Mom and Baby – handy tips

I love as most photographers do, when Mamas bring their children to their pregnancy sessions. I think part of it is not knowing at all what on earth is going to happen. Usually when a Mama says, “oh he/she always kisses my belly”….on cue the child runs out of the room. So most of the time I have an assistant on hand and if not I arm myself with the following:

Stickers for the belly – most often they will reach up and touch the belly to get the sticker – then I take the shot

Bubbles – a must

Cherries  or M&Ms – can hide in the hands

Tickle Monster – so worthy that I consider it another assistant

A sense of humor – lots of patience and every song I can think of!

I also LOVE to get Mama kissing child, but it can strain her. So first I ask if she is allowed to hold the child. Then if someone is around – the Nanny, an assistant – a Dad  – someone – I will have them hand the child to the Mama avoiding any strain to her belly or back. Since we often need to do this several times to get the shot (in this case about 10), its super important to have help. But once you get it, I consider it priceless

Some tips when doing this shot is to have the Moms leg out a bit for support. I also tell Mom to watch her facial expressions when lifting the child, keep her head and hair back and look amazing For the daughters we will have clips handy to hold back the hair so it doesn’t fall in her face.