Birth Photography

I don't claim to have great ideas.  I've always been much more of an observer: watching what other people do and then copying what I like and avoiding what I don't.  I really, really dislike "going first" or having all eyes on me when I do something for the first time.  This explains why I wanted a small wedding, why I never go through the buffet line first, why I won't buy the latest fashion trend until it's mainstream fashion, and why I'm pretty lucky I'm the youngest in my family.

In preparing to welcome our firstborn, I thought long and hard about pictures.  I knew I wanted pictures, but I wasn't satisfied with only getting the stereotypical newborn photos which I've always felt were too contrived and posed.  While I do love the newborn pics we have of Makenna, they are simply beautiful photos of my beautiful baby.  They don't evoke emotions or bring to mind the precious memories of holding her for the first time.

That being said, I saw what I considered the greatest idea when it came to documenting birth when I watched Ashley's birth video.  (She is my awesome blogging/facebook friend whom I've never met but feel I have, given the wonderful world of social media.  She has lots of great ideas and you can follow her here.)

You see, she had a birth photographer.  Most people haven't heard of a birth photographer, and when they do, they imagine their product is something similar to that horrific home ec. film we all watched on birth which made you wonder why any woman would ever have a child.

However, the purpose of a birth photographer is far different.  While you can have your photographer take pictures of the baby crowning (I opted out of that option) their main purpose is to be a fly on the wall during labor and delivery capturing the priceless moments throughout.

That is EXACTLY what I wanted.  Nothing posed, nothing contrived.  Everything taken in the moment with pure emotion.

And that is exactly what I got.   

All photos taken by our fabulous birth photographer Chelle Hamilton.