I had the honour of photographing a dear friend during this remarkable time in her life.
She looks absolutely incredible, and I got emotional several times during the shoot because of how special what she’s going through is.
The baby kicked throughout the session when I exclaimed with excitement while shooting. That was something.
I really loved photographing this maternity self-appreciation session. I think it’s so important to take time to pause and take in just how amazing growing a life within you really is.
Because it is. And you look beautiful whether you feel it or not.
I hear it all the time – pregnant women call themselves ‘whales’ or call themselves other self-deprecating names. And it makes me so sad.
Truth is, pregnant women are so incredibly beautiful.
I’ll say two things about why you’re beautiful while pregnant:
The first, you’ve probably heard a lot, but take it to heart: The best, most alluring and impactful beauty, comes from within. When you believe you are beautiful, when you exude confidence, happiness, warmth, care, and goodness – that shows and you are a new kind of irresistible. And as someone prepping to be a mom, so many of those characteristics become a part of you.
The second is the beauty of your circumstance. The sheer fact that you are growing a new life within yourself is inexplicably amazing. It’s beauty on another level. Seriously.
I won’t say your skin glow makes you beautiful because I’ve heard lots of moms-to-be respond that it’s just the puke sweats.
But I think that’s self-deprecating again, and dismissing what people are trying to get at. The glow from within is real. It’s an intangible, but totally palpable thing that you truly do exude, whether you feel it or not.
So let me say it again – Whether you feel it or not – You. Are. Beautiful.
If you are pregnant, I’d love to photograph you during this incredibly special time and help you feel that way. <3
