Black and White Maternity Shoot | Los Angeles Photography Studio
Doing a maternity shoot is great way to capture the beauty of pregnancy and a great way to commemorate this special time in your life. But if you’re thinking about doing a maternity photo shoot, you may be wondering if you should opt for black and white (monochrome images) or request your pregnancy photoshoot images to only be in color?
Here are some reasons why you might love to have some black and white images in your maternity photo session and few tips on how to make these images better:
Black and white maternity shoots are timeless
Even if some consider them old fashioned, the photographs have a classic look that’ll never go out of style. If you’re doubting the power of black and white, just watch an old Hollywood movie like Casablanca, there’s a reason its often cited as one of the greatest films of all time—it’s simply ageless.
For nine months, you carry this new life inside of you, watching your body transform in astonishing ways. Along the way, there are countless milestones and memories to cherish. There is something about the contrast of black and white that perfectly captures the emotions of pregnancy.
These timeless images capture the strength and beauty of pregnancy, providing a beautiful reminder of this unique chapter in your life before meeting your child. Whether they’re used to decorate your home or simply to document your journey, it’s from our experience that pregnant women never regret having these done.
Black and white maternity pictures are just as elegant as color photos
There’s something about a black and white maternity photograph that can be incredibly elegant and timeless. Perhaps it’s the lack of color, which allows the focus to be on the shape and form of the baby bump, pregnant mother, and her growing baby- soon to be child. Or maybe it’s the contrast of the darkness and light that creates a sense of drama.
Not all black and white images are created equal
To really capture the elegance during your maternity session, it’s important to work with a skilled photographer who is an expert at composition and knows how balance tones and textures. When done right, black and white shots can be absolutely stunning.
If you’re expecting a baby and considering your maternity photography options, don’t forget including a black and white theme or at least adding a monochrome look with maternity photo session. You might just be surprised by how chic and beautiful the results can be.
They can be more emotive than color photos
While color images are absolutely beautiful, black and white images have a certain emotional power that can’t be beat.
One of the reasons black and white images can evoke more emotion is because they remind us of a simpler time when color was not an option. In an age of digital cameras and Instagram filters, it’s easy to get caught up in the novelty of color. But with black and white photos, they emphasize the human connection over the physical details and you can strip away all of the distractions and focus on the essentials. This can be really powerful, as it allows you to connect with your photos on a deeper level, which makes for why they are so popular with pregnant women- a request we often hear is to “get some images in black and white”.
When you look at a black and white image, you aren’t distracted by other elements like all of the colors in the image. Instead, you focus on the shapes, textures, and emotions that are being captured. This can establish a more intimate connection with your images, it can help you to remember the feelings that you experienced during this special time in your life, and can make for a perfect photo. Because black and white images evoke such strong emotions, you can play with different poses for these shots and capture the emotions of pregnancy and your soon to be newborn child in a truly special way.
They can be more romantic than color photos
There’s something about black and white maternity photography that can be incredibly romantic. Maybe it’s because they summon up old Hollywood glamour. Or maybe it’s the way they seem to emphasize emotions. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that black and white images can have a special kind of power.
Of course, not every black and white mom photo is romantic. But when you see a truly beautiful black and white image, it can take your breath away. They have a certain depth and richness. The best black and white images seem to convey both a sense of transparency and a feeling of intimacy. They let us see the world through someone else’s eyes, and they make us feel like we are part of a moment that is both special and fleeting.
Color photos are wonderful, too, but there’s something about black and white that just seems to capture the heart.
A monochrome image can create a feeling of nostalgia
Maternity black and white photos are often seen as classic tend to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication. Part of the reason may be that black-and-white images are less common now than they once were. In a world where most photos are taken on smartphones and shared online, we’re bombarded with images every day. But a black-and-white photo can feel more special, more deliberate. They require a bit more effort to craft, which makes them all the more precious, especially for a maternity session with a mom to be.
A monochrome image can be less distracting than a color photo
The absence of color can strip away distractions, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject matter. Whether it’s a close up picture of your beautiful belly or a candid moment captured between loved ones, black-and-white photos have a way of conveying emotion in a powerful, impactful way.
Perhaps this is what makes these maternity photoshoots so popular. By eliminating distractions and getting images done on a dark background for example, this can add contrasting tones to accentuate the curves of your pregnant belly and the lines of your hips, resulting in gorgeous images that have you as the main focus while also evoking the beauty of old Hollywood.
“Black-and-white photography with the use of light registers color in variations of gray. Seen this way, more attention should be given to composition and the levels of tone a color will be.” from The Makeup Artist Handbook: Techniques for Film, Television, Photography, and Theatre by Maggie Daniels, Carrie Wosicki
A black and white maternity shoot is classic
From the great contrast between light and dark to the lack of distraction. This can make for a perfect photo of any pregnant mom. Part of the appeal is that black and white pictures can be both simple and complex. A well-composed photo with a few carefully placed lines can be incredibly powerful, while a more chaotic image can also convey a strong emotions.
You don’t have to worry about matching colors perfectly with black and white maternity photos
Black and white pictures are all about great contrast and composition. You don’t have to worry about other elements like matching colors perfectly for your black and white maternity photoshoot, and the contrast of black and white can really make your expectant bare belly stand out. When booking your shot with Oxana Alex Photography, you will be able to pick from our gorgeous designer maternity dresses for your maternity photoshoot to make your photographs even more amazing.
What to wear for your black and white maternity photoshoot?
We often get asked if you can wear black for your maternity photoshoot. This timeless photography style highlights the natural beauty of mothers-to-be- whether you choose to wear a white or black maternity dress or a stylish gown or even a simple shirt and jeans, the choice is yours!
For a pregnant mother, comfort is most important when deciding what to wear
When you’re pregnant and being photographed, you need to feel comfortable. We recommend all pregnant women try out different poses during maternity photo sessions.
From close up shots of your bare belly to creative couple poses, Oxana Alex always makes sure that the subject is entirely comfortable.
At our photo studio we have a variety of maternity dresses that we include free of cost for the expecting mom. Show that baby bump in all its glory!
Use many props creatively for your maternity photos – In Studio Session
Props can add an interesting element to your black and white maternity shoot (think lots of texture or dramatic lighting). There are many reasons why expecting mothers may want to consider getting black and white maternity images taken in a studio setting vs on location.
First of all, the lighting in a studio can be carefully controlled to craft the perfect look for your maternity shoot. Secondly, the background in a studio can be customized to your preferences, whether you want a simple white backdrop or something more creative. In studio maternity photoshoots are also way more comfortable than driving around chasing the right lighting conditions or betting on the weather!
Read 11 steps to prepare for your studio pregnancy photoshoot here.
Finally, our studio has a wide range of props and accessories available that you can use to make for unique and memorable maternity pictures. So if you’re looking for beautiful and timeless maternity photography that put your pregnant baby bump at the center of attention, getting these photographs taken in a studio is definitely the way to go.
A black and white maternity photography session is ageless! As time marches on new generations will admire these images for their stark beauty
When booking your maternity photoshoot, just ask about our black and white maternity portraits and we’ll make sure to include one or more black and white looks in your photo session; We can shoot some in black and white as well as color and can also edit both ways. See our reviews here.
Whether hung on your wall, in your baby’s nursery, or included in a family album, your whole family will cherish these images of your new baby forever – Printed photographs of pregnant days your newborn baby may seem like a thing of the past but when handed down through future generations they become true family heirlooms.
So if you’re considering booking a maternity photo shoot soon, it would be a great idea to include some black and white images with your maternity photoshoot session or even go for an full black and white theme! When booking our studio you can also decide that you want a specific look to be edited in black and white after your shoot and we will include it when delivering your digital images. We also offer magazine style editing for an extra fee.
At what month should you do a maternity shoot?
The best time for pregnancy pictures is anywhere from 26 to 32 weeks (7 or 8 months). You want your baby bump to be fully visible. Make sure to schedule your maternity sessions early, don’t wait too close to your due date. Most professional photographers get booked for maternity sessions quickly. Our studio books up 3 months in advance.
Benefits of booking our maternity photography studio
Get photographed by a professional maternity photographer. At Oxana Alex Photography, we include a variety of accessories, maternity dresses and gowns with our maternity photoshoot packages. Also feel free to bring your other children/older children to the shoot or any props that you might want included such as toys or baby shoes! See our full guide with top 10 benefits of a Studio Maternity Photoshoot.
Contact Oxana Alex Photography for any questions or to book your maternity photo shoot studio session today!
In conclusion
Maternity black and white photos are often seen as classic, and they can convey a sense of elegance and sophistication. The absence of color can help focus the viewer’s attention on the subject matter and remove any visual clutter. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with visual information, it can be refreshing to see an image that is stripped down to its essentials. By eliminating distractions like color, and adding contrasting tones to accentuate the curves of the belly and the lines of the hips, you will get gorgeous images that evoke the beauty of old Hollywood.
Black and white photography is classic for a reason–it’s stark contrast between light and dark, or lack of distraction can create incredibly powerful images. Part of the appeal is that black and white photography can be both simple and complex. A well-composed photo with a few carefully placed lines can be incredibly powerful, while a more chaotic image can also convey more emotion.
If you’re looking to do a maternity photoshoot to get beautiful pregnancy photos of your baby that will stand the test of time, consider booking a black and white maternity shoot in a studio setting.
Our studio has everything you need to create unique and memorable pregnancy photos, from props to customized backdrops. And because black and white photography is ageless, your loved ones will cherish these beautiful images forever. So don’t wait—book your maternity photo shoot today and capture the beauty of new life in timeless style!
FAQ
The difference between black and white, or monochrome photography, and color photography is that black and white photography captures images in shades of gray, while color photography captures images in full color.
Some people consider them to be classic because they evoke a feeling of nostalgia.
Black and white maternity pictures can be simple or complex because the contrast between light and dark makes for a less distracted view.
Future generations might consider black and white maternity photos to be timeless because they capture the natural beauty of mothers-to-be in a unique way.
Props can be used creatively in maternity photography to add texture or drama to the image.
Some people consider black and white maternity photos to be timeless because they are ageless – they will never go out of style!
Yes, It’s possible to have a full black and white theme for your maternity photo shoot – just ask your photographer about this option when booking your session. At our studio we can provide wardrobe, accessories and props to help create unique and memorable images.
You can read Yelp reviews from other women that came before you here.