The Art of Pregnancy Photography (6 page)

The poses selected for these subjects were identical, but the different fabrics used in the images create two very different moods in the portraits.

Tulle can also be used to cover or create transition points in an image. Placing tulle at the point where the background and floor meet, for example, can give a finished look to the image. Dark tulle can be used to form a natural vignette around the edges of the image area. With the subject lying down, use the tulle along all the image edges to draw the viewer’s eye directly to the subject.

BACKGROUNDS

By layering traditional canvas or muslin backgrounds with an interesting, textured fabric clamped over the backdrop, you can create depth and interest in the portrait and create enhanced mood and dimensionality. Make sure that any fabrics to be added to the portrait complement the subject’s hair and skin tones and harmonize with the subject’s clothing and any props. Once the background fabrics are chosen, you can add supplementary fabrics of similar shades, draping them over the background and using them to vignette the subject.

Upholstery fabrics, many of which are patterned and/or textured, though too stiff and heavy for use in draping the client, are perfect for creating an interesting background. Jacquards and other fabrics in botanical prints can work well for maternity portraits. Alternatively, a 3x4-foot or larger throw blanket or rug can be used as an interesting background.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“The joy I felt within my soul for nine months was captured that day with a photograph, and it will stay with me forever.” —Shawna M.

An advantage to working in the client’s home is that their personal belongings are at hand and can be easily added to the portrait.

A simple tapestry was attached to the existing backdrop using clamps in order to create an interesting, textural backdrop for this beautiful subject. To widen the area behind the subject, tulle was used on the left side of the image.

4. POSING

I
n photographic print competition, posing is one element that jumps out at the judges. An awkward pose will destroy any chance an image has of earning a high score.

Poor posing is also readily evident to the general public. When the subject’s pose appears unnatural, the viewer will feel uncomfortable, even if they are not sure what it is that is technically wrong with the image. Conversely, when a photographer is able to capture a natural-looking pose, the viewer will be drawn into the portrait and will feel a connection to the subject.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“This was a unique and spiritual experience that provided me with a special bond with my unborn daughter.” —Ann-Marie H.

Posing is an art in and of itself. Some people are born with the innate ability to position their subjects and immediately see comfort and grace in the pose. Then there are those of us who need to study, practice, and experiment in order to portray our clients in a way that looks natural and
un
posed. There are many steps to learning good posing techniques, and the sections that follow will outline a variety of techniques you can use to improve that aspect of your portraiture.

THE HISTORY OF POSING

From the beginning of time, people have created artistic representations of the human form. From cave drawings, to Renaissance painters, humans are fascinated with depicting one another. That fascination continues for photographers and their clients today.

In the early days of photography, excruciatingly long exposure times meant that portrait subjects had to hold a pose to ensure the success of the image. Today, advances in technology and a host of automated features allow us to easily capture an image in the blink of an eye! Posing, however, is one aspect of portraiture that still requires the photographer’s attention and direction—and always will.

CONCEPTUALIZING THE POSE

Body language is a form of communication, and you want your image to communicate the right message! When we think of a pregnant woman, we have thoughts of motherhood, love, affection, protection, nurturing, warmth, and tenderness. Today, with mothers taking care of their bodies and our increasing societal appreciation of the beauty of the pregnant female form, we also see motherhood as a time of beauty. You might wish to convey any of these moods or feelings in your portrait. This time in a woman’s life is fleeting and very different from any other stage, and it is a privilege to record it. Make it your goal to capture genuine emotion during the shoot.

Nestling the mother and father together created a feeling of security, love, and anticipation between the couple. Their tender interaction helped to tell their story.

THE BASIC POSE

A good pose is one that is flattering to the subject and provocative to the viewer. There are many poses—sitting, standing, or lying—that can easily meet this goal.

Standing
. Photographers always seem to first tackle photographing a pregnant woman by having her stand upright. The assumption is that if she sits, the viewer will not fully see the developed midriff. While a standing pose can be a good place to start your session, you may find that the design and flow of the image is most difficult with a single standing subject than with multiple clients or a seated or lying pose.