Bellies As Art
Photographing Your Bump
Are you feeling too self-conscious about your pregnant body and hesitant to schedule a traditional maternity portrait session but still want to capture this special time with portraits? Instead, why not try an artistic belly session. With an artistic belly session the focus is centered around artistic images of your beautiful bump, not full body images as you typically see in more traditional maternity portraits. Some of the images truly are works of art!
How to Plan
First, find a professional photographer that's talented at producing artistic images focusing on the belly because professional lighting plays a key role in artistic belly portraits. There should be samples in their online gallery that show just how creative you can be with images focusing only on the belly. When you call, make sure to tell the photographer your concerns about full body portraits and that you are interested in more artistic images that focus on your belly. Be sure to inquire whether this is considered a standard session or if a higher rate will apply.
Second, decide what type of props you would Iike to use in your image. Flowers around the belly make a beautiful addition, or you may just prefer a simple image of your belly with your wedding ring hand softly place along the side of your bump. You can also include your spouse or other children in an artistic belly session. Images with your spouse can include a portrait with his cheek gently placed beside your belly, or him kissing your belly. With children the same poses are considered classic belly art as well as images such as a toddler's bare feet hanging draped over your belly. You may also like images of fabric artistically draped over your breast and bump in a way that conceals areas other than your belly. This is one of the most requested images I receive from expectant moms. Of course, you can get even more creative and have a henna tattoo drawn on your belly, or use watercolor paints for letting other children write "sister", "brother", or even put their handprints on your belly. The possibilities are endless. Your photographer will also have suggestions and should have a selection of props and fabrics in their studio. Silhouettes are also a great option for artistic belly images too.
Third, plan to schedule the session six to eight weeks before your due date. You want to make sure your belly is nice and round, but it's always a good idea to start looking for a photographer early because they may be booked weeks or months in advance. Look for specials that include a maternity and baby portrait session that passes along a savings to the expectant couple. Some photographers also offer a baby gift registry that you can let friends and family know about in order to purchase gift certificates that can be used toward your portraits.
Fourth, be sure to get a manicure because you'll most likely have your hands in some of the images. A gently body scrub is also a nice treat to add before the session, and to help with a nice glow for your portraits.
Fifth, decide where you want to display your belly photos in your home and take measurements. Wall portraits should be 16x20 and larger. A series of three 11x14 prints is a creative way to display your new images too. An easy way to get a visual for how large you want your wall portrait is to hold one piece of typing paper up to the wall for an 8x10 image, or two for a 16x20. There are numerous options available now for prints that do not need to be framed and offer a more modern look and feel to your new artistic belly portrait.
Most importantly, relax and have fun. Your belly is beautiful!