The Art of Pregnancy Photography (4 page)

Quiet Encouragement
. With pregnancy photography, the goal is to depict the mother’s beauty and nurturing qualities. To evoke this mood, you will want to maintain a calm and quiet demeanor. Then, simply connect with your client using your tone of voice and posture to elicit the expression you want. By keeping the tone of the session low key, the subject can engage in her innermost thoughts.

Candid Moments
. Some subjects may almost intuitively present themselves in a flattering way. When the moment is right, simply capture a series of images of the mom being “in the moment.”

Whatever your approach, remember that your client cannot see what you are seeing through the camera. Be sure to describe the beautiful scene, comment on how flattering the lighting is, and express how well the fabric enhances her skin tone. Paint a picture with your words, all the while instilling confidence.

These candid images show a tender moment between the pregnant mom and her child.

The client had a very clear vision of the images she wanted, and after discussing her concept and learning about her family situation, the client’s living room was selected as the best location for the session. A thin diffusion fabric clamped over the window provided privacy and created soft window light similar to the light quality output by a softbox. To soften the lines, add interest, and create a more modest image, brown and gold tulle was wrapped around the woman. The finished image was one not envisioned by the client but developed by moving around the client during the session.

PHOTOGRAPHING NUDE SUBJECTS

Working with a nude subject presents several challenges for all photographers, male or female. Before beginning the session, make sure you’ve cultivated a comfortable relationship with the subject. Also, be sure that you fully understand what she wants to achieve during the session and what she is comfortable with. Usually it is the client who wants the nude images, and so she will be fairly comfortable with posing.

Next, you will need to determine the best location for the session. Keep in mind that nude portraits taken at the woman’s home will improve her comfort level—and yours as well. As discussed earlier, the comfort of the woman is imperative to the quality of the finished images. The emotion and realism depicted in a nude portrait is directly related to the subject’s peace of mind.

Working with an Assistant
. Having an assistant on hand when working with nude subjects is a good idea for female photographers, and for the male photographer, a female assistant is a necessity. Your assistant can hold reflectors, drape fabric, and even help dress the subject.

Use Verbal Directions
. It is important to use verbal instructions and not touch the subject to direct the pose. For both male and female photographers, keep a appropriate distance from the subject, relying only on verbal directions. Having a strong foundation of different poses that work in the nude will move the session along and relax the subject.

Watch the Details
. While capturing the image, be sure to keep an eye on the details. The smallest mistake in positioning the subject can ruin the ability to use the image. Take special care to ensure that areas of the body you do not wish to show are covered by the hands or the position of the legs. Consider using fabrics of varying weights and textures—or perhaps a robe. These options can provide the required coverage and a dose of texture in the image.

With the aid of an assistant, this “nude” maternity image was created at the subject’s home.

Never touch a nude subject when helping them pose. Demonstrating the pose or simply providing verbal instructions is a more professional option.

Asking the young sibling, “Can you hear the baby?” and having them listen to Mom’s tummy can produce a whimsical expression.

Terrible twos are always difficult, and sometimes the only thing you can do is to reign the toddler in with the parent’s help.

CONNECTING WITH CHILDREN

Increasing Your Odds
. When your client’s children are to take part in a portrait session, there are a few tips you can use to increase your odds of creating great, salable images. At your first opportunity, get down to their eye level, introduce yourself, and talk directly to them. Start off with happy, friendly, but very calm conversation. Your behavior will set the tone of the session for the child. Next, let the child watch you set up the studio equipment while being held in the arms of a parent.