I don't remember exactly how I first heard about the "4th Trimester Bodies" project. What I do remember, is being immediately touched by it. The pictures of all these beautiful mother's with their children, so real and raw, was something I could identify with.
Photographer Ashlee Wells Jackson and her partner Laura Weetzie Wilson not only capture the the beauty of motherhood in the stunning black and white shots, but also take it to a personal level by sharing the stories of the mothers and their babies. In contrast to the 'photo shop perfection' we are confronted with by the media on a daily basis, it is refreshing and empowering to know that there are people out there who can appreciate real, imperfect beauty. People who care and who work hard to be able to share their passion with the world.
When I found out that the 4th Trimester Bodies was coming to Miami, I knew I had to participate. I booked my shoot as soon as the pre-sale hit the website. Good thing I did, as the the photo sessions were sold out shortly after.
As excited as I was, I couldn't help but feel nervous on the day of the photo shoot. To my delight, Ashlee and Laura gave us a warm welcome, which added to the cozy atmosphere of the shoot location. The nervousness which I had felt just moments before, disappeared. I connected instantly with them. The kids were playing and it felt like we were having a play date with friends.
Laura did a wonderful job, doing my hair and make up to make me feel beautiful. This was such an important element, boosting my confidence and excitement. During the interview and the shoot itself, Ashlee was very professional, but also very easy going and encouraging. She had a way of getting Amelie's attention, without interrupting our interaction as mother and daughter. Moving in front of her camera felt natural and we were having fun!
After the shoot, Ashlee and I looked through the pictures to select "the one". Seeing the pictures of my daughter and myself, I could not help but get emotional. With tears in my eyes, I thanked Ashlee for what she had done: To capture the essence of our relationship in only a few shots. The one that stood out, was the picture below: Amelie's face resembles her cheeky personality, her observant look, mixed with that touch of curiosity. And me, holding her safely in my arms, my attention on her like nothing else matters at that very moment. The love and pride in my face.
The photo shoot for 4th Trimester Bodies was an amazing experience, a celebration of my journey of motherhood, but more importantly, it was a chance for me to stand up for what I believe in: To change the definition of true beauty. To cherish the bond us mothers share with each other, the love we have for our children. The recognition of what our wonderful bodies can accomplish, without the shame of their scars. The strength within us that radiates through us to lighten the world around us.
This is motherhood. This is real. This is me.
Photographer Ashlee Wells Jackson and her partner Laura Weetzie Wilson not only capture the the beauty of motherhood in the stunning black and white shots, but also take it to a personal level by sharing the stories of the mothers and their babies. In contrast to the 'photo shop perfection' we are confronted with by the media on a daily basis, it is refreshing and empowering to know that there are people out there who can appreciate real, imperfect beauty. People who care and who work hard to be able to share their passion with the world.
When I found out that the 4th Trimester Bodies was coming to Miami, I knew I had to participate. I booked my shoot as soon as the pre-sale hit the website. Good thing I did, as the the photo sessions were sold out shortly after.
As excited as I was, I couldn't help but feel nervous on the day of the photo shoot. To my delight, Ashlee and Laura gave us a warm welcome, which added to the cozy atmosphere of the shoot location. The nervousness which I had felt just moments before, disappeared. I connected instantly with them. The kids were playing and it felt like we were having a play date with friends.
Laura did a wonderful job, doing my hair and make up to make me feel beautiful. This was such an important element, boosting my confidence and excitement. During the interview and the shoot itself, Ashlee was very professional, but also very easy going and encouraging. She had a way of getting Amelie's attention, without interrupting our interaction as mother and daughter. Moving in front of her camera felt natural and we were having fun!
After the shoot, Ashlee and I looked through the pictures to select "the one". Seeing the pictures of my daughter and myself, I could not help but get emotional. With tears in my eyes, I thanked Ashlee for what she had done: To capture the essence of our relationship in only a few shots. The one that stood out, was the picture below: Amelie's face resembles her cheeky personality, her observant look, mixed with that touch of curiosity. And me, holding her safely in my arms, my attention on her like nothing else matters at that very moment. The love and pride in my face.
The photo shoot for 4th Trimester Bodies was an amazing experience, a celebration of my journey of motherhood, but more importantly, it was a chance for me to stand up for what I believe in: To change the definition of true beauty. To cherish the bond us mothers share with each other, the love we have for our children. The recognition of what our wonderful bodies can accomplish, without the shame of their scars. The strength within us that radiates through us to lighten the world around us.
This is motherhood. This is real. This is me.
Your opinion matters to me!
What does true beauty mean to you? Did you struggle with your body image after you given birth?
What does true beauty mean to you? Did you struggle with your body image after you given birth?
Care to share? It would mean so much to me if you would share this post.
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