Introduction
The importance of capturing this unique moment
Calling on a professional photographer to immortalize this moment is essential for high-quality photos. Pregnancy is an important moment in the life of a couple or a family. In fact, as I write these lines, my wife is pregnant with our third child. And we're on our way to Barcelona (a 5-hour drive) to immortalize the moment with a Spanish photographer friend (Victor Lax).
What you will learn in this article
You'll discover all the tips and tricks you need to prepare your pregnancy photos in Clermont Ferrand, including where and when to take them, and how to get ready for beautiful photos. We'll also give you advice on how to prepare your album and print after the photo shoot. So you can preserve your memories for years to come.
Tip 1: Choose the right moment for photos
When to start?
Ideally, the belly should be well rounded. So around the 7th month of pregnancy. Browse the portfolios of the different photographers in Clermont Ferrand to find out what kind of atmosphere you want for your photo memories.
Why timing is crucial
The timing of the photo shoot is important, because you can't do everything if the shoot takes place close to the deadline. You won't be able to do much driving, for example. This limits the location of the pregnancy shoot. What's more, within a few weeks, you could have a very different landscape, like autumn or winter. If you can, aim for autumn for its warm, flamboyant colors. In winter, if there's snow on the ground, you can take a trip to the forest or mountains for an epic rendering.
Tip 2: Preparation and dressing
Which clothes to choose
Depending on the location and the season, the choice of clothing will be a little different. But keep in mind to have coordinated clothes if you're doing a pregnancy shoot as a couple or with your family.
Choose solid-colored, neutral clothing.
Avoid:
- Black or very dark clothing
- Large prints.
If the duration of the photo shoot allows it, you can bring a second outfit. And if it's cold, take a down jacket to throw on just before the photo is taken.
Make-up and hair
I can't advise you enough to work with a team of professionals. They know what looks good on a pregnancy shoot. Particularly when it comes to make-up, which is usually more elaborate.
Tip 3: Choosing the right location
Studio vs Outdoor
In the studio, you'll have the pleasure of being warm - or cool - if you're not a fan of an outdoor session. The studio photographer knows his or her lighting perfectly, and you can choose the background color.
Outdoors, an infinite number of landscapes are available to you. Just discuss it with your pregnancy photographer. You can also enjoy the beauty of nature and its seasons. Strong or soft light, mastered and sublimated by your pregnancy photographer.
At the foot of a Mont Dore waterfall, in the Chaudefour valley, in a typical village in the Clermont Ferrand region. In short, a multitude of landscapes changing with the seasons.
Advantages and disadvantages
Studio :
- Advantages: temperature, location, light
- Disadvantages: very limited, no epic landscapes, no seasons, little diversity.
Outdoor :
- Advantages: breathtaking scenery, different lighting at sunset or during the day, change of location
- Disadvantages: need to travel, climate
As you can see, I'm more of an outdoor person. I don't do studio pregnancy shoots. But it's simply a matter of taste.
Tip 4: Accessories
Using symbolic accessories
Mistakes to avoid
Remember to remove any keys, cigarette packets or phones from your pockets, as they'll be very visible in the photo. Avoid fluorescent sports watches or unsuitable rings, as your hands will be photographed close-up on your round belly. Choose an elegant, timeless watch that won't mark your photos over time.
The best thing to do is ask your professional photographer for advice. Trust him or her.
Tip 5: Poses and expressions
Finding flattering poses
To do this, you can take inspiration from photos you find on the Internet, Instagram or even Pinterest. Don't worry about it too much. You'll be guided throughout the photo shoot.
The importance of facial expression
To get the most natural photos possible, you'll need to try not to look too tense. It's not always easy, I admit. Remember to relax your mouth muscles. You can smile or leave a space between your lips for a natural, relaxed effect.
To do this, try to relax and think about your beautiful baby.
Tip 6: Choosing the right paragraph
How to choose a good pregnancy photographer
There are many professionals offering pregnancy photos in the Clermont Ferrand, Issoire and Lyon area. Browse through their portfolios to find out which one speaks to you most. Contact them to discuss your requirements and see if the feeling is right.
What to look for in a portfolio
Tip 7: Include partners and children
Involving the family
Pregnancy photos can be a great opportunity to photograph the whole family. Siblings will be delighted to be part of it. It can make for great family memories. And this time everyone will be in the picture.
Posing with loved ones
You can also involve grandparents, uncles and aunties, or future godparents. They'll love the attention. And they can only do a very small part of the pregnancy shoot. Another advantage: they'll look after the siblings while you pose.
Tip 8: Prepare yourself mentally
The importance of mental well-being
Go into this session feeling happy and calm. If it's not the right time of year, there's nothing to stop you postponing it for a few days. If you're happy and mentally well, it will show in the photos. And the result will be magnificent. You'll glow. Don't hesitate to do a massage or meditation session the day before. Just to make sure you look your best.
How to relax before your session
Spend time with your loved ones, take advantage of quiet moments, and if you have children, have them look after you. We'll forget about a glass of wine - unfortunately, it's not the right time of year. But a relaxing bath or shower will do you a world of good.
Tip 9: Photo post-processing
What to expect from the retouching process
The limits of retouching
Tip 10: Photo conservation
How to preserve your photos for future generations
Your pregnancy photos deserve to be printed and kept in a family album. The electronics can fail, and if they do, your photos will disappear from the hard drive.
So you can preserve your photos in two ways: first digitally on your hard drives, and then by printing them in prints, frames and quality albums.
Storage and printing options
Back up your photos on at least two geographically separate disks. Once you've done that, you've done more than 99 % of the population. Next, make an album with your photographer. He'll be able to offer you top-of-the-range photo albums. The colorimetry will be respected, the paper will last for decades. And you'll avoid wasting your money on a cheap album with approximate color renderings. Some customers have had photos tending towards orange, because they had printed an album on a cheap consumer website.
Conclusion
Summary of the 10 tips
- To immortalize a unique moment like pregnancy, it's essential to hire a professional photographer for quality images.
- Once you've found a pregnancy photographer you like, book the date around the 7th month of your pregnancy.
- Plan a trip to the make-up artist and don't forget to prepare your outfits, preferably in pastel and solid colors.
- Invite friends and family to join in at the beginning of the session.
- Once you've retouched your photos, remember to save them in two different places and have a high-end album made. This way, you'll be able to preserve those precious moments in a family's life in the best possible conditions, and on a quality medium.
