It’s been quite a journey with this family. It started here. We ended up here.  And now we’re here. J and R, it’s been an honor to follow you through your journey into parenthood.  I look forward to seeing baby A grow and change over the years. Thank you so much!

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.]