Baring Your Growing Belly

In this day of advanced technology we have a plethora of options to choose from when we’re deciding how to chronicle nine glorious months of pregnancy. We have digital cameras, web cams hooked to daily-updated blogs, palm-sized camcorders, voice recorders and, of course, the traditional standbys — the pregnancy journal and pen. While all of these options can do the job just fine, having a professional photographer capture your pregnancy, however, can be nearly as rewarding as the actual day of your baby’s arrival.

Professional photographers, especially those with a hefty portfolio and years of experience, tend to have an acute eye for just the right lighting and a knack for suggesting the perfect pose to truly capture the essence of being with child. Photographers can fully detail all facets of an your pregnancy in an instant — the roundness of your belly, your expressions of anticipation and jubilation mixed with a pinch of worry, your love for your family and the love you carry for your unborn child.

Professionals, especially those who use black and white photography, can beautifully capture, detail by detail, the mystery of your changing form. Photographs have the unique ability to visually pause an exact moment in time that could be lost forever. Plus, photographs are beautiful reminders of your pregnancy that can be given to friends and family, hung richly around your home or tucked away in a pregnancy album. For any expectant mother, this is a wonderful, lasting gift for your family, your baby and yourself.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER
Credentials. A good photographer will always have a portfolio of her work plus a listing of customer testimonials. You can also ask for former customers to call for a recommendation.

Equipment. Does the photographer have professional equipment? Ask her what type of camera she uses and why. Have her explain her plan for your shoot and why she feels a certain camera will produce the best photos.

Rapport. Do you feel comfortable with your photographer? Does she have an idea of what you expect from the photo shoot? Is there great chemistry between the photographer and everyone else who may be in the photos, including any children, pets, and spouse or partner?

Belly casting is another wonderful way of remembering your special baby belly — size and all! Making a belly cast is very simple and inexpensive. First, you cast a plaster mold over your tummy, let it dry, then decorate it to create a beautiful keepsake of your pregnancy. Belly casting is great fun for baby showers or for an intimate gathering of family and friends. Want your own belly cast? Who doesn’t, right? Proud Body sells their belly casting kit online for $35. Call 1-877-972-1859 for more information or visit www.proudbody.com.

Pregnancy photographs provided by Bellies and Births.