PINKLE TOES PHOTOGRAPHY: August’s Birth Day ♥ Austin Birth Photographer
I had mentioned his birth was timely. Here’s the story…
I was sure mama would go early. She was sure she would be late. Almost two weeks after her due date had come and gone, she was finally scheduled for an induction. I was determined to make it to this birth no matter what. Mama was determined to have a natural and intervention-free childbirth no matter what. I have never seen someone with such a strong vision and ability to make a birth go exactly as she wanted it to go. In fact, the day of the “induction,” she had evidently already gone into labor all on her own and there turned out to be no induction necessary.
So that morning, I was running around getting ready for a surprise party I was hosting but certain I wouldn’t be able to attend. I stayed in contact with mom and dad on the phone, checking on progress, anxiously awaiting the final call. While I was out running errands for the party, I got to make a short visit (North Austin Medical Center–great facility, btw!!) and snapped a few pics before things kicked into high gear. It was lovely to be able to chat and share a little bit of that anticipation, joy, and excitement before the real hard work of labor had set in. Amazingly enough, I even got to attend the party I’d been working on.
Early that evening, I called dad again. This time I could tell by the sounds in the background that it was indeed time to witness a miracle. His mommy and daddy told me I could let you witness it, too ;-)
A few things to note before you watch:
1. It was dark. Very, very, very dark. In fact, it was darkest birth I’ve ever photographed. I wouldn’t dream of using a flash around a laboring mother or a tender newborn, so I was dependent upon a single light in the room..the light on the baby warmer several feet away from the laboring couple. To be honest, I can’t believe I was able to capture what I did (thank goodness for the Mark II and my 50 1.2). But you know what? I love it! The birth itself was so very intimate…I was merely peeking in…and the dim, raw nature of the images reflects the mood in the room that day perfectly.
2. The song is “Knocked Up” from Kings of Leon. I first heard it here (btw, I absolutely ADORE Alicia’s work!) a while back and was humming it all the way into town the day of his birth. It seemed only fitting to use it in this video.
3. Her doctor was phenomenal. I’ve never seen a doctor so patient an so in tune with a laboring woman. Really remarkable.
4. There are three distinct times when mama sees her baby. Watch for the difference when mom simply sees her baby and when she truly sees him. It makes me tear up every time.
5. Dad was a rock. He has the scars to prove it.
6. Mama was a “birthing goddess.”
Okay…now you can see…
(Link not working? View in full size.)
Thank you, thank you, thank you again to August’s mommy and daddy for inviting me to be a part of this incredible day. Your family is simply beautiful!
[If you are expecting and would like to have your birth professionally photographed, please visit this page for more information. I only have a few birth session openings left for this year. Photographers seeking information on birth photography are welcome to join in the open discussion on the PT4P members' only message board.]
June 7th, 20093:32 pm at
great!
i’m a labor and delivery nurse in canada (and a photographer).
i’ve never photographed a birth before but this made me really want to try!
i know as a nurse i would be leary of having a photographer in the room during the labor as it is always unpredictable but it looks to me like you did an awesome job!
and i absolutely loved the song!
June 7th, 20093:35 pm at
oh these always make me cry…
but this one..
made me cry and smile and cry and smile.
so beautifully captured. so.. so beautiful.
June 7th, 20094:31 pm at
I wish my body would let me birth this way :(. Makes me want another…amazing…beautiful…natural…real. Well done Miss Michelle. She will cherish these forever!
June 7th, 20095:18 pm at
Yes that moment when she “really” sees him made me cry. Awesome story told by pictures! Beautifully captured!
June 7th, 20095:37 pm at
stunning….just stunning!
June 7th, 20095:52 pm at
I was riveted! Amazing! It was like I was right there with them.
Beautiful job! And the music is perfect!
June 7th, 20097:44 pm at
Just incredible, amazing and fantastic. Only wish I could go back in time and have the birth of my children captured this way (they were actually c-section, but I don’t care!). What a gift you have given this family. Michele you are where you’re supposed to be, doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing and don’t ever doubt it for a second. Thank you.
June 7th, 20098:21 pm at
that was stunning, what an unbelievable gift you have given this family…
June 7th, 20099:01 pm at
AMAZING!
June 8th, 20098:03 am at
Breathtaking! I love it, what a privilege to be a part of such a sacred moment! Excellent job!
June 8th, 200910:46 am at
Great job! I did my first in April and it was amazing to see it from that perspective instead of on the table. Was blessed and honored to give that gift to new mom and dad. I am so interested in learning more about your Birth Day sessions, techniques, how you market them to clients. I have a few pics from mine on my blog, jjacobsonphotography.blogspot.com. Thanks so much for offering to help other photographers. Such a giver and living out the Golden Rule. Again, great job! Those parents will be so thrilled to have these images to keep forever! :)
June 8th, 20093:12 pm at
oh great. Now I’m crying!!! You captured their story perfectly!!! That moment where she really sees him just about broke me down.
June 8th, 20094:55 pm at
You did a beautiful job my friend.
June 8th, 20095:21 pm at
This was so touching, beautiful and intimate. Thank you to both you and the parents. It was very moving to watch.
Great work!
June 8th, 20099:14 pm at
Oh it made me tear up too! Brought me right back to almost exactly a year ago when Lila was born. What a sweet sweet memory, and a precious gift, Michele. Amazing job!!!
June 8th, 20099:45 pm at
Amazing as always! I had a birth photog. this last time around (4 months ago) and it was really dark as well.50mm 1.2 is my crutch!! love that one. It was SO nice having someone photograph my birth because my husband & I really had the chance to enjoy it and not worry about missing any shots. This is so special that you capture these moments for these mommies!
June 8th, 200911:17 pm at
OMG Michele!! I just did my VERY first birth session and guess what the little sweet baby boy’s name was? AUGUST!! Check it out if you have time. http://www.shotofwhimsyblog.com/?p=138 Got a long way to go to be like you (my hero), but not too terribly shabby for my very first time!! Thanks for always giving me the inspiration that I need.
June 9th, 20091:57 am at
wow, that was intense, thanks for sharing Michele.
June 9th, 20098:16 am at
Incredible!! You captured their story beautifully, what an amazing memory for them!
June 9th, 20098:43 am at
WOW!!! that’s all i can say… the slide/photos just moved me.
First, hats off to mama who made it naturally w/o anything, bless her heart — then you as the birth photographer did so very well capturing the intensity of labor and the delivery itself. i’ve never heard of such [birth photographer] just now here in your blog entry [thank you for sharing]. it will be interesting to try this someday, since i’ve seen this scenario every single day at work [instead of assisting, monitoring moms and helping them through labor and delivery, i'll be behind the camera *giggles*].
Keep it coming!!!
June 16th, 20092:55 am at
[...] is interested in seeing the post and slideshow video of a birth session she did it can be found HERE. Very amazing, made me tear up a little bit just watching [...]
June 18th, 20098:32 am at
wow is all i have to say! you are incredible.
June 25th, 20092:28 pm at
absolutely beautiful! i know as a mom 2x over that this is the most beautiful and special moment (makes all that us women go through worth it)! i’ve admired your work for a while now, keep up the great stuff, you’re an inspiration!
September 10th, 200910:15 am at
I have just recently done my first birth session and I couldn’t agree with you more – its the most wonderful experience as a photographer ever!
November 15th, 200912:40 am at
[...] was honored to be there to capture the anticipation, his emotional birth day, the newborn newness, and now here he is at 6 months old and he is 100% pure adorable baby [...]