Silhouettes and Dramatic lighting! A modern take on Maternity portraits

Dramatic lighting in Maternity or really anything is really fun for me. I love adding in silhouettes here and there with different dramatic lighting techniques sprinkled in. I think it makes your images more interesting and not as stuffy or boring as one may think when the words “Studio portraits” come into play.

Recently I got to add all my favorite lighting elements into a session with one of my clients who came in for her classic maternity session. She specifically asked for things that were high contrast and dramatic. I was happy to help with all of that!

We started out with some super traditional shots on a white background then moved to some sillhoutte’s.

Next we pulled down the black backdrop and started working on some higher contrast, fun dramatic light setups. I’m not sue what it is but I love literally everyone on a black backdrop with this kind of lighting. I’ve not photographed anyone where I didn’t think it worked for them.

Then finally we pulled everything out for my personal favorite pose currently. I just love it. Maybe it’s because it’s kind of a challenge to put together and it involves some editing. Who knows. It’s still my favorite.

* However, I do want to just mention here that if you want this pose below, please make sure your photographer isn’t actually letting you hang in this fabric without some kind of support base. That is dangerous for so many reasons. I’ve seen it done on a reel and I was so upset at it. Please please please don’t do that!

This was such a fun session and doing things like this will always be on my top favs list. I’ve done a lot of Maternity here recently and I can’t wait to share more!