DAISY’S TOP TIPS ON PHOTOGRAPHING THE PERFECT BABY BUMP
Daisy Seilern, is an Austrian photographer, who has wanted to take pictures ever since she was a little girl. She included journalism and languages with her photography studies to broaden her professional opportunities. After working many years for publications such as InStyle and BUNTE, she decided to open her own photo studio in Salzburg, where she now works as a freelance photographer when she is not travelling on commissions around the world. She loves the freedom and flexibility her work brings, enabling her take on projects as well as spend time with her young family. Daisy lives in Salzburg with her husband and three children, and speaks five languages.
Finding out that you are a pregnant will be one of the most exciting and emotional phases in your life. The arrival of a baby will bring with it many transformations, starting with the changing shape of the expectant mother’s baby bump to the life changes that any additional member will mean for a family. Needless to say, this amazing time should not be left undocumented for the future, whether you choose to do a professional photo shoot session, ask your partner or friend to take snaps, or even capture moments with selfies.
But before you start, Daisy would like to share some essential tips to ensure that you get the best images that will be a great reminder for years to come.
SIZE OF BUMP – WHAT STAGE OF PREGNANCY IS BEST FOR PICTURES?
In my experience the best moment for a baby bump shoot is around the 32 week mark. The belly will be visible, but not overwhelming and still in a good shape. This often becomes more difficult after 35 weeks, due to the pregnancy side effects which start to emerge at around that time.
THE OUTFIT – WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
I always ask my clients not to hide the belly, as this is the focus of the shoot session. Something close-fitting, figure accentuating and flattering will work best. Outfits in natural colours or light pastel tones are better, while patterns are a no go! Less is definitely more!!
ANGLES & POSES – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Photographs taken with the mother-to be standing are always more flattering than sitting down. Frontal pictures usually conceal the belly, while turning sideways at an angle of between 45 to 90 degrees works really well to capture the growing bump. Placing a hand on it, will help to visually reinforce the bond between mother and child. Leaning against a wall and looking down is a favourite pose, but you should fixate your eyes on a point in front of you to look natural (and this will avoid the possibility of a double chin!). If you choose to lye down, go on your back and place one hand on your stomach and one under it. Using a prop like chair for the person taking the pictures to gain height, can work to minimise unwanted curves, while varying the expressions from dreamy to radiantly happy is advantageous.
HANDS – POSITIONING SHOULD VARY.
Touching the belly is a natural mother-to-be pose, which will accentuate the bump. However, it is always good to vary the hand poses and positioning, such as placing hands on the hip, running fingers through hair or placing thumbs in pockets.
LIGHTING – WHAT WORKS BEST?
The best time to shoot outdoors is the GOLDEN HOUR – 90 minutes before the sun sets, time time for a beautiful soft light - my favourite! For Indoor sessions, avoid any direct flash and use either reflected light, natural light (through for example a large window) or a softbox (photographers' prop for a soft flash). Lighting indoors can be more easily managed than outdoors. Ensuring the background is dark or neutral will avoid distraction from YOU and your belly.
GETTING CREATIVE – WHAT PROPS CAN I USE?
This is really up to you, but you can paint your belly with finger colours, wrap a bow around your waist, or use props such as: name blocks and baby shoes, but try to make sure it does not become too kitsch.
GETTING CLOSE – HOW TO INCLUDE MY PARTNER?
When you are having photographs taken with your partner, get as close to each other as possible - thereby radiating affection and security.
I wish you all the best and lots of fun when photographing during this very special time of your life!
Daisy Seilern-Aspang
Instagram: daisy.seilern