Blog
Permissions and privacy in birth photography.
An empowered birth experience only can be achieved if sharing your birth story is something you’ve consented to. I’d love to walk you through my permissions process to give you peace of mind when hiring me as your birth photographer that only the images you choose to share (if any at all) will be made public.
Rohman’s Birth Story
Arriving to the maternity wing I found the main door locked and after the few minutes it took to get buzzed in I saw a nurse rocking a toddler yell “RUN!” I quickly pull out my camera as that I had preset with my flash and started documenting her labor without even taking off my black puffy winter coat. Caitlin’s bed was up high, surrounded by nurses and doctors, I worked quickly to capture the scene knowing it could change in a moment.
Emmaline’s Birth Story
Ally telling her own birth story, “From the beginning of my pregnancy, I had been educating myself and training my mind and body for an unmedicated birth. I knew that goal was going to be more achievable if I went into labor spontaneously, and avoided any complications if I could help it.
Claire’s Birth Story
“ . . . I knew this meant go time since my first labor went the same way. I stood up to go back to the tub and it was like baby instantly dropped and I had the ring of fire. It was intense but my body instinctually knew to start panting and apply counter pressure on my perineum. My midwives reminded me to listen to my body and push when it felt right. I honestly can’t say that I did actually push, it was more of my body taking over and I just didn’t fight it. Before I knew it our baby’s head was born and that was so incredible! I felt another contraction and again my body did what it’s made to do and the rest of baby was born! “
Lenora’s Birth Story
Birth story for Lenora’s home birth in 2021 by Randi Armstrong Birth and Creative Services.
What is Birth Photography?
Birth is often fast paced, and full of emotions so having another persons perspective can be really valuable. I believe that photography is powerful and can help us process a wide array of emotions. Whether you get the birth of your dreams, or if your delivery doesn’t go according to plan, having photos that can help you process your experience afterwards is so valuable.
It would bring me so much joy to see more families in Grand Rapids considering the value that photographically telling their birth story would bring.
Sculpture and floral details - Frederik Meijer Gardens
Joel and I both grew up in Grand Rapids, loving the same places but in different ways and with different people until we met in 2019. Meijer Gardens is definitely one of those places that holds so many cherished memories for both of us separately, and it’s such a treat to be building sweet layers on top of those memories together. We recently stopped by on a Tuesday night to see what we could see, and boy oh boy was it good.
What is a Doula?
I’d love to break it down here and explain to you: why doulas are important, what they can and cannot do, why I’m excited about my work as a doula, and why I think every birth would benefit from one being present! That’s a tall order but stay with me I think you’ll agree too!
Flashback- Birth Story for Esther
It is always such a joy to get to photograph a birth, every one so unique. Every labor different. Every family special. Every baby important. Every birth is beautiful!