I have a baby bump shoot coming up and thought it would be nice to share this with the IFP3 comunity....

This is an example of what I would like to try and capture during the session...

So... does anyone have any ideas & suggestions on baby bump composition and lighting techniques?

Nick,

First, you need to get the model pregnant.

But seriously folks. Looks like they have some sort of spotlight between the model and the backdrop to put a halo on the backdrop around the model's midsection. Then it looks like the flash / lighting is coming from the photographers left at an angle.

But then again, I don't do much studio work.

Bill, I knew I was forgetting something! "Message to self... spare battery... check... SD card... check... camera... check... Pregnate model... urm..."

Joking aside thanks Bill for your suggestion of lighting... I haven't done any studio work so this will be a huge learning curve for me... Luckily I have a 7d with the capabilities of the multiple wireless flash trigger plus I have two flashguns so it will be interesting to see what I can come up with!

Hey Bill, great suggestions as always

Nick:

You will probably need a softbox or two to cast very soft light on the model. Even a single softbox and a reflector sometimes works wonders. Stay about 10 feet away from the backdrop. If you want a completely black blackground, use a black (or dark) backdrop, but make sure you keep a good distance between the model and the backdrop to prevent any light from illuminating the backdrop. Wash the model with light, but keep it off the backdrop. Even a white background can appear black if left in shadow.

If you want to focus on the belly area, a snoot for your speedlight flash is a cheap way to get good results. Using the flash off camera can help you light just the torso, which is, of course, the focus of maternity photos. Take a look at Gary Fong's "Power Snoot" (60 bucks) http://www.garyfongestore.com/flash-acc ... snoot.html

Honestly, it's rather cheap chrome plated plastic, but it does work. You may be able to find a knockoff for a lot cheaper like on eBay or similar. Gary's stuff works, and the ideas are good, but I think the prices are a little out of sight for something made of molded plastic.

Let us know how it goes! (The photography part that is).

I prefer to shoot with natural light and with a couple of locations in mind either early in the day or closer to sunset to capture the best light possible.