Pregnancy is an illuminating time. Moms who are expecting learn all kinds of new things about what they are capable of and ready for. As a maternity photographer, the literal illumination, by use of light, is a core tactic to achieving black and white maternity photos.
Because color typically plays a core role in maternity photographs, this session was particularly wonderful and unique. Expectant mother Christy actually led with this concept, telling me on our first call that my use of light was a deciding factor in hiring me. Like many Gainesville maternity photographers (and photographers in general), I use all kinds of light in my photo studio.
While my Gainesville photo studio is completely outfitted with controlled lighting, I take great advantage of large picture windows which provide a steady stream of natural light. For my own purposes, I prefer not to use studio lights whenever possible.
When Christy told me her original concept for black and white maternity photos, I was elated and ready to co-create something wonderful with her. The soft light from the windows perfectly pulled contrast from the shadows and provided a sweet glow that was just right for this black and white photo session.
Black and White Photos for Expectant Moms
A fun word about this maternity photo shoot is that it was done solo as a surprise for Christy’s husband. Christy’s vision and hope was to achieve black and white maternity photos that were timeless. You can see that her minimalist maternity photo shoot outfits, hair and makeup are all understated, classic and elegant.
The black and white maternity photos here aren’t meant to hearken to any particular era. Instead, the traditional approach is somehow perfectly personal, whimsical and dreamy. I couldn’t be happier with the serendipitous results.
Stylized Maternity Portraits
This new mom explained to me that her own mother didn’t have professional maternity photos, and she didn’t want to miss this opportunity. It’s important to me, as a maternity photographer, that each client gets a unique experience. I provide individualized consultations and don’t use prefab sets or the same grouping of maternity photo props.
If you would like to see just how individualized maternity portraits can be, visit my maternity photo page.
In my work, everything is created from scratch, based on the ideals and imagination of the client. Christy wanted to remember the calm of her pregnancy. She wanted to capture the surprising confidence she felt in the third trimester. It is inspiring that she felt and experienced this immense peace, even in the midst of the pandemic. What better care could her newborn hope to have than a mom with this mindset? Inspired myself, I arranged a gently lit maternity photo shoot for Christy, meant to exceed her expectations.
Black and White Maternity Photo Ideas
One of the most powerful ways to gain a winning finished product with black and white maternity photos is to use texture. The wall portraits chosen by Christy, and delivered by surprise to her husband, were printed simply in black and white with a lovely brushed texture. The final printing and treatment of professional maternity photos can make all of the difference. Photos like these may also be wonderfully suited for heirloom photo boxes, wall art portraits and wall collages.
Hire a Gainesville Maternity Photographer
Pregnant women are in such a unique and temporary time of life. Even if you have multiple children, or feel like pregnancy lasts forever, it really is brief and forgettable. You’ll be amazed, as the months and years stretch on, how hard it is to recall the moments when you expected the child or children you now have.
The goal of maternity photography is to preserve the importance of this season. You are special, as is your baby, and wonderfully made. Black and white maternity photos are one creative way to have something enduring and timeless as a memento of these nine months. But, of course, the true goal of maternity photos is to capture you, in all of your beauty, strength and uniqueness.
That is always my aim and I’m proud that this session was so successful.
If you wish to learn more about my creative maternity photos, my Gainesville Florida photography studio or to schedule an initial consultation, contact me here.
For more inspiration, including black and white maternity photo ideas or other maternity photo ideas, feel free to follow me on social media:
Timeless, simplicity, elegant, peaceful are the words that come to my mind as I look at these beautiful photos!! Andrea, job well done!!!
I am pleased to hear you found elegance and peace and beauty in this set of maternity photos. Thank you for your feedback!
Wonderful job, Andrea! A truly magnificent set of poses and maternity pictures.
Thank you for your kind words Jessica! Celebrating maternity photos with all the maternity poses was fun! It was all mom’s idea!
Black and White portraits match any home decor. Stunning photographs and I enjoyed hearing the behind the screens story.
I am glad that you enjoyed these black and white maternity photos, Lori. I agree that black and white portraits match any home decor. Glad you enjoyed the back story too!
These black and white photos are stunning. I’ve never seen a maternity photo shoot in black and white and I love it!! The black dress pops so much against the cream/ off white background!
It’s good to hear from you Ashley. Black and white adds a pop of elegance and classic style that will always be current. Creating the best light and playing with the black dress against the bright background was fun!
Whether color or black & white, your maternity images are always gorgeous! I love that you work with your clients to achieve their vision!
Thank you for taking the time to leave some feedback, Michelle. As you know, working with clients makes each job unique. What fun to hear their vision and allow them to be a part of the creative process. We made the maternity session quite fun!
These black and white maternity pictures are absolutely beautiful. How blessed is this beautiful mama to be to have these as memories!?
So good to see you Jodi, and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. Mama sure is beautiful. And I agree that capturing beautiful maternity photos is a blessing for mama and her whole family too!
So very true. What an awesome experience for mom and great memories for the entire family
I think moms can really appreciate the tender depth that maternity photos can touch their heart. Christy is thrilled to have these memories of her pregnancy captured for her entire family.
Black and white speaks wonders for a photo, and this is captured so well. Such a beautiful moment for a mother.
True simplicity and elegance marks black and white maternity photography. I am glad that you found this gallery stunning to your eyes! Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback.
These photos are stunning! I love that your client wanted to use natural light and she had the vision for black and white! It created a timeless and classic maternity portrait session that she and her husband will cherish.
Thank you for your kind words Candace. I’m glad that enjoyed these classic maternity photo. Mama to be had a fantastic idea and I am always excited about using the ideas that clients offer about their vision for their photos.
Your maternity photographs are so stunning! I love the black and white – no distractions just an amazing mama at this amazing time!
I love that you mention the clean style of these black and whites, distraction free. Sometimes photos can have lots of accessories and added visuals for effect. This mama chose maternity photos with simple elegance. I am glad that you enjoyed the photos! Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
How appealing to have a photographer who is willing to use their creativity and skill to achieve the desired look of their client.
I love the simplicity, elegance, and uniqueness of these photos. A timeless gift that this couple will cherish forever.
It’s awesome that you are a maternity photographer who is able to include client ideas with your photographic creativity. Mom must love her photos!
When clients have ideas and vision, it is great to gather and incorporate their ideas before a photo shoot. Then their photos are most about them and happy clients are more invested in the photo products! Thanks for your feedback, Susie!
Thanks so much for your support and kind words!!