Photographer Praised For Capturing Pregnancy Struggles In His Sister’s ‘Real’ Maternity Shoot

May 02, 2023

Pregnancy is one of the most challenging journeys that mothers all around the world face. Although it signifies birth and happiness, giving birth isn't always rainbows and butterflies. While it is a breeze for other mothers, some pregnancies can get difficult if your partner isn't beside you throughout the grueling process. 

Nevertheless, pregnancy can make every person filled with joy, especially if you can look back at it from time to time. Some parents even want to document their pregnancies with elaborate lavish photoshoots, chronicling their child's growth from start to finish. 

In the case of Robert Flores, a photographer based in the Philippines, his sister wanted to have a maternity shoot like one that celebrities usually have. Convinced with the challenge, Robert tried but eventually realized that doing photoshoots like that was not something he was good at. 

Knowing himself, Robert stuck to his instincts and decided to do a rather unconventional maternity shoot. Straying away from elaborate light setups, creative sets, and outfits, he decided to do a stripped-down and realistic version of the initially planned shoot. 

Instead of glamour shots, Robert captured the daily life of her sister, mirroring the reality that she had to go through the pregnancy alone because her fiance was working overseas as a seafarer. Not only was he able to memorialize her sister's journey, but the photos illustrated how pregnancy transforms women into mothers and how it is a daunting task for any person to face. 

On Mar. 2, 2023, Robert shared the photos on Facebook, and to his surprise, they struck a special chord with people because of how stunning and realistic the photos were. 

Speaking to PhilStar Life, Robert revealed that he initially didn't show his sister the photos, but as soon he did, she was surprised:

"When she saw it, she came to me teary-eyed because she remembered what she experienced back then when she was pregnant. She was overjoyed with the photos as she could never forget what she had been through," he remarked. 

Although his sister's fiancé was absent during the pregnancy, Robert affirmed the outlet that his sister's fiancé was full of support and love the entire time, as he was working overseas for his family. However, as a father, he had mixed emotions seeing his soon-to-be-wife's challenging journey. 

"Marlon, her fiancé, was very happy and also very sad at the same time – he is happy because my sister was able to overcome that and sad because he wasn't there to help my sister back then," he added. 

When the photos went viral, a lot of people, especially women and mothers, praised Robert for authentically capturing the struggles of pregnancy.

"We need more of this Pregnancy and raising another life is a lifetime commitment. Also, a woman's anatomy would never be the same since. Wishes for a safe delivery and Happy Women's Month!!!" a user commented.

"This is the real maternity shoot. With story and a heart. Kudos to all mother. So pls to all men pls take good care of us. It's not easy," another echoed. 

"Real maternity shoot. Showing the every day beauty and struggles of carrying a child inside your body," someone posted.  

Comments were in unison on how amazing he was able to realistically tell the story of a mother's pregnancy journey, a thing he has been fond of as he had been specializing in street and documentary photography ever since. 

Aren't the photos amazing? Do you agree that the photos were authentic and realistic? Did you have the same experience during pregnancy? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other expecting mothers!