To the Mamas who don’t want to be in the photos,
I hear you. I’m nearly 9 months pregnant and living in the 2 outfits that fit right now. I’m guilty of going on Pinterest and saving the “how to lose the baby weight in 3 days” articles, and obsessing over how soon I can start working out again after she’s born. I wonder if, with enough dedication, hard work, and a belly bandit, maybe…just maybe, I CAN fit into those pre-baby jeans again.
Right now I’d rather take photos of my toddler than be in them. If a camera aims my way, I’ll run sprinting the other. But I’m a maternity and newborn photographer and in my heart, I know I’ll always regret not documenting this special time, and feel like a hypocrite each time I photographed another baby belly.
So, I got in front of the camera.
I asked a very talented photographer friend of mine to do a lifestyle shoot at home…just me, Owen, and the bump. Nothing fancy or contrived…just us as we are in this sweet season of life.
She did a phenomenal job. She took the candid grins and warm embraces that I experience everyday, and that I love capturing for my clients. She saw, and photographed, a mother with life growing inside her, and a beautiful little person sitting on her belly. When I’m photographing the same subject, that’s what I always see…what I only see.
But when I got the photos back, my eyes didn’t zoom in on those sweet moments, they zoomed in on the double chin…and the expanding hips…and the bigger thighs. I did what so many of my clients do – ignore everything that’s stunning about themselves in that image, and pick apart the not-so-real flaws.
Now that I’ve had the photos a little while, I’m ready to share one of my favorites (see above)…that wasn’t initially one of my favorites for said reasons. But I’ve grown to love love love it. Because it’s a beautiful image of a beautiful time in my life and the lives of my children.
I beg you mamas – get in front of the camera. Embrace your bellies and your babies, and take the photos you really will cherish forever. Don’t duck behind your spouse, or hide behind the park bench during your session either. Relax, stand tall, let out that laugh and enjoy the incredible moment you’re in…flaws and all. You’re so gorgeous. It’s the only thing I see when I look through the lens, and what I hope you will come to see for yourselves.
thank you to the incredible Amanda Kay Photography for some of my all-time favorite photos
