Suggestions Anyone? Pregnancy Photos.

[MaxPower]

A friend of mine asked me if i would do some maternity photos of her. Of course I agreed. I thought of it a s an honor.

My problem is this: I am limited with gear.

Minolta Maxxum 450si SLR.
Minolta Maxxum 70 SLR.
Minolta 28 - 80 lens.
Minolta 75 - 300 lens.

The only flash I have is the one built into the camera and I have no lighting, backdrops etc.

I'll probably be shooting at their home, using the available light.

So any suggestions as to what I should shoot, how to accomplish good results given the gear and situation to provide my friends with results they will be happy with? I was thinking of some window light shots, a silhouette, perhaps a soft light shot of her bare belly. stuff like that.

It's a one shot deal, and I don't want to screw anything up.

[natatbeach]

you've got everything you need...use the windows and make sure mom is comfortable...and have fun...I posted some maternity shots some time back will see if I can find some...o.k. threw them together into a collage(sorry it's bad but it gives you ides...all light was built in flash...window light and bakyard light under tree....using d70 and an 18-50mm lense and a 105 mm lense...hope this helps

[MaxPower]

you've got everything you need...use the windows and make sure mom is comfortable...and have fun...I posted some maternity shots some time back will see if I can find some...o.k. threw them together into a collage(sorry it's bad but it gives you ides...all light was built in flash...window light and bakyard light under tree....using d70 and an 18-50mm lense and a 105 mm lense...hope this helps

Thanks natatbeach. I knew I could count on you for a response.

Those are the type of shots I was thinking of.

I was wondering of how comfortable she would be posing in her bra. How did you get your model to feel comfortable doing that? Keep in mind the mom is my best friend's wife.

I was also wondering about using some filters. The only filter I have is a polarizer, but I want to get a few soft looking shots as well. What type of filter do I want?

I did manage to get my hands on some black photographer's paper to be used as a back drop. That might help.

Again thanks for the comments.

[paulnj]

filter to soften the image........ stocking over the lens, UV with dots from a sharpie, vaseline ;)

ah, then there is PS

[katt]

I've got a bunch, mostly natural light, on my site, if you want to check them out.
May help a bit.

Most women know what they want when they ask for maternity portraits. So, ask her what she is looking for. She may be more comfortable with her husband there as well. Moral support and all that.

[natatbeach]

the bra was her idea...kat is right about asking her...and him what they are comfortable with...

This gal answered the door in what she called "her beautiful black lacey bra" regardless it's good to suggest they wear something they feeel pretty and comfortable in...and save lots of time if your rushed to go somewhere and you limit your time and her time it just makes for stress all around...

have fun


the soft focus like Paul said is PS diffused glow...I like to add effects afterwards....that way I have flexibility to do ANYTHING i please with the original....below the smallest one is the original...the three versions she had to print from on the final cd

[MaxPower]

Great suggestions. Thanks all.

I just finished an email to "mama" (I sent her some links to pregnancy photography web pages) and it gave her some ideas. She said she is open to anything. She really wants some bare belly shots but she was more concerned if I would feel comfortable. So it seems like we should have a pretty good session.

All we have to do now is set up a day and time and we'll be all set.

Hopefully if the photos turn out, I'll put some up here.