Kate

Portrait shoot// Houston, Texas// December 26, 2021

Katie

Lifestyle Portrait shoot// Houston, Texas// December 21, 2021

Photos Lost, but Seeds Planted

Six years ago, I was present for my first birth. It was the day after my own birthday. My dear beloved friend April was giving birth to Elijah, her first baby boy, and I had the honor of being there with her. I got the call that she was going to labor and JUMPED in the car to meet her and her husband at the birth center about two hours away!

I was nervous when I arrived, I remember standing outside for a minute to collect myself before I went in. When I went inside, things were pretty calm- they were just setting things up. My memories are a little fuzzy, but I remember snapshots. Early on, April talked with the birth workers about possibly getting in the tub at some point (she didn’t end up doing this). When she was a little further along she told us how much the contractions hurt. One of my favorite moments, the one that brings me to tears and makes my heart feel like it’s sinking and flying at the same time, was near the end when April looked at me and said “I don’t think I can do this”. I was in complete awe, amazed, mind blown! I looked right back at her and said in a strong, slow, low voice “yes you cannnnn”. She did… I was so proud of her! I saw the top of her baby’s head as it was crowning, I watched those big, brave, selfless pushes at the end, and then I got to see her take him in her arms, teary and tired but soooooo full of joy and love.

It was one of the most beautiful things, by far, that I have ever seen. It makes sense that April’s birth would be an event that shaped my career path- she is woven deeply into the fabric of my life and has had an almost mysteriously profound part in the critical moments and turning points in my path- from finding my people to finding myself to getting sober, etc. But those are stories for another time. I took photos that transformative day. But three computers, two cameras and over six years later, I can not find the images. I will not give up the search but until then, I will treasure that sweeeeeet POWERFUL experience that continues to inspire me on this journey of birth photography.

Quiet Hospital Room With Mom, Dad and Diane

She wasn’t due for another couple of weeks, but this baby was ready. Mom and Dad made it to the hospital in plenty of time. When I arrived, mom was resting peacefully while Diane slept close by. Dad had to run to board the dogs for the night! He got back and they played gently- nursing, holding, hugging, changing and SMILING. Their sweet tired faces were so cozy all together.

This birth took place in Houston, Texas on November 3, 2021. It was surprising, smooth and exactly right for them.

Charlie

Portrait shoot// Houston, Texas// October 13, 2021

AVAILABILITY UPDATE

I am now booking Fresh 48 and Birth sessions through July! Email inquiries.

Enjoy this sweetness from newborn session with Dorothy, Moses and their beautiful new baby Iris!

Leslie

Portrait shoot// Houston Texas// August 21, 2021

Bring On The Tears!

I'm thinking about which part of a birth story I am most excited about capturing, and am finding it REALLY difficult to type these words for some reason. I think it is because, in concept, it is the journey that I'm excited about... the whole thing. The "hero's journey" is vaguely outlined with this progression: introduction/ordinary world, call to adventure, refusal of/resistance to the call, supernatural aid/meeting a mentor, crossing the first threshold, tests, innermost cave, ordeal, reward, the road back home, resurrection/redemption, return with gift. The reason that most/many movies and books follow this outline is because THIS IS LIFE. Our lives are OUR hero's journeys, and we have smaller versions of them all along the way- from breakups to the death of a loved one to mid-life crises, etc. Heck- even some of my days follow this outline! In the grand scheme of things, it seems like we are almost always (if not DEFINITELY always) in one of these phases. That's why it's so easy to relate to and gratifying to watch, because we know it, we're experiencing it, we FEEL it! 

That said, maybe because of the phase in which I am now (or maybe just because of who I am), the part that I flippin feeeeel, even just thinking about it, is the reward. The moment that ALL that pain and effort turns into laughter and happy tears... thats what lights me up. Thats what makes my heart feel all glowy. I am ALL about the beauty in the strength and fear and rawness of labor, as well as the peace, relief and joy of postpartum, really! But if I'm compleeeeeetly honest with myself (and you guys), it's those few moments of intensity for me- when mom and dad look like they're having a breakdown and a breakthrough all at the same time- and everyone’s in a state of RELEASE and crying (there's tears welling up in my eyes right now just righting about it- I know, I'm super corny). That's what I really REALLY love.

Of course, I know that these moments look different for everyone. And some people may not cry at all, which is perfect and right for them and I will be honored and excited to capture the beauty in WHATEVER it looks like. But selfishly, I soooooooo look forward to seeing that tear streaming down dads face as he smiles at his new little buddy with a twinkle in his eyes. And that upside down open mouth smile that I can only describe as sobs of joy from mom. Mannnn, such yummy goodness- SUCH feels! 

See birth story details and pricing here.

Drawing With Light - Why I'm Into Birth Photography

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When I was in college, studying photography, I heard a definition of the word ”photograph” that stuck with me. The word photograph was coined in 1839 by Sir John Herschel and is based on the Greek word 'phos', meaning 'light', and 'graphê', meaning 'drawing'. So, a photographer is… one who draws with light. Drawing was my minor and I have always loved doing it, AND STILL, for me, there is nothing like capturing the real thing. Not a rendering or a likeness but the actual light that is there, that exists. 


As far as a subject, I have never wanted to take photos of anything but people. I lovvvvvve people- in all our complexities and layers, our waves of emotion and not-so-linear growth. I am fascinated by our pain, and joy, and doubt and hope- and underneath it all, I really believe that we are love. It feels to me like we come into this world as pure consciousness and love. Then, after we learn how to be humans in today’s culture, we spend the rest of our lives journeying back to that place within ourselves- of wholeness, oneness, compassion and unconditional love. My passion for birth photography stems from wanting to “draw with light”, in an atmosphere that is SO FULL of it. The light of a woman transcending what she thinks she is capable of, the light of a new little being starting their own EPIC journey, and the light of community coming together, in whatever raw emotion or energy shows up, to support their fellow humans, on one of the most important and challenging days of their lives.

For much of my life, I fought my body and suppressed my intuition. For many reasons, societal and individual, my natural human instincts got warped into addictions, eating disorders and dysfunctional patterns of thought and coping. Through much therapy, recovery work, spiritual practice and progressively supportive relationships, I am getting better and better at not just listening to my body and intuition but honoring them and acting on their behalf! It has been a long and winding path, and I am grateful to be where I am on it. I would not be here without MANY loving (and some unloving) guides and cheerleaders that were absolutely critical to my growth and healing. I am sure there are still many to come… and I want to be that for others. I want to be in the room with birthing people- believing in them when they doubt their strength or intuition, rooting for them (however quietly), and capturing the primal and essential beauty in their faces, bodies, relationships and experiences!

I have not given birth yet, but I have been through many quite painful transitions/transformations. I have a calming, grounded, totally gleeful energy that I think will be supportive and welcome in the birthing space, but mostly- I see the best in people and I care, a lot! I cannot pay those back who have cared enough to support me through my pain, but I can pay it forward by supporting others through theirs… and can’t WAIT to get started. 

See birth story pricing and details here.

Lauren and Miggs

Engagement shoot// Wimberley, Texas// August 12, 2021