First paid maternity session - HELP please! ;)

[Ginu]

Here is the thing -- these people are going to talk down to you because in the long run they don't want people to come and steal their jobs. There is a reason these people want you to do their photos so don't worry about what the bitter people on here tell you, to a point.

The OP will not take my job... Most people here have primary careers and photography is a side hobby not to mention this is a global forum so I'm not worried someone from here will take my gig.
In my case photography is a hobby... and would I like to make some cash on the side? Yes! Am I ready? Hell no. Do I shoot to gain experience? Yes but I do not charge.

They do have great advice in many ways, but don't let them discourage you. I'd say any background with a nice grove of trees and some nice bokah is just going to be fine. The background is not as important as the foreground. You're going to do great. The subject is what's really important in this and if you have a good repoire with them I think you will be fine.

The background makes the picture most of the time and that's why the OP is asking for tips on where to go and what to use as background and what kind of lighting devices and situations will give the best result.
The OP is not looking for portrait close up shots so background is just as important as the foreground.
The OP seems to have issues understanding and using lighting and not to mention it sounds like there is a lack of equipment, knowledge and experience. Also hopefully you're aware of the legal implications... I am curious if the shooter even thought about making a contract in between the two parties as there is money involved.

And all those comments that start "I don't mean to be harsh" are a crock. They do mean to be harsh. Many on this forum like to make those just getting started look like morons so they feel better about themselves.

And you really think people come here to make themselves feel better?

Hard not to sound harsh when the OP is asking for basic advice for a paid photo-shoot...


As I asked in a previous post, would you take your vehicle to a "starting out" mechanic which doesn't know how to change the spark-plugs and also lacking equipment and the appropriate venue?
Or perhaps you would get a haircut/highlights with a girl pretending to have some hairdressing experience by dying her hair and cleaning her younger brothers hair up every once in a while. I forgot to add the so called "hairdresser" has a comb, scissors and a holdup mirror.

Would you hire a friend to represent you as a lawyer because the guy is good at debating, likes to argue and watches Judge Judy and Law in Order, so obviously the individual must have an idea on how to represent the plaintiff/defendant???

Its great to be positive but this is not a soccer game where mom tries to pump the kid by saying "Go Jack, you can do it! Mommy is watching, you can do it!
This is about doing the right thing and the right thing is often achieved in taking baby steps.

Another fact which intrigues me is how some ask for advice, yet they don't have a portfolio or post a picture asking whats wrong and how to fix it... it often feels like a troll.