Master the Maternity Session

Working with engaged couples and new parents is a blast because it means seeing people at their happiest. Emotions run high and the images captured serve as valuable reminders of important life events, from weddings to first birthdays. An event that is quite different from those is the pregnancy itself. Maternity sessions are exciting in their own right, but instead of the high-energy images captured at weddings and family portraits, there is an underlying sense of serenity mixed with anxious anticipation at a maternity session. Capturing this is so worthwhile - if you know anyone who is expecting, see if they'll let you try your hand at maternity photography to see if it's something you want to add to your repertoire!

Typically taken after the 30-week mark (I find 32 weeks to be ideal), maternity photographs should show off a mom-to-be's connection with her child and make her feel beautiful even though she's likely quite uncomfortable and ready for baby to come out! Selecting a location that is special to the couple, encouraging her to bring a few outfits that make her feel great, and shooting a variety of angles and poses will make for a successful maternity session. Incorporate props from baby's nursery or the other parent into the session for extra special images. Not only will the parents love having reminders of how they felt while waiting on their little one to arrive, but the child will get to see how loved he or she was even before taking a first breath!

-Friday Ambassador

What a Difference Experience Makes!

No matter how many weddings I shoot, I get the same nerves today that I got the very first time I interned as a second shooter. The day before, I meticulously look over my checklist again and again, making sure all batteries are charged and lenses are clear. Because I am naturally anxious (thanks, genetics), even knowing that all my equipment is prepped is not enough to calm the nerves! When all else fails, it helps at least a little to look back at my early work to see how far my work has come.

On the left you'll see a shot from my very first wedding. Luckily I was second shooter, because check out those blown-out highlights - eek! While it is a sweet enough pose, the positioning of the couple could have been far better (just a few feet to the left for a fully green backdrop and a little more space over his head) and the moment a little less stiff overall.


Fast forward a few years to a recent wedding. The photo on the right is so much more natural, properly exposed, and shot with a far better lens! The framing has more interest and shows off the location (which the couple selected for a reason - it was gorgeous!). This was a moment in between poses, when the couple was laughing and enjoying themselves instead of worrying about where to put their hands or how real their smiles looked. Viewing these images the day before a wedding reminds me how far I've come and at least helps me beat a few nerves to get some sleep!

Before you trash those old photos that no longer reflect your capabilities, put a few in a folder that you can look back on when you start to doubt yourself or turn into a big ball of nerves. Whether it's a commercial shot with amateurish lighting or a super stiff portrait cut off at the wrists, be proud that you have learned from your mistakes and remember that we've all made them!

It would be so fun to see some side-by-sides of your "then and now" examples. If you have any to share, head on over to the PSPN Google+ page to show how much you've grown as a photographer! 

Nerves and Nuptials: Making Couples Comfortable with your Camera

Working with human subjects can be intimidating, especially once you begin taking professional, paying jobs.  It is incredibly important to get the hang of it while you are still a student.  One subject is hard enough, but trying to capture a couple's intimacy is extra tricky.  When I took my first engagement job, it was for two friends who knew my experience level and were just happy to get photographs for free.  We spent three hours walking around the city where they met, finding backdrops that meant something to the two of them and making time for several outfit changes.  They were comfortable with me and in front of the camera, which is not usually the case!  The majority of wedding and portrait clients are pretty camera-shy.  Knowing how to work with nervous clients has been one of my biggest assets since I began taking on paid jobs.  

Meeting with clients ahead of the shoot is ideal, but not always possible.  Imagine you get to an engagement shoot on a day that is nearly freezing.  There is no time to chat and get comfortable with one another, so you have to find another way to make the couple feel at ease in front of your camera.  What do you do?  One option that has worked for me is just to step back a bit and let them interact, allowing them to get the feel for being the center of attention without having the added pressure of a camera three feet from their faces.  One reason engagement shoots are so valuable if you choose to shoot weddings is that getting your couples used to you and your camera will make the wedding photos easier and more natural.

Having an engaged couple hug or kiss while you're farther away is less awkward than being a few feet from their faces:

Soon enough, your clients will relax with you a bit closer.  While it may feel weird to ask them to move a certain way or put their hands somewhere specific, I've found that the more nervous they are, the more they want your help!  Make suggestions like "if you move your hands just a little lower you'll look more natural and relaxed" so they understand why they are making those small adjustments.  

Encouragement goes a long way - make sure you let your clients know that they are looking great and be enthusiastic about your compositions!  Showing them one or two images along the way will invest them more in the session and get them excited about what you are creating together.

Once they loosen up, you'll be able to get in close without making them uncomfortable. 

Do you have questions or concerns about working with models and clients?  Have you found successful techniques for photographing couples?  Leave a comment and let us know!

-Friday Ambassador