I'm not even sure where I should begin with this post. Do I start with the fact that I was "booked" to photograph this birth even before his mommy was even pregnant with him? Or do I mention how fun it was to realize a few months ago that her daughter goes to the same swim school at the same time as we do?
Or do I talk about how scared I was that I was going to miss the birth when I was running down the hall to Labor and Delivery and could hear his mommy already pushing?! Or maybe I should talk about how I was absolutely amazed when she pushed through all of the intensity and pain and delivered this baby VBAC and med free? Or perhaps I could tell you that I teared up and giggled at the same time when she couldn't contain her excitement and squealed in surprise, "It's a BOY!!" just seconds after he was born.
Then there's dad--who, in spite of his teasing banter, was happy to let me photograph this event and did such a great job of taking care of his family that day. And big sister, who met her new brother with such enthusiasm and love...what a joy to see!
But, I could also talk about how, just a few days after baby boy's birth, I was driving down the road listening to my friend Michelle's CD and a song came on and I *immediately* knew it would have to accompany these birth photos. (Thank you, Michelle, for allowing me to use this song.)
Yes, I could indeed tell you all of these things, but really, it's so much better if you just see it for yourself (be sure to watch through the end so you can hear Michelle's beautiful voice and perfectly fitting song, "Welcome, Baby."):
Or do I talk about how scared I was that I was going to miss the birth when I was running down the hall to Labor and Delivery and could hear his mommy already pushing?! Or maybe I should talk about how I was absolutely amazed when she pushed through all of the intensity and pain and delivered this baby VBAC and med free? Or perhaps I could tell you that I teared up and giggled at the same time when she couldn't contain her excitement and squealed in surprise, "It's a BOY!!" just seconds after he was born.
Then there's dad--who, in spite of his teasing banter, was happy to let me photograph this event and did such a great job of taking care of his family that day. And big sister, who met her new brother with such enthusiasm and love...what a joy to see!
But, I could also talk about how, just a few days after baby boy's birth, I was driving down the road listening to my friend Michelle's CD and a song came on and I *immediately* knew it would have to accompany these birth photos. (Thank you, Michelle, for allowing me to use this song.) Yes, I could indeed tell you all of these things, but really, it's so much better if you just see it for yourself (be sure to watch through the end so you can hear Michelle's beautiful voice and perfectly fitting song, "Welcome, Baby."):
Thank you all so much for allowing me to share this incredible birth on the blog. I'm so thankful you invited me to be there that day.
Side note: Okay, so the pic of the hospital at the beginning of the show? *Every* time I try to take any pictures outside of the hospital for a birth, I *always* get stopped by security. What's up with that? I guess I must look extremely suspicious. Anyway, I had to snap this one quite literally as I was putting my camera away in the bag. Quite surprised I got anything at all ;-).
[If you are pregnant in the Austin area and are interested in having your baby's birth day photographed, take a look! If you are a photographer looking for advice on birth photography, please check out Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers - I provide marketing materials and information on birth photography to our PT4P members.]
For the most part, the beautiful wildflowers that were here just a few weeks ago have faded and gone to seed--well, with the exception of one amazing field I happened upon for yesterday's session, right J?--but you'll have to wait to see those. This was the most incredible year I've ever seen for wildflowers here in Austin...and I've lived here for more than a decade now. I promise I tried not to tromp through the flowers too much and hopefully, this year allowed them a chance to really establish themselves so they'll keep blessing us with their beauty for years to come.
[These are some of the retouched images printed for my clients from our last round of Xpressions sessions].
[These are some of the retouched images printed for my clients from our last round of Xpressions sessions].
Hospital lighting is harsh, yet oh so dramatic. This birth really got me, but in a good way. ;-)
With envy. How does one look this beautiful when pregnant? Do tell.
P.S. Only two more openings left for the next Xpressions sessions in a few weeks!
P.S. Only two more openings left for the next Xpressions sessions in a few weeks!
This birth was fast and intense and beautiful and intense and magical and intense and perfect and inspiring and oh my word, I *barely* made it in time. I know they don't give trophies for births, but his mama definitely deserves a trophy for this one. Or, maybe she already received one? Isn't he as cute as he can be?
