I remember the day I went into labor so very clearly. It’s obviously a day I’ll never forget, right up until my sweet sweet epidural started really kicking in. Then things got a little hazy and from that point on, it was one big blur until the moment our little girl arrived. I didn’t know how badly I wanted a birth photographer until I had one and luckily the amazingly talented photographer was there on the most important day of our lives. Having Courtney capture those moments that I never want to forget was perhaps the one piece of advice I give to expecting couples. It doesn’t matter your birth plan or whether you’re having a home birth or a hospital birth, birth is such a life changing moment and happens in the blink of an eye. My advice to parents to be: if you are able to, hire a birth photographer.
It was always on my “bucket list” for photography, so I was incredibly honored when Sam and Nathan asked me if I would consider being their birth photographer. I said yes immediately and said I’d figure out the details later. Let’s just say I have a new found respect for birth photographers. It’s no surprise that babies have their own agendas, so trying to plan around the unexpected isn’t easy! My camera bag in my car for two weeks before the anticipated due date (a little risky for us photographers, but thank goodness for insurance!) Heck, I even bought a battery charger for my car so I could make sure I had charged batteries at all times.
We’ll ignore the fact I almost missed the big call/s(I thought I had my phone set up to override the silent mode?!) and focus on the fact I literally leaped out of bed at 6 in the morning, jumped in the car and (safely) made my way to the hospital. The important thing is, I made before the doctor who was right around the corner and that’s all that matters. Good thing I ran, as Sam was fully dilated and baby was ON HER WAY!! Sam basically laughed and Mila was here. I’m not exaggerating. It was about 10 minutes from the time I arriving and I have no idea how that was possible, because it also was life changing for me, so I feel like time stood still. It was a TRIP to watch birth happen from the other side.
It was the most beautiful moment I had the honor to capture with my camera, which is saying a lot, because I’m been able to capture some very emotional weddings! It’s hard to describe the moment from me, a person who was given the privilege to be a part of such an intimate moment. It was the moment they went from a bond between two, to a bond between three. That was such a pivotal moment for me and my husband, I am humbled by the fact I was allowed to be there to witness this moment for another family. As I left the hospital, the world felt like it was sparkling. The sun was rising on the Portland NW area and I felt a high from what I had been able to be a part of.
I still cannot recommend hiring a birth photographer enough. I can’t say I will every focus solely on birth, however; I also feel it in my bones that I want to have this experience again. This meant so much to me, and I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to capture this.
Without further ado…here’s a few favorites.
This is what the sunrise looked like on the day she was born…absolute perfection.
