Take me to the River...

The river, here in Central Mo, is such an important part of our summer days. Its a great place to go cool off, reconnect with nature. Let the kids explore water ecosystems, and hang out with friends. For this session the river created the perfect backdrop for an intimate nursing session. Coincidentally this same river was special to both momma and myself, as we both frequently visit it.

The very best part, for me, was that less than two days later this same river had outgrown its banks and flooded the very areas we used for the session. If we hadn't decided to brave the threat of rain and shoot when we did, our session wouldn't have been the same. 

One thing I have observed with nursing sessions is that each momma has a perception of themselves as a nursing mother, and a very specific idea about how these images should be styled and shot. I love learning about each subject as we journey through their session.  Some mommas are proud and want to show off their accomplishment of nursing baby for so many months/ years, or even getting started at all. Others are really in love with breastfeeding and want to share that love. Even others are so amazed at how far they have come as a mother, and their comfort with the intimacy of the act of nursing a baby and want to document that for themselves. No matter the goal, or purpose of the session I always approach these with the utmost respect and care. I nursed my babies for 16,17, and 18 months respectively and know just how amazing that act and bond can be.

This momma, was proud of her nursling and her self ( as well she should be) and wanted to capture the beauty of the relationship she shared with her baby. The images from this session capture the love, joy, and beauty of this. I hope you enjoy these images as much I do.