Over the weekend I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely couple from Borehamwood - Tanya and Gary, who are expecting their first child in the middle of next month. Tanya had contacted me a couple of months ago via my dedicated maternity and baby photography website Bump2Baby Portraits to arrange a photo shoot in her home.
We had a really good session in both their garden and in my home studio setup that I am able to take to clients’ homes. Despite being slightly nervous at first, with my calming reassurance, they both soon relaxed and we were able to capture some lovely images which I’m sure they’re going to love when they see them and will give them a lasting memory of this special time. Hopefully they’ll agree that I can post a couple of the shots up from the session here once they’ve had a chance to see them for themselves.
I really do find that being in surroundings that you are used to helps clients to relax and enjoy their photo sessions a lot more. There’s no need to worry about arriving at a studio late, having to find somewhere to park, forgetting something and generally feeling rushed and flustered. I am able to set my equipment up in most locations and situations, whatever the space available. I will generally travel to clients within a 20 mile radius of Watford, Hertfordshire, though if clients live further afield, we can normally work something out.
Slideshow gallery
Here is a slideshow of some photos taken recently during a few Bump 2 Baby Portraits photo shoots.
Maternity photography FAQ's
When is the best time to get my photographs taken?
Some clients have a series of photographs taken through the entire pregnancy to give themselves a complete record of their journey, while some wait until they are a good size before they ask us to take their photos. If you decide you only want one photo shoot before the birth of your baby, then it is best to wait until around 34-37 week mark to make the most of your bump.
Where will the photo shoot take place?
The photo shoot will usually take place in the comfort of your own home in surroundings that you are used to. This helps you to relax, enjoy the session and for us to get the best results with you. I have a full range of professional, portable studio lighting equipment such as studio lights and collapsible backdrops. Obviously there is a limit on how much space is required to set everything up so I will discuss this with you during our initial conversations.
What should I wear on the day?
That depends entirely on how comfortable you are with the photographs and the photographer. Before a photo shoot, I like to send the client a ‘posing guide’ which shows examples of possible shots that we can try on the day. There is a real mix of shots in the posing guide and something to suit every level of confidence. If you intend to have more natural shots, then I recommend you wear loose fitting clothes for at least 2 hours prior to the session. This makes sure that there are no marks on your skin from tight elastic and such like.
I'm a little shy, will the photographer be a man?
This is a question we often get asked. Your photographer is a man, however.....a female member of the team is on hand at all times to make you feel comfortable and to discreetly help with posing. The photographer will even turn his back or leave the room if it would make you more comfortable when changing poses or clothing. Many of our maternity clients have commented on how relaxed and discreet our service is. Of course, you may want to include your husband/partner in the photo shoot and that is also completely fine. If you’d like to, and if your husband/partner isn’t available on the day of your shoot, feel free to have a friend with you during the photo shoot instead.
I have stretch marks or other blemishes on my skin, the photos will look awful, won't they?
With modern computer software like Adobe Photoshop I work hard to make sure that stretch marks and other skin blemishes are completely removed. I use a variety of techniques to remove unwanted and unsightly marks, but if you want them to remain natural then please tell us before we leave.
What if I get tired during the photoshoot?
As parents ourselves we know how tiring your pregnancy can be, so we take the time you need at your convenience. If you need to take a break that is fine. We recommend that you rest fully 2 hours before we arrive to make sure you are at your best.
Will the whole world be able to see my photos afterwards?
Absolutely not! Once the photos have been worked on after your shoot, I will send you a DVD slideshow (for viewing via your TV) and set of small contact sheets in the post. You can then view the photos in the comfort of your own home. The photos can also be made available in a secure, password protected, online gallery for you to see them should you so wish.
I want to reassure you that I will treat your photos and details with complete professional confidentiality. None of your photos will ever appear on websites or in published promotional material without your authorised and signed permission. I realise that the photos may be of a personal nature to you and your confidentiality is guaranteed.
Some clients have a series of photographs taken through the entire pregnancy to give themselves a complete record of their journey, while some wait until they are a good size before they ask us to take their photos. If you decide you only want one photo shoot before the birth of your baby, then it is best to wait until around 34-37 week mark to make the most of your bump.
Where will the photo shoot take place?
The photo shoot will usually take place in the comfort of your own home in surroundings that you are used to. This helps you to relax, enjoy the session and for us to get the best results with you. I have a full range of professional, portable studio lighting equipment such as studio lights and collapsible backdrops. Obviously there is a limit on how much space is required to set everything up so I will discuss this with you during our initial conversations.
What should I wear on the day?
That depends entirely on how comfortable you are with the photographs and the photographer. Before a photo shoot, I like to send the client a ‘posing guide’ which shows examples of possible shots that we can try on the day. There is a real mix of shots in the posing guide and something to suit every level of confidence. If you intend to have more natural shots, then I recommend you wear loose fitting clothes for at least 2 hours prior to the session. This makes sure that there are no marks on your skin from tight elastic and such like.
I'm a little shy, will the photographer be a man?
This is a question we often get asked. Your photographer is a man, however.....a female member of the team is on hand at all times to make you feel comfortable and to discreetly help with posing. The photographer will even turn his back or leave the room if it would make you more comfortable when changing poses or clothing. Many of our maternity clients have commented on how relaxed and discreet our service is. Of course, you may want to include your husband/partner in the photo shoot and that is also completely fine. If you’d like to, and if your husband/partner isn’t available on the day of your shoot, feel free to have a friend with you during the photo shoot instead.
I have stretch marks or other blemishes on my skin, the photos will look awful, won't they?
With modern computer software like Adobe Photoshop I work hard to make sure that stretch marks and other skin blemishes are completely removed. I use a variety of techniques to remove unwanted and unsightly marks, but if you want them to remain natural then please tell us before we leave.
What if I get tired during the photoshoot?
As parents ourselves we know how tiring your pregnancy can be, so we take the time you need at your convenience. If you need to take a break that is fine. We recommend that you rest fully 2 hours before we arrive to make sure you are at your best.
Will the whole world be able to see my photos afterwards?
Absolutely not! Once the photos have been worked on after your shoot, I will send you a DVD slideshow (for viewing via your TV) and set of small contact sheets in the post. You can then view the photos in the comfort of your own home. The photos can also be made available in a secure, password protected, online gallery for you to see them should you so wish.
I want to reassure you that I will treat your photos and details with complete professional confidentiality. None of your photos will ever appear on websites or in published promotional material without your authorised and signed permission. I realise that the photos may be of a personal nature to you and your confidentiality is guaranteed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
