Things have been quiet on the blog in the last couple of weeks because I’ve been getting ready for London Baby Show which started at ExCel Centre yesterday and ends tomorrow at 5.30pm. It’s a packed schedule – talking to people all day about their children and how they’d like them photographed. My stand has three large photographs on display from a maternity session with Tia Lush from last year that she did as a surprise for her husband Paul. Maternity shoots, bump shots or pregnancy photography – whatever you call it – is certainly popular. A couple of women visiting the stand talked about how much their partners loved their bumps, which was lovely to hear.
The main thing about the sessions is that they are a reflection of the client. Tia’s photographs feature a silken kimono and pretty girly underwear and a bare tummy – that’s her. Other maternity shots might be far more funky and urban – perhaps a fitted T-shirt, little jacket, skirt & boots against a textured wall – whatever best sums up the client. When one woman and I were discussing what clothes and accessories to bring along, she asked if she could bring a fur coat – what a fantastic idea! Can’t wait to do the shoot – all Ella Fitzgerald glamour – perhaps with diamonte earrings? Seriously, accessories, handbags, seductive shoes – even a tablecloth if the mood takes you – it’s all possible.
A major consumer brand has a sponsored a baby shoot at the show, for which there is a huge queue. There are four people involved with every shoot – one taking the photographs, one holding the children if necessary, another waving a colourful toy and another on hand to back up the others. They certainly earned their keep this weekend. On an adjacent stand, there’s a shallow ball pit with translucent white balls for toddlers. At the end of yesterday, one of the stand attendants said I could try it out – and it was amazing – supportive all around me – didn’t want to get out. However, managing that was certainly NOT ladylike! If you’re at the show tomorrow, do pop down to stand B3 & say hello. It’s opposite the Cravings Cafe.