birth :: pema elyse hope

in

Crystal is an integrative women's health specialist, combining yoga therapy, physical therapy, and wellness coaching into beautifully customized one-on-one services for women. I had a couple sessions with her prior to my own last birth, and it was amazingly helpful. I highly recommend her! 

Crystal personally practices everything she teaches others, which is probably why when her doula, Brenda, who knows her well and was pretty confident that heading to the hospital (45 minutes away) where she planned to give birth was the right next move, still had a little trouble guessing how far into her labor she actually was; Crystal is a remarkably quiet and serene laboring mama! So when they arrived at maternity admitting and Crystal was already 10 cm, I had to BOOK IT out the door to meet them in their room, where sweet baby Pema was born gently, quietly, mindfully and almost en caul just MINUTES later! The holy hush that surrounded even those quickly-moving events was otherworldly. Pema was just as quiet as her mama, soaking up her surroundings with wide eyes and a quicky cry for a moment, but then quickly settling into a light sleep on her mama's chest. 

I'm so grateful to have been invited by Crystal and Steve to attend this second birth (you can see Pema's big sister's birth here). You inspire and amaze, Crystal! May your transition into life with two little girls be sweet and rich.

I'm now offering holistic and sisterly birth attendant services in conjunction with birth photography. Head over to Sisterbirth.com to learn more!

life with a newborn :: ethan frost

in

I have a theory that third babies are magical. It seems like they are almost always easy-going and good sleepers. This is not based in scientific research, just casual observation. But dear little Ethan Frost is confirming my theory, that's for sure. 

It's been such joy to photograph this family across the years, since their eldest was just a baby! After this session, Jason and Andrea were reflecting on what it's been like to have the same photographer document them at several different key points in their life as a family. It was really rewarding to hear them talk about how special it is to look back at their collection of little books (cos all my sessions come with a little photo book!), seeing the similarity in style that comes from having the same photographer over and over again, but being able to see all the subtle changes in their children across the years. Family heirlooms, for sure! 

This time, in addition to a new baby, this family also has a new home and their eldest just started her first year of school. Through it all, their gentle affection and intentionality with one another shines through. Years of small faithfulnesses yield a rich life and healthy, vibrant kiddos. 

birth :: aila jane

in

Sometimes birth is just so simple, so undisturbed; it works just the way one would hope and expect without any help at all. There's such joy and light-heartedness in those births for me -- and for everyone who is a part of it, surely. Aila's birth was one of those! 

Her mama Andrea expected a longer labor, but it moved quickly. Her midwives and I weren't with her for very long, therefore, before she gave birth efficiently and smoothly while kneeling on the floor of the bedroom, daddy and big brother nearby. The photos of their reactions to her birth and the declaration of "it's a girl!" are some of my favorite to date. 

Enjoy this glimpse into the birth of sweet Aila Jane, the newest ginger in this red-headed family. :)

I'm so happy for these four!

If you are expecting a baby this year and you've ever had even an inkling of wondering about what it might be like to have it photographed, I want to encourage you to pause and really ask yourself whether these moments of hard work, transformation, the moments you meet your baby face-to-face are ones worth investing in capturing. If you have any concerns about the presence of a stranger with a camera (aka a birth photographer!) being disturbing or distracting, let's talk through that concern together. Let yourself truly consider this as an option. I'm so confident you won't regret it, sister. Reach out. 

uncharted territory + memories of warmer days

in

I spent the better part of 2017 not only welcoming and adjusting to life with our newborn daughter, Maeve, but also attending many births and prenatal and postpartum visits during a busy midwifery apprenticeship. We also began homeschooling our children, which has a pretty steep learning curve! 

With a plate so full, my "big" camera didn't come out nearly as often at home or for clients as it has in other seasons of life. And yet, there are some treasures tucked away on my computer, occasions when I picked up my camera and made some images of my own family. I wish I had even more, but I guess my iPhone's camera roll holds most of our memories for 2017. 

In this new year, pieces are shifting for our family. We've entered into a bit of uncharted territory, as I've had to make hard choices. In order to say my best "yes" to some things, I've had to say "no" to others, including the midwifery apprenticeship. What the future holds in regards to midwifery remains to be seen, but in the meantime, I know that I'll be raising our babies, supporting my husband in his ventures, and wielding the camera again with more frequency, both for my own family and for yours, if you'd like. Please don't be shy about reaching out! 

From now until January 31st, anyone who books a family photojournalism session will receive $50 off the session price.

Family sure is wonderful. I'd love to come make some images like this of YOURS. 

milk time :: fall 2017 edition

in ,

This past fall was a tangle of busy engagement with so many things, that this fell to the wayside. But I'm hoping late is decidedly better than never with this. Because pulling up the images today -- months after they were shot -- I'm getting the warm fuzzies all over again. This was a great set of Milk Time sessions at Simply Born Birth House. It's really satisfying to know all of these mamas have these gorgeous breastfeeding portraits as keepsakes. 

And I'll be doing this again, soon! In early March! Please keep an eye on this blog, as well as my Facebook and IG accounts so that you don't miss the date and location announcement when it comes. This past time I actually had assigned time slots for every participant, which seemed to work out even better than the former format of first-come-first-serve open house style. So I'm leaning toward setting it up that way again. 

life with a newborn :: beau scott

in

Having known this family throughout their pregnancy, I can say with a great deal of confidence that this little man has been SO wanted, and anticipated with incredible joy. I'm so happy seeing him finally here and resting in his parents' arms. There's so much goodness ahead for these three, and so many gifts to soak up in the here and now. 

Life With A Newborn sessions often happen during those first tender and raw weeks following birth, otherwise known as the 4th Trimester or postpartum period. It's my favorite time, friends. I'm a birth junkie (always!) but I'll also say that I've come to value this postpartum season just as much. It's so vitally important for lifelong wellbeing for babies and their mamas. And even though it LOOKS all romantic and gushy in photographs sometimes, it's actually SO intense and really challenging, especially if we haven't prepared for it. Which is why, as part of my new (and complementary) venture, Sister Birth, I'm devoted to helping you set up a postpartum that nourishes and restores you, protecting these early weeks with your baby. While also photographing tidbits of it! Please visit SisterBirth.com to learn more.