DIY Maternity photos for during covid 19 pandemic
DIY Maternity Photography
Many women choose to have professional maternity photos taken before their baby arrives. These photo shoots are a lovely way to remember that special time in your life.
At the moment though with photography studios like mine forced to close their businesses temporarily during the Covid 19 pandemic, many women just like you will likely miss the opportunity to capture their pregnancy with a professional photographer.
So, I am writing this blog today to tell you that you don’t have to miss this opportunity. You can do your own maternity session with my handy guide below.
You don’t need to have any formal photography training to be able to capture some precious memories, you don’t even need to have a DSLR or fancy camera. You can use the camera on your phone and still get some wonderful photographs to treasure.
Firstly, here are a few tips to help you get the most from your DIY maternity session:
- Try to take your photos when you are between 30 & 36 weeks. You want to have a nice sized bump for the photos and waiting too long could mean you miss the opportunity altogether if you go into early labour.
- Get your props ready! This can be baby shoes, baby on board sign, balloons, ultrasound photos, wooden letters, chalk board signs, flowers etc etc
- If you want to include your partner in a few then make sure you know how to use your phone or cameras self-timer.
- A tripod would be handy but if you don’t have one then you can always sit your phone or camera on something like a table or chair for example.
- Plan your clothing in advance. This could be just your underwear, a body suit, a long dress or something more casual like jeans and a top.
- If you plan to wear just your underwear, make sure you wear something light weight in the 2-3 hours leading up to when you plan to take the photos, you don’t want lines on your skin from the seams.
Tips for shooting outside
- If you decide to shoot outside for the session then plan to do this during golden hour which is 1-2 hours before sunset. The sunlight is at its best quality during this time. If you can’t do golden hour then choose an overcast day so you don’t get harsh shadows.
- If you’re shooting outside in sunlight make sure the sun is behind you or to the side of you.
- Keep an eye on what’s in the background, you don’t what the top of a tree growing out of your head!
Tips for shooting inside
- Remember to choose rooms that are nice and light.
- Shoot close to a window to get the best light but not in direct sunlight
- Use other locations in your home that are nice and light too to give variety like the bedroom, conservatory, front room, nursery etc
- You could even do a milk bath session with some nice flowers and or fruit slices.
Posing inspiration
Standing with hands on bump
Sitting with legs crossed on the floor
Lying on back
Hands creating a heart on your bump
Standing in front of a window to create a silhouette
Holding scan photo on bump
Get older siblings involved
For more inspiration I have created a Pinterest board for DIY maternity photos which you can find here https://www.pinterest.co.uk/aeyesphotograph/diy-maternity-photo-shoot/
I hope you find this helpful. If you’re pregnant or just had a baby and looking for more support during the covid 19 pandemic then I have a Facebook Group set up to provide support, you can join here https://www.facebook.com/groups/pregnancyandbirthsupportsouthsomerset/
If you have any questions at all then you're welcome to comment below.
