Anna's Mama VIVIFY Session
“If you do a Vivify session when pregnant and/or breastfeeding, these will be the most precious photographs you’ll ever have. You will cherish them.”
Anna's request for a Mama Vivify Session to capture her pregnant belly bump was exciting enough, but when she asked to include her toddler in the photoshoot, it was a first for Vivify. Excitement zipped through me (because my heart yearns to grow this branch of Vivify), but admittedly there was a whisper of the "artist's self-doubt" voice. I've done maternity sessions and babies through Vivify, but never a belly bump + toddler. The whisper was there, but also my brain spun with ideas of beauty. I'm glad that the whisper stayed quiet and in the background as I trusted that the magic would unfold. And indeed, it did! This session felt special as it was filled with precious, fleeting moments. A few select favorites are shared below.
Little did I know, when I sent Anna her photo gallery, she was in the hospital holding her new baby and missing her toddler, who couldn't be with her due to visitor restrictions. Holding her newborn, she viewed her gallery from her phone and was overwhelmed with emotion. She texted me that she broke down in tears feeling grateful for taking the time to document that special time when it was just her and her firstborn. She also shared that the images brought her comfort as she was missing holding her other baby. Reading Anna's messages, I too was moved to tears and realized that my heart as a photographer yearns for more of these heartfelt connections. With every click of the shutter I take in this style of photography, I feel like I'm living out my purpose, and I'm sending that message out to the universe.