These past six month have been crazy fulfilling. I've been inspired, learned much more and much faster than I thought I'd need to, been so busy that I groaned just turning on my computer, and have been given instruction and a defined passion just like I've prayed for. If you've taken a tour of my site, you may have seen some pretty new faces, a change in prices, and hopefully this little blurb in my "About Mae" section:
"I want to bring new light to the definition of beauty in women. A woman of confidence, a woman carrying her unborn child, a woman nourishing her child in the purest form, a woman relishing her child's laughter...There are few things more beautiful than that. I don't only want to capture these moments, I want to share them with you."
Since I decided to start my own photography business in the DFW area, I've been struggling to find my niche. Being in this industry here is a blessing and a curse. There are so many people here, you can find whatever you want from whomever you want for whatever price you want since nearly everyone is doing the same thing-which is everything. I knew from the beginning I will not specialize in events and spread myself thin over weddings and births and newborns with funny hats- there are plenty of photographers here who do that perfectly. When I got the inspiration to start photographing moms nursing their babies, with sessions specifically for that, I was elated. I felt that the unique, artistic, personal, bold subject that I had been looking for had arrived. And while I have been called rebellious, genius, hedonistic, blessed, disrespectful, and encouraging, I have never regretted my decision. I love what I do.
But now, after a season of posing families of all sizes for their annual Christmas cards, I've longed for a more defined vision for my business. What is going to keep me going? What am I passionate about? Breastfeeding, yes, but it's more than that! I'm passionate about what makes us unique as women. We're a special creature that is so unique, that even after God created the heavens and the earth, fruit and ash, beast and man, He decided it wouldn't be complete without Eve!
So I have taken God's instruction and am excited to see what this exploration of beauty will lend to my community. Last year my work reached Australia, Korea, L.A., and Russia and it left me speechless! Men and women were seeing gorgeous women discretely, peacefully, confidently nursing their children. I want to go beyond that this year. My hope is to breath fresh air into the images of women and mothers. I can't wait to see how it pans out! One project that I'm very excited about is a year long documentation of a mother and her baby from the very first few weeks in the womb. I'm looking for a model who fits these criteria:
- In the early first trimester as of Jan 1, 2012 [I know a whole lotta women who are keeping some awesome secrets! Hee hee!]
- Is not camera shy and is willing to show her beautiful round belly at every stage of pregnancy.
- Has a well lit home as pictures will be taken in their home.
- Must be okay with all images taken to be shared at my discretion [facebook, blogs, website, print]
- Must be able to take pictures with me once a month [sessions will be very short]
- Must plan on breastfeeding.
- Live in the DFW area [Fort Worth or Mid Cities is a plus]
- Planning a homebirth is a plus too!
- Mama to be will receive lots of goodies from me in return!
What the project isn't:
These pictures will be part of a series for my portfolio [possible book or calander] They will be lifestyle photographs with very a specific artistic vision in mind. If you are looking for someone to take monthly pictures of you for your own baby diary on your blog or to cheese it up while you're holding your belly, this isn't what I'll be offering ;] Regular portrait sessions for maternity will be available year round, but this isn't the same thing- just to be clear, hee hee ;] If you are wanting personal shots with your family every month [or just when your nice and round at the end] I have specific sessions just for that!
If you, or anyone you know who meets the criteria is interested, please send your info along with a few current pictures [as well as a picture of you from a previous pregnancy if this isn't your first!] in an email to mae burke photo at gmail dot com [no spaces and proper punctuation of course] with the subject "2012 Maternity Model" So many beautiful expecting women have already applied, and there are a few who stand out, but I'd love to find the absolute perfect fit!
I cannot wait to just get this year going with you all. You have blessed my life in extraordinary ways, I can't thank you enough!
Cheers!
Mae
I would *love* to be able to apply =) But, not quite ready to be pregnant again lol!
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