We always see it as a huge privilege to have new clients, becoming like old friends, coming back for shoots time and time again. One of our most successful shoots is the maternity-newborn combination package which has us photographing mommy at about 34 weeks pregnant – at the time when you can see the tummy at its fullest, before mom get beyond the point of discomfort, and when little one is born, the new parents come back again for a special shoot, little baby’s first.

We usually do these shoots on the black background, as it just gives is such an intimate and personal feel, and we get to focus more on the emotion of the shoot. We use “low-key lighting” for both shoots, it has a way of accentuating the shape of the tummy, and also creating just the right amount of highlights and shadows for a sense of depth and dimension.

We find it such a miracle to think that little person lived inside mom’s body, and here they are, ruling the world with their own demands. We try and make it a good experience for them, and give them time to settle down when they get crabby and sometimes it’s even a good idea to give them a feed, as it sooths them.

We are always happy to see any old clients again, and it’s a great idea to consider having an extraordinary shoot done with a beautiful pregnant mom, and then a special shoot for baby when they have decided to grace us with their presence.

Yolandi Jacobsz

Pregnancy Portraits