PREGNANCY PHOTOGRAPHY – 5 TIPS TO STRIKE “THE RIGHT” POSE
Pregnancy Photography
When it comes to pregnancy photography (and all adult portrait photography for that matter) there is something to be said about the right pose. To put it simply – the way your subject poses can make or break the photo. The problem is that when photography adults, they tend not to act natural in front of the lens.
As it applies to pregnancy photography this becomes even more difficult since you are trying to accentuate the female form (in a flattering way) when her belly is extended. Luckily, we’re here to help, and we have 5 tips to help you find the right pose for the pregnant woman.
POSING FOR PREGNANCY PHOTOGRAPHY
As a photographer, you often end up playing the part of the psychologist and the artist. On rare occasions you will get an adult subject who is completely natural in front of the camera (usually trained models or actors), but for the most part adults need you to help them pose. Where a child is completely natural all of the time, an adult tends to put on that fake ere as soon as a camera is about. As the psychologists, your job is to find your subjects natural tendencies and help them to find a completely natural pose.
With that said, here are 5 tips for posing your subject for that perfect pregnancy photo. Really it is about getting your subject to act natural.
1. Setup Ahead of Time: Before you client ever shows up for the shoot, have your equipment setup. Plan ahead where you will be shooting, and have your equipment ready. This is your first step in appearing to be professional, and in control.
2. Get Rid of Your Clients Reservations: An old photographers tricks, to get your client comfortable, is to fake a few shots. Take your first few as test photos. Compliment your client on how well they are doing, and how great they are posing. With pregnancy photography especially, your subject is usually slightly reserved about showing off their growing body. A few compliments, are a great way to help them to loosen up.
3. You’re In Control: Another important part of your role is to always appear in control. Don’t make a fuss in front of your subject, about your equipment, or how the lighting isn’t working. Simply adjust and move on, appearing in control helps to gain the clients confidence.
4. Give Your Model Something to Work With: Props can also be a great way to give your client a more natural stance. Simply something to hold that fits with the photo, can both help you to give your client direction (it give them something to work with, and keeps the focus off of themselves), and help them to feel more comfortable.
5. Keep it Natural: What you’re trying to work towards with your pregnancy photography is a natural stance. If you can set your client at ease, appear professional and in control, then you are on your way to setting your client at ease. With her feeling better about the shoot, you are much more likely to get that perfect natural maternity shot.
With your next pregnancy shoot, and these tips in hand, it is very likely that you will make better photos. By getting your client to act natural, and playing the part of the psychologists (so to speak), you enable yourself the perfect setting for a photo.
