I am so thankful for connections like the one I made with Jessica. Every once in a while, I get the urge to be solely creative without being bound to a client’s wishes when it comes to setups/styling etc. So when I get the itch to create, I will put out a model call explaining what I am looking for, and if it seems like a good fit, mamas will reach out to me. That’s what happened with Jessica. I am SO glad I picked her because we hit it off right away, she was open to all of my ideas, rocked her entire session and had the most brilliant smile that lit up the entire studio. Absolutely loved working with her. I asked if she would be willing to explain how it felt being nude in front of a stranger, and how the experience of working with me went, and she had this to say:
“I am a pelvic floor physical therapist, which means I treat people with bladder problems, pelvic pain, and gastrointestinal issues. Particularly I love treating pregnant women, postpartum women, and what I am most passionate about is is helping women with fertility troubles. Everyone woman should have a family if that’s what she wants, and there is no better feeling than being the one to help them live their dream. I was pregnant with my 4th baby, but my first boy. We plan for this to be our last, and I had never taken professional maternity photographs before, so I knew this would be my last chance. I found Amanda Ellis on a facebook group, she was asking for a pregnant “model” to do some semi-nude shots. While this is not really what I imagined for my own photo shoot, she was very willing to accommodate my wishes to do some outdoor, clothed shots too. I’m not someone who likes to be naked, but I also think that women shouldn’t be embarrassed by their bodies. It’s not super-easy for me to drop trou in front of anyone, but when I met Amanda, it was like being with an old friend, and I felt very comfortable around her. Doing semi-nude shots while being 34 weeks pregnant and having her tell me how to pose was empowering. She was filled with positive energy, and you can tell she absolutely loves what she does. I felt appreciated in a way I didn’t know I could feel appreciated. Not many people take time out of their day to appreciate a body that is creating life. My outdoor shoot was kind of magical. It had rained on and off all evening, but when it was time for us to go outside, the clouds parted and she caught the last bit the sun setting through the tree. She knew how important it was to me to have this beautiful lighting. She really is a wizard when it comes to lighting!
Now that I am no longer pregnant, I look at those pictures and feel nostalgic already. I miss the kicks. I am sad that this time in my life is over. This last pregnancy was harder for me. I battled blood sugar issues, got nervous when he was still breech late in the pregnancy, and I had swelling in my legs which I didn’t typically have with prior pregnancies. It was also a joyful one, because I was in the best pregnancy shape I have ever been in, biking to and from work into my 39th week. Though, I am almost maternally geriatric (according to the medical world), I will look back on these photographs and see youth, beauty, and strength. I am so grateful to Amanda, for capturing this unique time in my life and for challenging me to step out of my comfort zone — the shots of me with no clothes are my favorite. I will always be able to look back and say, “That is me and my baby,” and remember that little else matters in the world.” Thank you so much, Jessica! I absolutely adored photographing you!
