There is something rather lovely about photographing that strange little pause before a baby arrives. You know they are coming, you have probably bought far too many tiny clothes, and yet it is still difficult to imagine quite how much life is about to change.
Poonam and Suraj recently came to my studio near Andover for their maternity photoshoot, and we created a gallery that moved from soft and romantic to something altogether more dramatic.
One of the things I love about a full maternity session is having the time to create some variety.
We began with a beautiful dusty pink tulle gown against a simple neutral background. The enormous train did much of the talking, so everything else could stay wonderfully unfussy.
We photographed Poonam on her own and with Suraj, as well as creating some closer portraits focusing on her bump and all the little details that will soon be surprisingly difficult to remember.
We then changed things completely.
A black gown, darker backdrop and more directional lighting gave us a series of much moodier maternity portraits. I particularly love the way the light traces the shape of Poonam's bump in these images. Converting some of them to black and white stripped things back even further.
That combination is one of my favourite things about studio maternity photography - we can create soft, light portraits and much more dramatic fine-art images without having to go anywhere.
Although the focus of a maternity photoshoot is naturally on mum-to-be, partners are very much part of the story.
Some of my favourite photographs from Poonam and Suraj's session are the quiet ones of them together. Hands around the bump, foreheads touching, and Suraj kissing the bump - simple photographs that are about the two of them waiting to meet the little person currently occupying centre stage.
And yes, you can absolutely have photographs on your own as well.
You don't need to arrive at my studio carrying half a wardrobe.
I have a selection of maternity dresses, gowns and fabrics available for clients to use, including the beautiful pink tulle gown Poonam wore here. We'll choose pieces that suit the style of photographs you'd like to create and, during a full maternity session, we have time for outfit changes and different lighting set-ups.
The result doesn't need to feel overly styled. My preference is still for simple portraits where you are the important bit.
I generally recommend having your maternity session at around 32-36 weeks. Your bump is beautifully defined by then, but hopefully you are still comfortable enough to enjoy being photographed.
It is worth booking earlier, though, particularly if you would like a particular date or are also planning a newborn session.
If you are booking a newborn photoshoot with me, I also offer a complimentary Mini Maternity Shoot.
It is completely optional, but it gives you the chance to record this part of the story before your baby arrives. The mini session itself is complimentary, with any images you'd like to keep available to purchase separately for £20 each.
If you would like more variety, outfit changes and a fuller gallery like Poonam and Suraj's, you can instead choose a Full Maternity Shoot.
My studio is in Anna Valley, near Andover in Hampshire, and I welcome maternity and newborn clients from Andover, Winchester, Basingstoke, Salisbury and the surrounding areas.
If you are expecting a baby and would like to find out more about a maternity or newborn photoshoot, get in touch and tell me when you're due.
