The Window Light Glow

How to set up The Window Light Glow

1. Set the frame before anyone moves. The Window Light Glow wants a waist-up frame, with 1 person already close enough to touch. An at-home maternity portrait by a big window. Soft light flatters skin and the bump.
2. Get them into the standing shape, then say this once and stop directing: "Stand by the window, hands under the bump, and look out like you're daydreaming."
3. While they hold it, make one flatter change and shoot again. Place her at a 45 degree angle to the window so one side is lit and the other softly shaded.
4. If the first frame feels stiff, do not rebuild the group. Try this next: Look toward the camera.

Who it suits

The Window Light Glow is a maternity pose. The bump needs a reason to be in the frame. It suits 1 person and a standing shape. It is beginner: one clear sentence is enough direction. If the group feels crowded, drop to the closest variation instead of backing everyone away from each other.

Where to shoot and how to light it

Shoot The Window Light Glow indoors (indoor). A sofa, bed, table, window or step you already have is the set. Clear the background directly behind the heads so the maternity photo poses subject stays the subject. You do not need a studio wall.

For The Window Light Glow, face a window and turn the ceiling light off. Light from the side sculpts faces. Overhead light puts eyes in shadow and flattens the standing shape. If the window is behind them, they will be silhouettes, which is only right when the pose is meant to be a silhouette.

The usual miss on The Window Light Glow is a gap, a straight line of heads, or a face waiting for the next instruction. Place her at a 45 degree angle to the window so one side is lit and the other softly shaded. Then take the frame before anyone resets.

Variations

• Look toward the camera
• Partner holds her from behind
• Seated on the edge of the bed