If I had to choose my favorite portrait subject, I would say the expectant mamas! There’s something so fun about that lovely bump, the glow and the excitement. I don’t mind if it’s just the mom or the entire fam, if the husband is up for it, fantastic, if not, I’ve got a gorgeous girl to myself and we can go as long as she wants!
Here are some ideas for posing for maternity.
The looking down at the belly shot
I always prefer the leg closest to me is bent, not the one further from the camera. If you look at images where the other knee is bent, it just looks off.
Remember you still focus on the face, and make sure belly is in focus. In certain positions it’s OK if the belly isn’t completely in focus as long as the face is – but when the belly makes the debut and it’s all about the belly…then focus on it!
Placing things in front or on the belly
In this case, Colleen was expecting twins!
Laying down
The every day view
As in, the mom’s perspective.
Sibling love
Just looking down
Even with the mama looking down, focus on her face. Her belly should be on the same perpendicular line that it should fall in focus as well.
Straight on Portrait
The oh hey, I’m gorgeous, and I’m also with child.
Walking
Couple Embraces
The overdone twist posing can be complicated – I try not to win creative twister pose award, I’m trying to convey a feeling – a natural, caught in the moment feeling with a couple. Twist if you must, but then find a way to rotate a bit to make it a bit more comfortable looking.
This is one of the most pinned photos of mine on Pinterest, I love the kiss on the head.
Traditional is not boring, it’s classic.
This one just worked out so nicely.
Sassy mama pose
Now cue the wind!
I’ve always loved this one, maybe it’s due to many factors – the wind, the muted colors, the gorgeous mama!
The baby
The shoes that will be filled
Do you shoot maternity? Do you prefer just the mom or the whole family, or just the couple? Have you done one yourself and have a preference?
Diana Elizabeth thinks of the bump as one of the most fun (live) props to work with!
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Carissa Grace says
I think some of my favorite work that you’ve done has been maternity. I regret not having more pictures taken of me while I was pregnant…I only ever set up a tripod to take a few self portraits – difficult!
I love the session you did of the mama in the pool, and also the one in the field with that stunner of a mama in a white maxi dress.
Diana Elizabeth says
Hi Carissa! Thank you so much, what a sweet comment! Well, you can always get more maternity photos done next time around ;) I’ve tried self-portraits too, always a tricky thing, I need auto focus! I tend to use my NEX for those shots because it does track focusing. xoxo!
Carmen says
Thanks so much for the tips, Diana! I have two maternity shoots coming up in September, so your post came up just in time! :)
I actually shot a baby shower two weekends ago, plus took a few portraits of the new mom-to-be. I have to say I enjoy shooting maternity. There’s something so sweet & beautiful about them!
Marty Walden says
Gorgeous photos! You are a rock star!
Diana Elizabeth says
Thank you Marty xo!
ricki says
You know so many beautiful mamas! Those are all gorgeous. I’m grateful to be one of them!
Diana Elizabeth says
I sure do, and you are definitely one of them. I had a wonderful time with you and Ethan this morning, xoxo!!
Lisa d. says
Always good refreshers! Thanks!
Diana Elizabeth says
Love hearing from you Lisa, you are killin’ it! xx