JPG Magazine: Photos: "Birth Marks." by cassie fox

Birth Marks.

By cassie fox

On 17 February 2007

Favorited 140 Times

This photo is hot! Share it!

A mark for every breath you took, every blink, every sleepy yawn. One for every time you sucked your thumb, waved hello, closed your eyes and slept in the most perfect darkness. One for every time you had the hiccups. One for every dream you dreamed within me.

It isn't very pretty anymore. Some may even think it ugly. That's OK. It was your home. It held you until my arms could, and for that I will always find something beautiful in it.

30 Responses

On 12 July 2007 Nicole said:
I love this... I love your caption and everything this stands for. I know after having my 2 daughters my stomach has never looked the same... But I got to beautiful babies out of it. I would never have the guts to show it off however...
Well done..
On 17 July 2007 Alison Campling said:
A brilliant photo. We forget that even in 'ugliness' there is such deep, never ending beauty. Six babies later and I can relate to this body.
As a side note, I don't see this photo as ugly, but the perfect story board of life.
On 25 July 2007 tana nichols said:
This honestly brought tears to my eyes, it's beautiful in it's honesty, and depth. thank you for sharing.
On 4 August 2007 Misti Dawson gave props:
it is all worth it.
On 16 September 2007 cosmicfjord gave props:
wow
On 2 October 2007 kevin murray said:
When more often than not "what's perceived is not", ...as perfection is in the act of selflessness, in giving, in creation, in adulatory self-sacrifice..
With this image you've visually achieved both with what's not only imperfect but.. perfect,
thank you...
On 2 October 2007 kevin murray gave props:
1000 words...
On 8 October 2007 Talbot Meghan said:
absolutely awesome!
On 12 October 2007 Jennifer Hoffmann said:
this is the most beautiful photo. i got stretch marks when i had my baby... and i never thought of them as anything beautiful until now. i now wear my stetch marks with pride because i did the most beautiful thing i could have ever done and ever could do - give a child life!! what a beautiful depiction of something less than aesthetically pleasing! well done!!
On 16 October 2007 m matteoli gave props:
Would you sell a print of this image?
On 17 October 2007 Chuck Foxen said:
My first reaction wasn't nice. I read the caption and started thinking about my mom and how she probably was looked at as not sexy anymore. When I thought of her she didn't care and was saying the same words as in the caption. Very nice photo. I think people are use to seeing this image with a young model posing. Good job.
On 23 December 2007 Shailene Shlotzhauer said:
this gives off a sense of inspiration and justice of those with flaws. very well done. you must be one who sees some beauty in all things.
On 24 December 2007 alicia lee said:
thats what mine looks like too! good for you
On 28 December 2007 James Wei said:
This is a very clever idea. Great shot!
On 11 January 2008 Hugh _C said:
Fabulous image, strong, emotional, direct, gutsy. How many women are bold enough to bear their marks as proudly as you? Few and far between. Posh Spice? I doubt it.
On 21 January 2008 susan pizzo said:
beautiful words and image.
On 22 January 2008 Portia Söderberg said:
Absolutely moving photo and narrative. Congratulations on getting published!
On 30 January 2008 Lindsay gave props:
this is amazing. the photo and the words below. wonderful!
On 12 February 2008 Victoria Bozo said:
Wow, i agree, really good words
On 20 February 2008 M Kellogg said:
This is the most beautiful and eloquent photo and words i've heard in a long time that I can really relate to as a woman.
The stretch marks, the 'mushroom belly', you just wish it away so quickly but look what came from it, then is it really that bad?
Congrats!
On 23 February 2008 Laura Bethea gave props:
True Beauty
On 3 March 2008 Jona Goldman gave props:
This is the most powerful, and yet the most beautiful photo I have ever seen! Thank you for sharing!
On 29 April 2008 Nelson Campbell gave props:
Moving words and beautiful image...
On 10 May 2008 Mario Scattoloni gave props:
Beauty found in the simplest of moments & places. Really does tell a story. Excellent image.
On 11 May 2008 Tinypixi gave props:
Fantastic....brought tears to my eyes...just wonderful!
On 12 May 2008 Michelle Ainsworth gave props:
WOW :)
On 27 May 2008 Jayashankar Perumal G gave props:
beauty trully redifined
On 2 June 2008 Jennifer Sardinia said:

Make this a print/poster, complete with comments, and I'd buy it! I return to this image month after month.
On 5 June 2008 Darwin Sayo gave props:
My wife hates hers. I hope this gives her some solace like it inspired me.
On 26 June 2008 Cassandra Fogal gave props:
This is so beautiful, I've been wanting to do a portrait like his of my own post birth stomach but never quite knew how to approach it...THIS is just simply beautiful.