Amazing Moments in Photography!
A few months ago my good friends Alisha and Mike asked if I would do a newborn session when their second child came into the world. Well, of course I would! However, after a great deal of thought decided to up the stakes and I proposed the idea of shooting the birth. They were absolutely thrilled! This is exactly what they had planned to spring on me over dinner! Chanel and I met them for dinner at their house and they filled us in on their whole birthing plan. This was going to be an at home water birth! What an amazing opportunity to capture some incredible moments.
The event was incredible. I got the message at 8:00pm that they thought it would be “the night”. I did one last check of my equipment to ensure everything was ready… batteries charged – check, media cards ready – check, lens clean – check, food and water packs – check (I didn’t know how long I might be there). I went to bed around 10:30 and woke every hour to glance at my phone. Is it time yet? Finally, the phone rings at 3:30am and I’m out the door in under 5. I arrived and the midwife met me and let me know the baby was coming soon! I setup my gear and entered the birth room to find mom in her pool of water going through contractions, closely monitored by the midwives and husband.
There were two midwives, one a student and one a full midwife. The student was acting as “primary” and the other was watching closely and coaching. The nurse arrived minutes before the birth. Both the midwives and nurse were fantastic. They tended to all of the needs of mom and the baby with professionalism and compassion. They were excited to have a photographer for the birth and were even cognizant of ensuring I always had a vantage point to shoot from. They did such a terrific job from start to finish! Of course, mom did all the real work! She endured the labour while dad was attentive and outwardly calm. I can’t imagine what was really going on in his head from moment to moment.
Declan came into the world just shy of 4:30am. A healthy baby boy slightly over 9lbs! His big brother Malakai slept through the whole thing upstairs. I waited around until it was time for him to wake up so I could capture his reaction as he met his new baby brother. He was excited, gentle and caring. He loved holding him and kissing him and was already trying to teach him about what’s on TV.
This was a tremendously rewarding moment for me, both photographically and personally. Thanks again Alisha, Mike, Malakai and Declan! And thanks to the midwives and nurse as well. It was wonderful to share and capture such intimate and personal moments with wonderful people. I hadn’t really considered birth photography being one of my services, but I may just have to add it. Contact me if you’re considering it.
Enjoy the photos below. It was very difficult to only share so few!
Chad
