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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 those things 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, Nature and
that of course, included pregnancy, the birthing process, and newborns
with their parents, siblings and extended family.
 Clear to all is how amazingly
powerful love is, but when it is the 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 accompanying them. So I decided that instead, I would
travel to the family so that they could be in their comfortable
environment, make it easier for siblings to be involved, and just allow the elements to make
it more conducive to 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, 2
normal births 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
bring this baby into their family, and those magical moments as baby meets
Mom, Dad and siblings, is a must to many people.
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