Bump Shoot..

[Biggem]

Ok, don't crucify me, but I really fancy one.

Has anyone else had one, or fancy getting one?

We are supposed to be getting married this April (in SA, due in May!) but due to the suprise pregnancy we have obv put the wedding back, my dress was ordered (and is now in, :( ) venue booked, the whole lot but now this isn't going ahead for a while.

Am very excited about jellybeans arrival but really quite like the idea of having a bump shoot, and wanted to know if anyone had had one, and could recommend a good photographer?

Cheers!

I haven't, but wish I had! Ironically since my last baby I have started a photography business (now on maternity leave pretty much as also due in early May, so not pimping my business here!) and I've done quite a few maternity shoots for other people. This time out I have the equipment, I'll just set up the studio and hope DH manages to focus the camera properly..!

Best advice for you is to take a good long look at various portfolios to make sure the style and quality is right for you. Find out if they do retouching if you want it (e.g. removing double chins, stretch marks etc) although you can expect to pay more for this obviously. There are an awful lot of not so great photographers out there with fancy cameras who just want to earn a bit on the side, but you really get what you pay for. For some of them you could probably get a friend with a reasonably decent camera to do a better job and for nothing, so if you weren't looking to spend much that could well be a better option as it's free!

Also consider what type of shoot you want - studio, on location etc. Best time to get it done is before 36 weeks whilst you don't look too ungainly, but after 32 weeks so bump is big enough. That puts you into Spring so outdoor shots could be lovely. However you might want bare bump shots, or ones with you both naked or topless etc. Browse maternity photos to get some ideas on the sort of thing you might like and that'll help narrow down the potential photographers a bit although many do all sorts of styles.

Some photographers do a discount on newborn photos if you purchase a maternity session too (or vice-versa) so another way to narrow it down would be to look at their newborn photos.. assuming you wanted some.. and use them as a basis too.

Most of all - have fun with it!! It's a great memory to have.