As expectant mothers, we are well aware of the realities of pregnancy, and stock photos often miss the mark entirely. While stock photography on any topic can lean towards the cheesy or exaggerated, pregnancy images seem to take this to a whole new level. According to these photographers, pregnant women enjoy frolicking in wheat fields, munching on unwashed vegetables, guzzling milk straight from the carton, and balancing random items on their baby bumps for spontaneous photo opportunities. In short: these stock photos might be a little off their rocker.
What’s particularly amusing about stock images of pregnant women isn’t just the bizarre individual photos—though there are certainly some oddities, like the expectant mother holding a rifle—but rather the recurring themes. It seems that some overly creative directors latch onto strange concepts and replicate them ad nauseam, regardless of how unrealistic they are. Here are a few themes that photographers just can’t seem to resist.
The Love for Produce
Stock photography suggests that pregnant women have an insatiable desire for fruits and vegetables. Close your eyes and imagine the joy of pointing out your linea nigra while surrounded by a pile of unpeeled produce. Forget about cutting or peeling anything; it’s all about embracing the natural state. You’ll never find a photo of a pregnant woman enjoying a salad with dressing—because, heaven forbid! What pregnant woman eats a salad that isn’t drenched in ranch dressing?
An Obsession with Milk
One thing is clear in stock photography: pregnant women have an unending thirst for milk. Whether they’re at the doctor’s office, in the kitchen, or lounging in bed, these images suggest that milk is an essential part of pregnancy. And who needs cups? Just drink straight from the carton! This portrayal implies that we should be enjoying milk at all times—perhaps even until we’re overwhelmed by it.
Frolicking in Fields
Another stock photo trope is the portrayal of pregnant women frolicking in open fields, reminiscent of Julie Andrews in “The Sound of Music.” These images ignore the reality of itchy grass and bugs, instead opting for whimsical depictions of expectant mothers reveling in nature. It’s almost as if being pregnant instantly grants you a yearning to dance among the flowers while wearing a sundress.
Strange Objects on Baby Bumps
No discussion of stock photography would be complete without mentioning the odd practice of placing objects on baby bumps. What compels a pregnant woman to arrange tiny shoes next to her belly? It’s baffling. From oddly specific cherries to heart-shaped chocolates, the rationale behind these choices is often lost on viewers.
In conclusion, while stock photography can offer a glimpse into various aspects of life, its interpretation of pregnancy is often absurd and unrealistic. For a more grounded understanding of the journey of home insemination, consider checking out additional resources like this informative post or this excellent overview on pregnancy and home insemination. For those on a couples fertility journey, this resource provides valuable insights.
In summary, while pregnancy stock photos may attempt to capture the essence of expectant motherhood, they often fall short, leaning instead into absurdity and unrealistic portrayals.