My Maternity Photoshoot

I had quieted down my business in early 2021 to take maternity leave.

Pregnancy during a pandemic was many things. Easier in some ways, incredibly challenging in others. Much of it ended up looking quite different than what I could have imagined for this poignant time in my life. And yet, it also helped me to get clear on what was truly important. Like so many of us.

I was incredibly lucky to have these photos taken by a dear kindred photographer.

Kenda and I met a few months before the world shut down in January 2020. I was grateful for the chance to meet her in person, to hear her story and her dreams for her work and business.

Little did we know that a year later so much would have changed. A sweet part of all the bitter was getting the chance to work together in a beautiful mentorship partnership. I got to know her even better as we spent this time deep diving into her growing business, talking about creating photography that was intentional and intuitive. Helping her to claim her own voice and expression through her work, her art. She was also there to assist me on my last few photoshoots, before my little babe arrived. Which was an incredible gift.

At this time personal photoshoots were not permitted. I deeply desired to have this moment in time documented. So much so, that intended to attempt to take some creative self portraits of myself at the studio after we wrapped up the client session. At which point Kenda so graciously offered to take a few photos for me with my pregnant growing belly. I’m so glad I said yes.

No, it wasn’t perfect.

I was sweaty, dusty, my hair unstyled. But in a way I like that more.

It was real, it was me. It wasn’t overthought.

It allowed me to show up as I was. When I share these photos to my daughter someday, that is what she will see.

This is the space I desire to hold for my clients.

Real. In the moment. As you are.

This experience, and becoming a mother has inspired a deep shift in the breadth of my work. I am excited to offer Creating Life Photo Sessions, an embodied photoshoot experience for expectant/new mamas and parents.

Thank you Kenda. Even though the experience didn’t look the way I might have ideally envisioned, it unfolded just beautifully and how it needed to. These photos are a tender record of this exact and precious moment in time. Images I will look back upon for many years to come. I am grateful for documenting these cherished glimpses of me and the little one in my womb. They will remain forever close to my heart.

Photography by Kenda Al Yakobi