While I have only ever done pregnancy photos within my family (my wife and daughters) there is obviously a call for it in the markets give the numbers of studios and agencies specialising in semi-nude maternity photography. This Intel represents a compilation of my own experience and ideas gleaned from some of the niche photographers offering this service. The essence of these sessions is intimacy, but your subjects are not models and they are not used to posing, let alone semi naked in front of a stranger with a camera. It is up to you to create a safe, discreet and comfortable atmosphere if you are to get natural, intimate photos of the expectant mother (and her partner).
It doesn't matter if they are shy or outgoing, you must generate a warm, comfortable environment. Assure them that they may wear as much or as little clothing as they feel comfortable to. Make children, husbands, partners and pets welcome, but don’t overcrowd the studio or home where you will be working.
When you schedule the session, allow time to discuss the types of photos the couple are interested in, and take along some samples: they don’t have to be your own work...pregnancy magazines are a good resource. these are a springboard only: you’ve got to approach each theme on your own terms, tailoring the shoot to your subject and her wishes. Help her express the uniqueness of this miracle.
The Location - Keep the setting simple. Allow the miracle of imminent birth to speak for itself. Teddy bears or perhaps flowers are OK but pregnancy is a story that tells itself. It needs few props and brooks no distractions. This applies also to the background.
Wherever you shoot, encourage the expectant mother/couple to bring a range of clothing, up to half a dozen changes, and to have her hair and make-up done before the shoot. Depending on the couples wishes, clothing changes may range from formal to casual to nothing at all. Button-up or tight fitting shirts, which allow for the belly to be easily exposed are suitable, especially for outdoor settings, and allow for a few photos with "Dad" shirtless.
At Home - The mother-to-be is likely to be most comfortable in her own home. Being able to relax and let go, and to feel as if she in in control of the environment are excellent reasons to hold maternity sessions at home. It also gives the family an opportunity to include their home in the photographs: the bassinet or crib, their bed or perhaps part of the nursery.
Outdoors - Maternity sessions are typically done indoors. Understandable: even feeling at their most attractive, even fully clothed shots outside might be a little daunting to a lot of people; and a very pregnant lady might understandably not feel at her most glamorous. But to photograph the natural beauty of a woman about to bring new life into the world in nature just seems so appropriate -
A Little Support - A woman may not feel very sexy when she’s pregnant, which doesn’t mean she’s not beautiful. Bring that beauty out; talk to her as you work, letting her know how beautiful she is and what a great model. Just be careful about sexual propriety - stay professional and genuine. Use your personality and relationship skills, because if she feels attractive she’ll look it!
Focus on Relationships - The primary relationship is between mother and bub-to-come, but new babies are coming into a home, not a vacuum. Include photographs that highlight the relationship between mom and dad and don’t forget ‘big’ brothers and sisters or the family pet! Include them in at least a few frames.
Apart from delivery-room and birthing pictures, the maternity portraits you create will be the most intimate portraits people will ever own. They have the potential to hold a couples most precious memories.
