In this dazzling collection of over 200 photos of pregnant women taken from art libraries, childbirth manuals, maternity ads, contemporary art, and personal albums, the authors explore the paradox between image and reality. The photos illuminate how society creates feminine roles through the institution of pregnancy-and how women resist such roles.

Capturing the beauty of pregnancy through photographs is an increasingly popular trend, and this timely guide covers the basics of maternity photography from both artistic and business standpoints. The details of creating a successful maternity portrait are addressed, including how to select a meaningful location, what props and fabrics to use, how to pose the subject, and how to produce a flattering lighting scheme. Helpful digital effects that can enhance skin tone and impart a wide variety of polished and artistic effects are discussed, as are tactics for incorporating other family members in the portrait. Also included are tips for building a strong connection with the subject that can lead to a profitable, lifelong client relationship.

A collection of stories, quotes, and photographs that capture both the inner wisdom and outer beauty of modern motherhood. It introduces the lives of over 50 women, from celebrity mums to single mums, young and old, as they open their hearts and share touching, and very personal, moments of their empowering and sometimes painful journeys.

The Belly Art Project is a celebration of one of humanity’s greatest gifts: motherhood! Created by Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx and the Sara Blakely Foundation, this beautiful, happy book features photographs of over 100 women who came together and used unlikely canvases - their bellies - as billboards of hope. The Belly Art Project showcases moms-to-be with their bellies transformed into works of art--witty, eye-bending and beautifully art directed--all posed to benefit mothers in need. All kinds of mamas bellied up to the cause, from celebrities like Kate Winslet, mother of three, and Milla Jovovich, mother of two, to business leaders like Zanna Roberts Rassi, fashion editor and TV host, and Stacey Bendet, founder and CEO of fashion brand Alice and Olivia, to everyday women from all over the globe. With a complete how-to belly paint section so readers can paint themselves or their friends, The Belly Art Project is an inventive piece of design and a perfect baby shower present. 100% of the author's proceeds benefit Every Mother Counts.

The Art of Pregnancy is a book every pregnant woman should have. It’s a book written in a subtle and pleasant prose, like a friendly conversation from one Mom to another. And, elevating the book to an incomparable artistic level, the text is accompanied with spectacular photographs, fascinating artwork, and an exceptional graphic design. This book will fill the heart of the pregnant woman with love; it will make her feel more beautiful than ever; it will make her fall in love with her pregnancy; it will reinforce her sense of responsibility; it will help her to lose her fear of childbirth; and most importantly, it will help strengthen the bonds of love with her baby in gestation and her partner. The book begins with a grand story titled “Isabella and the Wondrous Group”, that will take the pregnant woman through the exciting journey of conception. In addition, the book contains six chapters: Congratulations! Pregnancy has Arrived at Your Door; Keep Your Spirits Up! A Healthy Body for a Healthy Baby; Beautiful! Enjoy your Pregnancy; Be Careful! Three Enemies of Your Pregnancy are Lurking; Extraordinary! Classes to Prepare for Childbirth; and Get Ready! The Birth of Your Baby is Near. The pregnant woman will discover the magic of motherhood has no barriers, and that pregnancy... is altogether an Art.

Photographing newborns is a uniquely special experience and capturing the beauty of a newborn baby requires specific skills. In this practical book, Melanie East, one of the UK's leading newborn photographers, shares her secrets, from preparing for the newborn session through to post-production work. Advice is given on posing newborn babies using tried and tested techniques, while emphasizing the baby's safety at all times. Also Melanie gives clear instruction on choosing and using equipment near babies. Supported by her inspiring images, it is invaluable reading for photographers new to the genre, as well as professionals wishing to hone their skills. Contents: Advice on posing newborn babies using tried and tested techniques, while emphasizing the baby's safety at all times; Clear instruction on choosing and using equipment near babies; Tips on lighting, textures and tones, and using props to create interest in the newborn portrait; Ideas for taking beautiful and enchanting images that parents will adore. This practical book will be of special interest to family and portrait photographers and is beautifully illustrated with 153 colour photographs.

First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.