Maternity Photography

In the last decade or so, the trend towards maternity photography as a means of capturing the true beauty of pregnancy has grown exponentially.

Why Maternity Photography?

Why not maternity photography? Expecting a baby is one of the most exciting times in you life. During other milestones of life, like graduating high school and college, engagement, and marriage, it is common to have professional photographs taken to commemorate the experience. It seems only natural to include your pregnancy in pictures as well. Besides, you will never look more alive than when you are pregnant. The hormonal changes to your body will make you hair thicker, your complexion may glow, and many people share the opinion that there is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman.

When to Have Photos Taken

You will want to wait until close to the end of your pregnancy for maternity photography to be most effective; after all, the whole point is to capture your belly for posterity. This is especially true if your pregnant state does not show much during your early months of pregnancy.

What to Expect

Having your photo taken while you are pregnant is really no different than any other trip to the photographer. The more natural you look, the better the photos will turn out. You can choose to dress up or dress down. You can even have a tastefully semi-nude or nude shots taken.

Posing

The photographer will want to capture you at your best and to highlight you stomach and face. This will be done through the use of lighting and posing you in positions that are comfortable, attractive, and accentuate the size of your stomach. This means laying on your side, standing for a side pose, or kneeling at an angle that will be make your stomach stand out prominently.

Clothing

In maternity photography, clothing is often optional, but at the very least, you should consider wearing something that is form-fitting or made of a lightweight material, so your stomach will not be camouflaged.

Don’t Forget Dad

Without dad, there would be no baby. Consider including him in the maternity photographs. Some of the most unforgettable maternity photographs feature both the mother and the father with either his hand on her stomach or kissing her stomach.

Can I Get That in Color?

Pregnant women have options when it comes to maternity photographs. Whether you choose to have the photos printed in color, black and white, or sepia, your pictures will make terrific keepsakes and gifts for family and friends. The key to amazing maternity is not in the color but in the way the photographer sets up the lighting and captures the shadows the curves of your body. However, the majority of women do choose to have their photos printed in black and white.

Finding a Maternity Photographer

To find a professional maternity photographer in your area, check your local yellow pages or do an online search, making sure to include your city in the search term. For example, do a search on the phrase “maternity photographer Saint Louis” to receive a list of photographers in the Saint Louis area.