Ashley’s unique river maternity session in the water Cleveland, Ohio

We spent two hours wading and exploring through a small river outside of Akron, Ohio. 

I can't tell you how excited I was that Ashley was willing to indulge my idea about doing this session this way, and get into the water with me despite her dislike of how the bottom of a murky creek feels. 

I was honestly so engrossed into shooting at this point, that I hadn't even realized the sun had set and we were shooting in the dark until I looked up and her husband said something about our dark walk back to the cars. Lucky for everyone, I was pretty confident I had captured what I needed. 

Feel free to ignore me now and roll your eyes (it won't hurt my feelings, I can't see you) at my explanation of what this session represents to me. The rushing waters and ever changing rivers that take no form, really resonated with me and reminded of pregnancy and birth. An ever changing body, just like the water in the river, moving along, strong, always going forward no matter what rock, or stone or branch lies in their way. Even though water, all on it's own, has no strength, it pushes past objects of greater mass and density with no problem. Following nature, the laws of science or nature or all the things I can't explain and understand because quite frankly I hate science and never listened in school, it proceeds. 

Just like a Mother, and just like a body that is growing a son or daughter. Tired, changing, evolving, but moving forward with so much tenacity and without question. 

Pregnancy and water, it's so delicate, yet so secure. Ashley, thank you for trusting me during this sacred time. At 36 weeks, you are radiating with calm and and tenacious will about your upcoming birth.