Tricia and her daughter Addy are members of the same momsgroup/playgroup I belong to. Since most of the kids are approaching their two year old mark, it’s only natural that a lot of the moms are expecting baby #2. And the cycle begins once more! I was so pleased and honored to be asked to photograph Tricia’s pregnant beauty in full bloom. She looks absolutely radiant in these photos! Here are some of my favorites. And you check out the slideshow here.
I just like the way the title sounds. And apologies to any fans of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. My dear friend Bing is expecting Baby #2 and of course, I had to take her preggy photos! Like most second-time pregnant women (including me), Bing was more receptive to having her photo taken compared to her first pregnancy. I’m not sure why this is the case but in my own experience, it was because I knew it was done with the baby-making and wanted to immortalize the moment. As of my writing this, Bing is anxiously awaiting the D-Day (delivery day not doomsday), so until then enjoy these photos of the baby inside. Once that sucker pops out, double the fun!
Sunday morning @ 8:30 am and I was greeted by three smiling faces, not at all perturbed by the early time. I knew I was off to a great start! Not only were they an adorable & gorgeous family, the Toombs exuded a genuine warmth and kindness that definitely reflected in their photos. I was snapping away like crazy, because every moment was just picture-perfect! Three year old Ruby was so excited about her new baby sister, the happiness was infectious! There are tons of great shots from this session, I had a hard time selecting the ones for posting here. Enjoy!
There’s something so special about maternity sessions that totally humbles me. Just last night, I was watching “In the Motherhood” and one of the characters was asking what makes the pregnant woman so special. Why does carrying a life make you want to give them free stuff, and treat them like godesses? Is it their pregnant glow, a certain smugness that they have something you don’t? Or know something you’d don’t? I think it’s the power to give life that makes them so beautiful, beyond explanation. And for a pregnant woman to grace your presence just puts you in total awe of that power. Heck, I’m happy just to photograph it. Here’s a recent session Corrine and Gil. Thanks for letting me share in the anticipation of your first baby. Click here for the slideshow.
Over the weekend, I got the chance to shoot a good friend of mine, Mickee. I had known her since 2004, before she had any kids. And while I missed the chance to shoot her first pregnancy, I am honored to capture her beautiful pregnant belly the second time around. It’s always awe inspiring for me to shoot pregnant bellies, because this is how I got my portrait business started. While I’ve diversified my services since then, it’s always nice to return to the passion that prompted me to start my photography business in the first place.
Mickee was a great model, despite having contractions earlier that day. We kept everything light and easy, now that she’s already 35 weeks along. We’re all looking forward to meeting baby #2!
The rest of the pictorial can be found here.
So…I’m ending my year with a blog post, bulging at the seams! I’m not sure how many people know that I actually started my photography career shooting bellies and babies exclusively, when I was living back in the Philippines. At first, it was difficult to convince the conservative Filipina to bare their pregnant belly but eventually, the idea of it caught on and I was able to build a good maternity photography market. One thing I’ve always regretted was not having my own maternity photo done when my first son was born.
Now, that I’m 37 weeks prego with baby #2 and almost ready to pop – my husband turned the cameras on me and shot my maternity photo! My husband was so very patient with me, as I was the WORSE model in the world – overthinking each shot and criticizing his lighting, composition and angles. But I think he did a terrific job and can definitely start doing more shooting for the family business. Anyway, please share your comments to encourage him in his first ever maternity shoot, as we share the best photos from the pictorial. Here I am, now practicing what I preach: that there’s nothing more beautiful than a pregnant belly!
Happy New Year everybody!
And this was on self-timer:
It has recently come to my attention that Mommy Matters, a Manila-based clothesline geared towards nursing moms is sponsoring a photo exhibit featuring some of my photos. Other participating artists are Pilar Tuason and Mary Rose Pena.
Breastfeeding has always been an advocacy of mine since I had my first child in 2003. I breastfed my son until he was 1 1/2 years old. Sadly in the Philippines, breastfeeding education is sorely lacking. Most new mothers are discouraged in the early phases, are dissuaded by elders that formula is better than mother’s milk or simply are not guided through the process. Education is key. I try to do my part by spreading the word of the benefits of breastfeeding, for both mother and child, to my own circle of influence. If you are pregnant and are interested in breastfeeding, try contacting your local chapter of La Leche League for more information and support.
Nurturing Moments: An Exhibit is sponsored by Mommy Matters, Best Friends in Breastfeeding and PACE supported by Unicef and the office of Senator Pia Cayetano. The exhibit just finished its run at Glorieta and will be at the East Avenue Medical Center Lobby tomorrow until August 10.
 | nimi on Seeing Double |
| nimi on Megan + Dylan | Berkeley City… |
 | Linda Trudeau on Megan + Dylan | Berkeley City… |
 | Jayashree on Seeing Double |
| Sofia @ 7 Days … on Tricia and Baby #2 |
