Hello my lovelies,
As this lockdown continues on and on, and more of my photoshoots have to be postponed, I had a lightbulb moment – maternity photoshoots are not photoshoots that can simply be ‘rescheduled’ after lockdown as babies don’t wait for you to have your bump photoshoot first! It is more than possible to take some pretty photographs of yourself at home to commemorate this special time, so here’s some simple tricks that you can use if you won’t be able to get to a photography studio before baby arrives.
What you will need:
- a window
- daylight
- a camera (a phone will work just fine!)
- a person to photograph you (a partner, son, daughter… any willing volunteer will do!) or a self timer & way to prop your camera up
- if you don’t have a plain background or can’t move furniture out of the way, you could use a blanket or a bedsheet hung up using a clothes rail or even a clotheshorse.
Outfit Ideas
There are no rules for outfits when it comes to a bump photoshoot except for something you feel beautiful in, but my recommendations are:
- something plain or lightly patterned but not too distracting
- something tight fitting, or shows off your bump well
- alternatively, you could choose a crop top & leggings, lingerie or cute underwear, or even nude! (Just be careful of standing next to a window that people can see in, haha!)
Right, let’s get started. First – just let me transition into a pregnant woman…
Okay okay I know that it’s absolutely not a realistic expectation of a pregnant person but a football to go under my dress was the best I had okay?!
How to Pose
I have a few favourite tricks for posing someone who is pregnant, I have attached a gif underneath so you can visualise each step.
Step 1: Turn side on to the camera – face the window.
Step 2: Bend leg nearest the camera & point foot. Don’t be afraid to overexaggerate.
Step 3: Arm nearest the camera goes underneath your bump, then slightly backwards to bend the arm.
Step 4: Other arm goes on top of your bump, almost like you’re holding a beach ball… Or in my case, a football… Haha
Step 5: Bring chin forward and down. It feels weird but it will ensure that you don’t get a double chin when you look down towards your bump.
Step 6: Make sure your back is straight and don’t be afraid to let your tummy hang out and push your bum out to accentuate your beautiful mummy-to-be curves!
First Set Up
Stand to one side of the window, ideally the side that has a nice plain background if the room is decorated that way – like where I’m stood above. Angle yourself 45 degrees onto the window, and have your photographer take the photo ideally from around bump or chest height – not too far above like my partner has below, or it can be a bit of a strange perspective of your bump.
Here’s what we got:
Second Set Up
This is my favourite type of lighting! So ideally, you’ll need curtains for this shot – if you don’t have curtains, you could pin up some blankets. Close the curtains so that there is one strip of light coming through – you will want to stand slightly to the side of it, between the light and the camera (please see quick screenshot below if you’re confused). Ask your photographer to line the camera up so that there is a gap between your bump and the curtains, and to expose for the face (you can do that on a touch screen phone by clicking on the face)
What we got:
And there we are! I know they’re not perfect, but much better than missing out on the opportunity all together. Get creative with it – the trick to any good photograph is good lighting. You could even add props like flowers, teddy bears, or even your partner and/or other children. Have a look through our images below or have a scroll through our Facebook page or Instagram for some inspiration!
On a final note… If you give it a go, please tag me or send me your images as I would LOVE to see them. (I won’t share them without your permission, of course)
Good luck and if you need any help – just get in touch!
Zoë x
