The birth of a child is one of the most wonderful and miraculous experiences in a person's life. And what better way to express your emotions than with a tasteful maternity photoshoot!

As a photographer, when you are entrusted with the task of a maternity photoshoot there is a lot to unpack:

The style the Mother wants to express

The themes to explore

Family members who will be involved

Apart from these, there are certain traditional shots that make each maternity shoot worth celebrating.

The mother's belly is the integral part of the Maternity Photo Shoot, so get as many photos as possible of the belly in different lighting and angles. Mothers naturally hold their bump and it makes for extremely poignant photos as well. If the father is involved in the shoot, get photos of him holding the belly as well.

Angles:

Get picture from the top looking down to the mother's belly as they put a focus on the baby bump. The parents snuggling each other on the bed with the baby bump between them is another precious photo.

Lighting:

The lighting for each photoshoot depends on not just the mother's wishes for the final photograph, but also on the environment the photos are being taken in.

For a dramatic flair, indoor shots can be composed in black and white with highlight on one colour to bring out the photo in a surreal manner.

Outdoor shoots which make full use of the natural light can utilize shots which incorporates the mother's silhouette against the sun and plays with shadows.

Posture:

Get the mother's photos in as many postures as she feels comfortable in. Apart from sitting and standing shots, adjust the perspective to bring out the shape and feel of her baby bump. If couples are involved in the photoshoot, make their bond show as well with the focus on the baby bump. After all, these family photos are ones that will be cherished for years to come!

Children:

In case the family has children already, incorporate them in the photoshoot too. Not only does it make for great sibling photos, it is a precious bonding moment for the mother, siblings and the baby. As the photographer, it gives you a chance to interact and forge long lasting bonds with the client. Making the family feel safe and open allows them to view you as a trusted photographer!

Furry Friends:

For a lot of us, pets are a part of the family too. Getting shots with the family pet and the mother to be is a unique way to create and save memories. If you don't have much experience dealing with animals, worry not! We're starting our next series with the popular pet photography tricks and tips.

When doing a maternity photo shoot in India, you have to keep in mind that the mother's comfort is of utmost importance. Sitting down and discussing the goals of the photoshoot, deciding the location and wardrobe in advance helps both the client and the photographer to get a clearer understanding of the photoshoot and everything which may be involved in that.