I seem to get more questions regarding maternity session preparation than any other type of shoot...even more than the
newborn! I've finally compiled and (hopefully) answered them for you. Please feel free to e-mail me additional questions.
Whether you are on the fence about taking belly shots, or
visiting this page in preparation of your scheduled session, I hope
this information is helpful.
--
The Cliff's Notes Version:
1) Schedule session between 32-36 weeks.
2) Photos may be posted publicly unless they include nudity, or if you request for them not to be.
3) Family is encouraged to participate :)
4) Prep: Groom, h2o, SALT, relax/recline, sleep!
5) Level of nekkid-ness is your call.
6) All final photo selections are retouched to make you look super fine. What stretch marks?
--
The full and comprehensive FAQ
1) When should I schedule my session?
Every pregnancy is different, but between 32-36 weeks is ideal. The best time to shoot is when you are nice and round (remember, these are the kinds of photos you want to look
round in!), but not so late in the pregnancy that you are totally uncomfortable moving and posing. You also obviously don't want to schedule too late, in case of an an early arrival.
2) Will the photos be public on your website?
I never post any revealing or nude photos publicly on my website or blog. There is a chance that selected photos from your session will be used in my galleries or blogs, unless otherwise specifically requested.
3) Can my partner be in the photos?
Yes, of course! Any family that you would like in the photos may join the shoot. This is a
beautiful and
joyous time of celebration in a family, which I love to document.
4) How do I prepare for the session?
Not too much preparation is required on your part, but here are some pointers to help you feel your best when the camera is on you!
•The day of the shoot, don't wear tight clothing, bras or other constricting bands; this will avoid marks on your skin.
•Steer
clear of salt the day before and day of your shoot to prevent bloating.
Drink plenty of water and get a good night's rest before your shoot.
•Have nails manicured (hands are often the
highlight of a photo)- make sure any family members who will be participating also have clean nails.
I will take care of everything else!
5) Do I have to be nude?
No, no. Not at all! You can be as clothed, or as bare as you want. I always start with clothed shots and follow the client's lead. It is up to you how artistic you'd like to get. Still, I have done numerous boudoir maternity shoots which are absolutely GORGEOUS. If you are interested in incorporating that kind of style into your session, I can send you private gallery information to see samples of past shoots.
6) But what about my stretch marks, scars, etc!?
Have no fear, Photoshop is near. Any photo you select for your package will be retouched to magazine quality. You will look like a supermodel. I promise.
7) How should I do my makeup? Should I have it done professionally?
I offer full makeup services as an a la carte option (please let me know ahead of time if you'd like to add this to your shoot), though many women prefer a natural look for maternity photos. To achieve a face you are comfortable with but also translates well in photos, I recommend applying makeup as you normally would for daytime, but be sure to accentuate your cheek bones and wear plenty of mascara.
8) What do I wear?
Besides what you may already have in mind, I can help you choose appropriate wardrobe and accessories when I arrive...but to prepare, you can have out some of these suggested items.
For indoor shooting:
•Pre-pregnancy jeans, which you can still get into without zipping OR maternity jeans that don't have the elastic in the front. The point is to frame and highlight the belly, so the snugger they are in the front, the better.
•Leggings (black always works best). Pre-pregnancy also is ideal in this case so they sit below your bump.
•Ribbed & bright colored tank-tops (small/short ones so your belly pops out).
For outdoor shooting:
Colder Months
•Maternity
jeans with boots
•Tight turtleneck/cowlneck sweaters
•Cute hats/accessories
In General:
•
Stripes and other solid color patterns
•Avoid black on top
•Form fitting
dresses, appropriate to the season
Have more questions? e-mail me! melrose(at)melanierosephotos.com
"I
had no intentions of doing maternity photos, but I liked what I saw on
(Melanie's) website, and I found her pricing very reasonable, so I went
for it.
I'm so glad that I did! I think some maternity photos can be so
cheesy and even creepy, and I was very nervous about how they'd turn
out, but Melanie knew exactly what I meant when I expressed my concerns,
and I couldn't be happier with the final product. She did my makeup,
and helped me pick clothing that would look best on my 8-mo prego body.
I felt comfortable the whole time, and the photos turned out great!" -Ashley G.
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