Maternity Photo Shoot

Yesterday I wrote a post about modeling. I thought it sounded conceited so I un-posted it. I didn't write it with a 'you-suck' attitude or anything, just wanted to help some sistas out when it came time for photo shoots. Why are photo shoots on the brain? Well, let me tell you my story.

Several months ago, before my boyfriend gave me the best present eva, I was talking to my preggars friend Brook. She was saying how she really wanted to get some maternity photos taken but that the photographers she contacted were asking ginormous amounts of moolah for the job. Seeing as how she is now a stay-at-home-soon-to-be-mom and her hubbie works as a youth pastor, ginormous amounts of moolah aren't available for anything, much less some photos.

So I told her that maybe my baby sister would let me borrow HER camera (and teach me how to use it) and I could take some pics. WHAT WAS I SAYING?!?! In the back of my brain I was scared to death. I have been in front of the camera many a times and believe you me, the photographer has a MUCH harder job. Koodos to all you photogs out there - I bow down to you and your art.

The day arrived and it was yesterday. I had read the manual front to back. Scoped out the areas that the photos would be shot. Adjusted stuff. And prayed. (The only person that could help me at this point was Jesus himself cause I had no idea what I was doing!) For the most part I just tried to get them to imitate the poses that I had seen online. Gosh darn it - photography is stinkin' hard!

Well, here are some of my favorites:

We chose this old church as the backdrop because of several reasons: Kent is a pastor, it has great contrast, and we figured that the modern influence in the photos would make for some edgy urban maternity shots.

This pose just sort of happened and I love it. It makes her belly look especially pregnant. And I adore the fact that this reminds me of engagement photos which are all about the love :)

The church also had some large bushes so we had a way to switch things up a bit. I think maybe this one had too much white for her shirt - I didn't edit these yet cause I don't have editing software - Is there a way to tone that down and make it a little less blazing?

This pic just makes me laugh. Kent (like most boys) doesn't feel 100% comfortable when in front of the camera. Some silly shots helped loosen things up a bit :) The great part about this shot is that it is definitely more like them - super fun. And speaking of Kent...

I took this one probably ten times before he smiled really big. Little did I know that the smile was due to seeing Brook after she changed. I must say, it doesn't get better than when boys are in love with their pregnant wife. This proud daddy is gonna make a great father.

I was totally guessing on how to get the background to look blurry. I was kinda going for that "look at the couple - and oh yeah - look at her belly".

The light was quickly disappearing when I snapped this one. I hope I look as radiant and as beautiful when I have a little one on the way! And I hope that this pic does her justice - it was one of those 'holding my breath' moments when I thought "please Katie don't screw this up!"

Last but not least - the belly heart. This is one of the only close-up photos I took...because tonight we are going over to take more 'belly' shots. Those probably won't make it on here because they are a bit too intimate to share :)

So what do you think? Any photographers out there? I could use hints, tips, a major overhaul, maybe even a lesson on lighting, composition, or everything!!! I would love some input seeing as how this was my first attempt. I love constructive criticism - it will only make me better in the future. By the time I have kids, I wanna be able to capture them with some decent photos :)