MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP / MASTERCLASS

Do you need help taking your photography skills to the next level? Struggling with consistency when working with studio lighting? Or perhaps you’re eager to explore bold, colorful, neon-inspired creative lighting techniques? If any of this resonates, you’re in the right place!

The Maternity Photography Workshop is a one-day session designed to teach you the art of creating timeless and modern maternity portraits. Key aspects covered include lighting, styling, working with models, organizing your studio, and creating an exceptional experience for your clients. It’s a unique opportunity to enhance your photography skills, connect with talented photographers, and explore strategies for building and growing your photography business.

This workshop places a strong emphasis on practical learning—focusing on posing, selecting styling, and lighting techniques to highlight the natural beauty of the model. You’ll also gain insights into my retouching workflow, including techniques to achieve glowing skin textures and even colors.

I offer maternity photography workshops in my studio in two formats:

• A group maternity photography masterclass brings together 10-15 students, providing everyone the opportunity to learn, practice, and refine their techniques. I ensure that each group is composed of participants with a similar level of expertise to create a cohesive learning environment.
• An individual maternity photography workshop is a personalized session designed to address your unique needs, with a program tailored to your skills and experience.

Are you struggling with creating consistent, high-quality maternity portraits or finding it challenging to work effectively with studio lighting? Do you feel uncertain about posing or styling your clients to highlight their natural beauty? This 10-hour maternity photography workshop is designed to help you overcome these challenges and transform your skills.

During the workshop, you’ll work hands-on with 1-2 models as I guide you through my complete workflow—from preparing the studio and selecting equipment that simplifies your work to mastering technical and organizational techniques. You’ll learn how to confidently work with models, prepare clients for their sessions, and ensure they feel comfortable and cared for throughout the process. I’ll teach you essential posing techniques and styling choices that enhance your clients’ beauty and elevate your portraits.

We’ll dive deep into the theory of studio lighting, covering everything from power, distance, and height to angles and modifier selection. You’ll practice using 1-3 strobes with a variety of light modifiers, an artificial window setup, and different backdrops, including paper and FINE ART backgrounds. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the tools and confidence to create stunning maternity portraits and take your photography to the next level.

The workshop program is structured as follows; however, it may vary based on individual needs and the time spent addressing specific questions. This flexible approach ensures that each participant gets the most out of the session and can focus on the areas they find most valuable:

9.00 – 10.00 INTRODUCTION OR LET’S GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER

For group workshops, I encourage participants to connect with one another and share their photography experiences and expectations for the session. In individual workshops, we’ll take the time to discuss your specific experience and goals in detail. This is also a great opportunity to dive into the business and marketing side of photography. We can review your online and offline marketing strategies, including social media, website, and SEO approaches. I’ll provide personalized guidance, tips, and tricks to help you strengthen your presence and reach your target audience more effectively.

10.00 – 11.00 THEORY OF WORKING WITH A MODEL

• Preparation for the Session: Learn how to prepare both your client and yourself for a successful photoshoot.
• Styling: Explore the key principles of selecting styling that complements specific poses and enhances the overall look.
• Posing: Discover the best techniques for posing your clients to ensure they feel confident and comfortable. We will also discuss approaches for capturing tasteful and elegant nude photos.

11.00-12.00 THEORY OF STUDIO LIGHT

I will answer all these questions during the workshop:

• What distance should the strobe be placed from the model and background?
• At what height and angle should the modifier be positioned?
• How do you determine the appropriate power setting for the strobe?
• What are the differences between a softbox and a beauty dish?
• How can barn doors and snoots be effectively used?
• When is it beneficial to use a grid?
• What are rim light and backlight, and when should each be applied?
• How can you create striking silhouette photos?
• How do you analyze a photo to understand its lighting setup?

12.00 – 12.30 COFFEE BREAK

12.30-16.30 MATERNITY SESSION / PHOTOSHOOT

We work with 1 or 2 models to create up to a dozen unique setups. Each styling will feature a different lighting combination. Participants will take turns in rotation, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to capture the same number of photos. The shots will include classic fashion-style images on a white background, artistic portraits, as well as dressed and nude compositions.

16.30 – 17.00 LUNCH BREAK

17.00 – 19.00 RETOUCHING / BUSINESS / QUESTIONS

Photo editing in Evoto, Lightroom and Photoshop. I will be showing how I use actions – which are mainly actions created by external parties (links to actions, presents and plug ins will be provided).

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR REQUIREMENTS:

Come to the workshop equipped with a DSLR or mirrorless camera and lens—preferably a 50mm (f/1.4 or f/1.8), or alternatively an 85mm or 24-70mm. Bring a blank memory card, a fully charged battery, a phone charger, and plenty of good energy and enthusiasm for an intensive day of learning. A computer is not required. Light transmitters are provided during the studio lighting workshop. After the workshop, you will be awarded a certificate of attendance for the Studio Lighting Workshop.

Following the workshop, I remain available online for further support. If you attended an individual workshop – feel free to contact me for questions, image critique or studio gear equipment recommendations. If you attend a group studio lighting workshop – each workshop group has its own dedicated group where I answer additional questions and provide feedback on your work.

TRAVELLING: If you are traveling from a city located at least 200 km from the workshop venue, I recommend arriving a day earlier to avoid any delays or fatigue. I’m happy to assist with accommodation recommendations.

PRICE LIST: INDIVIDUAL MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS IN MARTA PONSKO STUDIO (WARSAW/POLAND): 

• PRICE of individual studio photography workshops is 1200 EUR
• SETTING THE TIME: please contact us to arrange a convenient time for you CONTACT
• THE RESERVATION is valid only after payment of non-returnable deposit of 500 EUR
• Invoice: we issue VAT invoices – the condition to receive an invoice is to send your company details within 7 days of receiving the payment
• IMPORTANT: Payment of the deposit signifies acceptance of the terms and conditions of the photography workshop as outlined in the Conditions of the Photography Workshops.

• GROUP MATERNITY MASTERCLASS IN OTHER COUNTRIES: SEE THE WORKSHOP CALENDAR