I can’t believe what I received today in the mail box. Among some other things that I will blog about tomorrow, I received these four marketing items I ordered. Wow – I just LOVE the way they turned out!  They are 8×8 inch metallic prints on black styrene to make them sturdy.

Special thanks to Michele of Pinkletoes4Photographers for the awesome templates.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing one of my daughter’s friends and her family. Here is a sneak peek – more to come!

While driving the other day, I saw this small field with tall grasses & wildflowers. I immediately knew I needed to take photos there; last night I got my chance. The kids are growing so fast, I am thankful that I convinced them to go out on a shoot with me.

As I was updating my portfolio with new birth photos, I ran across this one of my friend. I was blessed to be a part of not one but two of her births. The first time around I was still shooting 35mm – so most of the birth was shot on film with just a couple digital shots I got from my “new” digital camera. I am not sure I even have a picture from that birth in my portfolio (something to add to my to-do list).

By the time second time around, I was all digital which was good because the lighting conditions were particularly poor. My friend, whose water had broken 35.5 weeks, had to give birth in an O.R. as a precaution. The room was dark and with spotlight aimed where the doctor needed to see. However despite the challenges of the environment, the pictures still convey what was intended – what this birth mom needed – documentation of her third child’s birth.

This picture is a favorite of mine. It reminds me of one of the most amazing things about being a birth photographer – capturing uncensored emotion. The joy, excitement and love in her eyes and the connection she is sharing with her husband at this moment melts my heart every time I see it. It is here where I found my calling.

After many, many hours of labor Baby Cullen was born – not quite how we expected – but safe and sound. Here is a little sneak peek . . .

Thank you so much to Joy and Paul for letting me share in your son’s birth day. Thank you also to their Doula Jenica who helped make it possible for me to be in the O.R. to capture  photos for this wonderful family.

Baby Cullen
born June 4th at 6:07am
weighing 8 pounds, 15.2 ounces and measuring 22 inches long