Creative Use of Light and Shadows for Maternity Pictures

Have you ever wondered how light (natural or artificial) can enhance or ruin your photographs depending on how well you make use of it? The tips listed below are simple and easy for a professional-looking photograph.

• Stand near a window with natural light. Make sure to switch off your flash. Go for a profile shot. This will accentuate your features. Place an artificial source of light like a lamp, to create a warm glow, or go for a black and white picture.
  
• Some love to go in for a dim-lit photo with the main focus (more brightly lit) to the face, while the rest of the features are mildly illuminated. This kind of lighting helps in focusing the face better and distracts attention from other areas like the belly and legs (where the stretch marks are more visible).
  
• Many women tend to put on some extra pounds in their upper arms and do not want all the attention to their arms. For this, you can cover her arms with a cardigan, a scarf or make your model wear a long-sleeved top. Also, make her look anywhere other than the lens for a natural picture.
  
• While most of the women feel that black and white maternity photos look classic, many photographers think otherwise. If you are confused about whether to go for black and white portraits or choose color ask your photographer to take a few snaps in both.
  
• Try and take along a good fabric wrap with you. This comes in handy if you want some natural photographs of your blooming bump or you can drape it around you to enhance the way the baby bump looks in the picture. Your photographer will guide you on how best to wear it for a great shot!