Mother in Nature.

As a counselor for a wilderness youth therapy program, our soon-to-be mom, Yurani, had no qualms for visiting the Great Outdoors. As she stepped out of the car on this crisp, spring morning, she embraced the adventure that was about to be had. With husband, Trey in tow, we “hiked” to the first location of the morning. To describe the natural beauty that is Yurani, would probably embarrass her humble nature, so I will let the pictures do the describing. Every ray of light that hit her face, seemed to enchant her even more than the ones before, and with a pregnancy glow already in place it was easy to capture her maternal beauty.

Trey and Yurani live in the great state of Georgia, and although we were not in this state is was important that we capture Yurani in a surrounding area that not only looked like home, but captured the spirit of it as well. Although we never discussed the spiritual views of this young couple, being an outdoors woman myself, it is hard not to put symbolism with the elements that we encounter. Having an expectant mother sitting on the fresh, cool earth, surrounded by the ever flowing, ever changing water captures your sense of the great circle that each new life will experience.

Although Yurani seems as though she could do no wrong in any picture, there was a secret behind our lens. Granted he wasn’t in the pictures, the presence of her sweet, adoring, husband Trey is in the sparkle in his wife’s eyes. As she was sitting, or standing, or lounging about he was right behind us telling tales of their lives: how they met, their wedding, and hilarious tales of friends. He was who she always focused on, listened to, and giggled at. He was the love in her eyes.

As the morning sun slowly crept higher and higher, we knew it was time to move on. Before we met with Yurani and Trey we had a reconnaissance mission at our location, and I have never been so excited over a field. As a frequent visitor to Georgia myself, the woods we stay in often have these exact golden, waist high grasses dancing among the pines. I knew the moment we saw it that this would be an ideal spot for our expectant mother.

Yurani’s baby bump houses a baby boy, a miniature of her husband, not only in gender but in name as well. For three generations, a family name has been bestowed on the first son. As SolisLux loves to incorporate the story of our clients lives, we were thrilled at the chance to use the number four in these images. What we were even more excited about were the ideas coming from our amazing mom-to-be! She suggested we use body paint to mark her belly as the fourth boy to receive the name of his forefathers.

Although we have heard the saying many times, its meaning always rings true: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Since Yurani is often camping in the deepest of woods, she must carry all her essentials in one bag when she travels to and fro. Stuffed with socks, clothes, linens, and a water bottle her bag houses all “must-haves” while she is gone.

Added to her bag on this current adventure was a soft, baby blue elephant, a teal knit hat with the initials GBN4 stitched into it, wool hand woven socks, and the never failing bow and drill fire starter. The baby blue elephant is a gift from the baby’s big sister, from when she was a child. The little socks and hat were hand-made by her best friend. Deep in the background are the colors yellow, red, and blue, and although they are primary colors, they are also the colors of the Colombian flag, a culture that will be lovingly passed on by Yurani and her family. So many words, two simple pictures.

The morning was cool, but the afternoon was certainly not. By the time high noon had struck, everyone, especially our pregnant model was ready for something to dowse our internal furnace. After a final wardrobe change it was off to the springs. Awwww….the springs. Seventy-two degrees year round never sounded better. Of course, it does take a moment to get acclimated with the crisp waters, so an easing in approach was used.

It took some wading for Yurani to discover the best spot for her water pictures, but once she did the rest is history. The blue dress reflected perfectly in the crystal clear water and her baby bump sat right on top of the surface. As though she were channeling an Indian spirit she danced in the water for our thirsty lens.