The Birth of Baby River

Hello friends,

There's really nothing I love more than this work. It stirs something deep inside of me that feels primal and real, I can almost touch it. Not only my connection to this family and this story, but witnessing how absolutely beautiful birth can be. There's so much here that I see and crave for myself - It wasn't until I moved to this county that I realized all that a birthing day could be! My third and final birth was similar to this - at home, kids around, and a wonderful midwife. And how I wish I had imagery like this to remind me of the power of my birth. I am beyond grateful to have been invited into this sacred space to document this story, and I hope you find connection here too. Not only am I celebrating this family, I am celebrating our birth community here in WA.

If you live on the Kitsap or Olympic Peninsulas, you have options for your birth. Check out the Peninsula Birth Network where you'll find midwives, doulas, massage therapists, etc..

I'm in complete and utter AWE of this family. They inspire me, and leave upon me happiness and hope. This mama is one of the strongest I've ever known, so please enjoy this story and hold this family in your heart with many blessings <3.

And a very special thanks to Peninsula Midwives, Kathy Luch and Maya Horrocks. Our community is blessed to have these wonderful midwives! <3.

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 24mm f/1.4 ii, 35mm f/1.4L ii, and 50mm f/1.2L. All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

The Day Elijah Was Born

Oh my dearest friends,

I'm not sure there are words to describe the love in my heart for this family here. My first ever repeat birth clients. I wasn't ever anticipating or expecting how overwhelmed I would feel by this, the greatest gift I have received since starting my little business a few years ago. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Hutchinson Family, for welcoming and trusting me. I will go wherever your lives take you to continue documenting your journey together!

I also need to acknowledge how grateful I am to my clients that do allow me to share their birth stories. I can't imagine a more intimate season of life, and I'm honored and humbled to be able to share this here. Really and truly, I do not take this privilege for granted a single bit. So please, hold this story close to your heart and feel how sacred this is <3.

To see sweet Esme become a big sister made my heart swell! I couldn't be more proud to be part of this family's beautiful story. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Hutchinson Family.

To see the birth of sweet Esme.. Click here!

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 35mm f/1.4L ii and 50mm f/1.2L lenses. All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

The Birth of Baby Finn

Hello friends,

There is a part of me that wants to tell you this story with words. I want to talk about this family's challenges, perseverance, and insurmountable amounts of love. I can't shake the idea that in doing that though, their story becomes a piece of a puzzle, of some greater thing, some bigger picture here on my website. When in all truthfulness, I am the piece of the puzzle, and this birth story is the bigger picture, the greater thing. Each one is unique, and stands wonderfully independent of my thoughts and influence here. I am so honored, over and over again, to document this family's journey and all family's that I am privileged to work with.

The one thing I will say, is to all women who are birthing their babies without their partner, whether they are deployed or otherwise - please see strength in this story. Please know that our community is here to lift you up and hold you with love. <3.

On the way to this birth, passing Brownsville Marina just before sunrise..

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 24mm f/1.4 ii, 35mm f/1.4L ii, and 50mm f/1.2L. All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

Special thanks to Joella Pettigrew, DC, LM, CACCP of Innate Start Midwifery. Our families here in Kitsap are lucky to have you! A humongous thank you to Morgan Huges of The Flourishing Mother! You enrich our community in so many ways!! A loving and heartfelt thank you to Katlyn Carter (doula) of K4 Birth Services, watching you work with birthing women is inspiring! And last but not least, a big thank you to the wonderful Elizabeth Montez of Nourish PNW, for caring for sweet Owen during the birth, and for providing this family with love and support during the 4th trimester.

The Birth of Caroline Rose

Hello friends,

Long time, no see. That is the story of a nature loving outdoors woman and her blog.

This glorious day was back in January, my first birth of 2017. I was called in the late afternoon, and when I arrived about thirty minutes later, this mama was in the throws of a wildly intense and strong labor. She was working hard, and her body was in complete dominance over her mind. It can be freeing to labor that way, it means we trust ourselves, we feel safe, and that our strong bodies have in fact been wired with years and years of evolutionary adaptations to birth our babies. 

When I look at these images, I see a love story that I'm completely fascinated with and caught up in. This is precisely why I do this. I want to live like this, every day of my life, every moment. I want to look at life through this lens and know there is love this pure and uninhibited.

I'm not taking any of this for granted. I have so much gratitude to my clients who invite me into their birth space. Thank you, Stottlemeyer Family, from the sincerest place in my heart!

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with a 35mm f/1.4L ii lens (this is very atypical for me - I'm usually switching lenses, but there was no time this day - I love the results!). All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

Special thanks to Peninsula Midwives, Kathy Luch and Maya Horrocks. Our families here in Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties are continually blessed by your phenomenal care. Thank you both for all you do for our growing families.

The Birth of Baby Samuel

I will start by saying this - every birth I photograph is special in infinite ways. Every mama holds a special place in my heart, along with their partner and their birth team. Every baby's birth I'm able to witness will stay with me, forever.

All of that being said, there is something extra special when I have the opportunity to document a birth of someone who I care for, or have had a relationship with outside of birth photography. Anna is a special person just like this. When I first started my photography business, Anna was the first person in the birth world to reach out to me and show me support. She is a talented Acupuncturist herself, and I've always remembered this kind gesture. I then began treatment with her, and always felt so calm and rejuvenated after a session - she has an incredible, healing energy. So when she called me with the exciting news that not only was she expecting, but that she was interested in birth photography - I was thrilled, and honored. Whenever I'm able to provide my services for those in the birth world, it's a pretty big responsibility that I don't take lightly. I find I do my best work under this type of pressure - and this is definitely one of my favorite collections thus far. And, to top all this specialness off, I was able to share this experience with my wonderful midwife from Autumn's birth - Peggy Thurston - pretty amazing!

Anna, I'm still in awe at your strength and calm throughout labor. Adam, it brings me such joy to see how incredibly loving and supportive you are. And Samuel, you made an entrance that I will never forget! Thank you so much for inviting me into your birth space, I love you all!

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 24mm f/1.4 ii, 35mm f/1.4L ii, 50mm f/1.2L, and 85mm f/1.2L lenses. All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

Special thanks to Peggy Thurston, Maya Horrocks, Katlyn Carter, and Marina Smith!

The Day Silas Was Born

There is a special feeling that comes over me, when I witness and take part in something holy, in a sacred space. There is a desire to keep it close to my heart, in a secret place tucked away.. Tending to it with the same love and holiness that was entrusted to me.

Of all the love in my heart for this family, and of all that I could tell you of their story.. I will to leave it to these images - to show you my heart, and to share with you the beautiful beginnings of an incredible journey..

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 24mm f/1.4 ii, 35mm f/1.4L ii, 50mm f/1.2L, and 85mm f/1.2L lenses. All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

Thank you for spending your time with me here and with this family's inspiring story. If you're feeling connected and want to get in touch, e-mail me here.

I'd like to send special thank you's to family and friends that made this possible - THANK YOU for believing in my ability to tell this story. Thank you for creating community here in Kitsap, and for supporting this family, and a local business. I'm beyond honored and humbled to have played a small role in their journey.

To all who donated - Many thanks:

Deborah Collins
Luke Morgan
Tamary Baz
Annie Perry and Peter Davies
Melissa Kelii
Nora Mccurdy
Julie Bennett
Jim and JoAnn Splawn
Anna Scofield
Olivia Harris
Jennifer Duer
M Louisa Wales
Michelle Louie
Ashley Stanley
Laura King
Janelle Veach
Scott Collins
Jeff, Le-Ann, and JoAnna Little
Lynette Pettibone
Courtney Adkins
Katherine Dexter
Morgan Hughes
Kelsey Forsyth
Katherine Fowler
Valerie Loughney Stapleton

Please join me in congratulating the Collins Family on the birth of their son, and in thanking them for their bravery and willingness to share their story - Leave a comment below!!

Thea's Beautiful Birth Day

I have to tell you guys.. I'm so in awe of this family. When I think about the families I am honored to spend time with & photograph when their baby enters this world, it is those like this one who mean the most to me.. Who I feel will find value in these photographs the most as time ticks on throughout our lives. Not everything happened the way it was planned, and yes, part of my heart breaks.. Not because of the outcome, but because I can empathize and understand that it can be disappointing or shocking when a birth happens so fast and in an unexpected way. But another part of my heart - the bigger part - sees so much beauty in these photographs. Beauty in the love given to baby Thea in the first few hours of life, and beauty in witnessing the start of this family's journey. Their love was permeating through the room, and I hope I was able to capture a part of that here.

Thank you so much for having me, Winslow family. I am so full of gratitude.

These next few of mom and baby bonding are some of my absolute favorites!

And although grandparents weren't even planning to be at Thea's birth, they were there.. Waiting with patience and anticipation to meet their grand-baby.

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with35mm f/1.4L ii &  50mm f/1.2L lenses. All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

Thank you for spending your time with me here and with this family's amazing story. I am currently accepting birth clients with due dates November - May. I look forward to hearing from you.

Please join me in wishing this family all the best in their sweet newness.

A Newborn Session

Oh this beautiful boy... Is. so. loved.

Sometimes I have the privilege of returning after a birth to document a new family still on a love high from birthing their new baby. This family touched my heart - before their birth, during their birth, and after their birth. We had the tiniest space in a hospital room, and I am just amazed at how much emotion and love I can feel from looking at these images. So many times in the photography industry - we talk about the light, the location, the clothes, the camera settings, etc.. All of that stuff matters, except for when it doesn't. When you're capturing real emotion, authenticity, and fleeting moments in time - the photographs matter - and they mean something more than just a pretty picture. I find myself always thinking about how honored and grateful I am to do this work that I do, and it's true. Thank you for being here.

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 35mm f/1.4L ii, and 50mm f/1.2L lenses. All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

Thank you for spending your time with me here. Please leave me a comment with your thoughts and find me on FB! I am currently accepting birth clients with due dates November - May. I look forward to hearing from you.

Beating the Odds | Esme's Beautiful Birth Story

When Sara first e-mailed me, I could tell immediately that she had it together - she knew what she wanted, and was putting in the effort to make it so. She and her husband Evan wanted their story documented for reasons close to their hearts - the love between them is a truly a joy to witness. When we met before the big day, they were sitting a mere foot from each other, and still they were smiling and blowing kisses through the air towards one another. As their photographer, I was pretty stoked at about every level. I crave that connection and it's what I am drawn to most about birth photography. Most people I've talked to about what I do expect the moment of birth to be the climax, and maybe for some it is.. But not for me. I relish in the details, the moments of connection, and all the strength and love throughout labor and delivery. I love watching dad step up to the plate as he supports his beautiful wife while she's doing one of the most amazing things on earth. I love watching mom wrangle all the strength within, and still somehow exude an air of loveliness throughout. I've never seen love as potent than moments after birth when each parent lays eyes on their babe for the first time, and also when mom and dad look into each others eyes with pride and gratefulness. It's amazing to witness, and fulfilling to shoot.

So when I heard from Sara that their birth plan was being thrown to the wind for reasons I won't go into here - I was worried. I was worried for her, and looking back - I think I mourned for the experience they so badly wanted, and had planned so diligently for. It's heartbreaking to do everything right, and somehow still have things fall apart.

Amazingly though, while I was at home worrying, Sara and Evan were taking it all in stride. They were going with the flow, and baby stayed happy throughout a three day induction. Although I had joked with my husband about camping out in the hospital waiting room, I patiently waited until I was summoned to head over. When I arrived, Sara was at 3 cm dilation and within one hour, she was at 10cm and ready to meet her beautiful girl. Talk about good timing ;)

I can't thank the birth team at Harrison enough for all the love and care that was provided to this family during labor and delivery. I was reminded yet again, that there are no certainties in life. It just take one person to elevate a situation from so-so, to wonderful. The nurse in these photographs, Wendy, was literally the best nurse I have had the privilege to work with. Not only did she treat Sara and Evan with compassion, empathy, and respect - she welcomed their Doula (Jen Watson) and I both onto her team with open arms. I left feeling hopeful about this hospital, and for that I am grateful.

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 35mm f/1.4L ii, 50mm f/1.2L, and 85mm f/1.2L lenses. All images shot with available light.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

Thank you for spending your time with me here and with this family's amazing story. Please leave me a comment with your thoughts and find me on FB! I am currently accepting birth clients with due dates August - December. I look forward to hearing from you!

Ember's Beautiful Birth Story

Birth.

What can I say that will allow me to express the affect of attending this birth?!

Tiffany was the winner of my 2016 giveaway. She is a photographer herself, and I remember feeling excited and also a little nervous about that! When I met Tiffany, Bobby, and their beautiful girls - I knew right away that their birth was going to be full of love. I hope I have been able to show you that here in these photos. I came home after a short 8 hours, feeling completely high. The love between the birth team had been palpable, and I felt a little stunned by it. The level of support from friends and family throughout was really kind of amazing! What a blessing it is to have this kind of support throughout labor and delivery - and so obviously in Tiffany's case - life!

A special thanks to Puget Sound Birth Center. What an amazing place to give birth..! I was blown away by the peaceful and humbling energy of midwife Melanie Dickson and two student midwives, Katherine and Erin. Thank you all so much for the amazing work you do in our community.

And one final thank you to Tiffany, who has so graciously allowed us all into her life. Sharing these photos takes bravery and courage, and I think we can all see throughout this story, that those are two things she definitely has. She is a very special woman and I am deeply honored to have been there to capture this part of her journey.

So please enjoy the birth story of little Ember, a beautiful baby girl born just last weekend and who will forever be in a safe and sacred place in my heart. Thanks so much for having me, Tiffany, Bobby, Rayne, Saige and Ember..

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 35mm f/1.4L ii, 50mm f/1.2L, and 85mm f/1.2L lenses. All images shot with available light, at f/1.2-1.4, ss 1/40-1/125, ISO 3200-8000.]

Click here to learn more about my view on birth photography.

Click here to contact me with any questions, comments, or inquiries about availability.

I appreciate you for spending your time with me here and with this family's amazing story, thank you!

Julian's Beautiful Birthday | Kitsap County Birth Photographer

I had the most amazing opportunity a few weeks back; I met Heidi on a Saturday afternoon, and had the absolute honor to photograph her and her family just a couple of days later during her labor and delivery. Heidi was in labor for three days, and I only showed up for the last 25 hours ;). It was incredible to witness her strength and grace. The love and support from her family was mind-blowing. I was so incredibly humbled to be present, and also so grateful to walk away being forever impacted by this family, her team of midwives, her doula, and the staff of Jefferson hospital, in Port Townsend, WA.

[Gear Info: All images captured on a 5DMarkiii with 35mm f/1.4L ii, 50mm f/1.2L, and 85mm f/1.2L lenses.]