This is where I will try to answer some of the more common questions that come up regarding our maternity products and services. If you don’t see your question covered here, please feel free to drop me a e-mail.
Q: What should I wear to my maternity photo session?
A: What you wear to your maternity photo session will largely depend on the style of maternity photos you are looking for as well as your level of personal comfort. We accomplish maternity photos for a variety of women and couples. Some people are interested in very artistic, nude or semi-nude portrayals of their pregnancy. The goal with most maternity photos is to capture that time when a woman’s body progresses through the remarkable and beautiful changes inherent of carrying a child. These changes include not only your tummy, but skin, breasts, hips, hair, etc. Capturing these changes help to illustrate the transition you have accomplished. Others take a more conservative approach and wish to be fully or partially clothed. It is common for a mixture of those styles to be utilized. No matter what style you would like, you will need to wear clothing that will show off your beautiful belly. Stretch pants or pants with low waistlines will prevent them from bunching up too much when lowered to show your tummy. Lingerie, robes, undergarments, button down shirts, blankets can all be used to produce beautiful maternity photos. Some soon-to-be-moms will even bring props with them like teddy bears, baby blankets, etc. Bring a mixture of items and just have fun!
Q: Should I do my maternity portraits alone or with my husband?
A: That is completely up to you. You may also bring mom or a friend… anyone you like for moral support. If you are comfortable having them there during your session, then by all means, bring them along.
Q: When is the best time to have my maternity photos done?
A: The further along, the better. We want you to be at the peak of your physical development, and typically two weeks before your due date is optimal. That seems to be the best compromise between peak development and feeling uncomfortable.
Q: What can I do about stretch marks, scars, etc?
A: Not a problem. We can retouch your maternity photos when you order prints. If you have any specific concerns, simply let us know.
Q: How is my privacy protected when my proofs are posted?
A: Your proofs will be posted to our online viewing site which is password protected. Your portrait session will be unique to you and you will be assigned your own password (which you may choose). The only people that will know your viewing info are those that you give it to specifically. This will also help if you are wishing to keep the shoot private because you wish to present an image to your husband as a gift.
One final tip.
Don’t shop on price alone.
Find out what professional portrait prices are in your area. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples; don’t compare department store portrait prices to a fine art studio. Take a good look at their work. Is the creativity and skill level up to your expectations? Will you feel comfortable with the photographer? After you’ve evaluated the situation, DON’T hire the cheapest studio. After all, would you hire the cheapest ob/gyn? or even the cheapest hairdresser? The cheapest of anything can end up being the most costly; especially when results are poor. As with weddings, there are usually no re-shoots with maternity photography.