Choosing a Maternity Photographer

Selecting a photographer to capture your pregnancy is an important decision. Once the baby's here, you can't go back and redo the shots if you didn't like them, so you need to get it right the first time. It can be tough enough scheduling maternity photos since you may be working until the baby arrives, and taking time off to have a photo session means time you won't get to take off with the baby. So you don't want to have to do it twice!

Maternity photography is different from other portraiture, in that the photographer's skills with both posing and lighting make an even greater difference in the final images. The right pose and the right lighting greatly influence how good you'll look in your photos. Many pregnant women are a bit self-conscious about the extra weight they've put on, and good lighting can greatly minimize any weight gain. The right posing helps with that a lot, too. An inexperienced photographer may pose you in a way that is anything but flattering. Look for lighting that sculpts the curves of the pregnant form, avoiding photographers whose lighting is even and flat in their maternity portraits.

You'll also want to work with a photographer who respects the degree of modesty with which you are comfortable. Talk with the photographer about the types of photographs you want, and find out in advance if they are willing to work with you on that, or if they have certain notions about the photographs that might make you uncomfortable. Don't select a photographer who insists on photographing you in the nude if you're not comfortable with that! The curves of the nude pregnant body are beautiful, and can be photographed in a way that you will not be uncomfortable sharing with others, but it needs to be your choice. You want to have a good level of comfort with your photographer, as it would be great to build a relationship with someone who could then go on to photograph your baby once he or she arrives.

See more samples of Mary Lynne's maternity photography at: www.ashleyphotography.com. Mary Lynne is a professional photographer specializing in babies, children, families and pregnant mothers in her downtown Colorado Springs studio.