Celebrating Brooklin’s Growing Bump: Two Pregnancies, One Beautiful Story

Working with Brooklin during both of her pregnancies was an absolute honor and a journey filled with deep emotion, beauty, and growth. Pregnancy is such a transformative time, and to capture Brooklin’s experience not once but twice was a gift that allowed me to witness her evolution as a mother and as a person. Each shoot we shared was unique, but they were all united by her grace, vulnerability, and the radiant love she carried for her growing family.

First Pregnancy: 2021 – New Beginnings

Brooklin’s first pregnancy in 2021 was a time of wonder and learning. As with any first-time mother, she was navigating the profound physical and emotional changes that come with bringing new life into the world. Over the course of three shoots, we explored different aspects of her pregnancy journey, creating a narrative of her experience.

The First Shoot: Celebrating New Beginnings

Our first session took place early in her pregnancy. Brooklin wanted to document the anticipation and joy of starting this new chapter. We chose an outdoor location that reflected the fresh, vibrant beginnings of her journey. Surrounded by snowy mountains and soft, winter light, Brooklin’s joy was palpable. She wore a flowing black gown that fluttered in the breeze, mirroring the delicate beauty of this early stage.

Brooklin with her 30 week bump.

During the shoot, Brooklin shared her thoughts on the changes she was experiencing:

“Pregnancy is such a confusing time of learning to love your own body, for the life it is growing, and trying to remember that you are still there underneath it all.”

These words struck me deeply. They encapsulated the duality of pregnancy – the awe of creating life and the struggle to hold onto one’s sense of self. This theme became a guiding force for our work together.

The Second Shoot: Embracing Growth

By the time of our second shoot, Brooklin’s pregnancy was well underway. Her baby bump was prominent, and her connection to her baby had deepened. We chose my studio in downtown Denver for this session, focusing on the theme of growth and connection.

Brooklin’s husband, Joe, joined us for this shoot, bringing an added layer of tenderness and intimacy. His support and admiration for Brooklin were evident in every frame. She later reflected on this time:

“Ethan did such a great job of helping me find my beauty once again. Sometimes it’s very hard when you’re in the midst of pregnancy.”

Ethan’s professionalism reminded Brooklin of her beauty and strength, even in moments of self-doubt.

36 weeks looks stunning with studio maternity photos.

The Third Shoot: A Celebration of Love and Anticipation

As Brooklin’s due date approached, we scheduled our final shoot. This session was a celebration of everything she had experienced during her pregnancy. It took place in a boudoir photo studio, where the warm light bathed her in a golden glow. Brooklin wore a bold, deep- black dress that reflected her newfound confidence and readiness to welcome her baby.

This shoot was especially poignant. Brooklin radiated a quiet strength that seemed to say, “I’ve made it through.” Her words from earlier resonated with me throughout:

“Trying to remember that you are still there underneath it all.”

These words became a mantra for the session. Through the lens, I sought to capture not only the beauty of her pregnancy but also the essence of Brooklin herself.

Brooklin at 40 weeks pregnant. Ready to welcome her first baby with a full bump and belly curve.

Second Pregnancy: 2023 – A Portrait of Confidence

Fast forward to 2023, and Brooklin’s second pregnancy brought a new layer of depth to our collaboration. This time, she was no longer a first-time mother but a seasoned, confident woman who had embraced her role. For this pregnancy, we focused on one studio shoot, which allowed us to create a refined, timeless series of portraits.

The Studio Shoot: Timeless Elegance

In the controlled environment of the studio, we could play with light, shadow, and texture to create dramatic and intimate images. Brooklin’s wardrobe choices were elegant and understated, emphasizing her natural beauty and the miracle of pregnancy. Simple underwear, soft silhouettes, and minimalistic backdrops created a classic aesthetic that highlighted her confidence and grace.

This shoot felt different from our previous sessions. Brooklin exuded a quiet assurance that comes from knowing oneself. She spoke about how her perspective on pregnancy had evolved:

“With my first pregnancy, I was so focused on trying to figure out who I was and how I fit into this new role. This time, I’ve learned to trust myself and to celebrate the amazing things my body can do.”

Her words were reflected in the images. Every pose, every expression spoke of a woman who had found peace and joy in the process of creating life.

A Reflection on Two Journeys

Working with Brooklin during both of her pregnancies was a profound experience that reminded me why I love what I do. Each shoot was a celebration of her strength, vulnerability, and beauty, but also a tribute to the incredible journey of motherhood.

Through her words and our time together, Brooklin taught me that pregnancy is not just about the physical changes but about the emotional and spiritual growth that accompanies it. Her journey was a testament to the power of love – for her family, for herself, and for the life she was nurturing.

As she said:

“Sometimes it’s very hard when you’re in the midst of pregnancy.”

These moments of difficulty and doubt are what make the journey so powerful. They remind us of the resilience and beauty inherent in every mother. It was my privilege to capture these truths through my lens.

Looking Ahead

Brooklin’s story is a reminder that every pregnancy is unique and deserves to be celebrated. Whether it’s a first-time mother learning to navigate the changes or a seasoned mom embracing her role with confidence, these moments are fleeting and precious. As a photographer, my goal is to create images that honor each woman’s journey, just as I did with Brooklin.

To all the mothers and mothers-to-be out there: your story is worth documenting. Let’s celebrate the beauty, the struggle, and the triumph of your journey together.