I have to admit - after the last birth I attended, I came with expectations. I expected that I would have good lighting, but I didn't. I expected that I would get this wonderfully beautiful image of baby being brought into the world surrounded by her loved ones she had yet to meet, but Mom had an unplanned c-section. I had expected after hearing she needed a c-section, that I would get images of mom with baby and dad with baby, the three of them as a family - but Mom had to be put fully under for her c-section and wouldn't be awake for a long while after baby was born. I expected to get pictures up close of baby being measured and such after being born, but she was taken to the nursery and the closest I could get was behind the glass like everyone else. With all of that - it sounds like a "less than ideal" situation for me as a photographer, and I admit to being slightly disappointed at not being able to capture what I had "expected". But a wonderful thing happened. A friend reminded me that my job as a photographer was to document the experience of her birth. Did I accomplish that? Yes, I did. And with that as my background, I feel confident and in awe with what transpired. My feelings are now right where they should be. I will never forget those words. This experience taught me so much about who I am as an artist. I am so grateful!
Now - to the birth story! It is going to be a pretty lengthly post. But how can you tell a birth story in just a few images? It's just not possible.
Congrats again Mom and Dad, she's gorgeous! So thankful that you allowed me in to this precious moment of your lives.
