About the Artist

About the Artist...

When I first decided to become a Professional Photographer, more than 20 years ago (after being an avid amateur my whole life), I decided that I'd only photograph things and events that I loved. That way, I would not have to worry about injecting the passion-- it would naturally be there.

And so I specialized in animals, families (of all types and species), some types of products, and Nature. The latter of course, included pregnancy, the birthing process, and newborns with their parents, siblings and extended families.

Clear to all is how amazingly powerful love is, but when it is the focused love of a mother, father and baby, the power is beyond words. That's when my camera and the artistic work during the process and after, comes into play.

I often hear women mention that they'd love to have pregnancy photographs but are concerned about their bodies, bundling up and going to a studio, and getting their partners to participate in the process. So I decided that instead, I would travel to the family so that they could be in their comfortable environment. It's easier for siblings/partners to be involved, and facilitates the elements necessary for having a fun photo-shoot.

As for the bodies-- there is no woman who needs to be concerned about that. Between the knowledge and artistic abilities of the photographer, including the use of light, fabric, posing, backgrounds, etc., and the post-production magic (and again, artistic abilities) of the artist using the computer and professional programs, any mother (pregnant or after) can and will look wonderful!

I love the process. I have been pregnant many times (all with very wanted babies), have had a C-section with 2 normal births afterward and 4 miscarriages. One of my births was with twins who both were born without kidneys and subsequently died. So I know the heartache of loss, thus making birth all that much more precious to me.

I've taught pre-natal classes and have attended many births, as labour support as well as a photographer. I understand the dynamics and the politics involved.

Will I take photos during the birth? Absolutely! I once came across a female obstetrician who couldn't believe that the couple wanted pictures taken of the birth. "It's not a pretty sight," she said. Wow. Not only did this come from a caregiver who brought new life into the world on a daily basis, but it was a woman!

It is indeed a beautiful and powerful sight and it is one that the mom does not see (except for quick glimpses in a mirror). She's busy and usually, so is her partner. If the baby needs to be born by section, the mom is often in recovery and doesn't see Dad bonding with baby. Snapshots can be taken by nurses and family, but an unobtrusive photographer, never using a flash, staying out of the way, taking artistic images of, not only the baby emerging, but also of the parents working together, the tears rolling down Dad's cheeks, the new bond that develops between the parents as they welcome baby into their family, and those magical moments as baby meets Mom, Dad and siblings, is a must to many people.

Adopting? Your maternal experience is just as valuable, just as exciting, just as wonderful and will be captured in just as a creative, artistic manner. During my many miscarriages, we looked seriously at adoption in all its forms, and I have a special place in my heart for the process.