When many hear a solitary bee buzzing nearby, they may instinctively feel a rush of anxiety; yet, for Ohio-based beekeeper, Lisa Thompson, bees are akin to family. As she approaches the arrival of her fourth child, Lisa decided to incorporate her cherished honey bees into a maternity photoshoot, showcasing her unique bond with these gentle creatures. With the expertise of photographer Megan Harper from Harper Photography, the resulting images were nothing short of breathtaking.
Lisa reflects on her journey, explaining, “When beekeeping entered my life, it was after a heart-wrenching miscarriage. I discovered that bees symbolize both death and rebirth, which resonated deeply with me during that challenging time.” She has faced additional losses in her past, and this photoshoot served as a tribute to her experiences of motherhood and grief. “There’s no more fitting way to honor these moments than with the very beings that have accompanied me on this path,” she shares.
Bees play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, and Lisa embraces them not only as part of her profession but also as sources of healing during her struggles. “This entire experience has been spiritually restorative. The pain a mother endures from losing a child is profound,” she told Informed Mother.
Having seen “bee bearding”—a spectacle where bees cling to a person’s face like a beard—Lisa was inspired to create a photoshoot that featured bees on her body, particularly on her belly, where she nurtures new life. “Capturing these delicate insects on my womb, where I’ve held and cherished my children, felt incredibly special,” she explained.
The photoshoot turned out to be as memorable for the photographer, Megan, as it was for Lisa. “Ever had a once-in-a-lifetime experience?” Megan shared on social media alongside the stunning images. “I felt uneasy, but not scared, as they buzzed around me.” Initially hired for a traditional shoot, Megan was fully supportive of incorporating the bees once Lisa proposed the idea. “I’m generally calm, so I didn’t let the buzzing throw me off,” she said. For the shoot, Lisa cleverly held a queen bee in a container on her belly to attract the swarm.
Megan joked with Lisa about charging extra for any bee stings, but thankfully, they both emerged unscathed. While this particular maternity shoot may not appeal to everyone, it beautifully encapsulates the complex emotions of life and loss, allowing individuals to commemorate their journeys in personal ways.
With this being Lisa’s final pregnancy, she felt it was essential to mark this chapter in a unique manner. “This photoshoot brought closure for me and has allowed my heart to heal in ways that words cannot describe,” she stated.
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Summary
Ohio beekeeper Lisa Thompson beautifully integrated her passion for bees into a maternity photoshoot, celebrating life and loss as she prepares for her fourth child. Together with photographer Megan Harper, they created stunning images that reflect Lisa’s profound connection to her bees and the journey of motherhood.