Lisa Gould Photography 2018 Maternity Welcome Guide

LISA GOULD PHOTOGRAPHY 2018-2019

WHAT TO EXPECT HOW TO LOOK Your Best GENDER REVEAL SESSION

LISA GOULD PHOTOGRAPHY

WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LISA GOULD PHOTOGRAPHY FOR YOUR MATERNITY PHOTO SESSION. CONGRATULATIONS, I’M EXCITED TO CELEBRATE THIS VERY JOYOUS OCCASION WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WILL BE USING A JOURNALISTIC PHOTOGRAPHIC APPROACH, TO TELL THE STORY OF THE SPECIAL CONNECTION BETWEEN MOTHER AND CHILD. BECOMING A MOTHER IS ONE OF LIFE’S MOST NATURAL AND BEAUTIFUL JOYS. WOMEN ARE THEIR MOST BEAUTIFUL AND RADIENT WHEN THEY ARE EXPECTING A BABY, THEIR SKIN IS SOFT AND THEY HAVE A BEAUTIFUL GLOW. I LOOK FORWARD TO CAPTURING IMAGES OF THE PRIDE AND LOVE THAT YOU FEEL FOR YOUR CHILD AND THE LOVE THAT BOTH PARENTS HAVE FOR EACH OTHER AND YOUR BABY.

ABOUT THE ARTIST I AM A MARYLAND NATIVE, GO RAVENS, GO ORIOLES! I GRADUATED FROM MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, WHERE I MAJORED IN FINE ART/GRAPHIC DESIGN. I HAVE 11 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER. I SPECIALIZE IN PORTRAIT AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY AS A GRAPHIC DESIGNER I AM ABLE TO CREATE BEAUTIFUL, UNIQUE, ONE OF A KIND WORKS OF ART. Lisa Gould Photography is a registered business in the State of Maryland

Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer Maternity portraits are such an amazing part of this little journey your body is on. Everything is changing and will never be the same again. After months of growing, sickness, aches and pains, why not do something for yourself? I want you to feel like you belong on the cover of a magazine, to look and even more importantly to feel beautiful, because you are beautiful and you are worth it. This is an absolutely amazing time in your life that should be documented in the greatest of ways and I will be there for every little step.

I specialize in creating images that are exciting, unique and evoke an emotional response. Every portrait session and event receives the utmost attention to detail. Photography allows me to capture a moment in time and preserve it forever. When you look at an image you can reflect upon a special time in your life and recall the story of how that moment transpired.

This is also a very special time for you and the baby’s father. When I am hired to take your photos, I will capture the two of you together in this process. We will get the emotion between the two of you and all the little moments and details in an artistic manner. You don’t have to worry about a thing – I’ve got you covered.

The Importance of Maternity Photos Even though pregnancy comes with a lot of difficult trials, it is an amazing time in your life. It is a time of celebration and of anticipation as you prepare to meet your little bundle of joy. It’s a time where you become strong – stronger than you ever thought you could possibly be. During this time, you create your initial bond with your child that will continue throughout your entire lives.

There are very few women who actually feel like they are beautiful while they are pregnant – especially during the first pregnancy; However, the miracle of pregnancy is a beautiful thing - you are growing a real live human being inside of you.

You are beautiful, and you should take the time to celebrate these changes and this amazing moment in your life. These photos will be a great gift to pass down to your child as an heirloom of your first memories with them. This is something they can treasure forever.

Where will the photo session take place?

The location of Lisa Gould Photography Studio is 700 Wildwood Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21229 You have the choice of an In-Studio photo session, which is always a backup incase the weather doesn’t cooperate or an on site organic outdoor session.

How long do you expect the photo session will be?

The photo session will last from 1 up to 2 hours, depending on how many people are being photographed and if there will be wardrobe changes and props used.

What to expect in the photo session.

I specialize in natural light photography, because day light is the most flattering to the skin tone and because the surroundings can be so beautiful.

If the photo session takes place in the studio, soft light boxes will be used and a photo back drop that is most complimentary to what the client is wearing.

How do you prepare for the photo session: We are constantly communicating with the client, constant communication is the key to a successful photo shoot.

I want to do what is most comfortable for you. I ask ahead of time if you want to expose your body, the exposed bellies are on request from the moms. I am open to any suggestions or special request from the expectant mother .

I use quality equipment: Camera, Light soft boxes, backdrops and camera equipment such as flash, tripod.

How do you make the mom comfortable?

I really talk a lot with the expectant mother to make her feel comfortable as we go. I’m able to tell by her body language, if she is comfortable with the position she is in.

I provide a safe environment. I prefer to work with the expected mother in a closed environment, only the people who are being photographed are allowed in the photo session. This will ensure privacy, it also will allow me to move freely, as I photograph the mother.

Music will be played to create a relaxing environment.

I often use fresh flowers—please let me know if you have any allergies.

How do you manage your time I use a timeline to stay on track of the photos the parents desire most.

I like photographing the couple and additional children with the mother first, that way I can focus on the mother the remainder of the time.

How many outfits changes do you suggest?

Maximum two outfit changes. That will save time and energy for the photo shoot.

What do you tell the clients to wear?

Wear clothing that is comfortable and loose fitting, you will need flexibility, because the session will be long and you will be positioned in many different poses, standing, sitting, possibly even lying down.

A lot of moms want to wear black but when shooting a maternity session wearing black can be difficult, because it doesn’t show the belly well ,so I suggest non-black and non-white clothing. The white really messes with the contrast with the camera. Depending on the location I will make clothing suggestions. For example, flowing clothes like a maternity gown or scarf. For under the dress, I recommend a strapless bra or one with clear straps and neutral colored underwear. Most moms choose to go barefoot, but if you have a pair of beautiful sandals or other shoes you think would look amazing with your gown please bring them, also consider wearing jewelry.

Do I provide Props?

Yes some props appropriate for the occasion will be provided, however I suggest that the client bring some items that will have a special sentimental value to you, such as: sonogram, a pair of baby shoes, a teddy bear, rattle etc.

8 clothing tips/ideas for maternity sessions Not sure what to wear for your maternity session? Check out these great tips to help you prepare: Remember, the main purpose of this session is to show off your baby bump –so be sure to wear more clingy form fitting clothing to your session, so you can see the bump. Just be sure that it’s still comfortable for you.

We suggest wearing shirts with some kind of sleeve on them – they are more flattering for photos. Things like a dress with 3/4 length sleeves, or a form fitting tank top with a sweater/cardigan over it are always a good idea.

Maxi dresses and tunics with cinched waists are perfect for any season and are a fan favorite when it comes to maternity sessions.

Dress in layers – this will help to give you several clothing ‘looks’ without having to fully change your outfit every time.

Belts can really help accentuate your bump. We suggest trying to add one to your wardrobe for this session.

Dresses with bunching at the sides also help give your bump more definition and are a great option!

We always suggest bringing a button-down shirt to your session. You can wear it over a tank, or if you want to expose your belly, we can use this shirt to do so, while keeping the rest of your upper body modest.

Be comfortable! – Above all else, your comfort is the most important thing. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show on camera. Find an outfit that feels good and that you know you look good in. This will help you to relax for the best photos.

5 Tips for a great gender reveal session If you are planning a gender reveal session in the near future, here are some tips to help you with your preparation.

Book your session in advance Once you find out your ultrasound date, contact us and schedule a reveal session. There’s nothing worse than being excited and wanting to tell the world about your little prince or princess, only to find out that your photographer is booked for the next two months and can’t get you in for adorable reveal photos.

We suggest scheduling a date and a backup date in case your baby is being modest on ultrasound day.

This way, if you don’t find out on the date that you thought you would, you will still have a spot reserved for when you do find out.

Pre-plan your reveal session During your pre-session consult, we can discuss how you would like to do your reveal. We can help you brainstorm, but we also suggest looking around to find a style that you like. Do you want to use blue and pink balloons, glitter, a cake, or paint? What’s your style?

Try to put a unique spin on your reveal After you’ve found an idea you like, try to change it to make it your own by adding personal touches unique to you and your spouse. Look at Pinterest and Instagram for inspirational ideas.

Involve your other kids (if you have some) If this is not your first child, we always love having the big brother/sister(s) involved in the photos. It makes it so much more exciting and shows the whole family together waiting in anticipation of their new family member.

Wait until the session to find out what you’re having This is something that is not required, but we do recommend it. I love to capture the real emotion when the parents first find out the gender of their child. If you find out at your appointment, the initial surprise (sometimes shock) is over. If you’d like to wait until your session, ask your doctor not to tell you , but instead to write down the gender and place it in an envelope for you. You would then give the envelope to us and we can take care of the planning. If you’re doing balloons, we can fill the box for you. If you’re having a special cake baked, you can tell us the baker and we will inform them what color to fill it with, etc. We’re here to help you.

LISA GOULD PHOTOGRAPHY 700 Wildwood Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21229 (443) 635-3988 Email: Gould.Lisa@ymail.com