The day of the photoshoot

Arriving pretty early to the studio, I look around and start moving things around to form just what is in my minds eye. The key light goes there and the reflector here. The flooring is placed just so and the perfect background is chosen. I test the lights, my camera and everything is a go.

The momma-to-be walks into the studio and I show her to where the wardrobe is. I show her the setups and we begin. We have great fun exchanging various stories about the trials and tribulations of motherhood. We laugh about the feeling of being huge, but also revel in the fact that we are amazing creatures able to grow humans.

After spending nearly 90 minutes photographing this gorgeous woman, we say goodbye. It is awkward during this time of COVID. There are no hugs goodbye, but rather an alcohol wipe as a term of endearment. Sigh, will we ever get back to the days where we hug hello and goodbye?

Post Production

The maternity photo doesn’t end when I push the shutter button. In my vision, I see the end result. What I just photographed is only part of the equation. I have spent endless hours watching webinars, asking questions in my Facebook groups and staring endlessly at good ole YouTube videos. This is where I take a good maternity portrait and turn it into a great one. I know many people are opposed to photoshop believing somehow it is not authentic, but I am here to tell you I will use a myriad of software applications to elevate a photograph without hesitation to give you a piece of art. That is what I feel creativity is. You are hiring me to be creative and take portraits in a certain style. That creativity is a process from idea, to the technical lighting stuff to post production. I am not sure this needs to be said, but this really applies only to my studio work. Birth photography is an entirely different animal.

I really hope you love these as much as I do…this was almost exactly the idea I had in my head before I touched anything. If you would like to discuss your ideas for your maternity photography shoot, contact me here. A special thank you goes out to Nick Rail Music for their stunning instruments.

The post Los Angeles Maternity Photography appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

When this mother to be for the second time came in, I was overjoyed she elected to bring her little son. Momma came in with a baby in her belly and another in her arms!

What to Wear When Doing Maternity Portraits with other Children

There was some concern about coordinating outfits. I knew I wanted to see her in this sage colored dress from Chicaboo. I saw the little boy and knew he would be perfect for the little outfit I had ordered. Now his outfit was brown; however, I changed it to a variation of sage in the post processing. This is not something I typically do (change colors in Photoshop), but it really seemed to work in this case.

Maternity Posing with Another Child

Other children in your maternity photos can add such a personal touch. There is nothing like sharing the bond with baby’s siblings. Children can be held, as seen above, holding on to mom, placing a hand on moms belly or even giving mom a sweet kiss.

If you are doing a lifestyle session at home, the family gathering on the bed it perfect as seen with the image below. But why a bed? Is this a trend? I get asked a lot about this. Truth is the bedroom is the most intimate space you have. What better place to celebrate love?

If you are ready to book your session, I am ready to get you on the schedule. Lets talk!

The post Maternity Portraits with Other Children appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.