Abi Miguel is a fine arts photographer. Self-taught and drawing inspiration from life and the people around her, Abi’s love affair with photography started in Brunei when her husband gifted her first camera. The day after receiving the camera, a drive to the beach at 4am to capture a photo of a glorious sunrise ignited a passion deep within her. It was 2008.
Since then, all on her own, she researched, inquired and experimented, often asking her kids to be her models. She was inspired by Ms. Virginia Felch, a master photographer specialising in children and family portraits. She joined online groups for aspiring photographers. After a year she won a photography contest and was even published in a book!
After five years, I AM ABI Fine Art Photography was born. She built a studio in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and was blessed to have a strong and loyal client base. What makes Abi different is that she works hand in hand with each client and meticulously forms the concept shoot with them.
“My heart and soul are in each photograph I take because I believe that each client is a unique individual, each one with their own story to tell.”
Influenced by old master painters such as Degas, Rembrandt and Vermeer, the results are one-of-a-kind photos that look like masterpiece creations. In fact, her work and continuous dedication to her craft has honored her with multiple international photography awards from Master Photographers Association (UK) and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (USA).
After almost two decades of living in other countries, Abi is back home in the Philippines. She is excited to share her creative expertise and, through photography, make people believe that they too are masterpieces; that they are their own work of art.
One of her more popular types of shoots in Manila are maternity photos. Abi believes that pregnancy is something that should be celebrated, a miraculous and magical phenomenon. She developed a variety of concepts for her clients, such as an enchanting fairy, mystical goddess, and the classic black and white styling.
Abi shares with us 5 reasons why you should go for a maternity photo shoot, along with a few tips to get the most glamorous photos.
1. Feel Absolutely Beautiful
Some women honestly struggle with health and body issues during pregnancy. However, a maternity photoshoot can bring out beauty that you didn’t expect was there! It can also help you embrace the changes in your body at this point in time, while you’re still carrying your little one within you.
TIP: Although you can have your photoshoot done anytime, it’s advisable to schedule it towards the end of your second trimester. That way, your baby bump will be big enough to flaunt, but you’ll still have the energy you need for the shoot.
2. Capture Fleeting Moments
Most mothers will only experience pregnancy a few times. Plus, a new baby will change your world in ways big and small. You might as well celebrate this fleeting phase with a maternity photoshoot! One day, you’ll be able to show these pictures to your children and let them see how you looked right before they entered the world.
3. Look Back
Bring your partner into the fun, and the maternity photoshoot will double as a time for the two of you to reminisce. And if this isn’t your first pregnancy, your older kids might have a bit of a throwback to their younger days themselves.
TIP: Try finding a location that’s both stunning on its own and special to you and your partner or family. It’ll add a layer of tenderness to the resulting pictures.
4. Bask in the Excitement
Believe it or not, you might find yourself wanting to relive the excitement of being an expectant mother. With a maternity photoshoot, you’ll have a snapshot not just of yourself but of your heightened emotions during that wondrous time.
5. Enjoy Yourself
Photoshoots can be loads of fun, and maternity photoshoots are no exception! Let your personality shine during your shoot. Do you like dainty floral prints? Do you have a favorite song, restaurant, or even video game that you share with your partner? Are you a candid soul who wouldn’t mind being photographed in pajamas? Start from there and see where the shoot takes you. No one’s stopping you from completely owning your maternity photoshoot.
TIP: Have a professional do your hair and makeup for you to highlight your glow. This doubles as an excuse for some well-deserved pampering.
An absolute perfectionist, Abi guides all her mom clients throughout the process of the shoot, allowing them to take pride and show off that beautiful bump. I AM ABI Fine Art Photography Studio promises to transform moms and their pregnancy journey into their own art.
For more information about I am Abi, please visit their website www.iamabi.com. You can also visit their Facebook Page Abigail Roma Miguel Portraits and their Instagram iamabi.ph
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