3 years ago I was a brand new mom who had to pivot her expectations of motherhood. I had envisioned that I would exclusively breastfeed my babies, and didnt really prepare for any other outcomes. Except thats not what happened. I have IGT (insufficient glandular tissue), and only made a max of 2 ounces a day no matter what I tried. My son was having issues with his formula and I was wallowing in that post partum mom guilt. I decided to make a post on Human milk for human babies Louisiana asking for breast milk donations, and it was through there that I met Jennifer, who lives in Monroe. She had an oversupply, and was looking to donate her milk! I drove from Shreveport to Monroe pick up milk, and a friendship was struck almost immediately. Our husbands hit it off too! My trips to Monroe happened at least once a month, and after a little bit, she introduced me to a friend of hers, Desiree who also had an oversupply, and then to her sister Brandy. We all had babies around the span of one year, Brandy’s daughter Arabella who was the oldest, Jennifer’s son Tyler who was 3 months younger than her, Desiree’s son Alex, who was 3 months younger than Tyler, and then my son, also Alex who was 3 months younger than the other Alex. Our hangouts became day long events with cookouts and chaos, as our friendship and bond developed. Eventually milk dried up, Alex no longer needed donor milk, and our excuse to hang out was no longer, but that did not stop us. We still made plans to get together often, and stayed in contact with our group chat and group snapchat. Our children have grown up together, and we have all watched each other grow as people! Brandy recently had her baby, but before she did, I knew I wanted to take the time to capture her maternity session. I packed up 10 of my favorite dresses, and made the trip to Monroe. I decided that since I was going to be there with pretty dresses, we were all going to play dress up, and take mommy and me pictures! Now my babies were sick that weekend, but that didn’t stop me from going! I am so glad we did, because I love these images, and I love these girls and their babies. Meet the Monroe crew!
I asked the girls a few questions about their session, and this is what they said!
Were you nervous about doing a shoot with me?
B - I’m not going to lie I was extremely nervous. I’ve never been the kind of person who liked to have their picture taken, but somehow Ashley not only managed to make me feel at ease but also to love the pictures she took of me
D - Yes, but only because of my rambunctious toddler lol
J- The first time, yes. I’m very self conscious about my body and tend to hate the way I look in pictures. But Ashley made me feel so at home and relaxed every time we take pictures that it melts my worries away. When we do a reveal, I absolutely love the photos every time.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
B- I love that Ashley was not only willing but at ease with including my daughter in my pictures. She handled her well and made both of us so comfortable in front of the camera.
D- Seeing the photos. I was so sure that my son was moving too fast to get any of him smiling, but Ashley got plenty of amazing shots!
J- My favorite part of the experience was that Ashley worked so well with my high energy son. She knew the perfect ways to refocus his attention and keep him engaged.
Would you recommend Growing with Gamble to your friends?
B- Absolutely, 100% yes! There’s something so amazing seeing her be so passionate about capturing photographs you will love for the rest of your life!
D- 100% YES! She definitely makes you feel comfortable. I was never scared with her. She makes you feel comfortable.
J- Absolutely. In fact, at this point most of my friends do get pictures done with her.
I loved photographing my friends and their babies! 3 beautiful women with 3 beautiful kiddos <3
Also- enjoy this amazing image of Jennifer running towards the camera with her dress billowing behind her looking like the cover of a historical romance novel!
