Sons & Daughters

World Breastfeeding Week

AlisaMarie Selvaggio1 Comment

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

I wanted to take a moment to celebrate and honor the breastfeeding mothers Ive had the privilege of photographing over the years. 

There is something amazing about feeding your child with your body- whether its the first latch or well into the toddler years- it's unexplainable.

Every time I am able to capture a photo that encompasses the beauty, I feel fortunate to be apart of it.

Breastfeeding is wonderful. 
Breastfeeding is magical.
Breastfeeding is beautiful. 

But sometimes it's not. 

Sometimes it's hard. 
Sometimes it's painful.
Sometimes it's just practical. 
Sometimes it's (dare I say) mundane. 

And those are the things we don't talk about often because they don't photograph well. But those are the things we need to talk about so we can prepare new moms for the struggles. 

So moms, don't let the beautiful breastfeeding photos fool you. Behind every gorgeous nursing photo is a mom who went through the same struggles just as you may have experienced. 

I love photographing majestic nursing photos in the woods with perfect lighting. 

But I also love the real nursing photos. The ones where you are in your home, in your favorite chair, cuddled up in your favorite position in bed. Time stands still. And you are soaking in every moment of this season that will one day just be a lovely memory. 

These are the moments you want to remember. 

Now let's take a second to celebrate supportive partners. 

Studies show that a supportive partner can aide in the success of your breastfeeding journey. 
And frankly, I don't think we give them enough credit. 

So here is to all the supportive partners out there: thank you!

Extended breastfeeding: 

There is much to be said on this topic and its funny because "extended" means different things in different parts of the world.
I will leave it at this- there are many benefits to breastfeeding beyond 12months. And this is a decision only a mother can make for her and her child. So let's support moms feeding their babies and toddlers as long as they feel comfortable and not put a time limit on something that doesn't have an expiration date. 

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To all the moms, 
You are wonderful. You are doing a great job. Let the haters, hate. Let them judge and stare. You do what's best for you and your child. You proudly feed your baby whenever, wherever you'd like (or they demand- because lets be honest… they aren't too polite when they're hungry.)

From one nursing mom to another- I applaud you. I support you. I celebrate you. 

 

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

In The River

AlisaMarie SelvaggioComment

I had the honor of photographing the amazingly beautiful and incredibly talented photographer (Dollhouse Boudoir) recently and we had a gorgeous photoshoot in a river. 

Meranda is dedicated to making other women feel empowered and beautiful in her photos and for this session I wanted it to be all about her. 

"And once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through...you won't be the same person who walked in.
That's what this storm's all about." 

// Haruki Murakami

Evelyn Rose

NewbornAlisaMarie SelvaggioComment

Meet Evelyn Rose

This sweet baby girl made a very surprising appearance 5 weeks early. She is quite the little fighter. As soon as I heard the news I planned a road trip with my boys to drive up and meet her.

There is something special about seeing an old friend become a mother.
Kali and I go way back. We got ready together for homecoming in high school. We were in each others weddings. She was one of the first people to hold my little Levi when he was born. 

And now here I am, photographing her sweet little family of 3.

Simply beautiful. 

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Let her sleep. For when she wakes, she will move mountains.

Michael & Deborah

WeddingAlisaMarie SelvaggioComment

A wedding story: Michael & Deborah

Sometimes, things don't always go as planned. Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate. Sometimes it rains on you wedding day (even though you live in Southern California and it seems to never rain). And sometimes your outdoor, backyard wedding turns into a "church up the road" wedding.

Sometimes things dont always go as planned. And that is OKAY. 

Michael and Deborah were such a joy to work with and I feel honored to have been apart of their special day. Deborah was so easy going and sweet. And even though there was some stress and lots of last minute changes, she stayed focus on what mattered: becoming Michael's wife. And at the end of the day, that was all that truly mattered. 

The location and details didn't matter. They were surrounded by their friends and family. They poured out their hearts in their vows as they committed to loving each other forever. They danced the night away. They celebrated!!!

And at the end of the night, they were husband and wife. 

Home is wherever I'm with you

Squires Family

FamilyAlisaMarie SelvaggioComment

Meet Stella and her family. It was so much fun to photograph these guys! They were easy going and fun and ridiculously good looking (duh!) 

Nick does photography.
 Hello…cool! & take a look at that beard! I mean, need I say more? 
Krista is an artist and a seamstress.
See the adorable bonnet Stella is wearing? Yeah, she makes those: adorable.

&

Stella… Just look at that face! She is the cutest thing ever. [heart eyes] 

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Stella, Stella, Stella, Stella I love you