Softening Into Motherhood

LESSE: Can you describe your journey to motherhood?

Claudia: One that I had always longed for.

LESSE: Did pregnancy shift your understanding of beauty—and self?

Claudia: I’ve always admired pregnant women, forever thinking it was one of the most beautiful states a woman could be in. I felt most myself and most in my feminine energy while being pregnant. It really showed me a deeper connect with my body, completely In awe and appreciation of my body transforming to grow life. 

LESSE: Tell us about your daughter.

Claudia: She makes me laugh every day. Today she giggled for the first time.

LESSE: How did it feel to hold her for the first time?

Claudia: Tears of love and exhaustion. 

LESSE: How has becoming a mother reshaped your perspective on the world?

Claudia: I feel it’s strengthened and softened me at the same time. Letting go, being present and focusing on the smaller everyday beauties. It makes me want to freeze time.

LESSE: What have been the greatest challenges?

Claudia: Lack of sleep and making sure I find moments of self care each day. 

LESSE: And what have been the greatest joys?

Claudia: Learning the beauty of patience and watching my daughter do everything for the first time.

LESSE: Has becoming a mother changed your creative process?

Claudia: It has slowed it down, allowing deeper consideration for each project. We go on daily walks that keep me inspired. Familiar to my past work, but seen in a different way. I want to make work that feels saturated by nature. Beauty that’s unnoticed but surrounds us. 

LESSE: Describe the world you hope she will grow up to see.

Claudia: One of kindness and community.

LESSE: If you could impart any words of advice to your daughter, what would they be?

Claudia: To always trust your instinct. 

Claudia Smith is a photographer based in Byron Bay, Australia, with her partner and daughter Frankie.