Tips for Taking Great Black and White Maternity Photos

Oct.25, 2008 by Shannon Kietzman
Baby Photography

Are you wanting to take some great black and white maternity photos? Black and white photos, whether they are maternity photos, newborn photos or baby photos provide an effective way to create a certain tone or mood with your photo. While some people are not great fans of black and white photos, having a few black and whites in your maternity photo album is a great way to add some variety to your photos and to capture this very special moment in your life.

Creating the Proper Lighting

Smith Victor FL130

Just as with color photography, creating the proper lighting is essential when capturing a black and white photograph. In fact, one could argue that lighting is even more important because the lack of color means a greater emphasis will be placed on the subtle grays that are created with a black and white photo. In the photo below, for example, the photographer, who goes by the name of Mother_Flicker on the photography website Flickr, says he used a 3 piece lighting kit from Smith Victor in order to create the proper lighting for the photo. He also used a black backdrop in order to make certain the background was completely black and all of the lighting focused on the mother.

Pink Shoes

Adding Color

Adding color to specific parts of the photo is another great way to communicate emotion and to add interest to your photo. In the above photo, for example, the photographer used Photo Shop in order to go back in and add color to the pink baby shoes. The same was likely done with the photo below, which colors the rose petals and the actual flower itself in order to successfully symbolize new life and love.

Color of Roses

Considering Composition

Composition is another important consideration when taking maternity photographs, whether the photos are color or black and white. Simply put, composition is what brings balance to the photograph while also drawing the viewer’s eye to the center of interest. You should also aim to fill the frame with items that are important to the photo. In the picture below, for example, the photographer has managed to nearly fill the frame without being overwhelming. The profile of the mother provides excellent composition, as she bows her head slightly forward in order to balance out her pregnant belly. You can visit Wikipedia or PhotoInfo.com to learn more about composition in photography.

Of course, lighting is also key in this photograph and, if you are just getting started out in black and white photography, it may take a little experimentation for you to get the lighting correct. But, once you do, you will find that your black and white maternity photos are absolutely breathtaking!