"NEW LIFE" (Maternity Portraiture)

 You know, it's been many years since Demi Moore's bold pregnancy photo graced the cover of Vanity Fair magazine.  Since then many women have been inspired to document their pregnancies with maternity portraits. And with good reason. A special fascination surrounds pregnancy and the remarkable changes it brings to a woman's body. Just as maternity fashions have evolved from concealing a woman's pregnant tummy to highlighting it, expectant parents have moved beyond recording their pregnancy with an occasional snapshot. No longer shy about their changing shapes, pregnant women now celebrate it.

 Traditionally known for our family, senior and children's portraiture, Barbee's Studio is now one of the premier studios for your maternity portraits. In this day and age, women are getting married well into their 30s and 40s and having babies later. As pregnancy becomes a greater challenge, documenting this precious time has become most popular.

   Many women are not sure what to expect during a maternity photo shoot, but many leave feeling like they have spent a few fun hours being pampered and feeling beautiful.

    With the body changes that are common during pregnancy, many women are not sure what to wear to a maternity photo session. Keeping it simple and subtle makes for the best poses and photos.

    Pregnancy takes the greater part of a year, and women may want to wait until the third trimester before planning maternity portraits. That way, the photographer is sure to capture the fullness of a woman's tummy. Taking the portraits too soon may not offer you the results you wanted.

    Many women interested in maternity portraits will will see a variation of types of images: black and white, color, and sepia tones. Does it matter what type of film is used?

    Posing for maternity photos involves the obvious: getting your best side. However, how your 'best side' is captured does vary. All photos are primarily taken from the side. You'll want to capture your tummy's fullness. Spot lighting is used to highlight the stomach and face only. The session is usually done standing up because the body position needs to show the tummy fully. This is the most flattering position. However, contemporary poses such as sitting on a bench or stool, lying down, or kneeling, may also be done, taking into consideration the comfort and safety of the woman, of course.

   Pregnancy is a wonderful, magical time for every woman. Just as we attempt to capture other milestone moments in our lives...a new home, a child's first day of school, and other special occasions, documenting pregnancy through portraits is a wonderful way to capture the vitality and beauty of having a baby.

Your pregnancy is a special time that should be documented professionally because it can't be redone. That's why it's so important to hire a professional photographer who also specializes in this type of photography, so you can ensure that your photographs reflect and capture one of the most cherished and beautiful times in a woman's life.

 HOW TO POSE

There are as many variations on images and poses for maternity portraits as there are expectant women. Most pregnant women feel naturally drawn to the artier aspects of black-and-white. Nudes, semi-nudes, and silhouettes are popular approaches, However, there are also women who feel more at ease fully clothed in vibrant color outside in a field. This is your portrait session; most photographers are extremely accommodating. Natural lighting during the daylight hours, either inside or outside, also is a wonderful way to capture the pregnant form.

 TO COLOR OR NOT TO COLOR

It's a matter of preference and desired results. You can choose color or black-and-white for maternity portraits, and both offer great results, however, black-and-white is recommended for a strong contrast. And remember, the photo shoot should have dramatic lighting to highlight the tummy and face and offer a beautiful shot."

 MAKING TIME

There is a 'best time' to take maternity portraits, it's usually best to be near the very end of your pregnancy. Yes, women are bigger and have gained some weight, but this is part of the beauty of pregnancy.

 WARDROBE WONDERS

There is no need to run out and buy some expensive maternity gown or outfit, most women wear a simple black or white lingerie robe. Simple thin clothing works well to show off the pregnancy and your tummy, which is what you want. We can provide the necessary material to create the images you prefer.

 EXPECTING BEAUTY

Pregnancy is a very special time, it's only natural that couples would want a special photograph as a memento. In our portraits, we seek to capture the beauty of forming life. We are always aware that this photograph is not only a meaningful portrait of the new mother, but almost always the first picture in the new baby's photo album. Although many women feel uncomfortable having their photograph taken even when they're not pregnant, we take care to help them relax and enjoy the session.

 THE CONCEPT OF MATERNITY PORTRAITS

A maternity portrait is not just a great souvenir to be appreciated by the generation you are creating, but also a beautiful way to adapt to your new body image. One of our customers commented: "Looking at my portrait felt like I was stepping outside of my body for a moment. From the outside, without the discomforts involved, I could finally see the beauty in me. It made me feel so feminine."

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