Capturing the beauty of pregnancy through photographs is an increasingly popular trend, and this timely guide covers the basics of maternity photography from both artistic and business standpoints. The details of creating a successful maternity portrait are addressed, including how to select a meaningful location, what props and fabrics to use, how to pose the subject, and how to produce a flattering lighting scheme. Helpful digital effects that can enhance skin tone and impart a wide variety of polished and artistic effects are discussed, as are tactics for incorporating other family members in the portrait. Also included are tips for building a strong connection with the subject that can lead to a profitable, lifelong client relationship.
Author(s): Jennifer George
Publisher: Amherst Media
Year: 2008
Language: English
Pages: 123
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PREPARING FOR THE SESSION
Location
Scheduling the Session
Clothing and Makeup
2. CONNECTING WITH YOUR CLIENTS
Building the Relationship
Share Your Vision
Be Encouraging
Photographing Nude Subjects
Connecting with Children
3. PROPS, FABRICS, AND BACKGROUNDS
Props
Fabrics
Backgrounds
4. POSING
The History of Posing
Conceptualizing the Pose
The Basic Pose
Perspective
Corrective Techniques
Posing Couples
Posing with the Children
Posing Groups
Gaining Expertise
5. COMPOSING THE PORTRAIT
Balance
Relative Size
Rhythm
Rule of Thirds
Leading Lines
Color Harmony
Subject’s Relationship to the Light
Angle of View
Troubleshooting
6. LIGHTING IN THE HOME
Hard vs. Soft Light
Finding the Best Light
7. STUDIO LIGHTING
The Toolbox
Light Ratios
Broad and Short Lighting
Basic Light Patterns
Simulating Window Light
8. RETOUCHING AND CREATIVE EFFECTS
Basic Retouching of Skin
Digital Slimming
Nik Software’s Midnight Filter
Basic Retouching and Enhancement
Nik’s Monday Morning Filter
Border Effects
Fantasy Images
9. MARKETING AND SALES
Marketing Is Essential to Success
Your Image
Brochures and Flyers
Postcards
Newspaper and Magazine Ads
Your Website
Television Ads
Word of Mouth
Keep Them Coming Back for More
Portrait Displays
Public Relations
Generating Your Own Buzz
Sales
10. PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Kevin Kubota
Terri Lee
Tim Meyer
Gail Patrice
Kim Treffinger
Carl Caylor
Gigi Clark
Kathleen and Jeff Hawkins
Judy Host
Index
