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Maternity Portraits
Frequently
Asked Questions
by Bobbie Bush Photography
In our experience, there are a number of commonly-asked questions that most expectant mothers ask when choosing the best portrait photographer for their maternity portrait. Often, this is the first time they have searched for a professional photographer since their wedding day, yet the set of questions are indeed very different. To assist you in the process, we have put together this helpful guide to address most of your questions and for you to know what to expect for this special time.
We're so excited about our pregnancy and want to learn more about your
portraits!
Maternity sessions are such a special time in your life to document.
The belly is so stunningly gorgeous. And the love, joy and excitement
on the faces of you and your loved ones is wonderful to capture. We hear
so often that women regret not having a portrait made of them at this
time and wish they'd found us sooner!
When is the best time to schedule a maternity portrait?
Maternity sessions are best photographed when a woman is between 32-36
weeks of her pregnancy. At this stage, the belly is full and round and
lovely. In our experience, this is the perfect time, when the woman feels
great and is comfortable in her body.
What
should we expect in a maternity session?
Maternity sessions may be with a spouse or partner, an older child, or
even the family pet. Typically we use a combination of fabric wraps to
cover or uncover the belly. We encourage several changes of clothing to
make the most of your session. See
some recent
maternity images on our blog.
What
should I wear?
There
are essentially three levels of dress (or undress) for a maternity session,
depending on your personal preferences and threshold of modesty in front
of the camera. Level one is fully clothed, but in form-fitting
stretchy fabrics (black yoga spandex works well). Level two
is exposing just the belly, with stretchy garments pushed above and below
the belly. You may want to try wearing an open front lightweight fabric
top (something like a silky negligee), or consider wearing a bathing suit
top (or attractive black bra) with a coordinating wrap around the waist.
Level three (which may not be for everyone) is the 'Demi
Moore approach' either partially or completely unclothed.
Strategically placed arms across the breasts can be very elegant, with
a fabric wrap around the waist to conceal the body below the belly. We
have on hand a number of fabrics and wraps on hand for you to wear.
What
should I bring?
Bring
with you a black spandex outfit, something you might wear to a yoga class.
If you have any sheer cover ups or shawls on hand, bring those along too.
We encourage you to bring any accessories which you feel might be fun
to try. We recommend keeping jewelry to a minimum and keep apply makeup
to be light and natural. Many clients love to be photographed in a pair of jeans -- sometimes in a pair of regular zippered jeans with the zipper open -- for a more casual look.
Who
should I bring?
You
are welcome to bring your spouse or partner with you. The embrace of a
loving partner can be a very meaningful portrait. Your partner should
wear dark or black clothes. If you have older children, you are welcome
to bring them along for a few images of them touching your belly in a
lovely interactive portrait. Have your child wear simple solid color clothing,
avoiding any large patterns or logos. Bare feet are always best for everyone,
as it is more relaxed and natural.
How
do I prepare for the session?
Approximately
two hours prior to your session, it is best to remove any undergarments
or anything with an elastic (straps, waistband) which could leave a mark
on your skin. Be well rested and relaxed. Your portrait session will be
a fun and relaxing experience!
Where
will my session take place?
Maternity sessions generally take place in the studio. Here, we have all
the props, lighting, supplies and resources necessary to capture amazing
portraits for you. Plus, we have a private area for wardrobe changes.
How
long will you spend with us?
Your session will last approximately 45-60 minutes to allow for a variety
of wardrobe changes.
What is it like to work with Bobbie?
Most of our clients say how much fun it is to work with us! See our behind the scenes videos on YouTube and read the reviews on Yelp.
When
will I get to see my photos from the session?
Approximately one week following your session, we invite you into the
studio to review all of your images, assist you in making your selections
and to place your order. We recommend that all of the decision makers
are present at the time of the ordering appointment. We are happy to accommodate
you in the evening for these appointments.
How many images will I see from my session?
Bobbie may photograph dozens of captures in a given session, however not
all are keepers. She will capture as many images as necessary in order
to present you with a strong body of images. Typically, we will present
you with the best 25-35 images in order to simplify your selection process.
What
will a session cost?
Your
investment starts at $150 for a weekday session at the studio. Included
in your initial investment is Bobbie’s time and talent during the
session and a personalized follow up consultation to assist you in making
your portrait order selections. For more information, see our investment
guide.
What
should I expect to spend on my portraits?
It's entirely up to you what you decide to spend on your purchases from
your session, choosing from our gift portraits, wall portraits, gallery
wraps or custom hardcover books. We offer as many as four gift and desk
sized portraits for under $100. Fine art wall portraits start at $150
and are available in four elegant finishes: premium lustre, classic linen,
fine art canvas and our most desirable gallery wrap finish. For more information,
see our investment
guide.
I'm
worried about how my body looks -- can you make me look really good?
Absolutely. We understand that you want to look
your best! And we are expert at enhancing our portraits for the loveliest
of skin tones. Any portrait in your order will be individually and artfully
enhanced. We will smoothen and soften any imperfections, so not to worry!
What are the studio hours?
The studio is open by appointment. We're generally here during normal
business hours, however, given the nature of our business with a mix of
studio and location assignments, our hours can vary. Plus, our clients
appreciate our undivided attention when they are here for a session. So,
it is best to schedule a time to meet with us.
Do
you do evening sessions?
Yes. To accomodate you and your spouse, we are able to schedule maternity
sessions after regular business hours when it is convenient for you.
Where
are you located?
We are located in historic Salem, MA. The studio is located near the Salem
waterfront in Shetland Industrial Park. Visit our website for complete
directions
with a detailed map & parking information.
What
happens if I need to reschedule my session?
We understand that personal emergencies, illness or inclement weather
sometimes require sessions to be rescheduled. Bobbie kindly asks that
you provide as much notice as possible in order to make that time slot
available to other clients.
Can
I meet with you ahead of time?
Of course! In fact, we encourage you to come visit the studio in advance
of your session, if at all possible, to preplan your session and to get
to know us. This
is such an exciting time for you and we invite you to see our work and
discuss your wishes for a successful session. We recommend that you schedule
a specific date and time with us so that we are able to give you our fullest
attention.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, of course, in any amount you wish. What a great gift!
Can
I see some examples of your maternity photos?
The best place to see our latest images is in the bellies
section of Bobbie's blog.
Bobbie
Bush Photography is a professional photographer specializing in children's
portraits, babies & bellies, maternity, pregnancy, toddler, infant,
newborn, baby, child and family photography. Bobbie Bush is located north
of Boston, MA on the north shore of Massachusetts in historic Salem, MA.