Selections

"Maternity portraits are like the first baby portraits.  I'll be back after she's born." - Erin V.

(Our Approach)

One of the most emotional times in a family's life is when a new baby is on the way.  And one of the most loving things you can do for your child is to preserve the memories of your pregnancy to share with them as they grow up.  Their baby album starts when you first begin to show.

What To Expect

Baring your belly for pictures can be unnerving to some.  But you can rest assure that we are experienced in portrait photography of many different subjects, and including maternity.  Being nervous is natural, but here are some things that may put your mind at ease:

  • Tony is the primary photographer, but there is always a female in the camera room during the session.  This is to help put you at ease, to help with clothing or posing, and to see things from a woman's perspective.
  • We have a large, private dressing room just for you.  There is plenty of lighting, hanger space and mirrors to help you get ready and feel at ease.
  • We're a friendly bunch.  We'll keep the mood light. :o)
Getting To Know You

We want to get to know you a little before getting started.  Although maternity portraits are something we do fairly often, they aren't something you do but once in awhile.  As a result, we will discuss a few options with you, and how you feel about them:

  • The belly.  Most women want to show their belly, and a few just want to keep their belly covered.  Both are fine with us, and it doesn't diminish the overall effect regardless of your choice.  We can create unique and beautiful images covered or uncovered.
  • Your spouse.  Many women want their partner to be a part of the photos, simply because it is an experience for both of you.  We will suggest poses that incorporates the emotion and closeness you both have, and the love you share.
  • How much skin.  Some women want classic belly photos, and others want total nudity.  Some want something in between, or a combination of everything from fully dressed to completely nude.  If you want some nudes, we can create tasteful poses, silhouettes, and clever cover-up options which allow you to show off your unique physique while retaining your modesty.  This selection is completely up to you.  We never want you to feel uneasy about your photo session.
  • What to wear and bring.  This depends on the 'How much skin' department, but many will bring clothing in white or black (or both) to use.  We will also suggest that you wear loose fitting clothing if you intend on having nudes done, to reduce the amount of clothing lines.  In short, keep your wardrobe selections simple and basic colors.
Starting Off

We will start taking your portraits with a basic approach.  We'll branch from there to add more posing and more interesting lighting.  How we progress from there usually occurs naturally.  We don't have any preconceived notions, and often let the session take its own course.  Of course, we'll nudge it along if things get stale.

During The Sitting

We do not schedule any other appointments in the studio during your sitting.  Because of that, we can focus on you.  We feel that is important.  We also have time to accomplish that right "look" since we have two hours in which to work.

After The Sitting

Since our studio is digital, previews are ready in just a few minutes. But that doesn't mean that you are. We understand the need to review your photos at your convenience.

  • We will be happy to set up a return appointment to view your photos.
  • We can post your photos online if you like.  A small deposit ($100) is required.  If you purchased our sitting package, no additional deposit is required.
  • Many of your images can be digitally altered to reflect something specific you may have had in mind, including softening stretch marks and enhancing the overall mood of the image.
After The Visit

We will keep in touch.  When you order, we're going to start to work right away on your finished photos.  In most cases, your order will be ready in 2-3 weeks.  Some will be ready sooner, depending on what you order.  We also want to suggest that you consider newborn/infant photos of your baby when he or she is born.  Here are some facts about photos and babies:

  • Children who see pictures of themselves on the walls grow up with a greater sense of confidence than those who do not have photos.
  • After newborn, the biggest changes in your child's life take place during the first year. We suggest sittings at three, six, nine and twelve months, then yearly thereafter until they are five.
  • Other milestones in the growing years are seven, eleven, 13 and 16.
  • We do offer lifetime programs, as well as life albums and portrait rewards for children of all ages.
  • For children aged six months to 30 months, we hold an annual contest that runs from January 15 until February 28 called Most Beautiful Baby. Ask for details.