I have done a few location sessions this year, but this was one of my favourites. Mum to be Suman, had gathered ideas for her bump session from my website, Google and Pinterest. She had bought along some props including a headband for herself, two outfits and some little booties to make her session unique.
We used Pittville park in Cheltenham, the session was approximately 2 hours long and we walked around the beautiful scenery of the park, the lake and the iconic Pump room. Using all locations as backdrops for this gorgeous couple to show off their love for each other and Suman's blooming bump.
I want to give you some pro's and cons of having a location maternity shoot, so you can decide whether you want to use a beautiful location or studio style session for your memories and bonding experience to be captured.
It Looks Beautiful
You get multiple backdrops, the natural beauty of the lake, the waterfall, the flowers and the open space in parks like Pittville Park mean the diversity of your session is massive. You can be on your own or with your partner, you can have photos of the props in different setting, of yourself against pretty things, or things that are quite rural or wilted, which makes for some dramatic images in your gallery. Using trees, the ground, benches, rocks, tree trunks and other items can mean your poses can have more variety too.
The seasons, time of day and weather all play a crucial part in making your gallery look the way it does. Something you cannot control in a studio session. Dramatic cloudy skies or soft evening sunlight, frosted ground and autumn leaves are all elements that an outdoor photo shoot can offer to create a unique and beautiful memory.
It's Great To Be Outdoors
If like me you love the outdoors, you can make a real day of it and choose a location that you have always been interested to visit, maybe you are an avid mountaineer or drawn to the beach? Be at one with your surroundings, have a day out together and take your photographer to capture the moments you share before you have another person. Take a look at your local National Trust site https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk there may be a small charge to access the site, but your photos will have the best scenery and well kept nature for your gallery.
Weather
The Great British Weather is always an issue when planning things outdoors.
Always be sure to have a back up plan. Windswept and dripping wet Mum to be is not the look you want in your gallery.
Be sure to plan your session, whether there are toilets or facilities for changing, resting and refreshments. Also do what you are comfortable doing, there is lots of walking involved with outdoor maternity sessions. I suffered with SPD in later pregnancy and walking around a country estate would not have been an option for me.
You will not be able to have a Newborn Session outdoors, but please see the examples of outdoor sessions for your maternity photo shoot. Visit my website for more information www.vitavestraphotography.co.uk
For props and outfits for your photo shoot visit: