Photographer offers free Mother's Day shoot for women experiencing loss, infertility
"My whole intent is to reach the people who are silently suffering."
In honor of Mother's Day, a Massachusetts woman is photographing those who have struggled or are struggling with infertility or the loss of a child.
Janelle Bruno, owner of Janelle Carmela Photography in Boston, has hosted two free photo sessions so far for current and hopeful moms.
"Photography was actually what got me through my infertility, so it feels like the circle of life," Bruno told "Good Morning America." "My whole intent is to reach the people who are silently suffering this Mother's Day so they can feel less isolated and less alone."
Bruno is a mom to two boys, ages 6 and 5. She said it took her 21 months to become pregnant the first time, and during that time she experienced three losses. Since having her second son, she's had two more losses, she said.
"I didn't know anybody who had gone through infertility," Bruno said. "It was strangers who helped me feel less alone. I think when I started to be honest in what happened, then people started sharing their own stories [on social media]."
Bruno advertised a free Mother's Day photo shoot on social media, and 50 people quickly signed up, she said.
Participating clients received a digital download in exchange for Bruno to use the photos in a slideshow to promote awareness and give women a platform to share their journeys with one another.
Bruno opened the session to women who had experienced or are currently experiencing infertility. Women who had pregnancy loss, child loss or who are adopting were also given the opportunity to have their pictures taken.
Bruno said many are using their images as a "coming out" to reveal their story to loved ones.
Kaitlin Lang, a mother-to-be, said she got her picture taken by Bruno after learning about the shoot from a pregnancy support group.
Lang said Bruno's project helped normalize conversations surrounding infertility and loss.
"Many mixed emotions come in tow, including sadness for the loss of our angel baby, hopefulness and gratefulness for our growing baby, and such a longing for others to be able to get to the other side as well," Lang told "GMA." "Janelle was somehow able to capture this through not only the photos, but through the whole idea of the photo shoot."
Lang said she miscarried shortly after Christmas and is now pregnant with her rainbow baby. A rainbow baby is born to to those who have experienced a previous pregnancy loss.
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