Jennifer

I am in the 32nd week of my 4th pregnancy, and I decided to do a self portrait project this time around. At 18 weeks I took a picture of myself with the self-timer function on my camera, in order to show my online friends how my belly looked. I realized that I had very few photographs of myself pregnant, and even fewer that I really liked. The picture I took of myself turned out so well and gave me such a boost of self esteem that I decided to document the entire pregnancy in this way. I have never felt really bad about my body during pregnancy, but I have never felt really great about it either. This time around, by photographing myself in creative and artistic ways, I have discovered a powerful peace and love for the shape my body is taking. I feel strong, sexy, and beautiful. It has affected how I feel when I am out in public as well as at home. I am much more comfortable letting my bare belly be seen by even my own husband and children, and even a little bit in public! I am proud of my growing belly and breasts, and I know I will be so thankful for the documentation of the changes my body is going through later on. I have decided to continue the series into the post-partum phase after seeing this site, which I don’t think would have occurred to me before.

I want to encourage women everywhere to photograph themselves during their pregnancies. I hear so many women say that they do not have pictures of their pregnant bodies! Not only will you be documenting a very important part of your baby’s life, but you will find that having pictures of yourself that you love will make you feel so much better about how you look right now. If you cannot do it on your own, please- find a friend who can help you. I am willing to offer any technical advice and encouragement, as well as help with retouching dark or off-colored pictures, in order to help mothers obtain photographs that make them feel good about themselves.

I should say that some of my photos have been altered using Photoshop image editing software. I have not changed anything about my skin or shape, but I have manipulated the images to make them look more artistic, etc. such as lightening them or softening backgrounds.

Thank you all for sharing your stories and pictures.

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8 thoughts on “Jennifer

  • Friday, July 28, 2006 at 9:02 pm
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    Beautiful photos! You have such a wonderfully peaceful look about you, good luck with your pregnancy and enjoy :)

  • Friday, July 28, 2006 at 9:09 pm
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    Beautiful! My favorite is the one of your child pressing an ear against your belly. :)

  • Friday, July 28, 2006 at 9:23 pm
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    That’s my favorite too! Your photos make me want to have another baby. So beautiful!

  • Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 8:43 am
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    I love these! Blessings to you.

  • Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 8:49 am
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    Makes me wish I had given in and let my husband photograph me with our last one. Those are amazing pictures.-Sarah

  • Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 12:14 pm
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    Your pictures are gorgeous. I think with my next baby I will document it more appropriately. Best of luck with your pregnancy and the rest of your children!

  • Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 4:22 pm
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    What lovely pictures. Just gorgeous. When I get pregnant again, I will have to try this myself. Best wishes for a safe and healthy delivery!

  • Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 4:44 pm
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    I LOVED your photos! They were beautiful!! They make me wish we had a camera during my first pregnancy! Absolutely GORGEOUS!!

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