The Meadow Seat

How to set up The Meadow Seat

1. Set the frame before anyone moves. The Meadow Seat wants a full-length frame that includes feet and a little ground, with 1 person already close enough to touch. Mom-to-be sits in a field with a dress fanned out. Comfortable for late pregnancy and very flattering.
2. Get them into the seated shape, then say this once and stop directing: "Sit back on your hip, let the dress fan out, and rest a hand on your belly."
3. While they hold it, make one flatter change and shoot again. Sitting on one hip with knees to the side elongates the body and shows the bump.
4. If the first frame feels stiff, do not rebuild the group. Try this next: Looking down at the bump.

Who it suits

The Meadow Seat is a maternity pose. The bump needs a reason to be in the frame. It suits 1 person and a seated shape. It is beginner: one clear sentence is enough direction. Include the whole body so the bump sits in a person, not a cropped belly.

Where to shoot and how to light it

Shoot The Meadow Seat outside. A path, lawn, beach, step or open field is enough. Pick a background quieter than the people: one tree or a plain horizon beats a busy street. Keep the group in outdoor light, which the next section covers.

For The Meadow Seat, use open shade or late-day sun. Direct noon light squints eyes and blows out light clothing, especially on a seated pose where people cannot tilt a hat into place. If the sun is behind the group, expose for the faces and let the background go bright.

The usual miss on The Meadow Seat is a gap, a straight line of heads, or a face waiting for the next instruction. Sitting on one hip with knees to the side elongates the body and shows the bump. Then take the frame before anyone resets.

Variations

• Looking down at the bump
• Partner sitting behind her
• Holding a small bouquet