Expecting How to Photograph Maternity Portraits

Award-winning photographer and photo educator Cindy Behnke (Frankfort, IL) is renowned for her one-of-a-kind maternity portraiture. In this book, she shows readers how to maximize every step of the photographic process, from start to finish. Readers will learn how to conceptualize meaningful, exquisite images and employ capture techniques that show the unique beauty and character of expectant mothers. She offers tips for connecting with subjects, identifying their needs, and developing a game plan for creating heirloom images.

Readers will learn how to identify the best angles from which to photograph the subject and show her voluptuous form and will find practical tips for graceful and flattering posing that maximize the subject’s comfort. She also provides strategies that will help photographers best depict each mother’s story and unique experience. Tips are also included for adding fathers, children, and other family members in maternity portraits. Whether you are a new photographer or simply want to refine your maternity portrait techniques, Behnke’s text and inspiring images will help you to master all aspects of the shoot—from using natural light and artificial light, to selecting suitable clothing and props, to ensuring efficient retouching and postproduction work and beautiful product presentations.

Cindy Behnke began her career helping out at a local studio before starting a studio of her own in Southern Illinois in 1987. In 1990 she joined forces with her husband photographer Bert Behnke and became co-owners of a studio in Frankfort, Illinois, near Chicago.

She has been Illinois Photographer of the Year, PPA Photographer of the Year and recipient of both the Kodak Gallery Award and Fuji Masterpiece Award.