Outdoor Maternity Shots - Suggestions

[kirbym2]

Hi All,

Will be doing some maternity shots at the beginning of October. This will be my first go at it. It's for a family member, and I've already said I won't charge, just looking for experience. I've reviewed with her ahead of time to start thinking of some of the types of shots she would like. We're wanting to avoid some of the more cliche poses (i.e. baby blocks on the belly, baby shoes on the belly, etc). In fact it sounds like she'd really like some nice "couple" shots. I'd really love to hear from you suggestions on poses (laying down, standing up, husband/wife together, separate, etc). Also, any particular settings you've used that have been very effective.

Shoot will be outdoors, in more of a rural (i.e. not big city) environment.

Thanks so much!

 

[KmH]

It has all been done, ad nauseam, and is all cliché.

What time of day will you be shooting?

Look for open shade.

What gear do you have available for supplimental lighting, diffusion, etc?

 

[kirbym2]

It has all been done, ad nauseam, and is all cliché.

Lol... Too true. Anything shots (other than those listed) that you would avoid altogether. I look at photos taken in the 80's and shudder. I don't want someone looking at my shots around 2040 and doing the same

As for the other questions - I'm aiming to shoot for late afternoon/early evening. I figure the light should be best then. I'll be using my D7000 w/an SB-600, and can likely borrow an SB-900 as well. I have a reflector, but hadn't given any thought to diffusing the light. I don't have any softboxes, but I do have an umbrella. What do you think?

Another question that just occured to me... If I have my camera on CLS mode, can my on camera flash trigger both speedlights as long as they're set to the same channel?

Thanks!

 

[tirediron]

For actual poses it really depends on what the couple likes/wants/is comfortable with. I suggest they look at various photorapher's 'sites on-line and makes of poses that they like. It also depends on the venue; I'm thinking Stanley Park would be a great spot.

A few things that may or may not have occurred to you: Decide on a couple of locations and scout them ahead of time. Visit them at about the time you will be doing the shoot, so that you see what the light looks like, where it comes from, etc. Often, a location that might seem ideal in the mind doesn't work well in practice because of lighting, timing, etc.

Talk to the couple about clothing. You don't want them showing up with white shirts and black pants; ideally a nice mid-range tone such as a medium blue. Remind the woman to bring some extra make-up for emergency touch-ups, hair-brush, etc.

Make sure you have lots of batteries, memory cards, lenses & sensor are clean, etc.

 

[kirbym2]

@tirediron - Thanks for the suggestion. We're actually looking at Ft. Langley. The "mom to be" likes a lot of the buildings and scenery in the area. I agree with respect to poses, I've asked her to take a look at some of the photos she's seen that she's liked, so that I can try and create a similar look.

So, any thoughts on a lighting setup (with my limited resources) . Would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[tirediron]

Your camera can trip both flashes provided that it can "see" them. As far as diffusers go, if all else fails, raid your wife's Tupperware cupboard. I've done more than one shoot with a Tupperware bowl masking-taped onto my flash!