Women either love having their photo taken during pregnancy or they hate it — there is rarely an in between. For some of us, those magical nine months make us feel beautiful, powerful, and more connected to our bodies than ever before. For others, it can be hard to feel that so-called “glow” when we’re constantly bloated, puking, and breaking out in hormonal acne. Luckily, photographer Sophie Kormos knows exactly how to capture the beauty that’s in all of us when we’re pregnant, even if we don’t always see it ourselves.
The New York City-based photographer owns Glow Portraits, where she’s photographed moms-to-be at all stages of their pregnancy for the past 13 years. And believe it or not, she says it was her own journey into motherhood that sparked her photography career in the first place.
“Once I became a mother, I felt a strong urge to document each and every special milestone for my family,” Kormos tells CafeMom. “With four children of my own, I know all too well that the magical experience of pregnancy passes too quickly. I wanted to hold onto those precious moments forever, and now I get to capture that magic for my fellow mamas on a daily basis.”
Needless to say, she has tons of experience under her belt, which is why we thought she was the perfect person to ask about taking quality maternity photos that you’ll actually feel good about. Here’s what she had to say …
CM: When is the ideal time to have a maternity photo session?
SK: I’d say around 30 to 34 weeks, while your belly is getting round and you're still feeling comfortable for a variety of poses. We can photograph later in the pregnancy when necessary, but you may be limited in the energy and flexibility necessary for some of the more challenging poses. With your glowing skin and lustrous hair, there’s no time more beautiful in a woman’s life!
CM: What should a client look for in a photographer before booking their session?
SK: The most important thing to do first is find a style of photography and editing that resonates with you. Every photographer has a unique vision for maternity portraits, but the question is whether or not it fits your vibe. Whether you prefer artistic and moody, simple and minimalistic, or colorful and vibrant, if you look for work that takes your breath away, you can’t go wrong.
Another pro tip: Most maternity photographers book sessions months in advance, so be sure to start researching in your second trimester and check their availability as soon as you find someone you like.
CM: When it comes to location, is it better to do indoor photo sessions or outdoor?
SK: Everyone has their own preference on this, but I personally love the timeless look of studio portraits, which focus solely on the beauty of pregnancy without any outside distractions. While the outdoors can be wonderful for taking candid lifestyle maternity portraits, they’re not always great logistically. For one thing, they’re entirely dependent on the weather, and for another, they limit the ease of wardrobe changes.
The studio experience, on the other hand, offers clients a variety of backdrops, themes, and lighting options. It also allows mamas to enjoy the process of getting their hair and makeup done in a private place, which can give them some well-deserved pampering.
At The Glow studio, clients can browse samples of our prints and products when they first get there, so they can already envision their portraits coming to life. Plus, the studio space is specifically designed for giving expectant parents a laid-back and memorable experience, with beverages, snacks, and even a cozy couch for them to take breaks.
CM: How much planning and discussion should happen before the shoot day?
SK: A lot! There’s a great deal of prep that goes on beforehand to ensure that the mom-to-be is feeling confident and excited for her photo shoot. A good photographer will spend time with her going over the vision for the shoot, so the studio can be set up with all the appropriate backdrops, lighting styles, wardrobe items, and other accessories to help turn the mama’s dreams into a reality.
I also like to provide a detailed Welcome Guide with style recommendations and helpful tips for getting ready from head to toe. I even share samples of our post-processing techniques to help alleviate any concerns there may be about cellulite, stretch marks, or other common body insecurities.
CM: Do you have any tips for how a mom-to-be should dress during a photo session?
SK: The main thing I recommend is a flattering nude thong and strapless bra set to offer coverage and support beneath their clothes. I also recommend a set of lacy black lingerie for silhouettes. If clients would like to incorporate their own style a bit more, I recommend bringing in things like lacy lingerie, sporty underwear, distressed jeans, blazer suits, maxi dresses, lacy robes, jackets, and/or bodysuits, depending on what they feel most comfortable in.
CM: What’s your advice for a mom-to-be who may feel a bit awkward or unnatural in front of the camera?
SK: My specialty is making everyday women look and feel like supermodels, and any great maternity photographer will do the same. The biggest thing here is having trust in the photographer you choose and keeping the lines of communication open and honest.
Typically, we’ll start off the shoot with more conservative styles to get the mom-to-be warmed up, and save any revealing concepts for later. After 13 years of photographing pregnant women, I know how to pose them in the most flattering ways and I make it my mission to gently guide them through the session, perfecting little details and making sure they feel comfortable and relaxed the whole time. I also share image previews from the back of the camera throughout the shoot — once they see how amazing they look, they instantly relax and embrace the whole experience!
CM: What if a client doesn't like something about the way their photos came out?
SK: Speak up! As a mother myself, I appreciate that we all have our own personal insecurities, and try to discuss any concerns beforehand so that everything will be addressed either during the photo shoot or afterward during post-processing. You should never be afraid to do that with any photographer. After all, we want our clients to adore their final portraits, and will usually do everything within our power to make that happen!
