Maternity photos, please critique

[melody1]

I set up a small studio in one of the extra rooms in our house. These photos

are from my first three shoots -- I have no studio or lighting experience, so

I'm pretty much winging it.

 

I would love critiques, please don't just say you like or dislike, let me know

why.

 

I'm trying to learn, and want to start offering this service for pay

relatively soon.

 

Check them out here : http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=643885

[joseph_wisniewski]

You have good instincts. I like the high lighting ratios, it emphasizes the shape, and therefore the "condition". You look like you're up 4:1 on the lights, or more. Are you using a single light and a reflector?

 

Second photo, I love. Man's face at upper right, belly at lower left, the eye just bounces back and fourth between them.

 

Sixth photo, I found the shadow line distracting, maybe if the single light came in from the right...

 

Seventh photo really creeps me out, for some reason. It's very strong, but I'm not sure it's one I'd show to clients. I would enter it in some photography contests, might get you an award to put on your resume.