It’s amazing how many awesome friends I’ve made since becoming a photographer in Wilmington, NC. I’ve met some pretty incredible people doing the work that I do, and it’s always such a privilege to be invited to share in a small part of their lives.
I’ve also met some pretty amazing photographers along the way! One of these photographers is Jessica of Jessica McAndrews Photography, currently located in Stafford, VA. But she was in the Wilmington area before she moved, and that’s when we first met.
What’s even more fun is that we were having babies (her third, my second) due a month apart. I was having a boy – she was waiting to find out the gender of her baby until birth – something I’m not brave or patient enough to do!
But since we are both newborn and family photographers in the Wilmington, NC area, we thought it would be fun to do each others’ maternity pictures! We met one warm(ish) March afternoon for pictures at the beautiful Arboretum in Wilmington, NC. She did such a great job with our pictures, and captured some really great moments. I especially love the pictures she got of me with my firstborn – a special relationship that was about to change (for the better – but still – a dramatic change!) with the addition of baby #2. I’m including my favorite here so you can see what I mean! <3
Anyway, back to HER maternity pictures… she was a month ahead of me, but she still looked so adorable. Honestly, there’s not much more beautiful to me than a woman literally giving away her body for the sake of growing another human being. It’s not a fun process. There’s all kids of pain and discomfort and puking and little feet pounding on organs and just about everything else uncomfortable. But it’s priceless.
And we mommas do it willingly, excitedly, passionately looking forward to the birth of our sweet babies. So yes, go hug your mom.
Oh, and by the way… she had a boy!
Nicole is a family lifestyle photographer in Wilmington, NC. Maternity photography is offered as and add-on to lifestyle newborn photography sessions.