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06/29/2007 10:13:33 AM · #1 |
OK, several photographers have contributed their success and failures along their individual road to becoming a professional photograher, so I thought I'd contribute my $0.02 USD and share a little of my journey. I'm not quite there yet, but I feel like I can at least see the road laid out in front of me.
The Inspiration
Ultimately we all draw our inspiration from somewhere. For me, it was my wife's pregnancy with our son almost 3 years ago. During that time, I noticed that my beautiful wife had a "glow" about her and in my eyes, she was more beautiful than ever. The above image was taken about 2 days before she became very sick with AFLDP (acute fatty liver disease of pregnancy). The remainder of her pregnancy was emotionally draining as we walked the thin line between our son's need to "cook" longer and her health and well-being. It was a period when I honestly thought that I could potentially lose the love of my life as well as my unborn son. To shorten an otherwise long story, my son is here, he's healthy and he's perfect. My wife is also here and healthy (albeit a little less "perfect") ;-).
The Journey Begins
After the birth of my son, I realized that I had precious few photographs of the most life-altering event my wife and I have ever experienced. I began to wonder how many others felt that way about pregnancy and did some research on maternity photography. I found that not only is it done, but it is a widely accepted "form" of photography and there are even photographers who specialize specifically in this type of photography. I came across the work of Jennifer Loomis and was truly inspired. I decided at that time that I wanted to devote my efforts and energy into this "niche" in hopes to carve out my place in the maternity and newborn photography world. My first "client" was a good friend of mine and ex-co-worker who had seen the abysmal photograph of my wife and asked me to photograph her during her pregnancy.
   
I was working with my recently purchased Rebel XT and kit (yes I said kit) lens. I had no formal lighting and even less formal training. My only "training" came solely from this site. The photographs were better than the ones I had taken of my wife, but still terribly disappointing in my eyes. My client was happy with them, and ultimately (I was later to discover) that's all that really mattered. At the time I was working with 1 500w "hot light" and a white felt backdrop. I came to learn that black felt makes a wonderful background... white felt... not so much.
The Road Less Traveled
OK, I'm shooting "clients" now and I'm loving it. I have to get better, I have to do more research. In my own research, I find that although this is a widely accepted form of photography, it's done by few photographers. More importantly, even fewer photographers do it well. OK, this is an opening I want to explore. This is an open field that not many photographers "enjoy", and I LOVE it!!! I must improve and the best way to do it is to learn what I can. I've never been a fan of "portrait" photography, and even now I refuse to do standard "portraits", but this is a form of portrait photography, so I need to learn what I can. Thank you  idnic!!! She may not realize this, but she has been an excellent inspiration to me as well as a wonderful learning resource. It is not my intention to re-invent the wheel and I can say that anyone who wants to do portrait photography can learn far more about the nuts and bolts from her than they can from me. I do not claim to be able to "teach" anyone about how to take a photograph. My intention is to inspire those who are on the cusp of deciding whether or not to venture into the world of professional photography to take the plunge. Find your niche... get out and DO IT!
The Learning Curve
By now, I've learned more about backdrops, composition, and some lighting. I also have found my "groove". For me, maternity photography is about the relationship between the mother and her unborn child. Any images should accurately portray that bond and ideally stir warm emotions of love and caring. The best way to establish this connection is to take photographs of the mother... take photographs of the belly... place as much emphasis on these as you can. Backdrops, props, all the trappings of the traditional photographer become much less important. These sessions are not about beautiful surroundings or cute teddy bears... they are about the miracle of life and the emotions that are stirred by this transitional period in a woman's life.
At this point, I am still using "hot lights", but now I have 4 instead of just one. I have learned more about white backdrops, but still haven't perfected it.
 
I'm also stepping out of my "comfort zone" and trying new poses and fabrics.
I'm learning more about high-key photography and processing and have fallen in love with the "purity" of these images.
I've also learned the all important lesson... make due with what you have. When the natural light coming in a window doesn't cooperate, take some vellum and tape it to the window (outside). Light from the outside through the vellum to give a nice diffuse "natural" light.
 
I'm also gaining a new appreciation for black backgrounds.
 
Elusive Success?!?!
When shooting for maternity clients, make sure they're comfortable. The last trimester of pregnancy can be very uncomfortable for some people. Expectant mothers tire easily and snack often. I usually keep a fruit/vegetable tray on hand with plenty of bottled water for my clients. Also be aware that some expectant mothers may suffer from hypertension or gestational diabetes, so keep an assortment of snacks on hand. I do shoot nudes on most of my maternity sessions, but not all. The best way to find out what your client is comfortable with is to show examples of a full range of "styles". I keep my nudes and my non-nudes in two separate books. I allow every client to review both books prior to the shoot, and point out examples of poses they would like to try. You can easily determine their comfort level through this very simple process. If a client does decide to shoot nudes, I always wait until the end of the session to do them. They are usually more comfortable and relaxed and it makes the shots easier for them. For you guys out there, it is highly recommended you have a female assistant of some sort to help with wardrobe and posing. My wife is present at all of my shoots.
1.) Always look for features in your client that can be used to compliment the photograph.
 
This client had beautiful skin tone and it looked wonderful in color. I stepped outside of my normal black and white comfort zone and chose color on a lot of her shots to emphasize the natural "glow" she gave off.
2.) Always listen to your client!
This image was one specifically requested by a client and is based off of an image she saw on the internet. I tried to recreate it as close as I could and it turned out to be an image I actually liked... no matter how "cliche" I may have initially thought it was.
3.) Take advantage of unique opportunities.
  
I recently had the opportunity to work with pregnant twins. One of them had previous modeling experience and I must say they were an absolute joy to work with. They were tireless for the shoot and willing to try a variety of experimental poses.
4.) Step out of your comfort zone at least once for each client.
 
In addition to my "standard" shots, I try to do at least one new shot at each session... something I've never tried before and may or may not be a good idea. This is where you get your "creative" shots. Re-use the keepers and discard the ones that flop.
5.) Draw inspiration from everything.
The Nude IV challenge inspired this shot. The clients saw it, really liked it, and mentioned it during our shoot. That set off a lightbulb in my head and inspired this shot.
That's about all I have to offer at this point. For those of you who actually read my ramblings, I thank you. I do not claim to be an expert, but thanks to DPC, I feel I am on my way. If you have a desire to carve out your own niche, keep your eyes open and your nose to the grindstone. No matter how crappy you start off, persistence and patience will win out in the end.
Message edited by author 2007-06-29 10:24:51.
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06/29/2007 10:26:41 AM · #2 |
| Awesome post ... amazing images ... thanks for sharing your growth and learning experiences ... very inspirational! |
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06/29/2007 10:58:07 AM · #3 |
| Great information. That tip about vellum on the window is great!! Thanks. |
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06/29/2007 12:17:06 PM · #4 |
This story was indeed very inspiring. I am thrilled with your success!
a curiousity question though... How do you find new clients?
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06/29/2007 01:42:36 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Tlemetry:
This story was indeed very inspiring. I am thrilled with your success!
a curiousity question though... How do you find new clients? |
Thanks. New clients take persistence and a little luck. Word of mouth is your friend... best marketing and (here's a secret)... IT'S FREE!
I have also been fortunate enough to hook up with our local hospital and they do quarterly "Early Pregnancy Awareness" seminars. I set up a booth with my work, give them a door prize (typically a free photo session), and market myself to the public. I will start running ads in the near future, but for now I'm counting on the free stuff and try to keep my website relatively current.
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06/29/2007 05:05:48 PM · #6 |
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06/29/2007 05:06:47 PM · #7 |
You are well on your way, Lee. Your work has improved greatly. You should consider approaching some OBGYN offices to get some of your prints hung in their offices/waiting areas. :)
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06/29/2007 05:17:32 PM · #8 |
| What a WONDERFUL read! Congratulations. |
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06/29/2007 05:41:08 PM · #9 |
Very well put together and some beautiful imagery along the way. Congratulations.
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06/29/2007 06:10:18 PM · #10 |
Thanks guys. Cindi, the OBGYN office idea is one I've already had. I think I'm going to start with my wifes OBGYN office and hopefully go from there. It's me next step in free self-promotion... great minds...
;-) |
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06/30/2007 07:53:34 AM · #11 |
Lee, I've watched your collection of maternity images grow for a couple years now, and it always inspires - thank you, and congratulations on finding a way to do the work you truly love!
Billy |
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