A few months ago, I began a project attempting to expand the narrative of pregnancy portraits. Since then, I’ve had the honor of photographing nearly a dozen women, in the midst of their childbearing journey. Every one of them has moved and inspired me in some way. Rather than wait until this body of work is fully grown and ready for its own birth, whatever form that takes, I’ve decided to share the work in progress.
The idea for this project began when I photographed Melina. . .
Melina had hyperemesis throughout her entire pregnancy. Which means sickness, and excessive vomiting, for nearly 9 months. A portrait of her gently smiling, on a mountaintop, would not allow her to feel seen.
I put out the word that I was looking for women interested in being involved, and I immediately met Laura, at 40 weeks pregnant. .
When we spoke, she shared that she was feeling isolated (thanks to COVID), was in a fair amount of pain, and was exhausted. She had also been through multiple miscarriages, and was feeling grateful to have carried this baby to term.
When I met Viridiana, I had begun asking each woman interested in being photographed,
For you, how does it feel to be pregnant?
“We moved from Illinois to North Carolina in my first trimester and my husband has been working six days a week, getting home late. It’s felt very lonely and I have felt unsupported. It’s been exhausting to keep up with work, cooking, keeping the house tidy, preparing for baby and trying to stay active. I broke down one evening and my husband has been helping out around the house more even though he’s also tired. It’s been an emotional ride more than anything.”
Is this different than you expected to feel?
“It is different in the sense that I don’t have friends or family around. I grew up with a big, supportive family and I never imagined going through a pregnancy (especially my first) without my family.”
~ Viridiana // 36 weeks
For you, how does it feel to be pregnant?
“Miserable. A means to an end.”
~ Terri // 37 weeks
Do you feel like your experience of pregnancy is represented in the images you see of pregnant women? If not, how does it differ?
“It annoys me that there isn’t a representation in photos of the type of pregnancy’s I have. I’m a small business owner (of two small dive bars), a hustler, and this stresses me out and slows me down.”
~ Terri
Ariel was functioning on two hours of sleep when I made these pictures, parenting her 3 yr old, and helping her 6 yr old navigate virtual kindergarten. After I left, she began her work as a full time therapist.
Part of her answer to my question, for you, how does it feel to be pregnant? . . .
“I have had to do a lot of softening with expectations of myself this year.”
~ Ariel // 36 weeks
For you, how does it feel to be pregnant?
“Isolating. With pandemic parenting + full time remote work, it’s been really easy for me to lose touch with myself.”
~ Megan // 36 weeks
For you, how does it feel to be pregnant?
“Sweet, surreal, vulnerable, exciting, empowering, sometimes terrifying, uncomfortable, and bittersweet (I lost my first child in the womb at 28 weeks last February).”
~ Lindsey // 36 weeks
“It’s either work, make food, entertain a 14 month old, or sleep. I haven’t had a lot of time for connection.”
~ Kari // 35 weeks
“Growing up as a gymnast and performer, there’s a lot of stigma around being skinny, and my growing body is sometimes hard for me, even though I know it is completely normal, and part of the process. . “
~ Cassie // 32 weeks
THIS IS VERY MUCH A WORK IN PROGRESS!! I plan on continuing this project through the summer, fall, and maybe even longer. So, if you are pregnant and having an experience you feel would add something new to this collective story, please reach out! I am also continuing to offer slightly more traditional maternity portraits, as always! A combination of both has been a popular option.
I continue to be in awe of this child bearing process, and am incredibly grateful to every woman I’ve had the honor of photographing, for your willingness to share your intimate, and often vulnerable, experiences.
