Milk bath photography has quickly become increasingly popular, not just among maternity portraiture studios but also outside. You can use this technique with children, babies, mother and baby together shoots, fashion shoots or even boudoir settings – something about that white hue of milk draws the eye directly towards your subject! Here are some tips to make the most of your time spent around a tub.
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Prepping the Bathtub for a Milk Bath Photoshoot
I often get asked how I create these types of photoshoots: “How did you do that? Was it real milk and how much?” To create these effects I only ever used real milk; usually filling my tub to desired level with water then pour in two gallons of whole milk (although powdered may add an additional opaque creamy effect); using less milk will still create dreamlike mood without completely covering up your subject.
Props in a Milk Bath My clients typically allow me creative freedom when selecting props and decorations for their milk bath shoot. While a plain milk bath will make your subject the star of the picture, adding flowers or organic decorations such as leaves will add texture and contrast.
When creating a milk bath for my clients, I select a color theme before starting shopping. Once at the craft store, I purchase both real flowers and synthetic or silk flowers for use in the design of their milk bath. Through trial and error I learned which flowers float best; traditionally real blooms tended to float while synthetic blooms usually sunk to the bottom – so on my first milk bath visit we brought in bouquets of real blooms which we later placed the fake ones upon for added effect.
If you want your synthetic flowers to float, Scotchgard them to make them water-resistant; some will sink regardless. Spray before your shoot – but for best results spray at least the night before or earlier! Take special care in coating the bottom part of each flower which will rest in the water.
Greenery can also add a great natural element to the session and I have greatly enjoyed using just greenery without flowers in my tubs.
