Belly Shots

Let in the Light

It's important to be very mindful of lighting when taking pictures. If you're snapping shots outdoors, avoid direct sunlight; both you (the subject) and the photographer should be in the shade where you can avoid harsh shadows. Photographer Reyes warns, "Always stay away from dappled light, and although early morning light can be interesting, I don't recommend it for maternity shots." Kristin Rachelle, a professional photographer in San Diego says, "My favorite time to shoot is an hour before sunset. The light is really magical then."

If you're working indoors, take some practice photos before the day of your shoot. Artificial lighting can be tricky—you want to strike a delicate balance: Your images shouldn't be too dim or too overexposed, so play around to find out what works in each room.