Taking Pregnancy Pictures

1. Wait until you're big, but not too big.

You want your belly to be big and beautiful, but you don't want it to be so large that posing and holding different positions for any length of time becomes taxing. The best time to take pictures is right around 30 weeks. That's when your belly gets really round, but it's not too heavy yet. Of course each pregnancy and pregnant belly is different so use your own stamina as a guide. 2. Avoid background clutter. Just like professional photographers, style your backdrop. So think about what's behind you. When choosing your location, avoid standing in front of a messy living room - or worse, a messy bathroom. Instead, lie mermaid-style on a solid-color couch or tape some ironed white sheets to the wall and - voila - an instant studio backdrop. Or change things up and step outside: Pick a tranquil spot in your backyard or nearby park or beach to set up camp. 3. Turn off the flash. The on-camera flash will be a total wash-out. Standing right in front of an open door or window to get great natural light instead. If you're shooting outside avoid midday sun.

 
4. Wear something tight and stretchy.

The whole point of the shoot is to see the gorgeous belly, right? Tight, stretchy clothes will best accentuate all your great curves. Never wear maternity clothes, since their primary objective is often to feel good on, rather than flatter your shape.
Skip the florals, plaids, and checks. You want to be able to look back at these pictures in 10 or 20 years and still think the photos look great. Whereas really stylized clothes can get dated, solid darks and neutrals are timeless. Alternatively, skip clothes entirely.

5. Find a great photographer.

You want someone you feel comfortable with and will have fun around taking your picture. If your husband fits the bill, ask him to take the pics (and also to haul any extra props or equipment). Or plan a fun photo date with one of your girlfriends.

Poses to Try

Here are a few of our expert maternity photographers favorite poses:


* Close up on the belly

* You lying on your back on a couch.

* Older sibling kissing the belly

* You holding older sibling (so they're sitting on the belly facing you)

* Sitting Indian style, facing the camera

* Working the S curve -- one hip out, one shoulder high, one shoulder low, hands relaxed. Think supermodel!

* Profile shot

* Any yoga poses you know (and can get into easily)




 

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