committed to service before, during, and after the sale.

They're genuine folks that want their customers to feel like old friends.

If you're excited to expand your photography horizons this year and tackle some night sky photography, be sure to visit MrStarGuy to get all the gear you need.

Learn more about MrStarGuy

DJI

When I think about where photography is headed in the future, I can't help but think of drone photography.

And when I think of drones, DJI comes to mind.

DJI has some of the very best drones in the business. That's true whether you're a beginner drone photographer or an experienced veteran.

What makes DJI's drones so great is that they're packed with features - like collision avoidance systems and gesture-based flight controls.

Additionally, there are a plethora of options, upgrades, and add-ons that you can use to customize your drone to get the ideal flying and photographic experience.

As drones become more and more popular for photography, you can bet that DJI will be leading the charge in innovating how drones are built and how they perform.

Learn more about DJI

Macphun/Skylum

Macphun has been around awhile, and they've developed a reputation as one of the best in the software business.

As they rebrand and become Skylum, it's important to note that this small team of software experts continues to make waves in the photography industry.

In fact, they've won tons of awards over the years for their products, most recently for their impeccable Aurora HDR 2018, which was named by Apple as the app of the year for 2017.

Considering how many apps there are these days, that's quite the achievement!

Speaking of achievements, with Macphun's software, like the aforementioned Aurora HDR, as well as their Luminar 2018, you can achieve great things with your images.

Not only that, but you can create better-looking photos in less time and with less effort, all within platforms that are smartly designed and give you an effortless workflow.

My goal this year is to do a better job of processing my images, and with Macphun by my side, I have no doubt that I will achieve that goal.

Learn more about Macphun/Skylum

Lensfinder

Have you ever wanted a new lens but just couldn't bring yourself to shell out the kind of money needed to get truly high-quality glass?

Well, that worry is over now that Lensfinder is on the scene.

Lensfinder is a marketplace where - you guessed it - you can find lenses for great prices.

If you're looking for a rare or high-end lens (or everyday lenses, for that matter), you can use Lensfinder's easy search tools to locate what you need.

Then, you can communicate with the seller, ask questions, and even pay for your new-to-you lens via PayPal, right there within Lensfinder.

You can also sell the lenses you no longer want, too, so it's the best of both worlds.

Lensfinder has built-in fraud protections, seller feedback ratings, and other smart tools that help make your transaction as smooth as possible.

If you want to upgrade your kit this year, check out Lensfinder!

Learn more about Lensfinder.

Spider Holster

My biggest complaint about cameras is the terrible strap that comes with them at purchase.

The OEM straps are thin, uncomfortable, and just plain get in the way when you're trying to take photos.

That's why Spider Holster is such a game-changer, because they're responsible for getting your camera off your shoulders and onto your hips where you can carry your cameras with greater ease and security.

Just looking at the photo above, you can imagine how much more streamlined your workflow would be if you're using a Spider Holster.

You can carry one camera or two using the Spider Pro (for big DSLRs) or the SpiderLight (for compact, mirrorless, or small DSLR cameras).

They even make hand straps that put your camera right in your hand in the ideal shooting position, all without a long strap always getting in your way.

Spider Holster has revolutionized how to carry cameras. In 2018, I strongly recommend that you let Spider Holster revolutionize the way you work.

Learn more about Spider Holster

Next Insurance

When many people hear the word "insurance," they cringe.

But who can blame them? Buying insurance has historically been a process that's time-consuming and frustrating.

Not now.

Next Insurance has changed how photographers purchase insurance because they've cut out the middleman.

Instead of dealing with a broker, you can visit Next Insurance's website, get a free quote, and get the coverage you need faster and for less money.

By cutting costs, Next Insurance is able to pass those savings on to their customers, so you can get the best coverage without breaking the bank.

From equipment protection to liability for damages to advertising claims, Next Insurance has policies and coverages that will ensure your business will prosper for years to come.

Learn more about Next Insurance

CanvasHQ

Canvas is one of the oldest mediums that artists use for their work.

But, boy, is it still a gorgeous way to print your photos!

That's especially true if you order canvas prints from CanvasHQ.

Like many of the companies on this list, CanvasHQ demonstrates a commitment to crafting the highest-quality products using the finest materials.

And because of that, their canvases look like a million bucks. I should know - I have several in my house!

CanvasHQ gives you a mountain of options to customize your prints, and each print comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

These guys are a small family business, so when you order your canvas, you'll feel like a member of the family, not just another customer.

If that's not enough to convince you to buy from CanvasHQ, I don't know what will!

Learn more about CanvasHQ

Syrp

If filmmaking is your passion, then you need to see what Syrp has to offer in 2018.

As one of the most innovative companies in the photography industry, Syrp is always at the leading edge of what's new for filmmakers.

Their line of products helps videographers of all skill levels and experience to create breathtaking films.

Their Genie Mini motion control device (shown above) - which gives you control over your camera to create time-lapse videos using your cell phone - is just one of their incredible products.

They also have sliders, filters, ball heads, motion control bundles, and much more, so you can get outfitted for filmmaking quickly and without spending a ton of money, either.

Never before has making time-lapses and real-time videos been so easy!

Learn more about Syrp

Microsoft

I fully admit that I've been an Apple enthusiast for quite some time.

However, my love affair with Apple has waned in the last few years, and that's thanks to Microsoft.

Even though it's a household name and one of the largest companies in the world, Microsoft still approaches the process of creating products the same way - with the end-user in mind.

In particular, their Surface line of products is especially impressive for photographers because they have technologies that make the daily grind of business easier and make things like post-processing a more efficient process as well.

With touch-enabled screens, innovative tools like the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, and machines that are stocked with technology that makes them faster, more efficient, and with more battery life, there's a lot to love about what Microsoft is doing with the Surface product line.

If you want to maximize your workflow, consider seeing what Microsoft can do for you.

Learn more about Microsoft

Wolverine Data

Sometimes, being innovative means helping bring the past into the present.

That’s precisely what Wolverine Data does. 

Their new Wolverine 8mm & Super8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker is a fully automated gadget that digitizes all those old 3, 5, 7 and 9-inch film reels into high-quality movies at 1080p. 

It’s a standalone machine that handles the frame-by-frame conversion without the need for software or drivers, or even a computer. The film scans directly to the machine where it’s saved to a SD/SDHC card (not included). The entire process requires just a few steps to complete.

The resulting movies are compatible with all Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and you can playback the digitized movies directly to a TV with the included TV cable.

If you don’t have tons of old film reels collecting dust on a shelf in your house, I’m willing to bet you know someone that does...

Instead of letting those films degrade and take family memories along with them, this year, use Wolverine Data’s innovative new movie maker to convert your films to digital before those memories are lost forever!

Learn more about Wolverine Data

MyStudio

This company is so impressive, I decided to put them on this list twice!

If you photograph products that are bigger than what the MyStudio MS20PRO can accommodate, the MyStudio US31 tabletop photo studio is the perfect choice.

Measuring 31”x19”x16”, it gives you plenty of room to maneuver your products, and true to form, MyStudio has ensured that from every angle, your images benefit from a gorgeous infinity background.

This tabletop studio features two color corrected, 5000K ultra bright LED lights that bathe the studio (and your products) in bright, clean, even light. These lamps are so bright, in fact, that you don’t need any additional lighting whatsoever. Just set up the studio, place your products inside, and you’re ready to go!

You can see just how clean and even the lighting is in the sample photo I took of my camera gear and bag. 

I took that image when I was at Photo Plus 2017. I had the pleasure of seeing the folks from MyStudio while I was there, and managed to closely inspect the craftsmanship and materials used in their US31 studio. 

They clearly took no shortcuts in the quality of materials used or in the build quality. The design allows for even distribution of light, and quick set up. In short, I was more than impressed with the US31 Studio! 

Learn more about MyStudio

Joy

One of the downers about taking photos is that eventually you run out of room to display them.

But the Joy Smart Photo Album takes care of that issue...

It's not your everyday digital photo album, either. Instead, Joy is a storytelling device that allows you to connect with your friends, family, and loved ones because it has voice notes that allow you to narrate each photo memory. You can even conduct voice calls between two Joy devices and share a screen so you can share memories together with loved ones that are far away.

The great thing about Joy is that it doesn't have to remain on the shelf or table - you can take it with you to the couch to enjoy up-close.

And when you aren't enjoying the photo album in your lap, it has a wireless charging stand that charges its batteries and displays your photos in slideshow mode.

Joy has a companion mobile and web app that allows you to load new albums and even invite friends and family to add their photos for display. You can easily pull photos from social media as well.

And with a 13.3-inch full HD display, your photos will look beautiful, too!

Learn more about Joy

Holdfast

One of the hallmarks of a great photo is attention to detail - ensuring that each aspect of the image is perfect.

Well, that sentiment holds true for photography gear, and there's no one better at the details than Holdfast.

These guys make some of the most incredible camera bags I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot because I've owned plenty of great bags over the years.

But what sets Holdfast apart is that attention to detail I mentioned, as well as the amazing materials they use to craft their bags and other products.

We're talking about bridle leather, water buffalo leather, American bison leather, and even python skin.

On top of that, Holdfast's products are smartly designed so you can carry more gear, more efficiently, all while keeping each piece of kit safe and secure.

If you're looking to upgrade your camera bag in 2018, look no further than Holdfast.

Learn more about Holdfast

Alpine Labs

When you talk about companies that have revolutionized how you take photos, Alpine Labs has to be in the conversation...

Their Pulse camera remote - and now their new Spark camera remote - have made taking great still photos, time lapse videos, long exposures, and real-time videos much easier and more accessible to even novice photographers.

These gadgets are packed full of powerful software and hardware that literally make it possible for you to create a time lapse video with just a few presses and swipes on your mobile phone.

Creating long exposures is equally as easy.

But don't think that because Alpine Labs has made things easy that their products are somehow cut-rate.

These are the best camera remotes on the market, and Alpine Labs is constantly making them better. That just makes me wonder what they have in store for us in 2018!

Learn more about Alpine Labs

---

Abba Color Photography

I think maternity photography gets a bad reputation sometimes...

It seems to me that some photographers are scared to death to try to document an expecting mother's experience.

I'd chalk that up to the stress of the situation, not unlike being responsible for photographing a wedding.

But maternity photography doesn't have to be scary; there are plenty of easy tips and tricks you can use to get gorgeous shots.

Use Flattering Angles

Stevie Cruz Photography

An expecting mother might ask, "What flattering angles?"

But despite how she feels, there are some angles that look better than others and can improve her appearance.

For example, by having the model angle herself at about 45-degrees from the camera, you can get a nice view of the belly without getting a view of the model's backside.

This helps slim her profile somewhat, but you still see that beautiful baby bump.

Annie Whitaker Photography

Angling the model also works for full-body shots, like the one seen above.

Notice how the right leg is bent, which not only slims the legs but also gives a nice curvature to that area of the body.

You can also see the curvature of the model's back, which accentuates the curvature of her torso, adding visual interest to the shot.

Outfitting the model in a form-fitting lace gown only tops off this gorgeous look.

Learn More:

• Five Crazy Beautiful Maternity Photography Poses
• Things to Do (and Not to Do) For Gorgeous Maternity Photography

Show Some Skin

Abba Color Photography

Usually, when someone refers to showing skin in the context of a maternity shoot, they're talking about having a bare baby bump.

And while that's a worthwhile shot, you should also consider helping mom feel beautiful and sexy by showing skin elsewhere.

As you can see in the image above, this mother looks gorgeous in the skin-tight bodysuit.

Not only do we get to see the beautiful baby bump, but we also get to see mom's shoulders, arms, and legs, making for a sultry photo.

Pregnancy doesn't often make expecting mothers look sexy; but by outfitting them with smart wardrobe choices and having them show a little skin, you have a change to get a beautiful maternity photo and help mom feel a bit more beautiful as well.

Learn More:

• Essential Tips for Preparing Your Pregnant Client for Her Photo Shoot
• Simple Strategies to Make Your Maternity Clients Look Good

Go for High Drama

Mary Gardner Photography

Ask any woman that's been pregnant, and she'll probably tell you that it's not the most glamorous nine months of her life.

But that doesn't mean that you can't make an expecting mom look glamorous in her maternity photos. All you need is a little drama!

In the image above, the drama comes from two sources - the explosion of colors in the background and the showstopping gown the model is wearing.

In the case of the background, the bright, warm colors immediately draw your attention, while the reflection of the colors in the wet sand doubles the impact of the orange and yellow tones.

On the other hand, the deep blue color of the dress contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of the sunset, and that long train extending behind the model is immediately eye-catching.

Lori Dorman & Co Photography

In this example, we see once again how light and color can be used to create a highly dramatic image.

The bright, white light emanating from the background gives this shot a clean, bright, and fresh look.

Paired with the intense pink color of the model's dress and chair, along with the texture-filled rug and the chandelier above the model, you have the makings of yet another drama-filled shot that is sure to make mom feel like the beautiful woman she is.

Light, color, texture...any of these elements will help you ratchet up the drama in your maternity photos!

Learn More:

• Five Maternity Photography Mistakes You Need to Avoid
• Simple, But Beautiful Maternity Photography Ideas

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

^{Photo by Beka Price Photography}

Ask any photographer, and I'm betting that the majority of them will tell you that outdoor shoots are more fun.

It makes sense - you get to be out in the sunshine and in the fresh air, hopefully at a location that provides a gorgeous backdrop for your portraits.

It's a recipe for great photos and for having fun, which also helps in creating a beautiful portrait.

But if you ask me, I think too many maternity photographers keep things indoors.

Now, don't get me wrong - indoor shots can be wonderful.

But I wonder why there aren't more outdoor maternity photo shoots.

Maybe it's because photographers think a pregnant mom doesn't want to drive all over the place from one shoot location to the next...

Whatever the reason, there's a case to be made for making more outdoor maternity portraits.

Here are a few creative ideas for getting better results when you take your client outside for her portrait shoot.

Simplicity is Key

^{Photo by Iga Logan Photography}

Remember, the point of the photos you create is to show off mom, her baby bump, and her partner or other children. 

When you head outdoors, that can be a little hard to pull off, simply because there's so many colors, textures, shapes, and good light (hopefully!) to tantalize your eye. 

But the more details you stuff into the shot, the less prominent your client will be - and that's definitely not what you want. 

When shooting outdoors, strive to maintain an air of simplicity in the shot. That doesn't mean you should put the mom-to-be in front of a boring background, either.

All it means is that you need to get creative with how you frame the shot to ensure all eyes are on mom.

For example, if there's a little too much background interest happening, shoot with a wider aperture to ensure the background is nicely blurred.

If you feel that mom is getting lost in the space of the shot, simply move forward a few steps to make her appear larger in the frame.

^{Photo by Lauren Mccormick Photography}

You might even convert your images to black and white to give the shots you take a simple, yet classic look.

In the image above, you can see how the black and white conversion helps simplify the scene.

In the absence of color, the bright white of the subjects' dresses draws the attention of the eye.

This is facilitated by the fact that the background is nicely blurred, which helps set off the subjects even more.

Don't Stop Shooting

^{Photo by Ashly Collins}

You can spend all the time in the world prepping your clients, giving them direction, and posing them just right, but in the end, at least in my experience, the best outdoor maternity photos are often the ones that happen off the cuff.

Those moments that occur in between the "formal" takes where you're directing your clients are rife with possibilities for beautiful, genuine images like the one above.

As a result, it's imperative that you keep shooting. In fact, I'd say set your camera to continuous shooting mode and fire away!

By continuing to shoot after you tell your client she can relax, you set her up for a more relaxed and natural portrait.

In that moment, you will often find a smile, a kiss shared with her partner, or a sweet interaction with a child that sets the image apart from the rest of the bunch.

These types of candid shots can't be faked, either. You can tell within an instant that the photo above was captured as a result of continuing to shoot.

You'll likely even find that these natural moments are the ones to which your clients are most strongly drawn.

Shoot Through Something

^{Photo by Pure Bloom Photography}

A nice trick to employ when taking a maternity portrait (or any portrait for that matter) is to shoot through something.

Adding something to the foreground of the shot, like the plants in the image above, gives the photo immediate depth. Rather than feeling like a flat, two-dimensional image, the photo becomes a more three-dimensional space, with a better indication of the subject's relationship to her surroundings.

Additionally, by shooting through something, you can help frame the subject, drawing attention to her, her belly, or both.

In the image above, the stems of the plants provide a masking effect to the subject's body, helping push the eye toward her face. But notice how this effect is very subtle - you can still see mom's belly bump and her gorgeous gown as well.

Perhaps most importantly, shooting through something makes for a much more unique and interesting portrait.

A lot of maternity photos simply look the same - the same pose, the same backgrounds, the same positioning of the hands, and shot from the same point of view.

By changing things up and putting something between your lens and the model, you give the viewer something that's more compelling and has more impact right off the bat.

Bring Attention to Mom With Her Wardrobe

^{Photo by Ute-Christin Photography}

The beauty of portraiture is that there are all sorts of tricks to bring more attention to the subject. Wardrobe selection is one such factor.

When thinking about the wardrobe for your outdoor maternity shoots, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, try to select items that contrast well with the colors of the scene, as is seen in the image above. The abundance of earth tones in the shot means that the white dress was a perfect choice.

Second, it's also a good idea to select wardrobe pieces that contrast with the feel or the mood of the scene. For example, in the image above, the mom's gown is very delicate, flowing, and quite elegant. But that works gorgeously with an outdoor scene that is full of harsh, stiff elements like the tree trunks.

^{Photo by Vic & Marie Photography}

A third wardrobe consideration to make is obviously how things fit.

On the one hand, you want mom to be comfortable, but on the other hand, you want the wardrobe choices to accentuate her belly.

In the image above, the gown the model is wearing serves both of these tasks well. Mom looks fantastic in a dress that fits like a glove and shows off her baby bump.

What's more, the gown helps highlight some of mom's curves, giving the portrait additional visual interest. Note how even though she's wearing a gown, you can still see that her left leg is bent, creating an interesting curve that makes her pose seem a little less formal.

But none of that comes at the cost of comfort.

No mom is going to want to slip into an ill-fitting, uncomfortable maternity gown no matter how badly she wants her pregnancy photos.

That's where Sew Trendy Accessories comes in.

^{Photo by Bailey Smith Photography}

If you want your clients to look their best and feel their best at the same time, consider pointing them in the direction of Sew Trendy.

As you can see in the images throughout this article, Sew Trendy's maternity gowns aren't just stunningly beautiful, but they are also finely constructed and built with mom in mind.

With a variety of materials from knits to lace to tulle, your clients can pick what makes them most comfortable. And when she tries on her gown, she'll love the fact that it's been made just for her, of materials that are soft, stretchy, and make her look even more beautiful than she already is!

Don't let your maternity photos continue to be just so-so. Use the tips outlined here to ramp up the visual interest of your shots. Just one look at the photos above, and you can see what a world of difference these maternity photography tips can make!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

^{Ross Kyker Photography}

If you ask me, half the battle of taking a great portrait is simply coming up with creative portrait ideas.

Yet, for some reason, new photographers, in particular, can have difficulty envisioning how to compose a portrait that not only makes the subject look beautiful but is also unique, too.

There's tons of inspiration out there for portrait photography, including the PhotographyTalk galleries, YouTube, Instagram, and other online sources.

But instead of sending you out into the big bad world of the internet to try to find photography ideas on your own, here's a few portrait photography tips that anyone can try.

Editor's Tip: Starting a photography business? Add additional income to your bottom line by joining our #1 affiliate program.

Try a Dark Background

^{Chelsea Haworth Photography}

Dark is dramatic, as far as I'm concerned...

As you can see in the example above, placing this couple in front of a dark background resulted in quite a compelling portrait.

This works for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the dark, uniform background does what it's supposed to do - provide a clean backdrop for the portrait.

Yes, the color is dark and dramatic, but by using an otherwise plain background, the photographer is able to draw our attention to the couple and keep it there.

How to make it more creative: The soft, diffused light that was used to illuminate the couple also makes this a successful image, with soft highlights and delicate shadows that give the portrait tons of depth while offering a nice contrast with the muted background.

Use Natural Backlighting

^{Kate Boggs Photography}

Natural lighting is where it's at for portraits.

As shown above, Golden Hour lighting, in particular, offers beautifully soft, warm light for your portraits.

But more than that, using backlighting can give your portraits a bright, fresh look with just as much drama as using a deep, dark background does.

In this example, the photographer positioned the setting sun just above the model's temple.

This placement is ideal because it helps draw attention to the model's face. Don't be afraid to place the sun very close to the model's face, either. In fact, a unique look is to have the sunlight partially obscure the face, as was done here. Learn more about photoshoot ideas on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

How to make it more creative: By contrasting warm-toned backlighting with darker tones (i.e., the breathtaking maternity gown and the surrounding landscape) you can also create a much more engaging and compelling visual story.

Editor's Tip: Taking great portraits is about much more than composition and lighting. To elevate the quality of your portraits, you need to use gorgeous accessories and do so smartly.

Add Implied Movement

^{Ross Kyker Photography}

One of the best ways to get creative with your portraits is to add implied movement.

That's because our eyes are naturally drawn to things in motion, so having elements in your portraits that play off of that make them inherently more interesting to view.

You can add movement in a couple of ways, too.

Above, you can see how the model's incredible gown and upwardly extended arms indicate motion.

Notice how the photographer accentuated that motion by taking the photo in portrait orientation - it extends the shot upward, allowing our eyes to get a full view of all the implied motion in the shot.

^{Vic and Marie Photography}

Of course, you don't have to be that dramatic to imply motion...

In this shot, the couple appears as though they might be dancing, simply by the way that their arms are extended toward one another.

That gives the impression that this portrait is perhaps one of a very long sequence of images in which this happy couple is spending time together.

How to make it more creative: Bring a fan and use it to add movement to the model's hair or wardrobe to get subtle implied motion.

The point here is that getting creative with portraiture is a lot easier if you have some inspiration.

Use the inspiration you get from these amazing portraits, take these beginner portrait photography tips to heart, and start taking more creative portraits today!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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. 

---

^{Adam Opris Photography}

For what it's worth, I think maternity photographers have one of the best jobs any photographer could hope to have.

After all, you're responsible for documenting part of one of the most important journeys a person can take.

No pressure, right?

To help alleviate some of the stress of photographing such an important time in your client's life, consider these do's and don'ts for beautiful maternity photography.

Editor's Tip: Elevate the quality of your maternity photos with beautiful maternity clothes. Shop gowns, crowns, and accessories for maternity photography.

DO Show Your Client Potential Poses for Beautiful Maternity Photography

^JVP

When you meet with your client, it's one thing to explain the poses you envision for the shoot.

But it's another thing entirely to be able to show her what you have in mind for posing the shots.

Whether you bring sketches of each pose that you have in mind or bring along your portfolio of work to show her images of some of your go-to poses, having a visual aid as you go over the details of the shoot will only help you maximize your ability to make your client look her best.

^{Mint Portrait Studio}

Even better, as you go over your thoughts on posing, ask for her input.

No one knows how your client feels and what she is capable of doing that she does, so be sure to get her input on how you approach the photoshoot.

You might have a gorgeous pose in mind of the mom-to-be on top of a rock at the beach, as shown above, but if she's not confident in walking across sand or scaling a rock, you need to know that!

Learn More:

• Quick Tips for Posing Women for Portraits
• How to Frame a Perfect Portrait

DON'T Skimp on the Wardrobe Choices

I'm not a woman, but I know enough to understand that some expecting mothers simply do not feel all that beautiful while they're pregnant.

Don't compound that problem by skimping your client on the wardrobe front...

Though there is a time and a place for the comfort of a big t-shirt and comfy, stretchy pants, a maternity photo shoot is the perfect time to give your client maternity photo clothes that will make her feel beautiful and elegant.

^{Fab Photography}

As you can see in the image above, adding dresses for maternity photos into the mix can help you elevate the photo to a whole other level.

Not only does this mom-to-be look like a fashion model, but that impeccable gown from Sew Trendy adds a visual punch with that gorgeous color and the movement of the train.

This isn't to say that every single shot you take should show the expecting mother in a high-fashion pose with a gorgeous maternity gown, but you should certainly make time for images like these!

Editor's Tip: Give your photography business a boost by joining our #1 photography affiliate program. Get the details here.

DO Have Her Tilt Her Head Back

^{Kate Boggs Photography}

When you move your chin down, what happens? A double chin, right?

Now imagine you're eight months pregnant. That double-chin is going to be much more noticeable.

As a result, it's a good idea to have your client tilt her head back ever so slightly in your photos.

In the photo above, you can see how this helps extend the model's neckline and avoids a double chin.

^{Shannon Leigh Studios}

Another benefit of having the model tilt her head back is that it creates a more powerful pose.

In this example, the model's head is tilted very slightly back, and the photographer is shooting slightly upwards toward the model.

The result is one confident-looking mom-to-be!

Follow these do's and don'ts of maternity photography, and you can create more beautiful pregnancy photos.

Learn More:

• Maternity Photography Tips You Don't Want to Miss
• Five Crazy Beautiful Maternity Photography Poses

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

First of all, let me say that though the maternity photography composition tips I outline below are easy, there is little else that's easy about maternity photography.

Not every pregnant woman you photograph will feel awesome on the day of the shoot. Not every pregnant woman will be able to contort herself into whatever pose you want her to be in, either.

There will be aches and pains, swollen feet, and tired faces, too.

But your job is to help your client forget all those things even if for a few moments, and in those few moments, help her feel beautiful and take gorgeous photos of her.

Here's a few things that will help you do just that.

Editor's Tip: Earning extra money doesn't have to be difficult. Join our #1 recommended affiliate program and make extra money on the side.

Portrait Photography Tip: Consider the Angle of View

Some women love how they look when they're pregnant and wear the extra weight very well.

In those situations, a good maternity photography tip is to compose the portrait straight on at her eye level.

As is the case in the image above, this composition puts the model's face and body front and center in the shot.

Notice how the camera level is right at the eye level of the model so she can look right down the barrel of the lens for a confident and beautiful photo.

^{Naturally Newborns}

But not all expecting mothers jump for joy with how they look when they're pregnant.

Some women are self-conscious about their body and weight gain. Others are bothered by having added weight to their face.

In these situations, shooting from an angle that's above the model will help slim down those features and get you more flattering results, as seen above.

Generally speaking, shooting from one or two feet above the model is a good distance for composition this kind of shot that looks down toward her.

Learn More:

• 3 Things You Need to Know as a New Maternity Photographer
• The Secrets to Flattering Maternity Photography

Get Input From Your Model

^{Nicole Everson Photography}

You can discuss the types of poses and compositions your client wants in your pre-consultation meeting all you want, but when it comes down to brass tacks, if your model is uncomfortable in a pose she really wanted to try, you need to listen to her and switch gears.

We've all been in portrait situations in which we were in an uncomfortable position. It makes it hard to look relaxed and smile naturally if you have shooting pain in your knee, back or other body part.

Now imagine how difficult that would be while pregnant...

^{Jessica G Newborn Photography}

The point is that you need to constantly check in with your client, asking her how she feels, if she's comfortable, and more to the point, what she's comfortable doing.

You might find that she's good to go with all the different poses and compositions you discussed, but more often than not, she'll need to make adjustments during the shoot. You just need to learn to roll with it!

Also be sure to discuss wardrobe for the photo shoot well in advance. You want your model to be comfortable and beautiful at the same time, so getting the wardrobe right is vitally important.

Editor's Tip: How you accessorize your maternity photo shoots is key. Find clothing, props, and other accessories for your maternity photography shoots.

Beware of Clutter

^{Abby Mathison}

One thing that will immediately make your composition suffer is if there's clutter in the background (or the foreground, I suppose) of the shot.

This is a particular problem when shooting at a model's home as there can be items on countertops or tables in the background that you might not notice at first, but that cause all sorts of distractions later on in the images you've taken.

^{Beka Price Photography}

Typically, living rooms and bedrooms are the best places to compose a maternity photo, simply because there's big furniture (i.e., a couch or a bed) where you can position your model and have her be comfortable.

But before you start snapping away, be sure to give the room a once-over to keep the area clutter free.

It's also advantageous to have a window or door nearby to allow natural light into the room. That will give you a much softer look that your client is sure to love!

These are very simple portrait photography composition tips, but they can each have a profound impact on the results you get.

Learn More:

• How to Use Natural Light for Stunning Outdoor Portraits
• How to Develop Your Photography Style

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

---

Cherish This

As we all know, the best natural light of the day occurs during Golden Hour.

The warm, golden tones of the light are nice and soft, illuminating the subject with beautiful light that has great depth, but without harsh shadows.

Another great time to take an outdoor portrait is on a cloudy day.

The cloud cover acts like a huge softbox, diffusing the light, and, again, creating beautifully deep light with soft shadows.

But the problem is that it's just not always possible to shoot at sunrise, sunset or under the cover of clouds.

That means you need a few tricks up your sleeve to deal with harsh, midday lighting.

Editor's Note: To illustrate each point, we're using images uploaded to our galleries by Sew Trendy Accessories. Sew Trendy is one of the top maternity wear companies in the world, offering handmade and ready-to-ship garments for maternity shoots, mommy and me shoots, and more. Visit their website to view their inventory.

Find Some Shade

Becca Rillo Photography

If there's no clouds available, all you need to do is find a shady spot to place your model.

Whether that's in the shade of a tree or in the shadow of a building or something in between, the shade will give you the more even lighting you want.

In looking at the image above, you can see how even the light is under the trees.

Note how the model's face is completely in shadow, but that there are small bursts of light elsewhere on her body. This gives the shot a little more vitality and life (as does that gown!).

Use a Reflector

Corinna Schutz

Shooting outdoors means that you need to be equipped to help yourself out with the lighting.

Perhaps the easiest way to do this is to have a reflector pack handy.

Reflectors merely bounce the light onto your subject. The effect they have can be controlled by how the reflector is held - its height, the angle, and the distance from it to the subject.

Some reflectors, like silver ones, add very bright light to the scene.

Others, like gold ones, bounce warm light back onto the subject, as seen above.

Reflector packs often come with a translucent reflector that can be used as a diffuser, as well as a white reflector that helps brighten the model ever so slightly.

See these reflectors in action in the video above by Craig Beckta.

Learn More:

• Warm vs Cool Light
• Quick Tips for Improved Portraits

Use Artificial Light

Dana Marie

Though light under shade or an overcast sky is more even, it can be a little too even, resulting in an image that's flat and a model that looks a little lifeless.

If you find that you just don't have enough dynamic light, you can use artificial lighting to enhance the image.

As you can see above, the image was taken on an overcast day, but with the addition of an off-camera light source, the model is bathed in bright, warm light.

But notice how the light isn't so intense that the model is glowing. Rather, it's used merely to create some areas of light and shadow to counteract the flat natural lighting that dominates the scene.

Try a Shoot-Through Umbrella

E. Dixon Photography

Yet another option to try is to use a shoot-through umbrella to diffuse the light that falls on your model's face.

Now, the problem with umbrellas is that you need someone to hold it in place.

That means that you can't use this technique for anything but up-close portraits of the model's face or perhaps an upper body shot like the one seen above.

Nevertheless, just like the shade of a tree or a building will help soften harsh midday lighting, so too with an umbrella.

Learn More:

• Portrait Photography Tips for Beginner Photographers
• A Guide to the Perfect Portrait

Bright Light Requires a Bright Wardrobe

Mia Monroe Photography

Another problem that plagues daytime portraits under harsh lighting is that the model can look washed out.

Granted, you can help alleviate that issue by using one of the techniques described above.

But you can help yourself even more by having the model dress in clothing that has bright or saturated colors.

In the image above, for example, the model's deep blue dress contrasts beautifully with the bright light of the background.

Not only does the dress help tone down the brightness of the shot, but it helps create an even stronger subject because the color is so eye-catching.

Aimee Theresa

In this example, you can again see how a deeply saturated gown helps create gorgeous contrast in the image.

Not only is the color of the dress beautifully complemented by the colors in the background, but the deepness of the color contrasts beautifully with the bright, flat light in the scene.

So, when taking portraits outdoors, do yourself a favor and pick up an off-camera flash or a reflector pack, or seek out the shade of a tree or a building.

And to give your images even more visual appeal, recommend that your subjects wear clothing like the gowns featured in the images in this article from Sew Trendy. Bright or saturated colors can go a long way towards making the photo even more beautiful.

And when the model wears something elegantly made, it will make them more confident, and that will shine through in your portraits.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.  

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Katrina Elena

When it comes to creating gorgeous maternity photos, sometimes half the battle is getting the mom-to-be to be in the mood to be in front of the camera.

It's hard being pregnant, and all the discomfort, long nights, and stress can make moms feel less than photo-worthy.

But you can help set the tone for a successful maternity shoot by doing a few things that will help the expecting mom feel like the beautiful woman she is.

Here's three easy tips that will help you get the best photos the next time you're working with a mom-to-be.

Head to the Beach

Chelsea Haworth Photography

Granted, not all of us live near the beach, but if you do, it's a great setting for a maternity photography shoot.

Think about it...

The cool, ocean breeze, the soothing sounds of the waves coming in, the great light from a sunset shimmering off the water - what's not to like?!

It's a relatively easy place to shoot, as well.

Looking at the image above, you can see just how peaceful the setting is, which will relax your mom-to-be, and there's great lighting, too, assuming you time your session to coincide with golden hour.

Sarah Beth Chamberlain Photography

If there's not a beach handy, try a shot near a lake, pond, or stream.

Again, you can capitalize on the serenity of the landscape to help mom feel relaxed while using the surrounding colors and visual elements to create a dynamic photo.

In the example above, the cool, crisp surroundings give the image a laid-back vibe, and when paired with the bold, saturated colors of the formal gown the model is wearing, you get an interesting combination that's quite visually appealing.

If you're working with warm lighting, like in the first image, suggest a wardrobe of more muted colors, like whites, pinks, and beiges. If you're working with cool lighting, like in the second image, go for something a little bolder and saturated to help bring more attention to the model.

Learn More:

• How-To Maternity Photography: Photographing Mom Outdoors
• 5 Insanely Beautiful Maternity Photography Ideas

Try a Prop

Baby Mine

Props are a great way to help mom feel a little extra special, particularly if it's something like a floral crown.

I mean, who doesn't like flowers?!

In the image above, notice how the floral crown adds a bit of brightness and texture to the shot.

But the crown is also effective from the standpoint of making mom feel pretty.

There's an elegance about the flowers that is only enhanced by the model's beautiful, flowing gown.

If you make mom look like a million bucks, she'll feel like a million bucks, and that confidence will be on full display in your maternity photos!

Learn More:

• How-To Maternity Photography: Using Props Effectively
• How-To Maternity Photography: Tips for Making Her Feel Beautiful

Bring in the Family

Abba Color Photography

Another great way to create a relaxed, beautiful, and meaningful maternity photo is to include mom's family in the shot.

Not only will she be more likely to have a calm demeanor in front of the lens with a loved one by her side, but it's also a great opportunity for you to show off the relationships that will be important for the coming baby.

In the image above, the way that mom and dad are looking down at their coming child gives this shot a sweetness and authenticity that they're sure to cherish.

What's more, the way that mom and dad are connected to the baby bump - by the placement of their hands - shows their love for their baby and their dedication to fostering a relationship with it when it's born.

Chelsea Haworth Photography

But significant others aren't the only ones that can be in a maternity photo.

Involving other kids in a few shots is an ideal way to help them feel as though they're part of the process and helps you highlight yet another important relationship in the life of the mom-to-be.

In the image above, you can see the happiness of mom as she's holding her little boy.

And notice the manner in which she's holding him so as not to impede the view of her baby bump.

She looks confident, beautiful, and content - and that's due to her little boy being in the shot (and the incredible gown she's wearing, too!).

Learn More:

• How-To Maternity Photography: Focus on Emotions and Relationships
• 11 Gorgeous Mommy and Me Photos (and Tips for Taking Them Yourself)

And there you have it! Three easy, yet impactful tips that will help you get the most out of your photo shoots with pregnant clients.

Just remember - the harder you work to help a mom-to-be feel beautiful, the better the photos that will result!

Try each of these ideas and see which one works best for your specific clients. You might just find that it's hard to choose just one, and instead, find yourself incorporating each into your workflow.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, mommy and me sessions, and portraits. 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.

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^{Abba Color Photography}

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

Though newborn photography is one of the most stressful and challenging types of photography, if you ask me, it's all worth it because it's incredibly rewarding, too.

And while starting any kind of photography business can be a challenge, with time and practice, you'll find that being a professional photographer gets easier as time goes by.

That's what these newborn photography business tips are all about - making things a little easier for you to get started!

If you're wondering how to start a photography business, consider these gear tips an essential part of getting off on the right foot.

Editor's Tip: Ready to make more money as a photographer? Join our #1 affiliate program to start earning passive income!

Camera and Lenses

^{Belly Beautiful Photography}

I won't spend too much time on this topic because obviously you need a camera and lenses...

For the best results, an interchangeable lens camera (full frame or APS-C) is the best choice because they have manual controls and allow you to use different lenses as you see fit.

Full frame cameras are more expensive, but tend to offer better image resolution and improved low-light performance. That's not to say APS-C cameras aren't any good, because there are many models that will give you plenty of features for taking great photos.

^{Bianca Hubble Photography}

What matters more, though is the lenses you use.

You want a good selection of lenses from wide-angles like a 35mm to short telephoto like an 85mm.

Using prime lenses is a great choice because primes produce sharper images than zooms. They also have larger apertures that allow you to shoot more effectively in dim lighting while also helping you to blur the background, as shown above.

For me, a 35mm f/1.4 lens and a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens are ideal choices for newborn photography.

Learn More:

• 3 Things You Need to Know as a New Maternity Photographer
• Unique Ideas for Newborn Photography

Newborn Photography Business Tips: Get Outfitted With Lighting

^{Belly Beautiful Photography}

Though natural lighting is wonderful for newborn photography, there will be times when you need to supplement natural lighting or even completely substitute for natural lighting with artificial lighting.

First and foremost, get a reflector pack that allows you to bounce natural light (or artificial light, for that matter) back onto the newborn subject.

Reflectors are great for minimizing shadows and creating a more complete lighting profile of the subject. They're cheap, too!

On the artificial lighting front, get a softbox setup, that way you have a means of diffusing flash lighting to create a softer, more even light in the portrait. It's also helpful for the baby, too - undiffused flash lighting can startle babies, and some people believe it can also damage their eyes.

Learn more:

• Portrait Photography Techniques for Gorgeous Photos
• Newborn Photography Tips You Can Use at Home

Newborn Photography Tip: Get Outfitted With Clothing and Props

^{Belly Beautiful Photography} 

Having the right newborn clothing and newborn props can help you elevate the quality of your photos in a way that no other accessories can.

A beautiful floral crown here, a texture-filled blanket there, a perfectly-colored background, or an adorable wrap can give your newborn photos more style, elegance, color and texture.

What's more, these items can help the baby relax and fall (and stay) asleep - which is what you want when you're photographing them.

A sleeping baby is obviously much easier to work with, and their little arms and legs are moldable when they're nice and relaxed.

^{Belly Beautiful Photography}

A soft, warm blanket or mesh wrap (like the one shown above) will make the baby feel comfortable while also helping contain movement of their arms and legs as they sleep.

A beanbag helps support baby's head, neck, and back, allowing you to safely photograph them while also giving you plenty of options for posing, too.

You can add whimsy to newborn portraits by having mom and dad dress their baby in a beautiful jumper, dress or pant set as well.

Granted, newborn photos are all about the baby, but to kick up the visual interest a notch or two, you'll want to have plenty of newborn photography accessories on hand!

Editor's Tip: Need to outfit your studio with essential newborn photography accessories? Start shopping now.

Final Thoughts

^{Abba Color Photography}

There's plenty of other newborn photography gear that you might need, including a space heater to keep the studio warm, cleaning supplies in case your little client has an accident, a white noise machine to help baby relax, and perhaps a small stockpile of diapers, baby wipes, and other baby supplies in case mom and dad run out.

But if you load up on all the essentials outlined in this article, you'll be in a good place to start your photography business with all the needed supplies.

Just remember - what ultimately makes your photos successful is you.All of the gear you buy is simply a means of enhancing your ability to get great shots!

About Sew Trendy

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.

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^{Photo by Rachael Hammer Photography}

When it comes to taking a great photo of someone, there's a lot of factors at stake.

Lighting, of course, is a primary concern. So too is how you frame the shot.

Posing is also critically important, as it can make or break the look and feel of the image.

This is especially true when you're working with an expecting mother.

By the time a maternity photography shoot rolls around, moms-to-be have had eight months or so of discomfort, lack of sleep, and pain.

That means you need to work a little harder to help mom feel good and look good too.

Here's five gorgeous maternity photography poses that will help you do just that.

The "Night Out"

^{Photo by Vic and Marie Photography}

Ask any expecting mom, and I doubt she'll describe her experience in pregnancy as glamorous or elegant.

That's why the "Night Out" pose can be so impactful.

By putting mom in a gorgeous gown and photographing her in a city environment, the shot becomes something fit for a lady heading to a Broadway play.

In this instance, the deep color of the gown gives the photo tons of visual pop while also immediately drawing our eye to the mom-to-be.

It's form fitting, so we get a view of her baby bump, but the off-the-shoulder fit with the train gives mom that glamorous look and feel she's seldom had for the last few months.

The "Wind Swept"

^{Photo by Fab Photography}

In another example of elegant maternity photography, the Wind Swept pose is evocative of the classic storm grate photo of Marilyn Monroe.

The movement indicated by the sweeping gown gives this image a feeling of being much more dynamic than the typical maternity shot.

However, because the front of the gown is open, we get a full view of mom's belly to draw our attention.

That creates an interesting juxtaposition - the seriousness and permanence of parenthood on the one hand and the fun and whimsy of the gown catching a breeze on the other.

By adding in a tasteful floral crown as an accessory, you have the makings of another glamorous (and fun!) pose that will make mom feel beautiful.

The "Natural"

^{Photo by Heidi Grace Photography}

Not all maternity photos have to be over-the-top to have a ton of visual impact.

The Natural pose focuses instead on making a subtle statement, with a simple standing pose, a non-descript background, and wardrobe choices that aren't in your face, but still have an elegance about them.

In this instance, the simple off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved gown draws attention to the model with its bright (but not too bright) golden color.

The floral belt just above the belly helps define the baby bump, as does the placement of mom's hands above and below her baby.

Note how there's just enough detail in the background to add texture and depth, but without competing for our attention.

The soft lighting at mom's feet filtering through the foliage is a nice touch that grounds the image and helps warm it up a bit too.

The "Fairy Tale"

^{Photo by Blessed Reflections Photography}

The Fairy Tale pose involves a variety of elements to give the image a feeling of enchantment.

To begin, a flowing, lace gown like the one seen above is reminiscent of a gown a princess might wear to a ball.

The deep, saturated color only enhances the elegance of the wardrobe.

The setting of the shot also helps create a fairy tale vibe, as though the model is waiting for her prince in an enchanted garden.

Also notice the soft vignetting that helps direct the eye towards the model.

Again, this helps add some whimsy to the photo that goes along with the fairy tale theme.

The "Hard and Soft"

^{Photo by Gemini Visuals}

In the Hard and Soft pose, the trick is to find ways to combine hard elements - like the boulders in the image above - with soft elements - like the flowing lace gown seen above.

This creates an interesting contrast as the basis of the shot.

You can build on that contrast in other ways, too.

The image above has areas of dark and light. There's also color contrast between the gown and the foreground surroundings.

The soft focus of the background contrasts well with the sharp focus of the model as well.

The point is that you don't have to overwhelm the shot with contrasting elements, but having a few subtle differences will make your images more compelling to view.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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It's springtime, folks, and that means that it's a prime time to get outdoors with your mommy and me clients and create portraits that are light, bright, and full of color.

That might sound like a straightforward undertaking, but there's a little more involved in capturing beautiful portraits than simply putting your subject in a pretty environment.

In this guide, I highlight five mommy and me photoshoot ideas that will give you high-quality results.

In the Garden

^{Amber Fite}

Springtime is perfect for outdoor portraits because there's an explosion of color in the landscape.

An ideal setting for a mommy and me photo shoot is a garden, where you can incorporate the various colors and textures of the flowers into the shot.

In this example, the photographer smartly chose to shoot from a lower eye level to bring the flowers into the foreground of the shot. But because they're gorgeously blurred, they also help to define the space and give the image more depth. Learn more about photography idea on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

Using colors and textures in this way - to create dimension - is a surefire method for getting improved maternity photos.

Editor's Tip: Earn extra income by joining our preferred affiliate program. Find out how to join today.

The Structured Look

^{Eden Bao Photography}

Adding structure to a mommy and me portrait (or any portrait, for that matter) will help make sense out of the chaos.

In this case, the strong presence of the columns gives some verticality to the image while helping to restrict the movement of our eyes to the center of the shot where this gorgeous mom and daughter are posed.

Similarly, the railings in the background help screen out some of the background elements, and, again, help keep our eyes focused on the subjects.

The structured look is also a little more formal, so pairing it with a beautiful mommy and me matching set can complete that formal look.

If you find that the location in which you're shooting has a lot going on in the background, try to find ways to add structure to help manage those details.

The Subdued Look

^{Paulina Martinez Photography}

Of course, springtime doesn't just bring beautiful colors, but it also brings great light and warmer temperatures.

That means you can dress your models in gowns that are sleeveless or even off-the-shoulder without worrying that they will be chilled.

In this case, the subdued look of this shot gives it a clean, fresh appearance.

The relatively featureless background works well in this instance because it allows the gowns that the models are wearing to shine - you can really see the detail of the sleeves and hemline, in particular.

A simple setting like this also allows you to focus more on the relationship between the two subjects. Having them touch in some way, in this case, with mom's hand on her daughter's head and arm, helps to strengthen the visual representation of that relationship.

The Warmth of Sunset

^{Jessi V. Photography}

Sunset is an ideal time for springtime portraiture because of the color of the light.

As you can see above, the light is warm, soft, and golden, and illuminates the background in a way that gives the image more life and vibrancy, but without distracting attention from the subjects.

When taking a sunset portrait, finding shade to place the subjects is an ideal way to skirt the exposure problems that can occur when shooting in direct sunlight.

Another tip to learn from this shot is that by coordinating the wardrobe with the surroundings - in this case, the pink flowers on the trees - you end up with a photo that has a cohesive, uniform look.

Editor's Tip: Get outfitted with all the maternity photography accessories, newborn accessories, and mommy and me accessories you need to make your photos shine. Start shopping now.

Experiment With Overexposure

^{Lori Dorman & Co Photography}

Sometimes, all you need for the background of a portrait is a lot of light.

As you can see here, by overexposing the background, the photographer created a light, bright, and airy portrait in which this mother and daughter can take center stage.

By pairing the bright white background with the deeply saturated tones of the pink chair and pink gown, you get a gorgeous contrast that immediately grabs your attention.

Better still, this look can be achieved in front of virtually any window that faces the sun.

These are just a few simple tips for mommy and me photography, but they should serve you well to create more unique portraits!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, newborn photo ideas 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.

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Abba Color Photography

If I'm honest, sometimes I think maternity photography can be a little boring.

I think there's a couple of reasons for this.

First, expecting moms have a lot going on, and their body and spirit might not always be up to a long photo shoot.

And second, I think some photographers get stuck in a rut and do the same poses and same style of maternity photos over and over again.

But breaking out of that rut and encouraging your pregnant clients to be a little adventurous can sure be worth it.

Here's a few unique maternity picture ideas that will help you get better results with your maternity photography.

Editor's Note: To illustrate each point I use photos that showcase products from Sew Trendy Fashion and Accessories. Sew Trendy is one of the top clothing suppliers for maternity photography in the world, with an extensive collection of gowns, robes, separates, and props for expecting mothers. See their full product line here.

Treat It Like a Normal Portrait Shoot

Beautifly Photography

Not every photo you take of an expecting mom has to be a profile shot of her belly.

In fact, there's plenty of opportunities to show off the mom-to-be in a way that's perhaps a little more about her.

Take the photo above as a great example of this. Learn more about maternity photo ideas on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

It's a gorgeous shot with incredible light, and the model is simply walking along in the water, as you might expect with a normal photo shoot at the beach.

Sure, her baby bump isn't on full display, but you can still see it enough to know that this beautiful woman is expecting, and it makes for a more unexpected maternity photo.

Try Showing a Little Skin

Standout Photography

Another unique idea for your maternity portraits is to show a little skin - and I don't just mean revealing mom's baby bump, either.

One of the challenges of maternity photography is to help make the expecting mom feel sexy.

But with the right pose and wardrobe selections, you can create something that shows off just how beautiful the mom-to-be is.

Standout Photography

In the example above, the combination of the model laying down on the tree trunk and the gorgeous, flowing gown that shows off her shoulders, arms, belly, and legs gives this image a distinctly sexy and playful feel. Get more information about fall maternity shoot on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

Not all expecting moms will be up for this kind of shot, but for the ones that are, you can see just how impactful the results can be!

Show Some Love

Hope Photography

Maternity photography should focus on the mom-to-be and her baby bump, but they aren't the only ones involved.

Your clients will have significant others, children, friends, and other loved ones that you can introduce into the shot to create something much more unique.

In the image above, you can see how a simple pose and a gentle kiss on the forehead highlights this man's love for his wife and their coming baby.

There's nothing complicated about the shot, either, yet that simple act of sharing a sweet kiss makes this photo much more impactful.

Get Outside

Sarah Beth Chamberlain Photography

Don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with indoor maternity photos.

But by taking your expecting mom outside, you have more opportunities for creating unique shots thanks to different lighting, locations, and so forth.

Additionally, it gives you a chance to pair a beautiful maternity gown with the surrounding environment, as shown above.

As you can see, this can create a beautiful and bold statement that draws your attention immediately to the model.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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Each year, the top companies in the photography industry gather together in a series of awesome expos to show off their products.

The Imaging USA show is one such event…

From January 11-16, 2018 in Nashville, the movers and shakers that shape our industry will be in attendance to show off the products and services you need to build your business and launch your career to new heights. 

Not only is it an opportunity to see the advancements and innovations that will help you be a better photographer, but you can also hobnob with fellow photographers, attend classes, and engage with representatives from hundreds of the best photography businesses in the world.

The Imaging USA event even features one of the biggest international photography exhibits in North America, so if you need a little creative inspiration for your work, you can satisfy that need, too.

Here’s a preview of some of the top companies that will be in attendance.

Sirui

If you’re familiar with Sirui, you know that they put out some of the best tripods on the market. I own one, and it goes without saying that it’s one of the best photography gear purchases I ever made.

But what you might not know about Sirui is that they aren’t just a one-trick pony. Instead, they’ve developed a wide range of products for photographers and videographers.

That includes all sorts of goodies for your smartphone, including cases and adaptors, lenses, and even lighting devices so that you can take improved photos with your smartphone.

They also have awesome camera bags that are beautifully designed and offer your gear the protection it needs to get from point A to point B safely and securely.

Add to that a complete line of tripod heads and monopods, quick-release plates and lens filters. Sirui even builds humidity cabinets and security cabinets, too.

That makes Sirui much more than just a tripod company. They can outfit you from A-Z! See what I mean by checking out their product lines at Sirui.com.

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

I dropped by Sew Trendy’s booth at Photo Plus earlier this year, and as you can see from the image above, they were inundated with photographers that wanted to get a glimpse of their incredible line of products.

Sew Trendy will be sharing their products yet again at the Imaging USA Expo, and if you’ll be there too, you need to set aside some time to visit with Valerie and her team.

Bianca Hubble Photography 

They’ve got a wide-range of products for photographers that specialize in maternity photography, newborn photography, and more traditional portraiture as well.

That includes gowns, dresses, and other clothing for expecting moms, newborn outfits and props, and non-maternity clothing and accessories for ladies and girls, too.

Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie

From cocktail dresses to bodysuits, sashes to rhinestone crowns, and newborn sitter clothing to mommy and me sets, they’ve got you covered with beautifully handmade items that will add class and sophistication to your photo shoots.

Check them out at Imaging USA, or visit their website to learn more.

Click Props

If you’ve never heard of Click Props, you’re missing out…

When it comes to making the best backdrops for studio portraiture, Click Props is it. 

I saw their backdrops firsthand at Photo Plus, and to say that they’re impressive is an understatement.

That’s because Click Props is operated by Sew Trendy, which, as I noted earlier, has an incredible line of gorgeously crafted products unto their own.

That same commitment to quality is evident in Click Props backdrops. Made of 550gsm vinyl, these things are built to stand the test of time. And since they’re vinyl, they’re easy to care for, too.

Perhaps even more impressive is the sheer volume of products they offer. With more than 200 unique designs, Click Props has you covered for everything from senior portraits to bridal images, family portraits to boudoir sessions.

Click Props even offers multiple sizes of backdrops to accommodate varying needs and space restrictions. So, in other words, if portraiture is your game, Click Props is an ideal partner to help you elevate the visual appeal of your photos.

If you can’t wait until Imaging USA to see what Click Props has to offer, you can see their complete inventory of backdrops by visiting Click Props Backdrops.

MPB

MPB has quickly made a name for themselves as the go-to place for buying high-quality pre-owned gear.

Whether you need a camera or a lens, you can find incredible deals on Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other popular brands.

Since photography is an expensive hobby and profession, stretching your dollar as far as possible only makes sense. MPB helps you do that.

It's not just a huge marketplace full of great used gear, either.

MPB has gone to great lengths to ensure that you have a top-notch customer service experience, no matter what you're buying.

Their staff are knowledgeable, well-trained, and will help you at every turn to ensure you get exactly what you need.

What's more, they take pains to grade every single piece of gear that comes through their doors, that way when you find what you need on their site, you know exactly what sort of condition it's in.

MPB is also a place to sell your old gear.

Their hassle-free process for selling or trading in your old stuff makes it easy to get rid of the gear you no longer use. They'll even pick it up for free!

Then you can use the money you get from selling or trading in your old cameras and lenses to invest in newer or higher-end stuff.

In other words, if you'll be at Imaging USA, you need to drop by MPB's booth and see what sort of deals they have for you. In the meantime, you can check out their inventory or sell your old equipment by visiting MPB.com.

Holdfast

When it comes to crafting impeccable camera accessories, Holdfast is certainly a market leader.

I happen to own one of their MoneyMaker camera straps, and it is hands-down one of the best camera accessories I've ever purchased.

Not only does it make it more convenient to take a photo - my cameras (yes, plural) are right there at my fingertips - but it also helps distribute the weight of my cameras across both shoulders and my back.

With a more convenient and comfortable carrying experience, that means one thing - I can take more photos for a longer period of time so I'm sure I get the images I need.

But don't think that Holdfast is a one-trick pony...

They offer a complete line of camera bags, backpacks, and other accessories that help you store and transport your gear safely and in style.

Their camera bags, for example, are gorgeously crafted with an attention to detail you seldom see anymore.

And inside, you have smartly designed spaces that help you keep your gear padded, protected, and organized.

Brandon Burk Photography

Holdfast has managed to figure out how to make photography accessories that are the height of function and form.

Their straps, bags, backpacks, and other products are durable, easy to use, and look absolutely incredible.

If you don't want to take my word for it, be sure to add Holdfast to your must-see list for Imaging USA 2018. If you can't make the expo, head on over to the Holdfast website. Just be prepared to be blown away!

CaptureLife

If you haven’t heard of CaptureLife yet, get ready to be impressed.

This is a company that’s new to me, but I can already tell that they have a bright future as a mover and shaker in the photography industry.

That’s because CaptureLife has revolutionized the manner in which you share images with your clients.

Instead of sending your client a link to a clunky gallery or giving them a thumb drive, you can send a personalized text right to their smartphone, which gives them access to their private image galleries.

Yep, that’s right...CaptureLife taps into the way that people view images and make purchases by putting the images you’ve created right at your clients’ fingertips on their phone.

Think about it…

Not only does that make it much easier for your clients to view their images, but it’s also easier for them to share their images with friends and family.

Beyond that, the convenience of CaptureLife makes selecting and purchasing prints and other items a breeze for your client and anyone they invite to view the album.

As a result, you can boost your digital sales, and since CaptureLife also taps into the plugged-in, social nature of society today, it’s a great way for you to spread the word about your work and expand your client pool. 

You can learn more about CaptureLife by visiting their website, but I strongly recommend that if you’ll be at Imaging USA 2018 to drop by their booth and see CaptureLife in action. Believe me when I say that it’s something else!

nPhoto

In the race to make the best photo albums in the world, nPhoto is certainly in the pole position.

I've gotten to know the folks over at nPhoto over the course of the last few months, and I can tell you that the people are just as great as the products.

Like many of the companies on this list, nPhoto is known for their attention to detail that sets their products apart from the rest.

I can tell you from firsthand experience that when you pick up one of their photo albums, the first thing that goes through your mind is "WOW."

Not only do nPhoto's albums look great - they're handcrafted by a team of 400 professionals in Europe's largest printing lab - but they also feel great, too.

I know photography is a visual medium, but trust me when I say that the way these albums feel in your hands, the way the paper feels between your fingers as you flip through its layflat pages is an experience you won't forget.

That's because nPhoto doesn't use just any materials to craft their fine albums. Instead, they use materials like fine textile, acrylic, silk and metallic papers, and top-of-the-line inks that together make for one hell of a viewing experience.

nPhoto's albums are also highly customizable, so you can help your clients design an album that's specific to them and them alone.

Choose from a variety of album types, cover materials, papers, and even among various add-ons like layflat pages, padded covers, laser etching, and more.

If you plan on visiting the Imaging USA expo, you need to find out where nPhoto has their booth. It's an experience you don't want to miss!

You can explore nPhoto's line of albums and other products by visiting their website.

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I don’t know about you, but I’m really excited for this year’s PhotoPlus in New York City!

I make the trek each year to see what’s new and hot in the photography industry, and just like every year, the PhotoPlus folks have put together an all-star lineup of keynote speakers, seminars, master classes, and photo walks.

That includes speaking sessions with the likes of Jamel Shabazz and Chase Jarvis, more than 100 activities that range from courses on drone photography to videography to building a photography business, and photo walks around the city to learn a few tips and tricks and get feedback on your work.

Personally, my favorite part of the whole weekend is an exhibition hall packed to the gills with the best companies in the business.

The conference doesn’t start until October 25th with the expo opening the following day, but I thought now would be a great time to give you a little preview of some of the companies that will be in attendance this year. So, buckle in, and get ready to be excited for this year’s PhotoPlus!

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Abba Color Photography

One of our favorite photography companies is Sew Trendy, and when I found out they’d be at PhotoPlus, I could barely contain my excitement.

Sew Trendy has been a game-changer since it was established in 2012. Valerie Best, the company’s founder and CEO, literally started Sew Trendy in her basement. Now, it’s grown into one of the premier clothing manufacturers in the business.

Vic & Marie Photography

Though they’re probably best known in the photography community for crafting gorgeous maternity gowns, dresses, crowns, and other clothing and accessories for expecting moms, Sew Trendy is actually much more…

They offer clothing and accessories for newborns, young ladies, and they have a line of non-maternity clothing as well. In other words, they don’t just have a lot to offer customers who want a gorgeous wardrobe for their next photo shoot, but they also have a lot to offer photographers like that might need to build a wardrobe collection for the models they photograph.

Abba Color Photography

As I mentioned above, Sew Trendy started virtually from nothing, and now they’ve built the company into something that photographers and clients worldwide love and enjoy. That’s why I’m excited to see Valerie and her team at PhotoPlus - their story is something that others in the industry need to hear to inspire hope that with hard work and dedication, their businesses can take off and be a success too.

Visit Sew Trendy Accessories at Booth 1062 at the PhotoPlus Expo. In the meantime, learn more about Sew Trendy Accessories.

Sound Shark

If you’re a videographer - heck, even if you aren’t - a company you definitely need to check out at PhotoPlus 2017 is Sound Shark.

There’s no sense in recording high-definition 4K video if you can’t match that quality with excellent audio, and Sound Shark certainly delivers on that front.

Even in tough circumstances, Sound Shark can pick up voices crystal clear. In fact, speakers that aren’t wearing a lapel mic can be recorded from up to 6 feet away and sound as though they’ve got a mic pinned to their shirt.

Put Sound Shark up against a traditional shotgun mic, and you’ll find that Sound Shark has dramatically less noise from the sides and the background. So, whether you’re recording outside on a windy day or you’re inside a busy venue on a Friday night, you can depend on Sound Shark to get the best quality audio.  

But don’t just take my word for it…

Klover Products, which makes Sound Shark is the leading supplier of long-range microphones used to televise sporting events. Their parabolic microphones are used every football weekend and have been used for major events such as the World Series, NBA playoffs, and Super Bowl.

That means that you can add a microphone to your kit that produces amazing sound, benefits from excellent build quality, and has a proven track record at some of the biggest events of the year.

Stop by and say hello to the fine folks that make Sound Shark at Booth 1249 at PhotoPlus 2017 or visit their website for more information.

Click Props USA

Fresh 

For all the studio photographers out there, the Click Props team will be in attendance at PhotoPlus to offer a preview of their latest goodies.

Click Props is a studio photography accessories company that offers an incredible array of backdrops and floordrops for studio photography of all types and sorts - bridal, family, children, senior, boudoir - you name it!

In fact, there’s over 200 unique designs to choose from, including beautiful bokehs to damask wallpapers to forest scenes and just about anything else you might imagine. 

Isabel Vanhalst Fotografie

And if you’re wondering about quality, rest assured that these studio accessories are top-notch. After all, not only has Click Props won multiple awards for their products, but they’re also operated by Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories, so you know that the products will be nothing but the best. 

In fact, their backgrounds are made from top-quality hard-wearing 550gsm vinyl and have reinforced grommets every 12 inches to make hanging the backgrounds a breeze. And not only that, but the backgrounds can be wiped clean and come in a clear hard plastic tube for easy cleanup, identification, and storage.

Elli Portraiture/Mini Memories

With a variety of sizes of backdrops - from 5’ x 5’ up to 7’ x 9.5’ - there’s something for every need. And with the aforementioned 200+ designs available, you can build a studio set that offers your clients a ton of variety in terms of the backdrops in their portraits.

You can check out what Click Props USA has to offer at Booth 1060 at PhotoPlus, or you can visit their website to learn more.

Sirui

When it comes to offering a wide variety of top-quality photography accessories, it’s tough to beat Sirui.

Perhaps best known for their tripods, Sirui has developed a wide range of rigs that will get the job done no matter the time or place. With small, collapsible tabletop tripods for small cameras, waterproof tripods for tackling outdoor adventures, and even tripods with built-in monopods, there’s something for every type of photographer.

But Sirui offers much more than tripods for photographers and videographers…

They have a complete line of tripod accessories as well, including ball heads, gimbals, video heads, and leveling bases. Sirui makes jibs, quick release plates, and even humidity controlled cabinets for storing your gear, too.

Speaking of storage, Sirui has entered the camera bag space with a line of camera bags, messenger bags, and camera backpacks that offer uncompromising build quality, storage capacity, and good looks, all without breaking the bank.

Sirui even has a line of lens filters and mobile phone accessories!

In other words, if you plan on attending PhotoPlus 2017, it would behoove you to stop by Booth 1155 and check out their full line of outstanding photo accessories. You might even see me there perusing their new products!

Learn more about Sirui, and be sure to say hello at their booth at PhotoPlus!

Calotype

I’m always on the lookout for innovative photography companies that help photographers be more successful, and Calotype is certainly one of them.

A new business itself, Calotype is a web-based, end-to-end suite of solutions for photographers. In plain English, that means it helps photographers manage multiple workflows to improve their business functioning, their ability to manage client relationships and bring in new business at the same time.

Calotype is particularly useful for photographers that work in the school, daycare, or sports photography spaces because it’s designed to help you manage a high volume of traffic. That means that Calotype will help you keep track of all the client data from busy days like school picture day, organize images, create online proof galleries, and even manage e-commerce as well.

In other words, Calotype is a workflow management system that allows you to be on top of your game at every stage of the process from inputting data to making the sale and everything in between. It’s easy to use, too, with handy features like encrypted galleries, secure QR codes, customizable and interactive pricing lists, sales statistics, an email marketing system, and so much more, right at your fingertips.

Like I said, I enjoy learning about companies that are innovating the way photographers work. Calotype might be the new kid on the block, but I have a feeling they’ll be around for a good long while and help a ton of photographers be more successful along the way as well.

Learn more about Calotype by visiting their website or by stopping by Booth 169 at PhotoPlus 2017.

MPB

I think we can all agree that taking up photography as a hobby or as a profession means shelling out a good chunk of change for gear...

But that doesn't mean that there aren't companies out there that can help us all stretch our budgets a little further.

MPB is one such company.

MPB has changed the way that photographers buy and sell gear online. That's because they offer a safe, secure platform for buying high-quality used gear and selling the used gear you no longer need. Heck, you can even trade in your old stuff, too!

They've amassed an unparalleled reputation in the photography industry as a top-flight group of people that are dedicated to eliminating the risk of buying and selling used gear.

Ordering from MPB is totally secure, and buyers get the benefit of a six-month warranty on the equipment they purchase.

Sellers enjoy competitive pricing and free collection of the gear they're selling, too.

Add to that the fact that MPB has thousands of items listed for sale each month and a team that's ready and willing to go the extra mile for their customers, and you have a recipe for one heck of an enjoyable customer experience.

I should know...I've bought and sold gear with MPB myself!

MPB will be at PhotoPlus 2017, so set aside some time in your schedule to visit them at Booth 769. In the meantime, check out all the deals they've got on pre-owned gear on their website.

Holdfast

Over the years, I've been blown away by a lot of photography products and accessories. But despite how many years pass, it's still tough to beat how impressive I find Holdfast's products.

Holdfast Gear is an Oklahoma-based company that manufactures some of the best photography accessories I've ever seen or used.

Their MoneyMaker Dual Camera Strap, for example, has totally changed the way I take photos because it puts my gear right at my fingertips, yet it's out of my way so I feel like I have greater freedom of movement.

And it's not just about convenience, either, as the MoneyMaker is unbelievably comfortable. I can carry three cameras with lenses attached and feel as though I'm not carrying anything at all!

Beyond that, though, the MoneyMaker - like all of Holdfast's products - is impeccably crafted and looks and feels super rich and luxurious.

Those are apt descriptions for my other favorite Holdfast product, the Roamographer bag.

The first time I got my hands on one of these bags I was blown away.

Made of American Bison leather, it's gorgeous, yet durable, large, yet easy to carry.

The interior insert cradles your gear to keep it safe and removes easily when you need to use the bag for other purposes.

The carrier straps mean you can easily carry your tripod, and the shearling-lined shoulder pad makes for a great carrying experience.

In other words, the Roamographer and MoneyMaker are representative of Holdfast's entire line of products - finely made, practical and durable, and easy on the eyes!

Brandon Burk Photography

Holdfast will also be showing off products from their Sightseer Line, a multi-purpose, modular system for carrying your gear.

The Sightseer Backpack system shown above allows you to carry all the gear you need with ample space inside and the ability to add Sightseer Pouches outside for more carrying space.

It's also the only bag in the world that has an integrated slider so you can immediately access your camera.

The Sightseer Camera and Lens Modular System Version 2.0 shown above can carry a 13-inch laptop, has three interior pockets for small items, two carry handles, and is compatible with the MoneyMaker for even easier carrying and access to your gear.

The large top entry panel gives you full and unfettered access to the bag, allowing you to grab your gear without missing a shot.

And just in time for PhotoPlus, Holdfast's new Small Sightseer Camera and Lens Modular System will be on display. Like the backpack and its larger modular system cousins, the Small Sightseer continues in the tradition of giving you plenty of storage space in a durable, well-made body.

The Small Sightseer is also convertible, so it can pull double duty as a standalone bag for a small camera kit or you can carry it with a MoneyMaker and use it as a two-lens pouch.

And, as is the case with all the bags in this line of products, you can quickly and easily add pouches to expand carrying capacity.

Drop by Booth 351 at PhotoPlus 2017 to get a look at these and other products or visit their website to do a little shopping!

nPhoto

When it comes to making top-quality products for photographers, nPhoto is certainly at the forefront.

Specializing in photo albums, photo books, and other photography products for professional photographers, nPhoto delivers the highest quality products to photographers like you and me throughout Europe and the United States.

Their printing lab - which is the largest in Europe and employs 400 people - allows nPhoto to create and deliver unique industry-leading products to photographers in quick order and at competitive prices.

Among their best selling items are layflat albums that reveal gorgeous page-wide spreads of images that leap off the page with beautiful detail, color, and contrast.

Their Acrylic Prestige Collection Photo Album is a top choice, with a beautiful acrylic front panel that offers a window to the image on the front of the album.

Inside, images are printed on 800g/m² paper weight rigid cards that give each page heft and a durable feel.

Images are printed using silver halide Noritsu HD technology, and with a choice of silk paper, metallic paper, or both, you can create a stunningly eye-catching album.

nPhoto also offers photo album sets that pair a custom, handmade photo album like the one described above with an album box and a USB for a complete print and digital package that your clients are sure to love.

These album sets are guaranteed to have a wow effect that makes your clients' jaws drop!

Choose from a variety of colors, customize the look by choosing between three popular sizes, and select from a range of cover materials and add-ons to create a truly custom experience for your clients.

In a word, nPhoto's products are sophisticated.

If you want to boost your business, offering your clients these gorgeous products from nPhoto is the way to go!

Drop by Booth 277 at PhotoPlus 2017 to have a look at these special products or visit their website for more details.

Spider Holster

The folks at Spider Holster have been giving photographers an easier way to work with their innovative holsters, hand straps, lens pouches, and other photography goodies for years now.

And now, just in time for PhotoPlus 2017, they've debuted a new photography kit for photographers called the Sue Bryce Kit.

This kit is purpose-built to help photographers have quick access to their gear. It pairs a SpiderLight Belt and Holster for a sleek form-factor, a SpiderPro plate for carrying a large DSLR body and lens, and a memory card holster so you can quickly swap out cards on the fly.

The kit also includes a SpiderPro Hand Strap so you can securely hold your camera as you bring it out of the holster, shoot, and replace it in the holster.

The Sue Bryce Kit shows off the modular design of Spider Holster's products that allow you to mix and match as you see fit.

In other words, these guys have taken customizing your gear to a whole new level!

Drop by Booth 134 at PhotoPlus to see all the great gadgets that Spider Holster offers, or visit their website.

MrStarGuy

There’s no doubt about it - astrophotography is booming these days. And it makes sense, too, because there’s a ton of astrophotography gear and gadgets on the market today that make it much easier to take gorgeous shots of the night sky than ever before.

One of the best astrophotography companies out there (and the only one that will be at PhotoPlus 2017) is MrStarGuy.

They’ll be highlighting two of their products at the expo: the Vixen Polarie Star Tracker and Berlebach Wood Tripods.

Let’s start with the star tracker…

This all-in-one device allows you to create images of the Milky Way and other celestial bodies with ease. It attaches to a standard tripod mount and accepts any camera body that weighs up to 7 pounds.

It’s got a built-in compass to make easy work of orienting the tracker to the North Star. Once set, it’ll track the motion of the stars as they move through the sky, eliminating star trails for tack-sharp images of the Milky Way.

It’s beautifully built, too, with highly accurate stepping motors for smooth action, a compact, good-looking design, and an ability to function in most weather conditions.

Of course, you need a tripod for your star tracker, and it’s tough to beat MrStarGuy’s Berlebach Wooden Tripods.

Not only are these tripods gorgeously made, but they’re also highly functional. With wood cross sections and clamping elements that give the tripod unparalleled stability, you can load up your gear on one of these bad boys knowing full well that this tripod can handle the load.

What’s more Berlebach tripods offer maximum stiffness and minimal vibration so you’re sure your images are tack-sharp. There’s even a ten-year warranty!

Swing by Booth 275 at PhotoPlus 2017 so you can get a hands-on look at these awesome products! OR you can swing by their website today!

Ikan

One booth I’ll be sure to visit at this year’s PhotoPlus is Ikan.

These guys are among the top photography gear distributors in the country, and they’ll have a ton of awesome gear to show off at the expo.

That includes the DS2-A Beholder Angled 3-Axis Gimbal stabilizer shown above. This thing is rock-solid, with durable all-aluminum construction. You get 360-degree movements on the pan axis, and with 3-axis gyro stabilized brushless motors, you get incredible balance for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

In fact, this rig works with just about any DSLR or mirrorless body that weighs under four pounds.

With an OLED display to show operating modes, a 32-bit controller, a 12-bit encoder, and an illuminated on-off switch, this thing has all the bells and whistles you need to make awesome videos.

Ikan is also a distributor for NiSi filters, and they’ll have plenty of them on display at PhotoPlus.

The great thing about NiSi filters is that there are so many to choose from. Get a 100mm, 150mm, or a 180mm rectangular photo filter (or round photo filters) that run the gamut from polarizers to neutral density filters to reverse grads and everything in between.

NiSi even makes filters for cinematic cameras and drones as well. And with housings that are top-quality construction and glass that’s impeccably made, you can trust your NiSi filters to get the job done no matter the type of subject you’re photographing.

If you need a high-performance on-camera light, Ikan has you covered there as well. The Onyx 30W Bi-Color 3200k-5600k Aluminum On-Camera LED Light shown above is lightweight, dimmable from 10-99%, and puts out light equivalent to 250 watts of incandescent light.

The light also has a handy LED display, adjustable color temperatures from 3200k-5600k, and is mountable to your camera’s hot-shoe mount or to a tripod.

Ikan will have all sorts of other products to drool over, so be sure to drop by Booth 1123 at the PhotoPlus Expo to check them out! In the meantime, you can see Ikan’s complete inventory by visiting their website.

Just a couple of weeks ago I caught a flight over to Las Vegas to spend the day at WPPI.

I caught up with a ton of friends in the industry, and had a chance to check out a bunch of vendor booths as well.

There are a lot of great companies at WPPI that have fun, interesting, innovative, and helpful products and services for photographers.

While I was there, I put together a short list of companies that really impressed me.

Unfortunately, I came down with the flu soon after WPPI, so I'm a little late getting this out. Better late than never, though!

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

As you can see in the photo above, the folks at Sew Trendy had a busy expo with a non-stop flow of people checking out their product line.

I met the Founder and CEO of Sew Trendy, Valerie Best, a year or so ago, and I have to say that the way she's grown the company and her commitment to providing photographers with the highest quality products is really impressive. It's not surprising that Sew Trendy has been so successful and that their products are so in demand because Valerie is one of the hardest working people in our industry.

I managed to elbow my way through the crowd to scope out some of Sew Trendy's newest products, and they certainly didn't disappoint.

Their J'Adore Velvet Collection of maternity gowns really impressed with Sew Trendy's signature beautiful lines, impeccable construction, and, of course, that awesome stretch velvet material!

^{Belly Beautiful Photography}

Sew Trendy has some new newborn photography offerings as well, including the Newborn Mesh Wrap shown in the image above.

This wrap is made of a stretchy knit that's not only soft, but is extremely easy to work with, so you can snuggle the baby up and get beautiful shots.

But the most impressive product I saw at Sew Trendy's WPPI booth was the Charity Rainbow Skirt.

The skirt is crafted of gorgeous, bright rainbow colors that give an expecting mom a light, airy aura in her photos.

These handcrafted skirts not only look great, but 20% of the proceeds of each skirt (and all of Sew Trendy's Rainbow Baby items, for that matter) are donated to Primary Children's Hospital to help families offset the costs of pediatric ailments.

Learn more about Sew Trendy

Sirui

A lot of people recognize the name Sirui, and associate it most often with tripods.

I have a long history with Sirui. They're one of my favorite companies. In fact, I have a W-Series tripod from these guys that I wouldn't trade for the world.

It's waterproof and dustproof, which is awesome since I take a lot of shots at the beach. Additionally, my W-2004 model has a built-in monopod that comes in handy when I want to travel fast and light.

And while Sirui makes some really, really good tripods, they certainly have more to offer than that.

Sirui offers a complete line of photo and video monopods, like the EP-224S monopod shown above.

Like their tripods, Sirui monopods are well-built, easy to use, and have handy flip leg locks that make setup and breakdown a breeze.

These things are incredibly sturdy, too, and give you smooth panning rotation and swiveling.

But my favorite Sirui item I saw at WPPI is their new Three Lens Mobile Phone Kit.

The kit has you covered with an 18mm wide-angle lens, a 60mm portrait lens, and a fisheye lens to capture creative, mind-bending shots.

Each lens has multi-layer anti-reflection coating so you get high light transmission and precise colors with 4K image quality.

And with minimal vignetting and distortion, these things will help you snag some awesome photos with your phone!

Learn more about Sirui

Holdfast

I've gushed about Holdfast many times in the past...

Every time I run into Matt Swaggart, founder of Holdfast, I feel like I'm running into an old friend. That's because Matt's developed a company that focuses on the relationships with its customers as much as it focuses on creating incredible products.

And even though I own some of their gear, I'm always surprised how taken aback I am when I see their stuff at expos like WPPI. It's simply some of the most beautiful photography gear I've ever seen.

You can see the sheer volume of selection in their MoneyMaker line in the image above. But that's not Holdfast's only claim to fame...

If you've never experienced the joy of seeing and feeling (or using!) one of Holdfast's Roamographer bags, man, are you missing out!

Like the MoneyMaker (and everything else Holdfast makes), the Roamographer bag is gorgeously designed and beautifully made.

Not only is it an eye-catching bag, but it's incredibly durable, made of Great American Bison leather that only looks better and better with time.

Add in a removable camera insert that cradles your gear, carrier straps to carry your tripod, and a shearling-lined shoulder strap for comfortable carrying, and you have the makings of a piece of gear that will quickly become your new best friend!

Learn more about Holdfast

Ikan

One of my favorite booths to visit at any expo is Ikan because they have a mountain of gear available and I love checking out the latest, greatest stuff that will help me take better photos.

At WPPI this year, Ikan had a huge display of NiSi filters, which I've been using for about three months now.

Let's just say that I'm really glad that I picked up a NiSi V5 Pro Filter Kit, as it has not disappointed thus far!

Not only are these filters made of cinema-quality glass that gives you clear, sharp results with spot-on colors and minimal aberrations, but the V5 kit also comes with a filter holder, adaptor rings a carrying case, and cleaning supplies.

Add to that a soft-edge grad, a reverse grad, and a 3-stop, 6-stop, and 10-stop ND filters, and you have the makings of a complete filter pack for landscape photography.

I've only had a chance to use my new NiSi filters a couple of times, but I can tell you this - they are among the best filters I've ever used, and they will be part of my kit for a very, very long time.

On top of that, the new faces I met at the Ikan booth at WPPI impressed the heck out of me. This company is in good hands, that's for sure!

Learn more about Ikan

Skylum

If I were to describe the people at Skylum using just one word, that word would be fun.

Don't get me wrong - they aren't just a great group of people to hang out with. They also take their work very seriously.

I'm a huge fan of Lightroom, if for no other reason than it helps me keep my photos nicely organized. For someone that isn't the most organized sometimes, that's a godsend.

But I have to say that when it comes to editing my photos - most of which are landscapes - I turn to Skylum for their superb Aurora HDR 2018 and Luminar 2018 software packages.

There's plenty of reasons why Skylum's software is my go-to these days.

But chief among those reasons is that it's simple and effective.

I can literally cut my editing time in half by using Luminar because it comes preloaded with presets that make editing my photos a breeze.

There's over 40 non-destructive filers, LUTs that offer one-click options for simulating color grades and film stocks, and the ability to make your own custom presets, too.

It's a truly innovative program from a truly innovative company. If you want to boost your productivity in post-processing, give Skylum a Look!

Learn more about Skylum

Calotype

The fine folks pictured above are from Calotype, one of the most innovative photography companies around today.

If you've never heard of Calotype, get ready to be impressed...

I first met these guys at Photo Plus in 2017, and I have to say that I admire their dedication and hard work as much as I admire their product.

Speaking of which...Calotype is a web-based suite of tools for professional photographers that improves your management of day-to-day tasks that helps you streamline how you spend your precious work day.

In particular, Calotype is geared towards photographers that work in high-volume areas like sports photography or school photography. Why? Because Calotype tracks all that client data for you - names, dates, photo packages - you name it!

Calotype even helps you organize images, create encrypted image galleries for your clients to view, customize pricing lists, manage email marketing, and so much more.

In short, it's like having an office manager without having to pay one!

Learn more about Calotype

Spider Holster

I've known Spider Holster's CEO for the better part of eight years now, and the dude is an absolute machine.

He's always on the forefront of innovation, coming up with new and exciting products that the photography industry needs. He's a bit of a mad scientist in that regard...

It's hard to capture the essence of Spider Holster's gear in a simple photo like the one above.

That's because their stuff is something you really need to see and use to believe just how good it is.

Their Spider Pro dual camera holster is a feat of engineering and design that makes shooting a much simpler, streamlined task.

With your cameras on your hips, you not only have easy access to your camera to take quick shots, but they're also out of your way. No more worrying about stupid shoulder straps getting in the way!

What's really impressive about the Spider Pro is that it moves with you. In other words, you don't feel bogged down by your gear, nor do you feel restricted in how you move around.

Even with a long lens attached to your camera, you have excellent freedom of movement to get the shots you want with the confidence that your Spider Holster has your gear safely secured.

If you're a wedding photographer, I can't think of a better piece of kit to have. It's that good!

Learn more about Spider Holster

Iris Works

I've known the CEO of Iris Works for a few years, now, and I can say that her winning attribute is the laser focus she brings to the photography industry.

You can see that laser focus in Iris Works - it's a software package that is specifically designed to help you get a handle on everything you need to do.

Iris Works has tools that address every part of your business. It's got a calendar, billing and invoicing programs, and automated messaging so you can keep track of your appointments, invoices, and communications with clients.

Not only that, Iris Works gives you the ability to create contracts, galleries for individual clients, and maps with your favorite shoot locations.

You even get a daily snapshot of what's going on in your business, so you can see on a single screen each task you need to complete for the day.

Not bad, right?

Learn more about Iris Works

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Adele Tutu set in ivory by Sew Trendy

It’s hard for me to believe it’s been almost 14 years since I was last pregnant.

Pregnancy is one of those life-changing events I thought I’d always remember. How it felt, how I looked, what I experienced. Just like when my two children were young, I thought I’d never forget the specifics – when they first smiled, or got their first tooth, or when they took that first step. But to be honest, I can’t even remember how much they weighed when they were born without looking it up.

I do remember a few things about being pregnant. Overall, I enjoyed pregnancy – at least parts of it. I liked knowing for the first time ever that when I poked on my stomach, it was rock hard. I loved the feeling of my baby moving around, or even better, getting the hiccups. But there were also things I didn’t like – my feet swelling up so bad I could barely walk, or only being able to fit into sweatpants and huge baggy shirts.

I remember well-meaning people telling me, “Oh, you don’t even look pregnant!” No, I just looked huge.

The last thing I could have ever imagined wanting to do was have a maternity photo shoot. Little did I realize then how quickly the memories – and the stretch marks – would fade. 

The Beauty of Pregnancy

 ^{Angela Gown in Royal Blue by Sew Trendy} 

Pregnancy truly is the most incredibly stunning time in a woman’s life. She is doing what only she can – growing an amazingly unique life inside of her. No other child in either the history or the future of the world will be exactly like her baby. Wow! What an awe-inspiring thought.

However, as amazingly wonderful as that is, it’s sometimes hard to feel beautiful when you’re pregnant. Your body is out of control. Your hormones are wreaking havoc – blemished skin, strange hairs growing in odd places, and a belly that has literally taken on a life of its own.

Just because a woman doesn’t feel beautiful or sexy doesn’t mean she isn’t breathtaking.

Maternity photography can capture the spirit of that beauty in an almost surreal way. The right photographer can transform a mother-to-be’s experience into the magnificent work of art it deserves to be. 

Capturing Power

Pregnancy encompasses all that is right and beautiful and powerful with womanhood. Perhaps like nothing else, pregnancy brings out the goddess that a mother-to-be truly is.

^{Angela Gown in Yellow by Sew Trendy}

Just look at how powerful this image is. Almost every aspect of the image fades except for the mother-to-be, dressed in golden royalty, almost ready to take flight. Elegant and beautiful, she confidently rules this image and the surrounding elements are her obedient subjects.

^{Erin Gown in Teal by Sew Trendy}

In this example, the mother-to-be appears to have goddess-like control over all her natural surroundings. Although the model seems to be peacefully reflecting on the upcoming birth of her child, she unquestionably is prepared to protect her unborn child at a moment’s notice. The dress behind her almost looks like a water dragon and she is its ruler. 

Capturing Innocence

While pregnancy is powerful, it’s also delightfully pure. What could be more innocent than a newborn baby? Maternity photography can capture this innocence as well 

 ^{Adele Tutu set in ivory by Sew Trendy}

In the image above, for example, the pink and white shades and dreamlike gown delicately show off the model’s growing belly. Below, the little boy’s face shines with wonder about his new sibling to be.  

^{Emerlie by Sew Trendy}

Capturing Sensuality

Just as pregnancy has a unique form of innocence, it can also be incredibly sexy. I love how this image below combines both of these elements through the choice of clothing and setting.

 ^{Catherine gown in blue rain by Sew Trendy}

There is something exceptionally sexy about a pregnant woman. Perhaps it’s because women often feel more feminine when they’re pregnant, which also helps them feel more confident. And maternity photography can not only capture a pregnant woman’s sensuality, it can help remind her how desirable she truly is.

The image below, for example, encapsulates extravagance. From the luxurious couch to the elegant flowing gown, there is nothing frumpy about this sensual mom-to-be.  

 ^{Rachel in navy by Sew Trendy} 

Simplistic, confident, and incredibly sexy, the image (below) is one of the favorites I’ve seen. The outfit is conservative and the colors minimalistic, and yet from the tips of her toes to her free-flowing hair, evey aspect of this photograph shows how confident this mother-to-be feels about her changing body. 

^{Jackie Bodysuit in black by Sew Trendy}

Capturing Emotions

Maternity photography is about more than just capturing the image of the mother-to-be. It’s about permanently recording her story so that it can be shared with future generations, including her children. What a gift for children to be able to look back and see how much their mother loved and cherished them before they were even born.

One emotion often caught by pregnancy photographers is that of longing, or anticipation. I love how in this image, for example, the model looks as those she’s having a quiet moment alone with her child, contemplating the future. Perhaps giving her baby advice. Perhaps wondering aloud what whose eyes he will have, or what she will be when she grows up.  

 ^{Krysten Gown in Red by Sew Trendy}

With its tight cropping and contrasting colors, this is one of the more powerful maternity shots I’ve seen. The mother-to-be has a contemplative look that implies both longing for the baby to come, as well as perhaps a little bit of anxiousness over what the future will hold. Beautiful and powerful.

 ^{Kalessa Gown in Navy by Sew Trendy}

This image appears that it could have been taken directly from an epic film as the mother-to-be longingly awaits the safe arrival of her love, who has been off to sea. The image is simple, elegant, and captures the essence of the anticipation for the arrival of her baby.

Another common emotion in pregnancy that can be captured by photography is the pure joy that comes knowing the baby will soon be here. Maternity photography can capture this sentiment as well. Just look at the joy on this mother’s face as her young daughter hugs her mother’s belly. 

 ^{Jessica Gown in Ivory by Sew Trendy}   

 ^{Kiara Kiara by Sew Trendy}

Capturing Growing Families

Pregnancy is about the whole family, not just the mother. Maternity photos can do much more than simply show off the baby bump. They can portray the story of a growing family.

Maternity photos can share the experience of a husband and wife as they prepare for their family to permanently change. They can capture the essence of the love that created the soon-to-be-born baby to start with.  

 ^{Audrey Gown in Floral Grey by Sew Trendy}

I love the personality that shines through in this photo, giving us a deeper glimpse into their relationship and their love story.

Additionally, another way to capture the celebration is to bring in the baby’s siblings as well. 

 Finally, capturing the excitement and innocence of the baby’s siblings can make for beautiful photos the entire family will cherish. This big sister’s grin (below) says it all! 

 ^{Colbie gown in goldby Sew Trendy}

Capturing the Moment

Finally, that pregnancy belly is only noticeable for a short period of time, then it will never be the same. Mothers-to-be have a short window to capture that unique moment, then the moment is gone forever. Maternity photography provides the amazing opportunity to capture the beauty of pregnancy in a way that will be cherished for generations to come. 

^{Hillary Top and shorties by Sew Trendy}

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^{Leo Mayrinck Photography}

If you aren't a professional photographer, figuring out how to take photos like the one above can be a bit of a daunting task.

There's a lot that goes into creating a beautiful, glamorous portrait, that's for sure.

But you have to start somewhere, right?

These three simple tips will help you spice up the visual appeal of your portraits and create something much more glamorous.

Editor's Tip: The photos used as examples in this article are thanks to Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories. If you're looking for glamorous wardrobes, props, and accessories for women, girls, young ladies, and expecting mothers, find everything you need here.

Add Tasteful Props

^{Vita Podolyan}

My guess is that you have a horrifying portrait of yourself as a teenager sporting some kind of prop (a poster of your favorite band, perhaps?) that not only dates the photo, but makes you look ridiculous as well.

Props aren't a bad thing in photography - unless it's something that's wacky, wild, crazy, or easily outdated.

Instead, when creating a portrait - especially one with a glamorous look - the focus of your attention should be on props that are timeless and classic, like the floral arrangement in the image above.

Flowers are an ideal complement for a female portrait. That's especially true if they coordinate so well with the surroundings and the subject's wardrobe.

Editor's Tip: Like the look in the photo above? Get the Colbie Gown in any of about two dozens colors.

^{Stephanie Ratto Photography}

Another option to consider for feminine portrait props is a beautiful floral crown, like the one shown in the photo above.

Again, notice how the flowers work seamlessly with the subject matter and the color scheme in the image.

That helps the flowers integrate into the shot, becoming a tasteful addition to the image rather than a distraction that so many props seem to become.

The goal when using props is to add visual interest to the image. In this case, you can see how that can be done to perfection!

Learn More:

• How-To Maternity Photography: Using Props Effectively
• Maternity Photography Do's and Don'ts

Select a Perfect Location

^{Adam Opris Photography}

A great portrait can be taken just about anywhere.

But if you want to create something glamorous, you have to think of the kind of location for the shoot that will help you portray that vibe.

In the image above, the ornate background screams of glamor.

The colors, textures, and shapes have a classic look, and the way that those details are lit, giving some of the edges of the sculptured wall brightness and darkness only amplify the glamor of the image.

Editor's Tip: Fit the background you use to the wardrobe the model is wearing. In this case, the fitted lace Catherine Gown works gorgeously for the shot.

Add Glam With the Wardrobe

^{Beka Price Photography}

One of your best tools to use to create a glamorous portrait is to outfit your model with clothes that are gorgeous, sophisticated, and, well, glamorous!

The portrait above is, in my opinion, the most glamorous one in this article. Yet it's also the simplest.

There's a plain white background, no props, and nice, even lighting.

But because the gown is such a rich color, hugs the model's body, and cascades downward in an elegant train at the model's feet, it turns this otherwise simple photo into a jaw-droppingly beautiful photo.

Editor's Tip: The gown featured in the image above, "La Vie est Belle," is a droop-back velvet gown that will make any woman feel like she belongs on the cover of Vogue. Get this same gown right here.

^{Stephanie Ratto}

What makes clothing glamorous isn't just the fit and the material.

Instead, the cut of the dress makes a difference as well.

In the previous example, the slim fit of the dress gives it a glamorous and sexy look, even though it covers the model's shoulders.

But in this example, the off-the-shoulder look and ruffled top give the gown added appeal.

In both of these examples, notice how the colors are deep and saturated. This brings the eye straight to the model and gives the shot a strong subject.

Learn More:

• What Makes a Good Portrait?
• What You Need to Know Before Becoming a Maternity Photographer

About Sew Trendy 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. 

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The technical aspects of photography require enough of your attention to master.

But you can't forget that there are artistic considerations to make as well.

That includes developing your personal photography style.

By developing your own aesthetic, you develop your identity as a photographer, too.

Whether that's through the way you compose or light a shot, the way you process images, or some combination thereof, having a clear idea of what your photography style is will only help you create more impactful photos.

If you aren't sure where to start with developing your photography style, here's a few pointers using portraits as an example.

Editor's Tip: See how you can bring style and sophistication to your maternity photos, portraits, and newborn photography.

Take a Lot of Photos

Perhaps the most straightforward way that you can begin to develop your photography style is by taking a lot of photos.

You might already have an idea of the vibe you want in your photos, but you won't be able to perfect it until you've taken shot after shot after shot.

The more photos you take, the more fodder you have for identifying the things you like and the things you don't.

From there, you can incorporate what works, continue to work on what doesn't, and clarify who you are as a photographer and what you have to say in your photos.

But don't just start snapping away for the sake of meeting some number count of photos each day.

Instead, be purposeful with each photo you take, and ask yourself how it fits (or doesn't fit) into your creative vision. Notice how the two images above have a consistent look and feel. That didn't happen overnight!

To help you along, take some time to look at what other photographers are doing.

By creating collections of photos that you like, you can more easily see where your tastes are and plan your photo shoots to show those tastes more effectively.

Learn More:

• How to Become a Better Photographer Without Taking Pictures
• These Three Tricks Will Help You Create a Beautiful Portrait

Experiment With Colors, Textures, and Forms

^{Blue Umbrella}

When you think about what you like about other photos, what do you think of?

Chances are it isn't how a model is posed in a portrait or how a landscape is framed.

Instead, you likely think of things like colors, light, shapes, shadows, and textures.

Well, you can add many of these elements to your photos by incorporating things like wardrobe selections and props.

In the image above, for example, though the portrait is taken in a beautiful place, what catches the eye first is the outfit the model is wearing.

The deeply saturated color of the model's gorgeous gown and it's off-the-shoulder fit with a beautifully flowy lower half give this photo a touch of formality and sophistication.

^{Blu Hippo Photography}

In this example, the bright white of the dress helps the model stand out in the photo, but it also gives her an almost angelic appearance.

Combined with the fairy tale surroundings, the form-fitting dress gives this shot a feeling of whimsy and magic.

So, you can see how the choice of wardrobe and how it works with the setting in which a portrait is taken can help create a strong aesthetic.

But wardrobe choices aren't the only thing you can use to help more clearly define your photography style.

Props - when used appropriately - can bring a fun element to a portrait while supporting the overall aesthetic in the image.

In the example above, the photographer has a light, bright style.

That style is enhanced not only with the light, brightly colored clothing of the models, but also in the dainty floral crown that the expecting mom is wearing.

In this shot, we again see how a portrait prop has been used to tie the shot together.

The floral crown adds some color and texture to the model's hair and its small flowers work beautifully with the flower-filled location where the photo was taken.

Adding these visual elements is an important part of not just developing a style for your photos, but for creating cohesion between different elements in the shot, too.

Editor's Tip: Make your models comfortable and beautiful at the same time. Find out how.

Critique Your Work (and Seek Out Critiques, Too)

^{Oh My Goddard Photography}

The saying goes that you're your own worst critic.

But there's value in taking a good, hard look at the photos you take because it can help you identify what you like and what you don't.

Just like it's important to find inspiration by looking at other people's photos, it's necessary to view your own work with a critical eye.

Ask yourself what's working and what isn't, think about ways to make your photos more impactful, and identify things you see repeated in your work.

By taking a critical look at your photos, you're only doing yourself a favor.

Sometimes, it's the final step needed to identify what your photography style might be, because it might have been showing up in your photos in one form or another all along!

Learn More:

• Three Things You Can Do Right Now to Improve Your Photography
• How to Frame a Perfect Portrait

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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Adam Opris Photography

If you want to create a portrait that has maximum visual appeal and helps the viewer connect with the subject, you need to learn how to properly frame the shot.

Understanding where to place the subject in the frame, how near or far to be from the subject, and how much space to leave around the subject's head are all factors that can influence the mood of the shot.

If you get to know a few rules of framing, you'll find that you can compose more impactful portraits.

Editor's Tip: The sample images used throughout this article were shared with us by Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories. Sew Trendy is one of the premier maternity and newborn photography companies in the industry, with gowns, separates, and accessories for expecting moms as well as clothing, wraps, and props for newborns. They also offer non-maternity outfits and clothing for girls as well. Check out their complete product line by visiting their website.

Compose the Shot Using the Rule of Thirds

Tara Rae Photography

The first lesson in framing an impactful portrait is to use the good ol' rule of thirds.

As you can see in the image above, by shifting the model to the right side of the frame, the image becomes immediately more dynamic.

Not only is it a more interesting composition with the model positioned away from the center of the frame, but by moving her to our right, it gave the photographer the opportunity to highlight the gorgeous train on the model's dress.

Take a Little Paws Photography

You can see the rule of thirds at work in this shot as well.

Again, with the model shifted to our right and her train flowing back toward the left, we get a much more creative composition.

But note that in this case, the model and her train don't exactly align with where the rule of thirds grid would be - and that's okay.

The rule of thirds isn't a hard-and-fast rule that states the subject must be perfectly placed along a gridline. Feel free to experiment with the positioning of the model until you find what's most pleasing.

Learn More:

• Quick Tips for Improved Portraits
• Five Crazy Beautiful Maternity Photography Poses

Close-Ups Can Be Too Close

Caity Anne

Close-up portraits offer a more intimate composition because you can highlight some of the model's features that might be less noticeable from further away.

However, you can get too close with a close-up. For example, sometimes, photographers might cut off the model's shoulders such that they look like a floating head in the frame.

An easy solution to that problem is to get closer to the model, but still frame up a half body or full body shot.

As you can see in the image above, the photographer is much closer to the model so we get a better view of things like the braids in her hair, the color of her eyeshadow, her lips and her baby bump, but without creating any weird cropping issues like mentioned above. 

Becca Rillo Photography

Editor's Tip: In addition to changing the manner in which you frame the shot, you can add drama to a portrait with the wardrobe choices. Putting the model in outfits that have bold colors, interesting shapes, or unique textures can elevate the image and give it much more visual appeal.

Give the Model's Head Some Room

Lori Dorman & Co Photography

An additional consideration when framing your portraits is to ensure that the model's head has enough space around it.

If you don't, the shot will look and feel cramped, and it won't provide as impactful a viewing experience as you'd like.

In the image above, you can see how there's plenty of negative space above the model's head. This helps the shot convey the openness of the landscape in which the model is standing.

Paulina Martinez Photography

This idea of head space is even more important in close-up photos like the one shown above.

Again, notice how there's some space above the model's head to give it a buffer from the edge of the frame.

Even though the space in this shot is much less than the previous one, the image still feels open and airy, thanks in large part to the abundance of room on the left and right of the model in the photo.

With that, you have three simple, yet effective tricks for framing up the perfect portrait!

Learn More:

• Creative Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot Tips You Can Use Right Now
• 4 Fun Posing Tips for Portraits of Girls

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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^{Ashley Collins}

When people think of portrait photography, I think there's a tendency to think that it's a lot simpler than it actually is.

I mean, besides needing to have the fundamentals of lighting, camera settings, and composition down pat, for a great portrait, you also need to understand how to pose people for portraits. That's the hard part.

If you aren't sure how to go about posing for portraits, consider the following portrait photography tips to help you out.

Editor's Note: The right outfits and props will add elegance and sophistication to your next photo shoot. See what a difference excellent accessories can make.

Make Sure Their Legs Aren't Locked

^{Little Fredericksburg Photography}

A common occurrence when people are self-conscious or nervous about having their portrait taken is for them to lock their legs.

Not only is this uncomfortable to do, but it also looks uncomfortable - your model will look stiff as a board with very little in the way of liveliness in their body.

Now, this isn't to say that your model should be all loosy-goosy, but simply helping them to unlock their legs will result in a much more relaxed pose.

In the image above, asking the model to bend her right leg and shift her weight to her left leg helps her entire body relax. The result? A natural pose that has much more visual appeal than if she were standing there with stick-straight legs. Learn more about best poses for boys on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

Help Them Sit With Style

^{Neidy Parra Photography}

There's a senior photo of me floating around out there in which I'm sitting in a chair that's turned backwards with my arms draped across the top and my chin resting on my hands. That pose was typical of 80s and 90s senior portraits.

When I suggest that you help your clients to "sit with style," that's not what I mean...

Instead, the goal is to make them look comfortable and natural, as though they're just relaxing.

To do this, have the model extend their legs (but not lock them!) and shift their weight towards the back, with one hand extended behind them for support.

As you can see in the image above, doing this helps prevent static-looking limbs in favor of something that has gentle curves (and looks great, too!).

Of course, if your model is a woman, having her wear a fantastic gown with color, volume, texture, or all three, certainly won't hurt.

Editor's Tip: Taking a great portrait requires you to think about styling. Find all the style you need right here. 

Find Ways to Portray Intimacy

^{Becca Rillo Photography}

When photographing a couple, you don't just want them to be in natural poses, but you also want them to show a little intimacy that allows you to portray their love for one another. You can also check another post about the best poses for men's photography.

When posing for portraits, having the couple touch one another is a great way to make the shot a little more intimate.

There's the common option of holding hands or having one person wrap their arms around the other.

But you can also be a little more subtle and have them touch their foreheads, as shown in the image above.

Doing so brings the couple physically closer, which gives the image that intimacy we're going for.

So, the key here is to focus on relaxed posing and finding ways to make your portraits more meaningful. Do that, and you'll be able to improve posing for portraits.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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^{Eden Bao Photography}

I think we can all agree that the best lighting for portraits is natural light.

But sometimes natural light needs a little bit of help...

Whether that's using fill flash or a reflector to fill in shadows, positioning the model in the shade, or simply having the model rotate to get the best lighting, there are plenty of easy solutions for the obstacles you might encounter when taking portraits outside.

With that said, here's a few outdoor portrait tips that will help you learn how to use natural light for portraits.

Editor's Tip: There are many different ways to supplement your photography income. Join our #1 affiliate program and start earning extra money.

Find Some Shade

^{Denise Van Photography}

Perhaps the easiest way to mitigate the problems with outdoor portrait lighting is to simply find some shade.

As you can see above, heading outside on a cloudy day will help to protect against harsh highlights and deep shadows on the model's face and body.

That's because the sunlight is filtered through the clouds, which acts like a huge softbox to soften the light.

^{Ilyin Mapp Photography}

You can also find shade under a grove of trees or in the shadow of a building.

As shown above, by filtering out the light such that your model is in the shade, you again protect against harsh highlights and shadows.

Additionally, note how this image makes use of a high-key background to give it a little more brightness and visual appeal.

The overexposed background combined with the gorgeous, dark gown makes for a wonderful combination!

Learn More:

• These Three Tricks Will Help You Create Beautiful Portraits
• Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography

How to Use Natural Light for Portraits: Rotate the Model to Capitalize on the Best Light

^{Bailey Smith Photography}

In some instances, having the model face the sun is the best choice. In others, it's preferable to have them face away from the sun. In still other instances, utilizing side-lighting might get you the best shot.

The only way you can determine which type of lighting is the best is to have the model rotate to change their positioning related to the sun.

In the example above, having the models positioned with the sun behind them was the most preferable, as it allowed the photographer to add some brightness to the background.

What's more, that backlighting helps illuminate the matching mommy and me gowns that the models are wearing, which adds another element of brightness to the photo.

^{Little Fredericksburg Photography}

You can even bring the outdoors in by positioning your model near a window.

In such cases, having them turn towards the window helps fill their face with soft light.

As you can see in the image above, that soft light accentuates the model's facial features as well as the detail of the lace gown that she's wearing.

Additionally, that soft light helps maintain our focus on the model given that the rest of the shot is relatively dark.

Editor's Tip: Create portraits with tons of visual appeal by accessorizing your model with smart wardrobe choices. Find the portrait photography accessories you need.

How to Take Outdoor Portraits: Use a Fill Flash or Reflector

^{Kate Boggs Photography}

One of the biggest challenges with outdoor portrait photography lighting is managing the shadows created by the sunlight.

Having a model with a deep shadow under their eyes, nose, or chin is not a good look...

To address this problem, you can use a fill flash to illuminate the model and fill in those shadows.

In the example above, the light is entering the scene from our upper right.

But with a bit of fill flash, the shadows that are cast to the bottom left of the model's nose and chin are minimized.

^{Amber Fite Photography}

In this example, you can see how the use of a reflector helps illuminate the model whose back is to the sunlight.

When using a reflector, you simply bounce light back onto the subject. In this case, a gold reflector was used to keep the light on the model nice and warm.

However, you can use a silver reflector for brighter, harsher light or a white reflector to tamp down shadows.

Really, no matter which of these outdoor photography tips you use, you'll end up with a much-improved result.

Learn More:

• Do's and Don'ts for Beautiful Maternity Photography
• 8 Tips Every Portrait Photographer Should Try Right Now

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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Vic and Marie Photography

A couple of years ago, Canon Australia did an experiment.

They brought in six photographers to do a portrait session with a man.

The twist was that though each photographer photographed the same man, the man gave each photographer a different story about who he was.

The resulting images very obviously reflected each photographer's perception of the man, revealing just how important the way we see the world (and our portrait subjects) can be.

If you've never seen the video, check it out below. It's pretty compelling!

But thinking about Canon Australia's little experiment got me wondering how our perceptions and creativity come into play when creating our own kind of portraits.

By that, I mean, what happens when we apply our own worldview to something well-known? How would we interpret something like fairy tales, literature or nursery rhymes?

The easy answer is this - we all create our unique photos based upon how we see the world.

In fact, that's what makes photography so great - we can find inspiration from something as common as a fairy tale, and yet a group of photographers with that same theme will come up with vastly different photographs that represent that theme.

Paulina Martinez

Our friends at Sew Trendy Accessories actually put this theory to the test recently when they brought in 12 photographers to participate in a three-day retreat full of stylized, theme-based sessions for children's portraiture, non-maternity portraiture, and maternity portraiture.

I wanted to share a little about this event and offer some photos and analysis to show how perception is so influential in photography.

Interpreting Fairy Tales and Classic Time Periods

Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie

As I noted above, 12 photographers from around the country descended on the Salt Lake City area earlier this year to participate in a three-day themed retreat sponsored by Sew Trendy.

The first day was spent creating photos that revolved around the theme of old fairytales.

Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, and Briar Rose were the themes of the day, with a secondary theme of "Renaissance" for maternity photography.

When thinking about how one might interpret Hansel and Gretel, for example, one might create a dark, mystery-filled scene to represent the evil witch living in the forest.

On the other hand, one might portray the fairy tale as was done in the image above - choosing to focus on youth and innocence.

Note that the supporting elements - the rock wall, the forested background, and the wardrobe help create a scene that's reminiscent of the story but do so without being overbearing. 

Abby Mathison

When thinking about how to portray the Renaissance, there are all sorts of avenues to take.

For example, in the image above, the iron and stone elements of the wall and steps lend to a Renaissance-style theme, as does the flowing, deeply saturated gown that the model is wearing.

To top it off, the floral crown is reminiscent of the style of the period.

As was the case with the Hansel and Gretel image, we again see how this photographer used specific touches in the image to portray their unique perception of the theme.

Interpreting Children's Literature

Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie

The second day of the Sew Trendy retreat revolved around the theme of children's literature.

The photographers were given classic tales to reconstruct - Pride and Prejudice, Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, and Charlotte's Web. 

When you think of Charlotte's Web, what do you think of? The little girl Fern? Her beloved piglet Wilbur? Or do you think of Charlotte?

For Karen of Belly Beautiful Photography, Charlotte's web is all about Fern and Wilbur enjoying a sunny afternoon out in the field.

But for you or I, perhaps the representation of this classic novel revolves around another character or theme in the book.

There's no right or wrong answer!

Portraying Formality

Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie

When you hear the word "formal," I'm sure a million different things come to mind.

And those million different things might be totally different from one person to the next.

In the image above, for example, formal means a bright setting, lots of texture in the shot, a highly detailed, flowing gown, and an engaging pose.

Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie

But in this image, formality takes on a much different look.

The setting is perhaps more formal than the previous image because of the symmetry provided by the bridge in the background. But the gown is less detailed, with a form-fitting body that flows outward into the train below. 

Again, the manner in which these two portraits were composed shows that given a certain topic or theme, two photographers can arrive at two very different, yet very beautiful versions of the same concept.

Interpreting Nursery Rhymes

Freebird Studios

When you think about the nursery rhymes your parents read to you or the ones you read to your own children, the chances are that you have specific memories from stories like Little Boy Blue, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, Little Bo Peep, and Jack and Jill.

And the memories you have about those types of stories will influence how you portray them as a theme for portraiture.

In looking at the image above, we see some familiar elements from Little Bo Peep.

The pose is one of the first things that catch the eye, with the girl looking off in the distance in wonderment, much as Little Bo Peep might have done in the nursery rhyme when looking for her sheep.

The wardrobe choice is spot-on, too, with something that simple yet elegant.

But again, this representation of this nursery rhyme is all up to perception.

How Would You Perceive "Wild Things?"

Paulina Martinez

The final day of the Sew Trendy Retreat revolved around "Wild Things."

If I were to ask you to think of the wild things in popular fairy tales, what comes to mind?

Is it the romance between Robin Hood and Maid Marian? Is it the evil witches that pervade so many tales? Or is it the thought of Little Red Riding Hood wandering her way alone through the forest?

Again, the depiction of such things is all based on our individual perception.

For example, in the image above, pairing Little Red Riding Hood with a fox makes for a rather wild shot, which is something I'd probably never have thought to do!

But notice how the image is bright and airy, contrary to what much of the pretext of the story is about.

That brings me to a crucial point...

Amber Fite

Just because you might perceive things differently than someone else doesn't mean that your images aren't every bit as valid as the next person's.

In fact, like I noted earlier, our personal opinions, experiences, points of view, and even our biases help us create images that are more unique, exciting, and personal.

And in the end, that's what photography is all about - finding our individual voices and using them to create art.

So, the next time you're ready to take a portrait, think about what makes your perspective unique, and use that to make images that are all your own!

About Sew Trendy

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.

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^{Chelsea Haworth Photography}

Let's face it. 

There are a lot of elements that factor into portrait photography.

You have to think about lighting and posing, props and wardrobe, the setting in which the photos are taken, and that's just the start.

It can be a little overwhelming, for sure.

But with these three simple portrait photography tips for stunning portraits, you'll have a few tools at your disposal for taking portraits that shine.

Editor's Tip: Elevate your portraits with these sophisticated wardrobe choices. 

Overexpose on Purpose

^{Julie Newell Photography}

Though it's usually prudent to expose a portrait properly, there are occasions when overexposing it can actually help you get a better look.

An overexposed image creates a bright, clean portrait that has a simplicity about it that's hard not to like.

In the image above, for example, the abundance of white in the shot makes this portrait look and feel fresh and airy, even though it's an indoor shot.

Notice how this image isn't wildly overexposed, either - just areas near the window and outside the window are slightly brighter than they should be.

^{Kassie Reese}

In this example, the majority of the photo is well-exposed, but the background is blown out.

Again, though this is usually not what you want to do, in this case, it works beautifully.

By overexposing the highlights in the background, our attention stays more focused on the beautiful mom-to-be.

Learn More:

• These Three Tricks Will Help You Create Beautiful Portraits
• 11 Gorgeous Mommy & Me Photos (and Tips for Taking Them Yourself)

Add Elegance With the Wardrobe

^{Neidy Parra}

I get that not all portraits are planned and that there will be times when you just want a snapshot of your kids or a friend.

However, when you're taking more formal portraits, one way to ratchet up the sophistication is by adding elegance with the wardrobe choices.

In the image above, for example, you can see how this couple is in a pretty casual setting. What's more, their poses are also very laid-back.

But by dressing the couple in elegant clothing, the feeling of the shot is immediately elevated to another level.

That's particularly the case for the woman in the shot, whose stunning gown is nothing short of a showstopper.

Editor's Tip: Earn more revenue by joining our #1 affiliate program.

Depth of Field is Paramount for Portrait Photography

^{Abba Color Photography}

If you're wondering how to take better portraits, you must consider the depth of field and what you have to do to get the depth of field you want given the type of portrait you're taking.

For a full body portrait like the one above, you'll be further away from the model. Since the distance between your camera and the model is one of the factors that influences the depth of field (in this case, the further away from the model, the deeper the depth of field), you have to counteract that to keep the background blurry.

So, as you move further away from the model, use a larger aperture (like f/1.8) or a longer focal length lens (like 85mm) to maintain a blurry background.

^{Chelsea Haworth Photography}

Of course, not all portrait photography requires a blurry background.

In the image above, the photographer is close to the model, which is a factor that minimizes depth of field. But the background is also very close to the model, which is a factor that maximizes the depth of field.

Since the flowers add so much beautiful texture, you'd want them to be sharp in the photo, so using a smaller aperture than normal, say f/4, combined with the nearness of the background will help you keep those elements in sharp focus.

With that, you have three surefire portrait photography tips to get you started. Use each one, and see what they can do to improve your portraits!

Learn More:

• 9 Can’t-Miss Portrait Photography Tips That Will Help You Create Better Portraits Today
• Easy Natural Light Portrait Photography Tips

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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^{Photo by Ann Thompson Photography}

If you're like me, you spend a fair bit of time looking at photos online, seeking inspiration for your own work.

This is a beneficial practice regardless of the type of photography you're most interested in doing.

When it comes to maternity photography, finding inspiration is pretty easy to do because there are a lot of great examples of how to make an expecting mother look beautiful.

Of course, the problem with finding so many examples of gorgeous maternity photography is that it's pretty easy to then look at the photos you take and think, "Gee, my photos aren't nearly that good."

Fortunately, there are a few simple and easy steps you can take that will make your maternity photos shine just like those that you admire on the internet.

If you want to take your maternity photography to the next level, consider these tips.

Make It Natural

^{Photo by Sugar Free Photography}

Keeping your maternity photography natural can mean a couple of different things.

First, outdoor maternity portraits can be more visually impactful because you can incorporate so many natural elements that give the photo improved depth and drama.

In the image above, you immediately notice the soft, golden sunlight, which gives the image incredible warmth. The way it filters through mom's gorgeous lace maternity gown adds a touch of whimsy too.

What's more, the inclusion of the surrounding environmental elements - the trees, shrubs, and cacti - add a level of depth and detail that would be difficult to achieve indoors.

^{Photo by Dallas Cody Photography}

But keeping it natural also refers to the manner in which the mom-to-be is posed.

The last thing you want to do is make your subject twist and turn herself into unnatural poses that will probably look odd anyway.

Instead, go for poses that are comfortable for her.

In the image above, a simple standing pose with her hands on her belly gives this soon-to-be-mom a relaxed, natural appearance.

Besides, often, the simpler the composition and posing, the more viewers will engage with the primary subject.

So, trick number one is to rein yourself in, do more with less, and keep the composition and posing relaxed.

Keep Couples Close

^{Photo by Chlee}

If you've looked at a fair amount of maternity photography, you've no doubt seen images in which mom and her partner are separated in the frame.

Though this can make for a more unique photo, typically, you'll want to keep couples close.

That doesn't mean you have to force the couple into a formal or awkward pose, either.

In the example above, even though mom is wearing a formal-looking maternity gown, having dad turn his back toward the camera offers a unique twist on a couples shot that's a little less formal.

And by having their arms interlinked, you create a visual connection between mom and dad that makes for an intimate maternity shot.

^{Photo by JB Photography}

In a more classic approach, you might minimize the space between mom and her partner even more.

As seen in the image above, having the couple sit together forms a much lengthier visual connection between them.

Also, unlike the previous example in which the models were looking at one another, in this example, mom and dad are both looking down at mom's belly.

Again, this is a visual trick that helps us feel the connection between the couple and their coming child.

If it's an intimate portrait that you're after, have the couple touching. But remember, it doesn't have to be a lot of contact to get that strong visual connection.

Help With the Wardrobe

^{Photo by Bailey Smith Photography}

As with a lot of portraits, having mom outfitted in a flattering wardrobe helps give her the confidence to feel pretty while also adding a visual element to the shot that adds interest and helps draw the viewer's eye toward the mom-to-be.

In the example above, you can see the impact of the gown's deep, saturated color.

Not only does it contrast beautifully with the more muted colors of the surroundings, but the mustard color is eye-catching and immediately draws one's attention to the model.

The manner in which the gown is constructed - with an opening in the front to allow a view of her belly - also allows the model to use the gown as a prop.

By extending her right arm, she shows the volume of the gown while giving the image a greater sense of elegance at the same time.

^{Photo by Michael Kormos Photography}

In this example, we again see how the wardrobe can make or break the shot.

In the previous example, the maternity gown sported a deep, saturated color that was eye-catching, but the gown itself had an understated elegance.

In this example, the gown takes on a much more central role in the photo because of the plain background in the shot.

Since there's nothing for the gown to compete with for our attention, you can get away with making wardrobe choices that have much more detail.

In this case, the flowing layers of the gown add a lot of dimension to the shot while the color - though perhaps muted - still contrasts gorgeously with the surroundings.

When helping mom choose a gown for her portraits, consider not just how it fits and how it looks on her, but also the color, shape, and texture of the gown and how those features work with the surroundings.

It's Not ALL About the Belly

^{Photo by Aleksandra Florez Photography}

When taking maternity photos, you naturally want to have a fair share of images in which mom's belly is on full display.

But to give some variety to the collection of photos, there's a need to focus on other elements as well.

In the example above, you can't even see mom's belly - and that's okay.

Instead, you get to see the connection between her and her child, which is certainly a worthy subject for maternity photography.

Notice as well how the use of the wardrobe draws your attention to mom and daughter, much as it does in the other photos above.

In this case, the contrasting colors of their dresses gives the image a great deal of visual interest without distracting from mom's or daughter's face.

^{Photo by Maple Hill Photography}

Another way to approach maternity photography is to put mom in the context of a larger scene.

Above, the model's belly is visible, but the shot isn't just about the belly bump.

Instead, we have a beautiful, natural scene in which mom has been placed, creating a relaxed photo that's perhaps more about mom and less about pregnancy.

Again, not every single photo you take needs to be of mom staring at her belly.

By sprinkling in other types of poses and compositions, you can give your subject a wider range of photos that make the collection of images as a whole more interesting and cohesive.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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Adam Opris Photography

If you ask me, maternity photography is a lot like wedding photography...

You really only get one chance to get it right!

That means it can be a stressful endeavor, with tons of pressure to document an expecting mother's experience as she nears the end of her pregnancy.

And with all that stress, it's easy to make simple mistakes that can lead to photography disaster.

With that in mind, here are a few maternity photography do's and don'ts to keep you on the straight and narrow.

DON'T Make Her Get Up Early (or Stay Up Late)

Sure, grabbing a portrait of your client at sunrise or sunset might sound great in theory, but she might not want to drag herself out of bed early or stay out late just so you can shoot at Golden Hour.

That means you need to be flexible with your scheduling so you can accommodate the time of day that works best for the mom-to-be.

Naturally, that might mean that you have to shoot outdoors during the middle of the day, which means not-so-great lighting.

But you're a pro, so you can make use of things like the shade of a tree to help mitigate that harsh daytime lighting or simply bring her inside for some portraits in the studio.

Learn More:

• Simple But Beautiful Maternity Photography Ideas
• 5 Ways to Make Your Maternity Photography More Unique

DO Consult With Your Client Beforehand to Outline the Photo Shoot

Becca Rillo Photography

When working with a very pregnant client, the last thing you want to do is drag her all over kingdom come, taking photos at multiple locations and spending hours riding in the car and walking around.

To avoid this, in your pre-consultation, talk with your client about what she envisions for her images.

Does she want indoor photos, outdoor photos or both?

If she wants on-location images, does she have any areas in mind?

Will the images be solely of her, or will other people be coming along to be in the photos?

A.J. McGinty Photography

It's questions like these that will help you plan the day and do so in a way that maximizes your time while minimizing the effort that the client has to put out.

Something else to consider is how many different looks the client wants.

That includes different poses as well as different wardrobes.

If there are going to be wardrobe changes, be sure that the locations at which you're shooting have somewhere for the mom-to-be to change and do so as easily and comfortably as possible.

Learn More:

• How-To Maternity Photography: Photographing Mom Outdoors
• How-To Maternity Photography: Photographing Mom at Home

DON'T Make Her Move Up, Down, and All Around

My guess is that if you're actively into maternity photography that you aren't pregnant yourself at this moment.

That means that you're much more mobile than your client, so rather than constantly making her change her position and pose, you should be the one doing the moving.

This will help you get the most out of each position so you can get a variety of shots.

So, if your client is sitting, keep her there and work from various angles and vantage points to get a variety of photos as she's sitting down.

Then, have her stand, and do the same - move around to get a variety of images.

That way you get a collection of photos but you don't tire your client out by having her sit down, stand up, walk here and there, and so forth.

Learn More:

• 4 Maternity Photography Tips That Will Make Your Client Look Amazing
• How-To Maternity Photography: Simplify the Composition

DO Make Your Client Feel Beautiful

Capturing Beauty Photography

Pregnancy isn't exactly the most glamorous experience, so when you specialize in maternity photography, you need to understand how to make your client look and feel beautiful and comfortable, even if that's not at all how she feels!

One simple way to do this is to give her positive affirmations as you take her photo.

A quick "you look great!" or "you're radiant" can go a long way in helping mom to relax in front of the camera, feel a little less tired, achy, and bloated, and more like her beautiful self.

Irina Chernousova

Another highly effective way to help mom feel beautiful is to recommend maternity wear that's gorgeous and elegant.

Our friends at Sew Trendy Accessories know something about creating beautiful maternity wear...

Just looking at the images above, you can see the attention to detail that goes into every gown they make.

And this isn't your typical maternity wear that can be a little bland at times.

Instead, Sew Trendy focuses on empowering women with handmade, designer fashions that go a long way in making expecting moms look their absolute best.

Becca Rillo Photography

Their lines of knit gowns, sheer gowns, and lace gowns offer unparalleled comfort while making mom feel gorgeous at the same time.

They even have a line of ready-to-ship items that your clients can get in the mail in a matter of days.

With separates, robes and cloaks, cocktail gowns, and even labor and delivery items, it really is a one-stop shop for maternity wear.

Maternity photography is all about capturing the magic of expecting a baby. But no one ever said that those images can also be elegant and sophisticated.

With Sew Trendy gowns and accessories, you can create images that your clients will love and appreciate for years to come.

Learn More:

• Shop for Maternity Gowns and Accessories
• Maternity Photography Tips You Don't Want to Miss

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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Shannon Prince Photography

Sometimes, the easiest path to a gorgeous maternity photo is to keep it simple.

That is, if you get back to the basics, your chances of creating a portrait that the mom-to-be will cherish forever will be much greater.

That means working to enhance the composition in ways that are subtle and simple, but which have great visual appeal.

Here's a few tips I've found to be helpful when taking maternity photos.

Work the Angles

Abba Color Photography

There's nothing wrong with taking a portrait from a standard eye level.

However, if you want to create something a little more interesting and unique, change the eye level from which you shoot.

As you can see in the image above, the photographer was below the model's eyeline, looking up toward her.

Not only does this give us a view of all that texture in the foreground, but it also creates a view of the model that makes her look a little more powerful in the shot.

That visual power - which is certainly helped by her wardrobe - is important given all the other details in the image that might draw our attention.

In other words, using this perspective helped make the model an even stronger subject than she already is.

Learn More:

• 4 Maternity Photography Tips That Will Make Your Client Look Amazing

Find Some Shade

Becca Rillo Photography

It would be nice if every portrait we take could be during Golden Hour, but that's just not possible.

That means that when you create maternity portraits during the daytime that you need to make accommodations to work with the intense and harsh light that results from shooting at that time of day.

An easy trick is to simply find shade to take your portraits.

As seen above, the shade of the tree gave the photographer beautiful, soft lighting that falls evenly on the model's face.

And with the image exposed for the model, the slightly overexposed background gives the shot a bright, cheery feel that makes this a highly impactful portrait.

Learn More:

• Creative Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot Tips You Can Use Right Now

Add Drama (Without Going Overboard)

Abba Color Photography

Adding drama to a maternity photo doesn't mean that you have to do anything especially wild and crazy.

In looking at the image above, you can point to two things that make this photo not your average maternity portrait.

First, the intricately detailed bench the model is lying on adds textural elements that make the shot more visually appealing.

Second, the flowing gown offers a gorgeous contrast to the more structured form of the bench, and its dark color contrasts beautifully with the bright, white light emanating from the background.

In other words, this photographer used various types of contrast to create an image I think you'll agree is quite compelling!

Learn More:

• 16 Examples of How Maternity Photography Can Be Glamorous

Use a Frame

Courtney Eick Photography

If you look at your portraits and feel as though the subject gets lost a little bit, an easy solution is to use a frame within the frame.

Doing so helps you direct the viewer's attention in a more purposeful manner, allowing their eyes to more deeply engage with the subject.

In the image above, you can see how shifting the model to the left side of the shot to be framed by the hedge helps keep our focus on the mom-to-be.

And notice how this use of a frame is very subtle, yet still impactful.

Abba Color Photography

In another subtle use of a frame, in this shot, you can see how the photographer keeps our attention on the model by framing her with the tree trunks.

This is important because there's a lot of light values, colors, and textures in the background. And again, the use of the trees as a frame is subtle.

That means that you don't have to put mom under an archway or in front of a window to get a pleasing result. Try something a little less obvious and see what visual delights you can create!

Learn More:

• Shop for Maternity Photography Wardrobe and Accessories
• 5 Ways to Make Your Maternity Photography More Unique

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

^{Photo by Art by Ashley}

On many occasions, newborn photography focuses on showcasing the newborn in its surroundings - full body shots that show the tiny bundle of joy in all of his or her glory.

Much like taking a portrait of an adult, photographing newborns in this way is an integral component of documenting their arrival to the family and showing how they grow and change in the years to come.

It's just one way to compose newborn photos that melt your heart.

However, just like you wouldn't only take full-body portraits of an adult, you shouldn't focus only on those kinds of portraits for your newborn photography, either.

That means getting in close and capturing some detail shots of the baby.

Hands, feet, chubby cheeks and arms...all are worthy subjects of an up-close portrait.

Let's take a look at how to master this aspect of newborn photography.

Time the Photo Shoot Just Right

^{Photo by Axsys Design}

When it comes to newborn photography, you've got a fairly narrow window during which you can work and get the best results.

For about the first two weeks of their lives, newborns sleep virtually all day long.

That's obviously an advantage for you because that enables you to work in relative peace with a subject that's perfectly fine letting you move their bodies around as they sleep soundly.

And that's an important secondary point - not only do babies sleep a lot during the first two weeks, but they are also at their most "moldable" so you can get shots like the one above.

Butbeware: schedule newborn shoots for about a week after the birth.

That will give mom time to recover (and dad too!) and for the baby's umbilical cord to fall off.

Once that happens, you'll have a great subject to get close-ups, and you'll have parents that have recovered - if just a little - from the experience of the delivery. Then you can tackle newborn photography like a pro!

Keep the Baby Warm and Comfortable

^{Photo by Dewdrops Photography}

As noted above, what's great about newborn photography is that your subject will often sleep right through the photo session.

You can help facilitate their sleep by creating an environment that's calm, warm, and comfortable.

One way to do that is to ensure that the room is warm enough.

Even in the summer, you might find that the space where you're shooting is a little too chilly for a newborn.

If need be, turn the heat up a few degrees to make the space more newborn friendly.

^{Photo by Axsys Design}

Another option is to suggest that the parents put their baby in a wrap, gown, or romper that keeps their child nice and snuggly.

These accessories aren't just great for keeping the baby warm and comfortable, either.

As you can see in the image above, a newborn gown or wrap can be a gorgeous compliment to the photo by adding subtle details that give the photo more interest.

Those details - like the ruffled bonnet and the bow in the image above - bring a touch of sophistication and class to the photo, but without overwhelming the viewer's eye or distracting their attention from the newborn.

When you get in for a close-up, adding these sorts of subtle details is especially important because of the tightly framed nature of the shot.

In this case, added details are important to give the image dimension, but without sacrificing the view of the baby.

Frame the Shot to Showcase Baby Fat

^{Photo by Axsys Design}

For my money, there's really nothing cuter than the fat rolls on a baby.

It's just one of many features of a newborn that can make for a photo that's precious and sweet (and that serves to embarrass the kid a bit when they're older!).

Fortunately, for those of us that love newborn photography, newborns have plenty of baby rolls that we can highlight in an up-close photograph.

In the image above, positioning the baby between soft foam bumpers helps reveal all those glorious chubby lines across her back.

Accenting those adorable fat rolls with soft, delicate accessories like a simple tieback adds some depth and visual interest to the image without taking away from the baby.

Another way you can show off a newborn's rolls is to position their arms or legs in such a way that their chubbiness is on full display.

https://www.photographytalk.com/photos/404319
^{Photo by Loni Smith Photography}

In the image above, you can see how the placement of the baby's arm maximizes its chubbiness.

What's more, the angle of view - with the baby's arm at our eye level - puts her fat rolls in prime position for us to adore.

The close-up nature of the shot helps accentuate the baby's other features as well. In addition to her cute arms, her chubby cheeks appear ready for grandma and grandpa to pinch, and even though her leg is out of the field of focus, you can still see its chubby goodness through her gorgeous newborn gown.

Start Simple and Work Your Way to More Complex Shots

^{Photo by Ruthie Mae Photography}

Even though you might time your photo shoot perfectly, the fact remains that your subject can wake up, soil themselves, start crying or otherwise throw a fit at any time.

That means you don't have the luxury of taking a ton of time to create fantastical, complex shots.

Instead, when striving to highlight a baby's features in a close-up shot, get the essentials first.

Get in close for a shot of their face. Move to their hands. Get a few frames of their feet too.

Also get the necessary wider shots of the baby's full body while you're at it.

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

After you get the essentials, then you can start working on the more complex images, like the one above.

That way, if the baby wakes up or otherwise requires attention, you've at least got the basic images out of the way.

Plus, those basic images should go by pretty fast, so you'll have a good collection of photos if the shoot has to come to an early close.

Of course, whether the posing is simple or complex, beautiful accessories like those seen in the images above will help elevate your photos and give mom and dad beautiful pictures that document their baby's appearance at this stage in their lives.

In the end, newborn photography isn't just a chance to give parents a lasting memory of what their child was like shortly after their birth.

Instead, it's an opportunity to create an emotion-filled photo that the entire family can cherish for the rest of their lives.

To amplify the mood and emotion of the shot, get in close for some detail-filled images. You'll likely find that close-ups are the ones that mom and dad love the most.

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Portraits}

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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^{Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography by Karen Marie}

Whether you're an old pro at newborn photography or you're just starting out taking these types of photos, there's always room for improvement

The question, of course, always comes down to this - what specifically can I do to make my images better?

There are a lot of answers to that question...

Some are more important than others, though.

Let's take a look at three critical tips you can use to see vast improvements in the quality of your newborn photography.

Think About Lighting

^{Photo by Susy Martinez Photography}

Just like any other type of photograph, the success of the pictures you take of newborns will be determined in large part by the lighting that you use.

A big part of lighting isn't just the type and quality of the light but also the angle at which the light falls on your tiny subject.

Using frontlighting - as with any portrait subject - can be unflattering and flat and result in a one-dimensional feel in the photo. As a result, using light that comes across the newborn at an angle is preferable.

But why?

Angled lighting adds soft shadows on the baby's face, thus giving the shot a more three-dimensional look with greater depth.

In the image above, you can see how positioning the light to the left side of the frame allows for some soft shadowing on the opposite side of the baby's face.

Those soft shadows are emphasized by the texture of the blanket and the baby's wrap, which itself has some nice shadows that give the image further depth.

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie}

In this close-up shot, notice the very subtle shadowing that's a result of light entering the frame from our left.

The slight shadow near the nose and on the temple as well as the deeper shadowing on the baby's left arm give the image improved depth.

But notice how this and the previous image use very soft shadows. You don't need harsh lighting or strong shadows to give the image the impression of dimension!

The Wardrobe and Accessories Matter

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie}

One of the most impactful things you can do to improve your newborn photography is to use the wardrobe and accessories to your advantage.

For example, just like lighting can add depth and interest to a newborn portrait, so too can the wardrobe and accessory choices.

In the image above, note how the subtle layering of the wrap gives the eye interesting lines to follow around the baby's body.

What's more, the floral crown adds depth with its layers of highly-textured blooms.

^{Photo by Abba Color Photography}

Another option is to add a little sparkle to the shot with something like a rhinestone crown or tieback like the one shown above.

This kind of accessory adds elegance to a newborn photo that separates it from more traditional newborn shots.

What's more, by pairing a crown or tieback with a gorgeous newborn dress, gown, or romper, you can further elevate the image with textural details that bring the viewer's eye to the baby more effectively.

^{Photo by Axsys Design}

Accessories don't have to be deep with detail to add a richness to the shot, either.

In this example, simply layering different textiles under the baby adds nice color contrast and varying textures as well.

Note how basket adds further detail that adds a more linear element that works well with the softer appearance of the blankets.

Communication is the Key

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie}

This might seem like a real "DUH" moment, but you'd be surprised how many photographers neglect this all-important step.

Communication with your client is crucial because it allows you to both get on the same page.

On the one hand, you need to understand what it is that the proud parents want in terms of photos. Sit down with them in person to develop a shot list.

For example, show them samples of your work to get a better idea of what it is they want. Do they want something simple like the close-up image above? Do they want something more complex, with props like the image below? Or do they want a combination thereof?

^{Photo by Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie}

On the other hand, your clients need to understand your workflow and what you need from them in order to make the newborn session a success.

Here's a few things to mention to your clients about your newborn sessions:

• Discuss the best age range to get the photos wanted. Typically, two weeks after birth is a good target to shoot for.
• Explain how long the session will last. This will help parents plan around other daily events, like feeding and nap time.
• Provide a list of things the parents need to bring - diapers, baby wipes, different outfits, formula, and the like.
• Give tips for making the baby as comfortable as possible during the session. This includes feeding right before the session, keeping the baby awake in the hour or so prior to the session, and so forth.

When it comes down to it, improving your newborn photography isn't just about posing or light, it's also about outfitting the baby with gorgeous accessories and working with your clients as a team to decide the best way to approach the shoot.

If you can do that, I think you'll be pleased with the improvements you see in your photos!

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories 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.

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Belly Beautiful by Karen Marie

If you've got a newborn at home and want to take professional-looking photos yourself, there's a few things you can do to improve the quality of the images you take.

From paying attention to lighting, considering what your baby is wearing, and choosing pleasing angles, these tips are as easy as they get, yet can have a huge impact on how your little one looks in the photo. Learn more about photography ideas at home on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

Have a look at these tips and see how much you can improve your photos of your new bundle of joy!

Find Good Light

Moonstruck Portraits

Good light is one of the hallmarks of any photo.

But amateur photographers usually don't have a full portrait studio lighting setup at their disposal.

So, what do you do?

One of the simplest solutions is to place your baby near a window and utilize the natural light streaming through to light the portrait.

This is especially effective if the light is diffused by a sheer curtain (or even a white sheet will do).

This kind of light is soft and even with no shadowing, as seen in the image above. That means that your newborn will be the star of the photo without any distracting highlights or shadows!

Spruce Up the Shot With Adorable Clothes and Accessories

Bianca Hubble Photography

You only have a few months to document your child as a baby, so why not go all out and accessorize your newborn photos with gorgeous newborn clothing and accessories?

By accessorize, I don't mean create a wonderland of baby stuff in the shot.

Instead, I mean something like the image above.

Notice how the basket in which the baby is laying helps frame her, bringing our eyes directly to her.

There's tons of layers here as well that give this photo greater interest - the texture of the baby's wrap, the basket, and the rug underneath the basket, all of which gives the photo greater depth.

Campbell Kamine Photography

You can also add a little something to your newborn photos by the way they're dressed.

In the image above, the baby's wrap adds tons of vibrant colors that give the photo life and zest.

The crown atop her head does the same, giving an elegance to the shot that makes it more unique than your everyday snapshots of your baby.

Notice as well how the rug extends from one edge of the frame to the other, giving the photo an incredible amount of texture to delight the eye.

Choose Pleasing Angles

Susy Martinez Photography

Ok, so obviously any angle of your sweet baby will be pleasing. It's the cutest baby ever, right?!

That being said, if you experiment with the angles from which you take the photos, you open up more opportunities to highlight your baby in different ways.

For example, in the image above, the low angle of the shot offers a perfect view of the baby's sweet face.

Additionally, it allowed the photographer to pose the baby in a way that shows how tiny and delicate it is by tucking his arms and legs underneath him.

This image is simple in its composition and styling, making the shot all about the baby and nothing more.

Abba Color Photography

Though this shot is from a familiar view from directly above the baby, the photographer helped make it more special by adding in the wardrobe and accessories I noted earlier.

The floral crown and wrap, for example, add a punch of color to the photo, while the texture of the blanket adds additional visual interest.

But notice how these elements are "supporting cast members." In other words, though they make for a more interesting photo, the baby is still the focal point of the shot.

When taking a photo of your baby from directly above, try framing the photo with the baby right in the middle of the frame, as was done in this case.

That will help keep the baby front and center in the shot, even if you add in interesting colors, textures, and other elements to make the photo a little more visually interesting.

Final Thoughts

Bianca Hubble Photography

The tips I've outlined above aren't groundbreaking or complicated by any stretch of the imagination.

But, as you can see in the sample images, these tricks can have a profound impact on how the photos of your baby turn out.

Great photography doesn't have to be hard to do - you just need to know where to begin and how to execute the shot!

About Sew Trendy

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.

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