MATERNITY/BUMP PHOTOGRAPHY
Being pregnant is undoubtedly a very special time in any woman's life. If you are anything like me it's a funny mix of excitement and trepidation. Excitement every time you feel the little one kick you and worry about how you will ever get them out!
Little Noah went mad every time I ate a Cadbury's mini egg (and I ate a lot of them!). One of my favourite memories from being pregnant has got to around the eight month mark and sitting in the theatre watching Billy Elliot sharing a bag of mini egg's with my sister and feeling him doing somersaults (over and over and over again!). Now every time I see a bag of mini eggs it just makes me smile as it brings back such wonderful memories from that time.
But one thing I do massively regret is not having any pictures taken to remember what it was like. If we ever have another baby I am DEFINITELY getting some maternity portraits taken. But I am thankful that I am able give lots of soon-to-be mothers out there something very special.
Being pregnant is part of your family story. And I'm a great believer in telling stories. I'd love to be able to tell yours in pictures.
To book your bump shoot just drop me an email or give me a call on 07979 664018. You may also want to check out some FAQs regarding maternity/pregnancy shoots below.
TOP TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MATERNITY/'BUMP' PHOTOGRAPHS
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE PREGNANCY/MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN?
The best time for 'bump' photographs is when you have a very established bump and I'd recommend scheduling your shoot for around the 8 month mark.
WHERE WILL THE BUMP SHOOT TAKE PLACE?
I can remember all too well just how immobile you feel in the last stages of pregnancy so don't worry I won't be asking you to walk miles or stand up for ages! You don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home if you don't want to!
I usually start the shoot off at your own home and make the best use of gorgeous window light within your house and then if you'd like we can also get some outdoor shots too for a different look. I always offer a pre-shoot consultation in your home were we can discuss where you will feel most comfortable and what you feel most up for doing and we can build the shoot around that.
WHAT TYPES OF CLOTHES SHOULD I WEAR ON THE MATERNITY SHOOT?
As with any shoot the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. With maternity shoots capturing your gorgeous silhouette is really key and I will bring some gorgeous floaty fabric and a few other props to help capture that. It is good to have a number of different outfit possibilities to hand so that we can be as creative as possible.
Tank tops or T-shirts that are tight fitting are good for showing off your belly. Wraps can be great as we can use them in creative ways to show off different parts of your body. Long skirts can be very pretty. Sometimes non-maternity wear can be used effectively so if you have a favourite item just have it ready too and we can see how we can use it.
You and your bump will be photographed covered and up and creatively exposed so it is best to avoid clothes that will leave marks such as tight waistbands or tight socks.
WHAT COLOURS SHOULD I WEAR?
Keeping the colours simple really helps keep the focus on you and the gorgeous shape of your body. So strong patterns are best avoided, as are logos or other pictures and writing that are likely to be distracting. About 2/3 of the shoot will be shot with black and white film as it is so, so flattering and blacks, whites and pastel tones really work well for black and white maternity photography.
WHAT ABOUT HAIR AND MAKE-UP FOR PREGNANCY SHOOTS?
This is your excuse for some serious pampering! Treat yourself. Once the little one arrives things like this are much more tricky to fit in. So put your feet up and let the pampering begin so that on your shoot you feel absolutely fantastic. It's a good idea to keep your make up quite classic but glamorous. Some of your portraits are likely to be in bare feet so a pedicure is a great idea. Also your hands will feature quite a lot in various positions over your bump so it's a great excuse to go out and get a manicure.
WHAT ABOUT SHOES?
I remember the difficulty of getting shoes to fit in the last few months of pregnancy all too well. All that water retention is not much fun. But those comfy trainers aren't the best look in photographs. Many of the shots will be barefoot so no need to worry (apart from making sure you have had a great pedicure!) but for ones indoors it is good to also have some nice shoes to accessorize an outfit. What were your favourite pair of glamorous shoes pre-pregnancy? Let's get them in some shots and I promise you won't have to wear them for longer than a few minutes! As for those comfy shoes (or in my case the only pair I could get on and walk in!) have those too, especially if we are doing any shots outside, and we will creatively hide them!
WHAT ABOUT ACCESSORIES?
These can really help add interest in maternity photographs, without detracting from your bump. Scarves, necklaces, bracelets can all work really well. Have a few options that reflect your style and we can incorporate them in the photographs.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT MATERNITY/BUMP PHOTOGRAPHY AND YOUR SHOOT?
Want to know anything else? Just drop me an email. Your pre-shoot consultation is also a great opportunity to ask any questions about what is involved and how to prepare so that you get the most out of the shoot and have an amazing time. Being pregnant is an absolutely wonderful event to celebrate and my aim is to help you celebrate it in style and give you some absolutely stunning lasting photographic memories of this really special time.
HOW TO I BOOK A SHOOT?
Many people schedule their shoot after their 20 week scan to guarantee a date in the diary. I'm usually booked up about 4-6 weeks in advance so it is best to get a date fixed as soon as you decide that you would like a bump shoot. To book just drop me an email or give me a ring on 07979 664018.
WHAT ABOUT PRICING?
Check out the pricing page for more details.
Bump shoots are £195 and include your pre-shoot consultation, the shoot itself and your viewing session. A number of presentation options are available to best showcase your pregnancy portraits. Albums and folios are very popular choices. Albums start from £900 and folios start from £600. Further presentation information can be seen here.