Must-Have Tips for Travel Photography in 2019 

^{Photo by Persnickety Prints on Unsplash}

#photographyhobbyist  #photographybestoftheday #photographyforever

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to spend more time traveling and taking photos, now is the time to start planning your adventures!
But traveling with a camera in tow can present some problems, not the least of which is protecting your expensive gear as you galavant all over the globe.
With these must-have travel photography tips, you’ll learn how to keep your gear safe while also being easy to access. The result? More photos, and better photos, too!

Travel Photography Tip: Don’t Bring ALL Your Gear

^{Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash} 

If you’re like me, when you pack, you think of all the things you might need. It’s easy to lose focus on what you’ll actually use, and instead end up with a camera bag that weighs 50 pounds.
Instead, be purposeful about the gear you take. Do you really need your full-size tripod or will a simple tabletop tripod do? Do you really need your full frame DSLR or will your bridge camera get the job done?

^{Photo by Milkos via iStock}

It might be easiest to arrange all the gear you think you’ll need on a table and then cut the fat from there. Realize that though your favorite lens might be your 50mm f/1.4, your 24-70mm f/4 might be more usable as you travel from one destination to the next.
Once you’ve culled your collection of gear, pack your camera bag and try it on. If it feels weighty or uncomfortable, find more gear to leave behind. It’s better to be comfortable and make do with less gear than have everything but the kitchen sink and be bogged down with a giant (and heavy) camera bag.

Learn More:

• Photography Tips for Beginners

Invest in a Better Camera Strap

One of the best investments you can make to ensure the safety of your camera and your comfort is a better camera strap.
Let’s face it - it’s not hard to do better than the flimsy, uncomfortable strap that came with your camera. But at the same time, you don’t want a strap that will be “just fine.”
Instead, you want a camera strap that offers comfort, durability, functionality, and looks good all at the same time.

I recently ordered a Hyperion camera strap, and I have to say that it ticks all the boxes of what a camera strap should be.
The thick cordage that’s used for the strap feels good on the shoulder, and since it’s so thick, it helps distribute the weight of your camera over a larger surface. It’s durable too - it’s not unlike the rope that rock climber’s use - so you can rest assured that no matter where your travels take you, your camera strap will stand up to use, abuse, and the elements.

These camera straps are incredibly functional as well. You can get them in various lengths to accommodate short, medium, or tall statures, that way you can carry your camera in the precise spot on your body that’s most comfortable for you.
Perhaps the best feature of these camera straps is the price. There’s a huge selection of straps for less than $20, which is a phenomenal price considering you get to pick the color combinations of the strap for a totally custom look.
No one ever said you can’t get a comfortable, durable camera strap that also looks good. Hyperion camera straps certainly proves that point!

Courtesy of: Photography Talk

12 DIY Newborn Photography Tips for the Cutest Photo

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Bringing your tiny bundle of joy home is one of the most amazing moments. The first few weeks will fly by and pretty soon those tiny fingers and toes will start growing. Make sure you find a moment to capture the first days of your newborn’s life with a photo. You will want to reminisce on these memories for years to come.
We have 12 DIY tips for newborn photography that will help you capture the perfect newborn photo from the comfort of your home. Whether it’s finding the right angle or choosing a calm time of the day, these tricks will make your life easier and create a beautiful portrait. When you get the shot, make sure to share it with your friends and family with a birth announcement.

1. Over The Shoulder

You’re probably spending a lot of time holding your little one, so take a moment to photograph you lulling your little one to sleep. Take a shot of your newborn resting their head on their parent’s shoulder, wrapped up in the love of your embrace.

2. Plenty of Room

Source: Angie Menos Photography

Show how small your newborn is by positioning them in the vast space of your bed. This shot will work best if the room has a lot of natural light and your newborn is tired. Wrap them in their favorite blanket, place them on the bed and step back to capture the moment.

3. Include Family

Photograph a sweet moment between siblings. In a room with a lot of natural light and a soft rug, position your older child so that they are able to hold their little sibling in their lap. Wait until everyone is comfortable before you pull out the camera. Capturing a natural interaction will make a better family photo.

4. Hanging Entertainment

Source: The Lovely Drawer

The trick to newborn photography is getting a shot of your child in their natural element. Try laying your baby down underneath a baby mobile and getting the shot from above. The hanging toys will be more likely to grab your baby’s attention, making it easier to capture a photo.

5. Catch Emotion

Some moments can’t be planned. If your newborn is especially giggly one day, grab the camera. Be ready to take a shot on a day they are especially photogenic. The best photos are often candid ones.

6. Keep It Light

No matter what the season, give your newborn an angelic look by engulfing them in white blankets. Find a blanket that has texture and bundle your baby in it. Then set them down in a comfortable place, like their crib or bed, that has a lot of natural light and shoot from above. The white will reflect all the light in the room and your newborn will shine through.

7. Holding A Stuffed Animal

Capture your child in their natural state of comfort. Strategically place their favorite stuffed animal close by during naptime. Photographing a newborn while asleep will be easier because they won’t be moving around as much—so you’ll be able to catch every detail of their cute little faces.

8. Letter Board Announcement

Source: Handcrafted Vintage

Announce the details of the birth within your photo. Try creating your announcement on a letter board or crafting your own sign that matches your baby’s nursery. Then place the sign by your baby. To get them to smile, hold up their favorite toy or make a funny face you know they like.

9. Home Sweet Home

Source: Michael Kromos Photography

A crib shot can be done many ways and is always a good option for DIY newborn photography. Place your child in their crib during nap time. Try out different angles in the baby room as they fall asleep, like through the side rails or from up above.

10. Mark the Age

Source: Gina Michele

Keep track of your baby’s age with photos. Document big moments like one week or one month by creating a prop to put in the photo with your child. Keeping a consistent prop will also show your baby’s growth over time. This look, combined with the perfect wording, will make for a unique baby announcement.

11. Change the Angles

Play around with angles when photographing your newborn. Moving your baby to different places and adjusting them a bunch will result in a fussy child. Instead, test out the lighting ahead of time and find one place to shoot. Then place your child and get down to your baby’s level for a photo that feels personal.

12. Heartwarming Smile

A newborn smile can absolutely melt hearts. Capture a photo of your baby grinning from ear to ear. After a few weeks, you’ll know how to get them to laugh, but it may help to someone stand by you and provoke a smile while you take the photo.
A photograph of your newborn is something you’ll cherish forever. Once you have a unique newborn shot in mind, incorporate these tips to achieve the perfect photo. Bind the memories of your child’s first year of life together in a baby book that they can look back on when they get older as well.

How Can I Take Better Photos in Low Light?

10 Photography Tips You Must Know To Be The Best Instagram Husband Ever

Cheng Sim

#photographyhobbyist  #photographybestoftheday #photographyforever 

 

Imagine walking past a hipster cafe and suddenly, your wife turns to you and say, “Sayang, can you take a picture of me?”  She was right; the cafe does look pretty for Instagram.
You nodded, she posed, and you showed the pictures to her. Your wife pondered, but you can tell from her furrowed eyebrows that the pictures weren’t your best. “Sorry sayang, can you take it again?” 😆
It’s tricky, we hear you. You may or may not enjoy your new role as an Instagram Husband, but you love her so much that you would do it anyway. That’s because it made her smile, and seeing her happy makes you smile.
Credit: Giphy
Becoming an Instagram Husband requires dedication and patience. It’s a job that needs an eye for good photography and a heart for capturing moments. If you’re an Instagram Husband who is passionate about improving his game, we are here to help! 😄

1. Choose a background

You’ve read this one before, and it’s the basic rule for a well-liked Instagram photo. The background that landscapes the subject (your gorgeous wife 😉) is very important. When you’re exploring a city or heritage town, look out for the interesting background that captures the eye. The possibilities are endless when you stumble upon a vibrant mural, heritage building, or traditional shophouse.

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Credit: @gitasav on Instagram
If you found a background that makes you go “A-ha!”, let her know. Your partner will be more than happy to step into the frame and flaunt the new blouse you bought for her recently. While she motions with various poses, try to capture her in the middle or side of the frame and snap when she’s ready. 📸

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Credit: @ameliaelle on Instagram

2. Find the perfect lighting

Capturing your wife in a good light is a must. Her pictures won’t fetch a lot of likes on Instagram if it turned out gloomy or overexposed. If you’re planning an outdoor shoot in the day, keep an eye on the source of natural lighting. Nudge her to sit by the window or face the brightly-lit sky.

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Credit: @alfdns on Instagram
Whether its sunrise or sunset, these two golden hours are perfect to achieve that soft, romantic lighting. 😌 To make the most of it, you can take her out for an outdoor picnic or early breakfast, so you can plan a thoughtful #OOTD session right after.

Credit: @viratandia on Instagram

3. Shoot in symmetry

Ah, you’ll never go wrong with a symmetrical picture. In fact, it’s simple to do because most cameras in smartphones are built with gridlines to prevent slanted turnouts. It is extremely handy when you’re leading the mini photoshoot outdoors where the backgrounds are mostly buildings, streets or natural landscapes.

Credit: @inayustian_ on Instagram
The best way to practice the art of symmetry is to place the subject in the middle of the frame. Then, use both the background and your phone’s gridlines to adjust the frame accordingly. Additionally, you can use the doors, floors, or staircases as references to align the picture perfectly. 😉

Credit: @sorayaulfa15 on Instagram

4. Space it out

If you’re aiming to achieve a simple yet sophisticated snapshot, create a great impact by embracing the space that surrounds the subject. Stick to ‘The Rule of Third’ when you take a picture, where you lean your subject towards the edge or side of the frame.

Credit: @voguemvslim on Instagram
This tip is particularly useful if you’re taking a picture of your significant other in a scenic landscape or with the vast skies above. Not only with this trick helps you to make the best of its background, the amount of free space also does a fantastic job in putting your subject in the spotlight.

Credit: @indahnadapuspita on Instagram

5. Capture movements

Capturing your wife while she’s out and about is a lovely way to showcase the explorer side of her. From the way she breathes in the sights and sounds of a foreign land to exchanges a polite smile with another kind soul, these are the moments when she’s in her most natural self. 😌

Credit: @sheismodest on Instagram
The latest smartphones are now capable of shooting any moving subject, anything from a playful pet to your adventurous kids. If your wife prefers options to choose from, make use of the burst feature and take multiple shots at the same time. Remember to keep your hands absolutely still to avoid any shaky or blurry shots.

Credit: @saritiw on Instagram

6. Experiment with angles

There are a variety of ways to capture your wife’s perfect #OOTD moments, and it doesn’t have to be taken from the front all the time.  The trick here is to be adventurous.  It’s all about being experimental with a wide range of angles. The less predictable the angle is, the more interesting the shot becomes.

Credit: @dindatalitha on Instagram
How would it look like if she sits on the steps and you take a shot while standing? What happens when you position your partner to the side of the frame? Since you’ll be snapping multiple shots anyway, take some risk and play around with camera angles. You may uncover another gorgeous side of her that a selfie has yet to capture.

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Credit: @followmeto on Instagram

7. Snap her smile

It’s always a wonderful thing to capture your wife in her most natural and beautiful self. Whether it’s the sweet smile she gives when you make her coffee or the blush you receive when she steals glances at you, these are the wonderful times that are perfect for the camera. 😊

Credit: @yunitameliani_ on Instagram
Share an inside joke or a sweet compliment to get your partner to carve a smile. It doesn’t matter if you capture it completely by happenstance or not. It’s all about eternalising the happy moments together, and capturing a loving smile dedicated to her Instagram Husband: that’s you! 😄

Credit: @sorayaulfa15 on Instagram

8. Discover interesting details

Sometimes, the most unexpected detail can make a huge difference between a great snapshot and a mediocre one. You can discover it completely by chance or when you’re out on a date. It could be the blue Hydrangeas in the garden, an empty rattan chair, or a little brick staircase. There are a lot of Instagram-worthy details around, and all it needs is your attention. ✨

Credit: @voguemvslim on Instagram
When you finally found a potential Instagram moment, get ready to use all of the photography tricks above and seize this opportunity instantly! Remember to make the most of your surroundings to ensure the snapshot remains interesting and memorable for your significant other. ❤️

Credit: @yunitameliani_ on Instagram

9. Build a conversation

Taking an Instagram picture is more than just a snap-and-go experience. It’s always great to have a conversation with your wife while trying your best to capture a nice snapshot. By communicating with her, you’ll get a clearer picture of her style and preference.

Credit: @followmeto on Instagram
If you realised that she’s facing away from the light, motion her to face the other way. If you noticed that the snapshot looks better when she smiles, let her know. If you came across a unique angle, experiment it with her. These are the little things that can save your time and speed up your picture taking process.

Credit: @followmeto on Instagram

10. Remember, patience is beautiful

Patience is a beautiful thing. We know it can be tiring to take pictures all afternoon, but she appreciates the value of a great picture. We know it’s even more challenging if your wife founds an unflattering angle or a noticeable flaw of hers (when in truth, she looks amazing). With patience, you can turn this experience into a couple-bonding moment between the two of you. 😍

Credit: @saritiw on Instagram
Having fun also makes this Instagram experience a lot better too. Turn it into a happy, positive and memorable moment, and it will translate very well in your photos of her. The experience will be far from time-consuming or tiring if her Instagram Husband decides to join in the fun too. 😄

Credit: @diahestika on Instagram
There you have it! Altogether, we have ten awesome photography tricks that you can use to improve your game. To summarise it all, you need to choose an interesting background, find the perfect lighting, understand the composition, and transform it into a great experience for the two of you. Instagram Husbands, you know you have what it takes to capture her best moments! ❤️

 

Basics of Photography: The Complete Guide

Adam Dachis

 

#photographyhobbyist  #photographybestoftheday #photographyforever

 

 

We spent the last week learning all about the basics of photography, from the way your camera works to composing your photos to editing them in post. Here's the complete guide, along with a PDF of all the lessons and some additional resources fo learning more.
Note: Click the lesson title to view the lesson—it's a link!

Part I: Understanding How Your Digital Camera Works

With so many cameras available, figuring out how all the specifications and options translate into your everyday use is complicated. For our first lesson in the Basics of Photography, we learn how cameras work and make sense of what that means in terms of choosing a camera to buy and how that choice affects your photographs.

Part II: Your Camera's Automatic and Assisted Settings

In this lesson we take a look at your camera's various assisted and automatic settings.

Part III: Your Camera's Manual Settings

In this lesson we take away our handicap and jump into the fun stuff: manual mode. We look at the details of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, as well as how those settings affect your photos.

Part IV: Composition and Technique

A well-composed photograph is really a matter of opinion, but there are a few tricks that tend to result in better pictures. That's what we take a look at in this lesson.

Part V: Editing Images in Post

For our final photography lesson, we look at the final step: editing your images. We try different kinds of techniques for color correction, touch ups, and a few other fun effects.
If you'd like all of these lessons in a printable PDF file, click here to download one. (Note: The photos in the composition lesson were cropped because they didn't fit, so visit the original post to see them in their entirety.)

Additional Resources

If you want to learn more about digital photography, there are plenty of resources to help you out. We've broken them up into three sections so you can focus on the resources that are most appropriate for your needs.

 

Understanding the Way Your camera Works

• Curtin's Guide to Digital Cameras will take you through every little thing your camera can possibly do. If you still don't have a digital camera yet, this guide also contains a ton of advice on what to buy based on your needs and intended use.
• The Shortcourses Bookstore has books on tons of popular digital cameras so you can learn more about how they work. You can even get digital copies of the books for your mobile devices.
• Geoff Lawrence offers up a lot of information, ranging from the basic to more complex. This site will teach you simple things, like holding your camera properly, as well as more complex things, like exposure bracketing.

Composing Better Photographs

• Samy's Camera, which is a great camera store (that happens to be down the street from me) also has a bunch of online photo lessons that will teach you a lot about lighting and composing your photos. They even have some lessons in Spanish.
• Web Photo School has a few free lessons to help you shoot better photos.
• This short course on Digital Desktop Studio Photography will teach you all about photographing objects in a controlled studio environment. It's pretty much something anyone can do on their desk (hence the name).
• Best Photo Lessons contains a bunch of basic lessons on the principles of photography, including a few things we didn't cover.

Editing Your Photos

• If you want to learn Photoshop, we've got a night school for that, too. It's not all about Photography, but you'll learn about how the application works and plenty about color-correcting and touching up your images.
• Lynda.com is an online training service that'll teach you all sorts of things about Photoshop. It costs $25 per month, but if you're on a tight budget you can just pay for a single month, learn what you need to learn, and then cancel your membership.
• The National Association of Photoshop Professionals is the organization that puts out the great Photoshop magazine Photoshop User. For $99 a year you get that magazine plus a membership. You probably don't want to sign up for this if you're not going to spend a lot of time learning about Photoshop techniques, as it's pricey, but there's tons of great info and tutorials. I used to subscribe back when I did more photography and learned a ton of great Photoshop tricks this way. It's not for everyone, but if you've got the time it is a great resource.
• You Suck At Photoshop is free training and comedy rolled into one. It's been around for awhile and you've probably heard about it, but it's still awesome. The videos aren't just funny—they actually teach you Photoshop.

Other Stuff

• DIY Photography is a great resource for projects for your camera. Photography can be a really expensive hobby, but you can build a lot of the equipment you want/need yourself. DIY Photography has plenty of light rings, diffusers, camera straps, and even cameras you can build yourself.
• Here's a lesson on Displaying and Sharing Your Photos—a topic we didn't have time to cover.
• We have an Ask Lifehacker focused on how to take better photos in low light. If that's your primary concern, this should cover all the bases for you.

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You can follow Adam Dachis, the author of this post, on Twitter and Facebook. Twitter's the best way to contact him, too.

E-Commerce Photography Tips for Instagram

• Cart Egg
• Instagram, Instagram Automation, Photography

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#photographyhobbyist  #photographybestoftheday #photographyforever

Do you marvel how one can get your product images nicely on Instagram? Good product pictures makes you and your small business look more professional. It’s no secret well-lit and photographed merchandise is extra engaging to a possible purchaser than one that appears like a hasty, badly thought out snapshot.
It takes much less effort and time than you assume to create stunning e-commerce posts, and on this article, we’ll run by way of some tricks to get you capturing and posting very quickly.

#1 Lighting

Photography is all about lighting. Nothing can smash a doubtlessly good shot faster than dangerous lighting.
Pure daylight is simpler for novices to grasp, and may give a gorgeous, smooth mild, however there are some things it is best to know should you select to shoot your product in daylight:

• Keep away from direct daylight. This provides you with a harsh mild with darkish shadows, and also will blow out any already vivid areas in your object, obliterating the element. Attempt to shoot in north mild, comparable to a north-facing window. It will give a really even mild. In the event you don’t have north-facing home windows, attempt utilizing a white diffuser, piece of muslin or curtain netting to place between your product and the daylight. It will diffuse the brightness.
• You have to a reflector. If you’re capturing daylight, you have to to put a reflector on the shadow facet of your product to bounce mild again and carry the shadows. You should buy low cost reflectors very simply, or make your personal out of white card, material, a mirror and even aluminum foil that has been scrunched up and smoothed out once more.

The drawback of capturing in daylight is that you may’t shoot when it’s darkish. It’s possible you’ll discover it worthwhile to put money into a studio strobe lighting kit, or a digicam mounted flashgun. Don’t use the pop-up flash in your digicam – it is going to give a harsh, horrible mild with a shadow round your product. If you’re capturing in your smartphone, attempt to discover some daylight balanced steady lights as a substitute, or simply shoot in daylight.

If you wish to shoot a product with a basic e-commerce white background, you have to a studio strobe with a big softbox, and a particular white product desk or mild tent. You’ll additionally want a tripod and a increase arm mild stand.

• Attempt to place your mild within the softbox straight above the product, which ought to be on a roll of seamless white paper, a product desk or mild tent. That is the place a boom-arm mild stand is useful, to get the sunshine straight above the article, shining straight down onto it. This minimises the shadows, and makes your white background a lot cleaner.
• You’re aiming for a smooth, even mild. Watch out to not over or underexpose your product.

#2 Preparation

You need to be sure your product is clear and searching one of the best it may be earlier than you shoot it. The digicam will see any mud, hairs or soiled marks and they’re going to seem on the pictures. The identical goes for your backgrounds. Ensure there’s nothing there that shouldn’t be.

#three Add Some Context

Potential consumers prefer to see merchandise getting used, or of their pure settings. These are referred to as way of life photographs, and you actually ought to attempt together with some. If you’re promoting jewelry, for instance, have some pure trying pictures of individuals carrying it. The identical goes for garments and sneakers. If you’re promoting objects for a selected goal, attempt taking some pictures of them getting used for that goal, comparable to a corkscrew pulling a cork out of a bottle, or a tablecloth on a desk.

#four Use Composition to Your Benefit

It would offer you an edge in your rivals should you take a while to be taught the principles of photographic composition. Once you use these guidelines, your photographs instantly look cleaner and extra skilled. Additionally they draw the viewer’s eye in. You need photographs that may make folks cease scrolling by way of their Instagram feed and have a look at your picture. Listed below are a few examples:

• Use the Rule of Thirds. There’s a set of grid traces that you may put in your digicam or cellphone, which divides the display screen up into intersecting traces. The intention is to put objects of curiosity on the locations the place the traces meet. Learn the way to show them on in your digicam’s settings.
• Don’t make your objects too small within the body. Use the entire body as a lot as you possibly can, and don’t have massive areas surrounding your product.

That is only a transient description of some composition components, and I recommend you look for a extra in-depth rationalization. There are a lot of good tutorials on the web that may assist you learn more about composition, and the way it will enhance your photographs. Yet another factor – as you’re capturing for Instagram, take into account how your photographs will look in a sq., and modify your composition accordingly.

#5 Select the Proper Background

A clear, uncluttered background will actually make your product stand out towards it. Don’t select a patterned one, it’s too distracting. If you’re capturing a mannequin carrying garments, attempt to discover a plain white or impartial colored wall to them towards.

#6 Retouch Your Pictures

Retouching your photographs could make all of the distinction earlier than you submit them on Instagram. Experiment with Instagram filters, or use one of many many photo editing apps to make your images stand out. You too can use a desktop picture editor to delete the pointless objects or modify shadows, highlights, colour and distinction way more precisely. It doesn’t must be Photoshop, which, though good, is dear and might be exhausting to be taught. GIMP is an efficient, free picture editor, and Luminar modifying suite has plenty of options and has some pre-sets included.

#7 Add A number of Pictures To a Single Submit

As of late February 2018, Instagram’s added a brand new characteristic that means that you can share a number of images and movies in a single submit. This implies you not have to decide on your single, finest picture, however can mix as much as 10 images highlighting your product. You may even embody a brief demo video. You too can use this to create a step-by-step tutorial on how you can use your product, or the completely different levels of its set up. Even higher, you possibly can mix product-only pictures with way of life pictures (see our tip about placing your merchandise in context). For directions on how, try Instagram’s weblog submit on it here.

Schedule your Instagram posts.

Totally automated posts. No cellphone required.

#eight Swap Your Codecs Round to Preserve Issues Contemporary

Whereas product-only pictures showcase your merchandise as they could seem on a web site’s merchandise web page, they shortly lose their attraction on Instagram if that’s all you’re posting. To maintain your viewers engaged you’ll have to maintain importing quite a lot of photographs. Way of life pictures are vital, so use your creativity and work out all of the other ways you possibly can showcase your product in motion. You too can attempt methods comparable to flat lay and cease movement pictures, each of which add quite a lot of curiosity.
No matter which explicit methods you select to make use of, you’ll nonetheless want a variety of various photographs to maintain your viewer’s engaged. Use your creativity and do your finest to think about all of the other ways your merchandise can match into your viewers’ existence. That’s the place the actual gold is.

Wild Polar Bear Tries To Break In | BBC Earth

Pet Photography Tips and Techniques

Practical Tips for Improving Your Maternity Photography 

^{Chelsea Haworth Photography}

Taking gorgeous maternity photos obviously requires the skill and talent to utilize your camera and other gear to get high-quality shots.
It also requires that you have a deep understanding of things like styling, color theory, post-processing, and a host of other factors that influence how the photos look.
But there are plenty of practical things to bear in mind that can greatly influence how your maternity photos turn out.
That being the case, here are a few practical maternity photography tips to help you maximize the quality of your images.

Editor's Tip: If you're not quite making the income you'd like as a maternity photographer, there are ways to supplement your income. Join our #1 affiliate program and learn how you can start making passive income.

Maternity Photography Tip: Include Siblings

^{Stevie Cruz Photography}

One thing I like to do when I take maternity photos is to include siblings in the photos.
It can be hard for some kids to share the spotlight once their new baby brother or sister is born, so including them in the maternity photo shoot is a great way to make them feel special.
Besides, it also gives you the chance to photograph the mom-to-be with her baby bump and her older children and highlight the love between them.
A good plan when photographing siblings is to put your camera in burst mode. That will allow you to capture some fun candid shots between takes, and since little ones are often very animated and on the move, you might be able to get some truly magical photos of unscripted hugs, kisses, smiles, and laughs.

        #photographyhobbyist  #photographybestoftheday #photographyforever              

Learn More:

• Key Tips for Beautiful Family Pregnancy Portraits
• 3 Things You Need to Know as a New Maternity Photographer

Use a Standard Lens

^{Vic & Marie Photography}

A standard lens - something like a 50mm on a full frame camera - is one of the best maternity photography lenses because it offers you so much versatility in what you can do.
You can get in close, take a few steps back, easily get high-angle or low-angle shots, and much more.
What's more, standard prime lenses offer excellent sharpness, minimal aberrations, and great low-light performance due to their large apertures.
Standard lenses also capture the scene in a manner that closely resemble what our eyes see, so the images taken with these lenses look natural.
You can certainly use other lenses - longer focal lengths offer beautiful compression, for example - but for me, it's hard to beat a 50mm prime.

Editor's Tip: The accessories you use in your maternity portraits can make or break the shot. See how you can change your maternity portraits for the better.

Give Yourself Enough Time With Each Session

^{Elegant Moments}

Typically, maternity sessions run anywhere from 1-2 hours with many photographers also offering mini sessions that last just 30 minutes.
When booking clients, it's important to consider what they want, how many people will be involved, and what you need to accomplish so that you steer them towards the right session length.
For example, if your client wants to include her children in the shoot, a 30-minute mini session isn't going to cut it. You'll likely spend that much time in trying to help your client direct the kids, posing everyone, and taking tons of photos in the hopes you capture a few in which everyone has nice smiles and looks good!
Everything about a maternity photography shoot takes longer than you think, so be sure you've given yourself plenty of time to get all your goals for the shoot crossed off your list. 

Learn More:

• 8 Tips Every Portrait Photographer Should Try Right Now
• Fun Maternity Photography Ideas

How to Take Maternity Photos: Accessorize!

^{Abba Color Photography}

Using props and accessories in a portrait can go very wrong, very fast.
And because of that, I think a lot of photographers err on the side of caution far too often and neglect the value of tasteful and well-placed accessories in a portrait.
In looking at the image above, you can see how the floral crown complements the floral-patterned gown that the model is wearing.
In this case, the gown and crown work well together to add some color and life to the shot without overwhelming the eye.
In the end, there are plenty of things you can do to make your maternity photography shoots more successful.
But often it's practical maternity photography techniques like these that help you give your client the best possible results.

About Sew Trendy

This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, and mommy and me sessions. These accessories not only make your clients look and feel great, but they also add a depth of detail and interest to your photos that elevate the images to an entirely other level. What started out with just a few people manufacturing these eye-catching items is a growing business that provides accessories to photographers worldwide. Help your clients look and feel their best by partnering with Sew Trendy Accessories.

Courtesy of: Photography Talk