"Let us make pregnancy an occasion when we appreciate our female bodies!"
- Merete Leonhardt-Lupa
As a free spirited intimate photography evangelist, I have shot hundreds of women from all over the world. I have had the delight of working with uninhibited ladies who bare their body and soul as a mark of freedom and I have witnessed with pride the gradual transformation of shy housewives into sexy, scintillating goddesses. My work is incredibly rewarding and unbelievably empowering.
But a question shot at me a couple of days ago had me thinking! I was asked, 'What boudoir experience do you cherish the most?'
My first reaction was indignation -- each and every shoot is precious to me. I feel like a mother who brings new life into this world and in a sense that is exactly what my job is. To help women channel their true selves from underneath the weight of responsibilities, stereotypes and practicalities. They leave my studio rejuvenated, re-energized and emboldened -- a new person.
And then it hit me. I do feel that there is no better purpose to my creativity than capturing the blooming, radiant beauty of women full with the love for their unborn children. I am talking about the trend that is all set to become a rage -- boudoir with the bump!
WHY MATERNITY BOUDOIR IS INTRIGUING:
I have immense respect for mothers. In my opinion they are a force of nature! Fiercely dedicated to their home and family but with the spunk and character to slip into stilettos and rule the corporate world with charm. However this is only part of the fascination. The rest comes from the fact that the camera adores a pregnant woman. She is a nymph who exudes raw sex appeal and vibrant beauty. She is the vessel who carries within herself the ability to create the miracle of life and that confidence simply oozes from her and hits me like a sledge-hammer. Shot after shot I am amazed by the fluidity of her body and the impact of her personality. It doesn't really matter whether she is posing to freeze her 9 months of glory in time or overwhelm her significant other. She is vulnerable yet capable and the juxtaposition of these two contradictions is MAGICAL!!
WHY DO I RECOMMEND BOUDOIR WITH A BUMP?
If you are going through a difficult pregnancy, my account may not ring true. You don't really feel like the picture of attractiveness right now! But stop looking at the puffy ankles and the under eye bags as flaws. Don't hide behind baggy clothes and unflattering maternity gowns. Right now you are God and the Universe to your child and the significance of these moments can't be described in words. The hormone changes that are racing to form a perfect little human being have gifted you with rare beauty, magnetism and enigma. The Mona Lisa wouldn't have been what it is today had the subject not been a pregnant lady with her mysterious smile! You can beckon and thrill with one look. All you need is someone to show you the ropes and put you at ease. When you embrace intimate photography to celebrate the most triumphant achievement of your life, the result is electric.
So drop those doubts and live it up! There is no better time than now to appreciate your womanhood!
With love, respect and awe for all you mothers-to-be!
Marisa
