Pete Horton
Maternity Photoshoot on the French Riviera
A Golden Hour Sunset Photoshoot in Antibes
It was so wonderful to be contacted by some previous clients to arrange a maternity photoshoot shoot – which is something I’d never done before.
If I’m honest, it was intimidating being invited into this world, especially when there are so many amazing photographers on the French Riviera who create such beautiful maternity work. That said, I really love these images, which were taken on the Plage des Ondes beach in Antibes when it was really busy.
As in real life, I always think one needs a bit of luck in photography, and here, the stars aligned in a few ways: the sunset were spectacular, the couple were in the moment, and everything just seemed to go well. Of course, I can only take so much credit: I’m so lucky to work with people who are so full of life and love – whose spirit really shines through in the images.
I cannot believe how crowded the beach was – I managed to frame almost everyone out while somehow not stamping across someone’s picnic as I was stumbling backwards, my mind concentrating on my camera settings, communicating in my second language, and composing images. (Although it was safer, I suppose, then walking backwards along the coastal path of Coco Beach, where one false step could result in falling off a cliff.)
Organising a Maternity Photoshoot in Nice, Antibes, or Cannes
If you’re looking to organize a maternity photoshoot on the French Riviera, I think the biggest problem will be finding somewhere beautiful where there are few people/tourists. The Plage des Ondes in Antibes should certainly be considered for a location (look where the sun sets!), but there will definitely be people there at sunset, and taking an Uber may be a better way to get there than a car because parking can be difficult to find.
Another place worth considering if the lighthouse on Cap Ferrat, which is a stunning location with relatively few people (and you can certainly park, if you’ll have a car). Finally, there is Coco Beach in Nice to consider as well, which is a reliable location and easy to get to. Both these locations are ideal for golden hour photography sessions.
What to Wear on this type of photography shoot
Not surprisingly as a male and a complete stranger, I don't advise pregnant women what to wear and think they should go with whatever they’re comfortable in. However, if I was asked, I’d say go for white or lighter pastel colors, then dress the other partner in clothes that won’t clash with theirs. White shirts are always a safe option for the accompanying partner and always look good on the Mediterranean. I’d advise men, if they're not sure, to stick to a white shirt, pastel or sandy colored trousers or smart shorts, and shoes (but obviously not if you're walking on sand!). Females being photographed on the coastal areas are advised to bring flat shoes to make access easier, high heels will be dangerous on the French Riviera's rocky coastal paths.
Maternity photography poses
I think it’s worth bringing some screenshots on your phone of imagery that you like, and we can try to emulate them. My style of photography relies on natural chemistry between couples as much as what I know and can position/correct their bodies. Every body (and everybody) is different, and so what works for others might or might not work for you, but it’s always fun tangling up arms and other limbs to re-create things. So yes, count that as advice: bring some screengrabs of things you’ve seen on Google or Pinterest image searches.
