The gentle lapping of the waves, the soft caress of sea breezes, and the golden hues of a setting sun make the beach an idyllic backdrop for any photo shoot, especially for maternity photos. The nature of water and the beauty of the coast combine to create stunning imagery. If you’re lucky enough to live by the water, this is an ideal place for maternity photos. Read More
Pregnancy is a journey filled with anticipation, excitement, and an ever-changing body that’s creating new life. Capturing this special time through a maternity photo shoot has become a cherished moment for many families. However, knowing how to pose for a maternity photo shoot can sometimes be a bit daunting. I put together a few tips designed to help you shine in front of the camera!
I’m obsessed with this back to basics studio maternity session. She wore a Calvin Klein modern cotton bralette and bikini set with her husband’s denim shirt.
If you’re looking for a very fresh looking location for your family photos, this is the spot! Sand Canyon in Irvine has been a favorite of mine for years, especially at sunset. The hills are so pretty with the sun setting behind them.
Gum Grove Park is local to me (Seal Beach) and it’s such a gem! There’s the main part with big eucalyptus trees, trails throughout, wildflowers in the spring and then there’s the rustic wild part.
How to Use Pinterest for Photo Session Inspiration
I love Pinterest. I joined when the only way you could join was to be invited by someone cool. Who doesn’t love a one-stop-shop for fashion tips, recipes, DIYs and the top 100 baby names for 2018? Pinterest has grown and pretty much everyone uses the site as inspiration for their every day life. It’s now common for clients to send me their boards before photo sessions. I love that we can communicate as photographer and client in this very visual way.
I also think Pinterest has clouded our realistic minds. We believe we can create the gallery from our photo session in the form of a Pinterest board. And here’s the bottom line I tell me clients about using Pinterest to plan your photo session. Use it as INSPIRATION. These photos are not something we can copy. A photographer had a ‘magic moment‘ with their client and shared it online. It was so magical that you want that. But, here’s the thing…you are not them and I am not that photographer.
Let’s create our own magic moments. We can relax into the moment and before you know it all the stars have aligned.
Using Pinterest for inspiration is so helpful for your photographer.
Last week I photographed this glowing mama in my studio in Long Beach. I absolutely love everything from top to bottom about this session. She wore a beautiful dress with delicate details. Her jewelry complimented the dress perfectly. I collaborated with her to make this floral crown. The soft light of the studio is so gorgeous for maternity sessions. If you’re considering a maternity session, the studio is a great place to keep it simple and just highlight your growing belly and the new life that’s about ready to enter the world.
You can also check out this Orange County on-location maternity session with the same soft colors.
Long Beach Maternity Session by Kristin Eldridge.
Sometimes clients get sad when the sun goes away. I get it…there’s a lot of beauty in the sun peaking out from the trees. But, there’s also a lot of beauty in the subtle way that clouds mute all the colors and make them into a watercolor painting.
My job, as a photographer, is to take the situation (whatever it might be) and make it work. So, if it’s bright and sunny, I’m making the light work for me. If it’s cool-toned and overcast, I’m gonna make that work for me too!
This maternity session is the perfect example of a beautiful overcast day.
Photos by Kristin Eldridge, Maternity Photographer in Orange County.
Overcast // Orange County Maternity Photographer
There’s this perfect in-between lighting that happens at the beach. It’s not quite overcast and it’s not quite sunny. That’s my favorite type of lighting. There’s no shadows and you still get some vibrant colors. I wish every day could be this perfect in-between!
Photos by Orange County Maternity Photographer, Kristin Eldridge.
Being under the hand of a professional is comforting. There’s just a difference between Super Cuts and that fancy salon you trust your highlights to. And, yes, your pocket book feels the difference too. But, being able to trust the professional that’s in charge of your hair, your car and your taxes is worth the extra change.
I feel the same way about being a photographer. Yes, you can find a photographer for $100, but if you want to hire a professional photographer, you might have to save a bit more. What’s the difference? The difference is trusting your image to someone that has photographed babies, photographed families and has experience with maternity photography. It’s someone who knows how to soothe your cranky toddler and find the most flattering angles for your belly.
So, look at your photographer as your professional image-taker. Someone you trust and someone that has experience in your stage of life. And lucky for you, there are so many amazing photographers in Orange County!
// Photos taken at the beach by orange county maternity photographer, Kristin Eldridge.
