Hiding my Light Under a Basket

Day 21 of 30 Day Challenge

I’ve been doing maternity photos for a while. They are some of my favorite portrait sessions. We Americans do some crazy things that end up making women feel “less than” when their bodies change over time. This is often amplified in pregnancy. For many women, there is a stigma to being “fat” when they’re bringing life into the world. Being able to make photos during this phase of their life, is a special honor. I appreciate the trust I’m given to make beautiful photos.

I haven’t been sharing a lot of this work because… reasons. I’m not sure about doing retail photography after leaving retail sales 20+ years ago. My style of photos is also different from many other photographers. I tend to prefer minimal make up, minimal ‘posing’ and trying to get to the real person underneath.

If I’m honest, there’s a little impostor syndrome and a little anxiety about sharing my work too.

Any ways…. here are some maternity photos I’ve done for friends and family over the last several years. You’ll see more color in them than my earlier notes would make you expect. Usually, it’s because there is something special happening with the light or the outfits. You’ll see some dads in the photos below. I’ve also done shoots with the siblings and other family members to be part of the special time. I do them assuming that in 10 or 20 years, family will look back on the happy time before the new baby.

I love the timelessness of the ocean and a mother to be
This momma was so confident and beautiful
I love the personality in these
Proud parents to be
One of my favorite maternity photos ever. A contemplative model in a quiet moment
This momma had her baby just a few days later! I loved the light in her hair and the apparent joy in her smile
Such a great smile at a special time
I like doing these real photos of a young couple on the threshold of change
Such a beautiful smile and dress! I had to show this in color
Another classic pose by the sea
This was done in the baby’s room with Mom in the beautiful light !

4 thoughts on “Hiding my Light Under a Basket”

  1. Dave these are wonderful. I love that they are not like the dressed-up photos you see on Instagram. As you said, they are real. I am sure they will treasured by the families, always.

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