In-studio maternity sessions used to scare me. I’m not sure why, but I was intimidated by them. I LOVED outdoor maternity, but I didn’t love the unpredictability of our NorthWest weather (aka…rain. all. the time.)
So, I decided to challenge myself, and shoot more in studio. Guess what? I LOVE them now! I had to get over feeling like I was repeating poses, and to come up with a solid flow for my poses. I am now obsessed with in studio maternity sessions, and I just love the control I have over my lighting, the fact that mama stays warm and dry, and that I can quickly change up the lighting / backdrop etc, and mama doesn’t have to do a thing!
I’ve created a little posing guide that may help some of you feeling flustered while shooting a maternity session. These poses aren’t anything novel or new, but they are super simple, and allow you to get a TON of different looks in a very short amount of time! I love this because I have a ton of gorgeous gowns in studio, and it allows me to do several different outfit changes during the session – which means my mamas get a HUGE gallery, tons of many different looks.
I also drew up some lighting diagrams of some of my favorite light set ups to use during maternity sessions. I am pretty smitten with backlighting (dream lighting) my maternity clients, I think that’s my current favorite. I’ve included both one light and two light set ups, and all allow for you to add your own creative twist! I can change up my lighting in a matter of a few minutes, which has been so exciting and fun (vs working with available light outdoors…not that I couldn’t drag a strobe outside with me..but that’s for another post…) Click here for my posing and lighting guide: maternity lighting and posing guide
Most important when shooting maternity clients is to ensure that mama is comfortable! Throughout the session, I will check in and make sure mama doesn’t need a break, doesn’t need water etc. I always check to make sure mom is comfortable getting on the ground for sitting poses, and if not, we skip those! Next, is making sure mama feels BEAUTIFUL! I love to give encouragement, and heap on the (honest) praise during our session. It can be super awkward and uncomfortable to be in front of the camera, and even more so while pregnant. Encouragement and praise goes such a long way in making mama feel comfortable and confident!
It would take me forever to write out all the tiny details I think of while shooting a maternity session, so here’s a video that helps explain the method to my madness while posing. I’d love to know if you find this helpful, or if you have any of your own tips/tricks you use! These poses and tricks apply to both in studio and outdoor maternity sessions, so don’t feel left out if you don’t shoot in studio! Bear with me, I’m not the best at making videos..hope you don’t find my voice as annoying as I do!
maternity lighting and posing guide
