Pregnancy is an adventure filled with sunshine and hurricane. The expectant mother experiences a lot of changes: they gain weight, they develop stretch marks, they crave for odd tasting food, and their mood swings in a minute. Despite the roller-coaster-like adventure, it is undeniably the most beautiful journey a woman could have.
Some expectant parents would like to immortalize their pregnancy journey in a picture that would serve as a sweet memento of their priceless adventure. Thus, a lot of couples invest in a good maternity shoot so they would have something to remind them of their crazily beautiful pregnancy.
Just like the other expectant parents, Todd and Nicole also wanted to immortalize their pregnancy days before Nicole’s delivery. However, Nicole wanted to try something different so that their maternity photo shoot would be filled with fun and joy. Unlike other expectant mothers who took a photo of their gargantuan womb together with a cradle, balloons, and teddy bears, Nicole chose to do something that has never been done before.
“I had recently found an Alien’s Chestburster model at a garage sale and after putting it together and painting it, the idea for this shoot came to me,” Todd Cameron, the expectant father and Nicole’s loving husband, recalled his inspiration for the shoot.
“I had an idea for the general story and props needed, including carving the alien pod pumpkin and Nicole took care of finding our “out there” wardrobe.” Todd said, emphasizing that the beautiful and unique photo shoot is the fruit of their joint effort.
As it turned out, the husband and wife are certified fanatic of Halloween. By dressing up and playing with intricate costumes, Todd and Nicole are able to express their unique and creative ideas. In fact, Todd and Nicole met each other at a Halloween party. Hence, they wanted to include their favorite hobby, that played a huge part in their love story, in Nicole’s maternity photo shoot.
“We actually first met at Halloween, we always hand-make elaborate costumes and we go all out on Halloween decorations at our house, so this was really just a fun way to celebrate who we are while passing on a few smiles and laughs in the process!” Todd explained.
Although the photo shoot took them more than an hour to finish and despite the muddy location, the loving couple was able to have fun and enjoyed the entire process. Thus, there is no doubt that years later, they will look at their bloody and chilling maternal shoot with utmost fondest in their hearts.
“The photo shoot took about an hour and, though chilly and muddy on the pumpkin patch, it was so much fun,” he added. “We just kept laughing at the absurdity of it and hoping the employees of the farm wouldn’t drive by to see us covered in blood.”
The husband and wife also acknowledged that their stunning photoshoot won’t be possible if not for their brilliant photographer.
“Li Carter is a local photographer here in Nanaimo, BC. She is involved in many fun projects, capturing everything from weddings to cosplay events and everything in between. She is also a friend of ours and has shot many of our personal family highlights.”
Apparently, their maternal shoot was not their first time to work with the esteemed photographer. Their Sasquatch Day and even their Back to The Future themed wedding were also produced by the talented Li Carter.
A maternity shoot is a wonderful way of celebrating pregnancy. However, not all women are comfortable in posing for one. Due to the changes occurring in a woman’s body, there are expectant mothers who feel insecure in their own skin. On the other hand, some are hesitant to take a maternal photo shoot due to their busy and demanding schedule.
“I’d stacked on the weight (not being a princess here – it was around the 20kgs mark!) and I was very self-conscious and embarrassed about how I looked. I may not have thought I was beautiful then, but as I have grown older – along with my three children – I do wish that I would’ve had the confidence to have left more photographic memories.” Kelly Winder, a mother, and a blogger said, expressing her strong regret for not taking a maternity photo during her pregnancy.
At the end of the day, no matter how joyous or painful a moment is, it is still fleeting to have a photo to cherish the memories that we have made!
How did you find Todd and Nicole’s maternity photos? Did you also do something similar with what they have done? Feel free to share your insights and your photos down on the comment section!
Photos | Li Carter