Have you ever wondered what it truly means to hold space for mothers during their most vulnerable and transformative moments?

In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Imus, a remarkable newborn and motherhood photographer whose work has touched my life in a deeply personal way. As a new mom myself, I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel seen and supported during the early days of motherhood. My conversation with Jennifer goes far beyond photography—we open up about the raw realities of birth, postpartum challenges, and the complex emotions that come with stepping into a new identity as a mother. Together, we explore why honest storytelling and photography matter, and how community and compassion can help us heal and grow through every season of motherhood.

Key Talking Points:
In this episode, we discuss…

• Jennifer Imus’s journey as a newborn and motherhood photographer and her mission to support mothers beyond just taking photos.
• The realities of motherhood that are rarely shared on social media, including birth trauma and postpartum challenges.
• The importance of documenting family and legacy, and why mothers should be present in photos.
• How societal expectations shape women’s experiences of birth, motherhood, and identity.
• The role of community, support, and honest conversation in healing and empowerment.
• My personal story of birth trauma, postpartum recovery, and the emotional impact on my first newborn photo session.
• The evolution of identity from new motherhood to empty nest, and reclaiming personal power as women.
• The value of vulnerability, authenticity, and self-compassion in the motherhood journey.

Time Stamps:

[04:30] Introducing Jennifer Imus and the heart behind her photography
[06:00] Getting honest about motherhood—what you don’t see on Instagram
[08:00] How Jennifer and I connected and found instant understanding
[10:00] The power of support: doulas, community, and holding space for moms
[13:00] Navigating identity shifts from new mom to empty nest
[16:00] Why documenting your family’s legacy is everything
[18:00] Birth trauma, grief, and the healing journey
[22:00] Society’s expectations and rewriting the motherhood narrative
[25:00] Finding community and the courage to share our stories
[28:00] My own birth and postpartum experience—what I wish I’d known
[32:00] The newborn photo session that changed my perspective
[36:00] Jennifer’s studio magic: making moms feel seen and beautiful
[40:00] Manifesting dreams—how Jennifer created her perfect studio
[44:00] Final reflections: honoring our stories and stepping into our power

Connect with Jennifer Imus:

Website: Orange County Photographer | Jennifer Imus Photography
Social: Instagram | Blog

Connect with Ashley Graham:

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