Laura, Tiburon, CA, Canon Digital Rebel Xti

I still love shooting those bellies.

It was a part of my healing process when I was going through infertility. At the toughest of times, when I was the most depressed and without hope, seeing other pregnant women (even, or maybe especially, my friends) was incredibly painful. What’s more is the shame that comes from having those feelings about people you love. It all felt so ugly and not me and so terribly human all at the same time.

But when I was photographing these women it was all different. Through my lens I could celebrate with them, appreciate their curves, see their beauty and be inspired. By doing something I loved, by making art, I was in my power… and I had a chance to be how I actually wanted to be in the world: Celebrating their joy with them and knowing my time would come.

We all know that art has the power to heal. I was reminded of that recently… Maybe we should all lift ourselves up this week by making some art. Doesn’t have to be fancy.