This recent photo shoot will forever be remembered as one of my favorites and really a life-changing one for me. I am so grateful for all of the photography opportunities that come my way, this was the first time I had the honor to document a birth. I talked with the mom about what she was comfortable with, and her and her husband were very much in it to just let me capture the real moments of the birth.
This sweet girl’s birth story began during her dad’s birthday dinner, mom’s water broke and from there the labor progressed. I was given updates and eventually it was time to head to their home. I began photographing in the late evening while they timed contractions, dad tidied up the kitchen, mom was soothed through contractions and chatted with her doula, some birthday cheesecake was eaten and we sat in the quiet of the night just waiting until it was time to head to the hospital, which fortunately was quite close.
Within an hour it was time to head to the hospital. Having known I would be doing this shoot I talked to friends and family in the coming weeks about their birth experiences, having not having one of my own. As you can imagine, each story was so unique and gave me some insight, although I knew it was too unpredictable and I just had to be ready and fast and work with what light was given. And I did. It was my hope that once we were at the hospital the mom and dad didn’t even see me anymore, and I don’t think they did. While mom was working her way through the pain from contractions and dad was holding her hand or gently comforting her they were in their very own bubble. Her doula was soft-spoken and gentle and attended to her as needed. It was the very early hours of the morning.
The contractions significantly increased, her pain increased, the energy in the room increased and the doctor had been woken up and arrived. Within minutes of his arrival their new baby girl made her debut. It was amazing, absolutely beautiful and amazing and she came into the world so fast. She arrived healthy, with a strong cry and was immediately showered with love from her mom and dad. Eventually the doctor headed out, the nurses finished up, the doula gave her congratulations and I stayed only a few more moments to capture just the three of them basking in the glow of their golden hour with their newborn daughter.
I absolutely loved the experience of photographing a birth story. I found the unpredictability, fast-pace and challenges exciting and equally balanced out by the genuine emotion and human experience I witnessed. To say I am excited to have the opportunity to do it again would be an understatement.
Included in this post is a small glimpse of the birth story, the whole story is for the family and loved ones of course.
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Please contact me today if you’re expecting and would like to discuss setting up your own shoot.
A huge thank you and love goes to this family for entrusting these images in me. Thank you. xoxo
Pomerado Hospital, Poway CA
