The do's and don'ts of maternity photography

The do's and don'ts of maternity photography.

Ah, the miracle of life: Truly something to cherish and celebrate. But if that's the case, why do some maternity photos make me cringe? I get that you want to keep the memories of your pregnancy, but some women go overboard when it comes to maternity photography.

If you're gearing up for some belly shots, follow these simple rules to get gorgeous - not gag-worthy - shots to share with family and friends.

Do: Bare your belly. I think the pregnant belly is adorable, so I don't mind seeing a bare belly shot. Just make sure you're past your second trimester before getting your pictures done. Because remember: You definitely want it to look like a baby belly and not a beer belly, so the bigger the better.

Don't: Bare your entire body. I want to see your belly, but not everything else. If you do decide to strip down to your skivvies or pose in the nude, keep the pics for your partner; don't post them to Facebook for your Great Aunt Gertrude to see.

Do: Include your partner. A few cute shots of your partner caressing your belly or giving it a kiss is adorable. I love seeing partners included in maternity pictures because it shows how pregnancy changes both their lives.

Don't: Get down and dirty. Hold the phone Hollywood: This isn't the time for a full-on passion shoot. While it's sweet to include your partner in your pregnancy photos, no one wants a recap of how this baby was conceived. Keep it in the bedroom.

Do: Add props. I've seen some adorable maternity props used to add a little “extra” to the pictures. From pink and blue ribbons, to letter blocks spelling out baby's names, they're all keepsake material.

Don't: Use your ultrasound picture. It drives me insane when couples superimpose their ultrasound pictures onto the mother's protruding tummy. Not only is this never done tastefully, but ultrasound pictures are way more exciting for the expecting parents than anyone else.

See? It is possible to take tasteful, beautiful pictures during your pregnancy. Just remember: One day you'll have to show your child those pictures, so make sure they're G-rated.

Source:
What to Expect