During the most recent maternity photography mentoring day at my studio, I had the pleasure of meeting Nicki, a gorgeous expectant mama who, as I discovered, has posed for cameras in the past. You see, I can usually tell when a woman has modelled professionally by how she composes herself during the pregnancy photo shoot. Some women need time and a little extra encouragement to feel comfortable in front of the camera, but Nicki was a natural and the portraits my student and I captured of her are lovely.
Creating and Conducting a Perfect Pregnancy Photo Shoot
Nicki was the first of seven maternity models to visit my studio and volunteer her time so that I could teach an aspiring maternity photographer how to create and host a pregnancy photo shoot in which beautiful, quality images are taken and that is a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Every workshop I host is absolutely chocked full of learning. For me, mentoring is more than just another way to make money, it’s something I take very seriously and my goal is always to provide my students with as much value as I possibly can. In the end, I want to provide something in the way of new knowledge and skills that my students won’t receive any place else, which is why I focus on one-on-one, two-on-one or small group mentoring. This way, I can give each photographer more of my attention and ensure they’re gleaning as much as they can from my own knowledge and experience. At the end of their time with me, they leave with a complete portfolio of high quality images that can be used to launch their new business or refresh their existing business.
Learning About Lighting
It goes without saying that knowing everything there is to know about lighting is crucial for anyone hoping to turn their photography passion into their livelihood. A pregnancy photo shoot with poor lighting will never produce crisp, quality photos, no matter how beautiful the subject or setting.
During the workshops held at Chandra Lee Photography, students have the opportunity to learn about studio and natural lighting. Although there is so much more that goes into achieving perfect studio lighting than simply placing the lights where the window is, it really doesn’t have to be complicated. In the past, students have told me that I teach in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. Each time I mentor another photographer, my goal is to impart techniques and new skills that will add value to their offering as professional photographers.
Throughout the photos from this pregnancy photo shoot and the sneak peeks I’ll share in the coming days, you will see that a variety of different lighting techniques were used; white creative lighting, silhouettes, fully exposed portraits, backlight portraits and much more!
As a bonus, we finished off the workshop by holding two modelling sessions outside, just before sunset. The natural light was incredible and the portraits are stunning!
This truly was a wonderful day. Thank you to Nicki for volunteering her time and acting as a model during the workshop, and to the aspiring maternity photographer for choosing me as their mentor.
If you’re expecting a baby and would like to hold your pregnancy photo shoot at my studio, please call 905.449.2200 or email info@chandraleephotography.com. For photographers interested in learning valuable skills from a seasoned baby and maternity photographer, get in touch with me!
