birth story :: emily claire

This is the story of the day that a beautiful little girl made her way into the world, as her mama literally giggled her way through much of the pushing stage. The joy, the tears, and the intimacy between Hannah and Cale as they welcomed their daughter was so touching. What a privilege and gift to be present at such moments. 

Here's their story in photos.

These days, in addition to photographing birth stories, I'm now integrating in a whole slew of other pregnancy/birth/postpartum-related passions and  experience into one sister-like support service called Sister Birth. If you're planning your 2018 birth and find that in addition to beautiful photography you'd also really love to have a sister walk with you through it all, please check out Sister Birth! (click on the logo below to get there).

life with a newborn :: theo

I guess I have a soft spot - both as a mama and a photographer - for fammilies welcoming third or subsequent children. It's such a holy chaos, a mess of noise and movement and affection, so unlike the slow stillness surrounding a firstborn baby. It's just really fun to photograph. And though I know Missi and Mike might feel a tiny bit like they are drowning in the midst of it at the moment, one day they'll look at these with misty eyes. 

These are the good old days.z

Welcome, Theo. You're so loved.

birth photography :: charlotte & george

It's not every day that I'm summoned to attend the birth of TWINS! So when Katy and Joel reached out about having me join the party that was the birth of their babies (seriously, it was a party! Complete with heavy metal playing and both sets of grandparents present), I was thrilled to be able to say yes. The room was FULL of hospital staff, OBs, neonatal teams, and midwife in addition to their family, so I had to get creative to get angles at points, but I'm so glad that the first moments of these two sweet babies is captured forever. 

New in 2018 is a companion business I've just launched called Sister Birth. It combines documentary photography of pregnancy, birth and postpartum with holistic doula-ish support throughout the childbearing cycle. It's a conglomeration of all my passions and resources. When I put all the pieces together, it turns out that what it ends up looking like is a lot like having a loving, informed, and supportive sister in your corner, walking with you every step of the way through the transformative experiences of pregnancy, birth, and 4th trimester. You can read more by visiting www.sisterbirth.com.  I'm taking clients NOW at a very reduced introductory rate: two more spots available at that price! 

family photojournalism :: erinn + lily

This mother and daughter duo is sure something. Their connection is gorgeous. They're animated and playful and thoughtful. And through changes of outfits, living room ballet, baking cookies, reading books, jumping on the bed, and everything in between, they radiate mindful presence and deep affection.

Enjoy this little glimpse of life at their house, mother and daughter. 

life with a newborn :: archer lee

A second son, sweet and alert and 3 months old at the time of this session. He fits right in, and makes this family complete. Meet Archer and see the space between his naps. :)

life with a newborn :: eliza dawn

13 weeks before these photos were taken, Eliza joined her family in the same sweet upper apartment on the west side of Grand Rapids where these photos are taken. You may even recognize the bedroom she currently shares with her folks from the photos I took during her birth. She's growing chunky and lovely, her eyes connect and her lips turn in a smile when she sees her people. She's a beloved daughter and sister, and these are some photos of what her life is like so far.