Maternity Portraits

What are your guys feelings about taking professional maternity portraits? I didn't take any with my first pregnancy - mostly because the only type I had seen online were... shall we say, very innapropriate for what I would want to show off to my future children or family and friends. I remember talking to my friend Brittney while we were pregnant and she mentioned how uncomfortable she would feel if she went into someones home and there on display were these pictures of a half-naked (or completely naked in some cases) pregnant ladies for the world to see.

On the other hand, I definitely see the importance of documenting this special time in ones life. I am a photographer... I love the idea of capturing the moment through my camera and being able to look back on those events. Pregnancy obviously is a major event in our family's life and I do want to have pictures to look back on.

So do I settle with the basic "belly shots" most pregnant women take of their profile documenting their pregnancy with "this is me at week 22",... or do I branch out and try something different? Do I specifically take a few hours out of my day to take some fun shots on a professional level??? And what types of shots do I want, or do I even like? Is it worth it to have these type of shots?

I actually started thinking about it a while ago when I started looking into maternity photographers in the area. I admit that I did not like much of what I saw. I am not a fan of showing off skin (call me old fashioned) but loved the idea of being able to share my pregnancy belly in a modest and special way for my family to look at where I wouldn't feel embarrassed when they look at them.

Hence, I tried to talk my husband into taking our maternity portraits for me. He was very uncomfortable about the idea, having seen some of the same "basically nude" maternity shots that I had - but after discussing the idea that you can still show off your baby bump without shedding the clothes - he decided to give it a try. We offered free maternity sessions to our clients and things have actually kicked off. We've only done three sessions as of now, with two more this week and next week. We're hoping that with that practice sessions in maybe he'll be able to capture our own baby bump in the way I am hoping - a nice, modest, cute way.

So now that its decided my hubby will be taking pictures of me I tried to find out different tips and ideas about getting successful and beautiful maternity portraits. These are some of the things I have come up with to help me hopefully have a more comfortable maternity session, and may help you too if you choose to have some done - even if its just by a family member or friend, or your husband (as is my case):

First off, choose a photographer that you are comfortable with and whose style you like. I already admitted that I do not like studio shots where the mother is basically naked or wrapped up in a sheet. I have many friends who love those shots, but its just not for me. I do, however, like a lot of the shots where the parents are outside in nature and the photographer captures the mom's belly in a variety of shots... So I, luckily, have a husband who is very willing to do this for me.

Decide whether you would like to have individual shots, or include your spouse and children in the portrait session. If some of your portraits will include the baby’s siblings, make arrangements for someone to pick up the children after their portraits with you are taken. That way, you will have the remainder of your session uninterrupted to do individual or couple portraits. Perhaps Grandma or an aunt can come with you to the portrait session, stay while the children are being photographed with you, then whisk them away for a play date so you can finish shooting more intimate maternity portraits in privacy and without disturbance.

Wear things that show off your belly, not hide it! Clothing should be tight-fitting around the belly. Loose an baggy shirts and pants will only hide the pregnant stomch. On the other hand, stretch pants and low rise pants that have low waistlines won't bunch up as the woman is posing or sitting, and are a good idea to wear during a shoot. Tight fitting tops and dresses that have thin fabrics that cling to the body are also good choices for maternity portraits.

If you have seen any pictures of maternity shots that you like, take a copy of it with you to the session. Collect examples of maternity portraits you like to show your photographer. You can find lots of great examples on the Internet, in books or baby and maternity magazines, or by looking at friends’ portraits. It’s much easier to show your photographer what you like than to try to explain it in words. (Especially if you want something very unique... such as the picture above)

Most places like you to do your maternity portrait sessions between 33 and 36 weeks, though some would like them done as early as 28 weeks (once you hit your third trimester). Remember that when you are scheduling the session. Why is this? For those of you who have experienced life as a pregnant lady at 37 weeks or more... you are pretty miserable. By taking a picture a little earlier on you will still have a cute belly to show off, but will have less swelling and be a lot more comfortable physically for more poses.

On the day of your maternity-portrait session, plan to relax and take it easy—both before and after the session. Plan to go to the spa, get your hair and makeup done, have a manicure and pedicure, take a long, hot bath, or just take a nap before your appointment. You want to be well-rested, relaxed and comfortable for your shoot.

A couple of hours before your maternity photo session, eliminate any clothing that causes lines or indentations on the body—that would include anything elastic or stretchy, such as maternity pants with a panel, elastic waist pants, socks, etc. Most maternity portraits do show a bare belly, so you definitely do not want any marks from restrictive clothing on the tummy area. At the very least, lower the waistband on your maternity pants or underwear so there are no lines on your tummy and everything is tucked below your belly. Wear a loose-fitting top to the actual session. Lines on your skin that appear on portraits can often be touched up by the photographer; however, this may incur an additional expense you can avoid simply by planning ahead.

Bring any props you’d like to include in your portraits—baby booties, a rubber ducky or a stuffed animal you received from the baby shower or already purchased for your baby make adorable props. So does a tiny outfit, shoes, a simple rose or other flower, or a copy of an ultrasound picture.

Speak with the photographer about any birthmarks, stretch marks or tattoos you may have. Do you want those left on final prints or removed? Do you want to be posed so they don’t show, if possible, or do you want them to be a tasteful part of your image?

If you have any physical concerns—related to either the baby or something about your body you’re particularly sensitive about--be sure to discuss those issues with the photographer, as well. He will want you to be open and honest with him, and as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Once the photo shoot begins, relax. Enjoy the warmth of the lights on your skin. Embrace the intimacy of the moment and try to forget you are being photographed at all. Revel in that beautiful, maternal glow and enjoy the anticipation of becoming a mother. Your photographer will take care of the rest!

For intimate maternity portraits, don't select a portrait photographer in a mall or other high-traffic area where passersby can walk through and see you having your portraits taken! Work with a professional photographer who will ensure that your portrait session will be a private, unhurried, relaxing experience.

Hope some of these suggestions helped those of you interested in taking maternity portraits. James and I took some "trial run" pictures the other day, just testing out if I liked them or not - and as luck would have it, I found out some things I thought I would like I don't - and things I thought I wouldn't like, I found were cute. I have a confession to make... I found that showing off a little bit of bare belly wasn't as incredibly embarrassing and gross as I imagined it to be... and strangely enough I thought it looked rather cute. I'm still not sure how I feel about a lot of those types of shots, but I don't think one or two is now completely out of the question. Perhaps its because its too early for the stretch marks to appear - but in either case I at least now see why people do it after seeing a few shots of myself. My baby bump is freaking gorgeous, so it would be hard NOT to show that off. :) Will I share those pictures with the world? Still not sure... I might choose not to...

That being said, I still know I am completely turned off by the 'lady in a sheet' or 'nude' shots from the studio sessions... So there will still be none of those types of pictures being taken...

What about you guys? What do you think of taking professional maternity portraits? Good idea? Bad idea? What are your thoughts. What do you guys think about the basic studio maternity shots that are so popular now-a-days? Do you think they are appropriate? Have any of you had professional photographs done of your pregnancy? What did you think?