Customer Reviews

Portraits of Pregnancy: The Birth of a Mother

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am currently a college student, and have quite a few years before I plan on entering motherhood, but still find this book to be an inspiration. The mothers featured in the book range from ordinary middle-class to celebrity status. Each woman has a story, a unique 9-month (or perhaps life-long) journey. Because Jennifer Loomis made expectant mothers feel beautiful and comfortable during photo shoots, she was able to gain their trust and form a more intimate, personal relationship. It truly shows on the pages of this book. I hope to one day touch the lives of others as Jennifer has.

"Portraits of Pregnancy: The Birth of a Mother" has opened my mind to a new view on pregnancy. When I become an expectant mother, I will remember that my body is beautiful; not only in a physical sense, but also because a child is growing and developing within me. I will also remember that any worry or fear I may have, many mothers before me have had the same concerns.

This book would be an especially great gift for expecting mothers. If you are the mom-to-be, you may find a story you can relate to, learn from, or aspire toward. I think "Portraits of Pregnancy" would also be appealing to those interested in photography - as I've mentioned, the photographs are phenomenal. Some are quite bold, but I find the black and white development actually softens them, leaving a hint of delicacy and subtleness. This book is great; truly inspirational. Chances are, at least one person you know could benefit from "Portraits of Pregnancy."

There are thousands of pictures around the web of beautiful pregnant women, literally thousands. What Jennifer Loomis managed to do was take some gorgeous pictures, and not only publish them in a tangible form, but had names and stories behind these beautiful and amazing women. I am a college male who bought this book because of my love for pregnancy & childbirth, and I am going into Obstetrics and Perinatal Health for a career, so I found this to be a well made book, with many beautiful images & captivating stories.

I got this as a gift for for a good friend of mine who is having her first child soon. I was going to wrap it but stopped to flip through this book. The photos are amazing. I don't know WHAT the reviewer who said the photography isn't good was smoking, but I found the photos to be beautiful and tasteful and really helps sort of capture the profound miracle that is motherhood and the awesome concept of creating a new life and what a celebration that is. Interesting read... stunning photography... A+. I'd seriously order one to keep for myself but I'm a single guy and I'm sure my friends would razz me for it, but it is a beautiful and artistic keepsake. My friend was thrilled with it!

My husband and I just purchased "Portraits of Pregnancy- The birth of a Mother-" and we both are amazed with the pictures and the stories behind them. Pregnancy it's a miracle itself that involves so many factors. I am glad that someone has found a way to express the beauty of it through out photography like Jennifer Loomis. I believe this book is a unique way to tell any mom how much she is valued and loved. What a way to make you feel special while you expect that little miracle inside of you. Thank you for making this art work available to so many people. We will keep supporting the cause.

Portraits of Pregnancy: The Birth of a Mother is an amazing collection of portraits of more than fifty women - each entry shows a black-and-white photograph revealing the beauty of pregnancy, accompanied by text that details her journey to motherhood. The women in the photographs are nude or nearly nude, but the context is not overtly sexual; it is about celebrating pregnancy and motherhood. From celebrity moms to single moms to a lesbian couple who had two children through a sperm donation from a longtime gay friend, the woman portrayed come from an immense diversity of backgrounds. Difficult issues such as the challenge of being a single parent, dealing with repeated miscarriage, and the ominous press of post-partum depression are also covered. A glorious and ultimately positive portrayal of pregnancy, especially recommended as a wonderful baby shower gift for expectant moms.

Truly beautiful book! Not only for mothers, but those who want to be mothers. The photos are so beautiful and the stories are inspiring! These stories are of true love! Not only between a woman and her unborn child, but also of the men who are loving supporters and fathers!

I picked up this book to thumb through it but wound up reading it cover to cover, including the preface and dedictions and bios -- every word in it -- only putting it down when I'd seen and read every page. The women's stories are mesmerizing, their photos luminous. It's not only a "must read," but also a "must give."

Portraits of Pregnancy: The Birth of a Mother

As the photographer and one of the authors of this book, of course I want to tell you how wonderful it is. But I also wanted to write here the praise the book has received so far because these words say it better than I probably can.

"By now, we've all seen gorgeous photographs of pregnant women. But Jennifer Loomis' Portraits of Pregnancy goes further by giving us an intimate look at pregnant women and their stories. No matter who you are -- young,older,single,married,part of a traditional couple or same-sex couple,small, big, tattooed or pierced -- you can see yourself represented in this book,and think, "I am beautiful,too." Very touching and valuable, indeed."
--Peg Moline, Editor in Chief, Fit Pregnancy

"Jennifer Loomis' evocative and moving portraits of pregnancy will captivate you,and the stories of these women's diverse journeys to motherhood will touch your heart."
--Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, filmmakers, The Business of Being Born; authors, Your Best Birth

"Jennifer Loomis' photographs are works of art, incorporating honesty, vulnerability, and a sense of humor. Every woman she photographs looks
absolutely beautiful."
--Jeff Probst, host of the Survivor television series

"The photographs and stories in Jennifer Loomis' book combine sophistication and grace with a raw truth that left me captivated from the first page. This is a book that will inspire, and that you will be excited to give."
--Jessica Denay, author of the Hot Mom Handbook series and founder of the Hot Moms Club


More info about the book:


Portraits of Pregnancy is an inspirational collection of stories, quotes, and photographs that capture both the inner wisdom and outer beauty of modern motherhood. Enter into the lives of more than 50 women, from celebrity moms to single moms, young and old, as they open their hearts and share touching, and very personal, moments of their empowering and sometimes painful journeys.

Jennifer Loomis's fine-art photographs are compelling and sensitive, portraying the unique beauty, mystery, and diversity of the pregnant form. Hugo Kugiya's stories are honest and revealing cameos of the challenges and triumphs of becoming a mother, such as infertility, balancing motherhood and career, single parenthood, repeated miscarriage, and post-partum depression. The words and photographs together create the perfect
baby shower gift - a compelling book that will inspire everyone.

This is *not* a book for photographers. I really don't know who is the intended audience.The photographs aren't even that good. Since Jennifer Loomis had her name on it I thought it was a how-to book of techniques.