Courtesy of Empire Photography
St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers helped flip the dress of his pregnant wife, Faith, to achieve this composite image of several separate images.
Between doctor appointments and nursery prep, booking a maternity session with a professional photographer might not sound like a high priority for St. Louis moms-to-be, but that’s exactly whom they’re calling first.
“It’s so special to me that some moms call me when they receive their positive pregnancy tests to book their sessions,” says Laura Purewal of Empire Photography (empire-photo.com). Purewal is an in-demand, natural-light portrait photographer specializing in children, family, and maternity sessions. “Pregnancy is a miracle and is full of excitement,” she says. “You should capture it.”
A woman should aim for the third trimester when booking a maternity session; at that point, she’s showing and still feels beautiful. “The bigger, the better,” says Purewal. “But ideally, between 28 to 32 weeks, you still have the pregnancy glow. Then if the baby comes early, you will already have your images. And you’ll be able to show them off at the baby shower!”
Next, decide on a style. “Luxury dresses and custom maternity gowns are a hit right now, as well as rhinestone headbands and floral crowns,” says Purewal. “Some clients do professional hair and makeup, too.”
Whether the intended look is enchanted or dramatic, the trend is to be creative and do something unexpected. “Middle-of-the-street photography in an urban setting is very popular,” Purewal says. “Underwater photography is up-and-coming. And a lot of my clients are asking for lifestyle shoots in their homes, doing everyday activities.”
Professional photographers often have secret locations. “We all have our exclusive spots that we know have dreamy light, like the beaches around St. Charles County,” says Purewal. “I like to shoot at sunset or during the two hours before sunset. And in the morning about two hours after sunrise.”
And don’t forget about a newborn session. “Pencil in a date within 10 days of your due date,” says Purewal. “And then we can move it. I like to photograph the baby within the first 10 days.”
