About a month ago I was hired to photograph a Birth.

At first I was a little unsure if this is something I could do. I have never done it, and honestly felt a little intimidated by the whole thing. After giving it some thought I decided to do it for these reasons — 1. Ever since I had my baby I have felt like I am a little obsessed with babies & birth. Its almost like once you go through something so intense you feel so connected to the experience. 2. I have seen a lot of photos of other peoples births, and to be honest I have always in the back of my mind thought I would love to do that, and I could do it good.

Anyways, So I did it! The day started at Randonna & Daryl’s house. I went there around 11:30am and took some photos of Randonna in the early stages of active labor. It was a little emotional for me being in a room with a woman in labor. I really felt for her, and almost felt bad taking photos of her while she was in pain. I stayed with them for a little while & then left them for a couple hours. I met the couple again around 4:00pm at the Abbotsford Hospital. I stayed with Randonna until she decided to get an epidural & then I left to let her rest. I returned around 8:30 when it was time to push. This was probably the most intense thing i have ever witnessed. I cant even describe to you how incredible it is to watch a woman physically bring a baby into this world. Its totally unreal. I have told a few people about my experience with Randonna, And some people seemed a little squeamish & uncomfortable that I would photograph such a thing (and be really into it), but It was amazing! Randonna was incredible, she was a real warrior through the whole thing. As little Olive emerged into the world, I could not help but totally break down. I was seriously standing behind her, taking photos & crying. I think it was a combination of being so amazed and overwhelmed by what I just saw… and me still being hormonal, ha. It was all too familiar — the same hospital, with the same nurses I had, in the room next to where Laboured. — The whole thing was just emotional.

As I worked on these photos I almost felt jealous of them. I would have loved to have photos of my baby being born. I think its such an incredible thing to have. The first breath your baby took, the first time it opened its eyes…All on camera. Amazing.

Randonna has given me permission to share some of these photos with you all. I’m so happy that I am able to.

Of course my favourite photos are the ones where Olive is actually being born…I got the whole thing! Frame by frame of her entering into the world– But i wont share those, it might be a bit much! – This post is very tame, nothing too shocking. There is a photo at the end of a placenta (just incase you feel like you need a warning).

I would like to also say that I would LOVE to do this again. So if you are interested in having your birth photographed please get in touch with me (But I cant promise I wont cry again, haha).