Happy Fall Y’all!!
So now that it’s officially fall, and we’re wrapped up in all things cozy and pumpkin spice, I’ve been thinking of fall themed shoots that I will be doing. And I’ve been looking most forward to a maternity shoot that I will be doing at the end of October. And it reminded me of a December outdoors maternity shoot that I did two years ago. And I realized that there are a few things that I brought to that maternity shoot, and that I will bring to this one, that are a little out of the box.
So I thought I’d share what I have brought to a Fall/Winter themed outdoor maternity shoot.
#1. Hot Chocolate.
It might be cold guys! So bring something to keep Mama warm, like hot chocolate. Or hot apple cider, or hot tea, or other hot beverage. But I usually bring a big thermos of hot chocolate to keep me and the Mama warm. Between takes, or when we’re setting up a new shot and I’m adjusting settings, let Mama wrap herself in a blanket and sip on some cocoa. Mama won’t get tired as fast, and if you’re fighting some clouds or wind, it just might be long enough to finally get that shot just right.
#2. Cushion
I love all the photos of Mama sitting on a blanket or rock or pile of leaves on the ground. But some Mamas can’t sit that long, or very well at all. Bring a nice square cushion! It can be easily covered with a blanket or with the leaves, but Mamas back will be thanking you by the end of the shoot.
#3. Layers
Along the lines of the hot chocolate, I bring a bunch of chunky scarves, blankets, gloves, hats, wraps, plaids and the like. These layers help keep Mama warm between takes, and they do double duty of being a great fall prop on the ground, or wrapped around shoulders.
#4. An Assistant
It’s great having a person. Someone that can run in and adjust a hand, or a hair, or take off a jacket just in time for the shot and then put it back on after. I’ve found this useful when we were photographing in snow, and I didnt want to ruin the snow between me and the subject by walking over it. So I had my sister run in from the side and do some quick fixes. I have roped my sister into being my person for me before.
#5 A Tripod and Reflectors
I adore the fall and all it’s colourful glory. But there often is just not enough light to properly expose your shot. Having a tripod and a reflector (and a person to hold said reflector) can be all the difference between a long time spent in Lightroom and Photoshop, and just needing to do some quick edits. And don’t forget your stool! A stool in case you need to get higher to shoot the image can be a life saver. I'm very short so I always always always always need to bring something to raise me up.
#6. Props
Omg all the props! Not just all the fall props, like baskets, pumpkins, apples, hay, corn stocks, gourds, wooden crates, mums, sunflowers, and other fall themed things. But also include regular baby props like booties and onsies, hats and mittens, a bottle or soother or rattle. Mama may very well bring something to include in her photos, but in the event that she may forget, or not know what to bring, having these extra comes in very handy.
#7. Your smartphone.
Ok this one is a no brainer, because who goes anywhere without their cell phone these days? But it can be used for purposes other than texting. I bring a cell phone so that I can take a few quick pics so that the Mom has something immediately. I also use my phone to bring up things like a mutual Pinterest board. I could bring up pictures and ideas so that the mom gets all the images she was hoping for. And even if my camera goes funky I can quickly troubleshoot if I don't know the answer.
#8. Personality!
I mentioned above about using Pinterest to bring up photographs that the Mom wants to emulate. But you don’t want to just perfectly copy someone else’s photos. Inject some of the Mom’s personality in the photos to make them her own! Is it a hunting family? Maybe some camouflage and waders can be worn in a photo. Does the mom crochet? Maybe a shot of her crocheting something for the baby would be just the thing! At the end of the day, we want these photos to be meaningful to the mom, so injecting a little bit of personality, while still maintaining the overall feel is really important.
Ok, so a few of these apply to more than just a fall themed maternity shoot. And this list can be used by Mama for things for her to bring to her photo shoot. But that’s the beauty of it! Simple things that you can think to include in your car that will make the day go smoother, make everyone more comfortable, and make Mama sing your praises to all the moms she knows.
Are there any unique things that you bring to photo shoots? Let me know in the comments below.
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As always, until next time!
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