Preparing For A Motherhood Portrait

"Motherhood" portraits are often made in the third trimester when it is more obvious a baby is on the way. Getting ready for a maternity portrait begins with the first step -- selection of an appropriate studio or a professional photographer. Online searches may give you a list of the many studios or photographers available in your area. Be sure to see or ask for samples of their work and ask about their rates.

Begin to collect examples of the kind of of maternity portrait that you would like to have by going through examples of their work or from images you have have collected from books, magazines or online. Black and white photographs can be very artistic so be open to the photographer’s suggestions. Also ask about clothing choices for the maternity portrait as the studio will be more experienced in what has been popular for this type of session.

It is up to you to decide if you want to be photographed at home, outdoors or in the studio. It can be very special to include your husband in the portrait. It is also not uncommon to have your children included in the portrait.

A maternity portrait will have more meaning if it is obvious you are expecting. During the first trimester, the pregnancy will hardly be visible. The seventh or eighth month is a good choice as you will look pregnant but may not feel the discomfort that may come with the last month or two. For some ideas about the look you want in your maternity portrait, know that some mothers prefer to have their silhouette taken, while some like to have their portraits done in nude or semi-nude. Another idea is to be photographed wearing their husband's shirt. It is necessary to wear clothes or gowns that can show your belly prominently.

When expecting your first child, you may like to consider the motherhood portrait as the first family portrait. Have Dad listening to the child's heart beat with his ears pressed close to or kissing the baby bump. If it is not the first child, it could still be a first family portrait of the unborn child, having the siblings hugging the bump, welcoming the child. Expectant mothers need not worry about stretch marks showing in their portraits. The studios aim to please the customers and ensure that the expectant mothers look beautiful.

Have your portrait taken by a professional and celebrate the unique experience of being pregnant. A motherhood portrait is a wonderful way of treasuring your moments of joy.