IAPBP Birth Photography Contest Entries

This year I have had the honor and joy to attend 8 births. Some of you may think that 8 births doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you I look back at my calendar, 8 births also equals about 240 days of on-call time. I don’t like to take on more than 1 birth per month, although sometimes that doesn’t exactly work out. I also try to take off summer-time and December, so honestly, as a mom with 2 kids, I had a pretty busy year.

As the new years comes and goes, one of my favorite things is reflecting on these births and choosing what photos I will enter into the International Association of Professional Birth Photographer’s annual contest. I like entering the contest, not because I expect to win but because

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY SHOULD BE NORMALIZED and

POSITIVE STRONG FEMININE IMAGERY SHOULD BE SHARED!!

So here they are. My 2020 Entries.

Of course, the praise in all of these photos should be for the AMAZING women who exhibited such strength to get their babies earth side. I am honored to be able to witness this miracle on a regular basis. So kudos to you ladies!

Keep a lookout for these photos and other phenomenal work from photographers around the world. Let’s continue to share this work and remind women of their strength!

Happy New Year, Y’all.

How to Afford a Birth Photographer

As we have established in my previous post, 7 Reasons Why Birth Photography is Expensive and Should Be, birth photography is EXPENSIVE! With fees from $600-$1200, on top of actual birth expenses, labs, and newborn accessories, birth photography can really be a luxury.

Firstly, I want to say that I did not have a birth photographer at either of my births. At the time, it wasn’t very popular, and we were on a tight budget. But to this day, it is one of my deepest regrets. Yes, we do have a few photos (taken by my husband), but nothing that tells a story. As you can see in the photos, they are low-res, poor quality and blurry! Looking back, I know we could have figured out a way to afford it.

In spite of anyone’s socioeconomic status, we usually find ways to enjoy vacations or buy the latest technology. These things come with planning and budgeting. And I think that if you really want the luxury of a birth photographer, there are a few tips that might help you afford it!

Tip #1. Budget Budget Budget.

Let’s say that your birth photography fee is $1200. With a simple calculator, you can do the math and figure out that it comes down to $30/week. When you think of the things we spend $30 on in one week, it makes things a little simpler. That might mean sacrificing going out to eat, or changing your coffee shop habits, but $30/week is doable! Your birth photographer might even let you pay in installments!

Tip #2. Baby Registry!!

Baby registries have changed dramatically since I had my first. We literally had a scanner gun at Target. Now you can register for anything anywhere on the internet…INCLUDING BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY. So add that to your registry and keep the extra frilly things off! That way people have to chose the birth photography or diapers… and birth photography is a lot more fun than things babies poop into.

Tip #3. Bartering

Usually birth photographers are pretty down to earth. We also like to have luxuries like getting our hair cut, having chiropractic care, getting a farmhouse table built and having accounting services. Those seem like random things, but those are all things I have bartered for birth photography. So if you or your spouse has a talent/trade that is desirable, it never hurts to bring it up!

So if birth photography is something you desire, break out your calculator and make it happen! I am happy to chat with you further about ways for you to afford it. I also have a scholarship program available! You can find out more about purposeful giving here!

Weber Maternity, Birth & Newborns

As a doula and photographer, sometimes I forget to share the stories. I decided to put the full Weber story in this blog since I am about 6 months behind. But, better now than never.

Shannon and Jack are new to the North Carolina area and they originally contacted me for maternity photography, birth photography, and newborn photography. I guess after they were captivated by my stunning personality, they decided to hire me as a doula too (Jack will appreciate that humor!). So if you have ever wondered what it was like to have the full kit and caboodle package, Shannon shared these kind words about hiring me:

”Stephanie is not only a fantastic photographer/doula, but an amazing support person before, during and after delivery. We were so blessed to have her as our photographer for maternity, birth and newborns. Our photos are true memories we will cherish forever. She helped me to have the most amazing birth and has been there for me every step of this journey, even four months postpartum! Having Stephanie along for this journey was the best decision we ever made!”

I know this family now and it is an honor. So I hope that you enjoy viewing their maternity photos, their birth photos and their newborn photos!

These maternity photos are taken at Historic Yates Mill Park in Raleigh, NC! The scenery there is great, but when I have such beautiful folks on the other side of the lens, it makes these photos stunning!

STUNNING, RIGHT?

Shannon’s birth plan went a little bit off-course when she needed an induction. But she was a trooper and proved that she has the pain tolerance of a warrior woman!

When I arrived at the hospital, she was about 6cm dilated. Within less than an hour, she was fully complete and ready to meet her baby. Again proving my philosophy of “DILATION MEANS NOTHING”. By that, I mean that so many women are often disappointed when their bodies haven’t progressed as quickly as they expect during labor. Instead of focusing on a number, mamas should be focusing on each breath and each contraction. Shannon was such a trooper!

Giving birth brings JOY :)

and just like that, a family of three!

A week later, I visited them and captured some fresh memories…

Y’all…meet Harper.

I can’t even describe to you how much of a privilege it is to walk along side families in their birth journeys. Trying to explain it would just be an understatement. But overall, I am grateful for these intimate and Sacred Spaces…

Baby Vera

I just love being about to see a couple from maternity, to birth, to newborns. This family is wonderful and their sweet addition just makes things better. Be sure to scroll to the end to see their special milk bath session!

Puma Birth

This is a birth that was on the clock. Mom was almost 42 weeks and headed for an induction in just a few short hours. She tried every trick in the book and FINALLY started having regular contractions. She wasn’t just having regular contractions, she was in active labor!

Whenever you look through these birth photos, it seems easy. You view each picture thinking “oh look at that…labor”. But these photos were taken over about 12 hours! Twelve whole hours of contractions and hard work! You might want to go back and look at them one more time. Give them their worth.

This mama worked hard!

A beautiful birth and a strong mama!

National Midwifery Week

This week is personal for me. It is personal because Midwifery care has made a clear difference in my life. As a mother, I had the privilege of having midwives hold my hand and support me through my pregnancies and births. As a doula and a lover of all things related to birth, midwives welcome me into the birthing rooms and call me partner, willing to work together to support our client.

in other words

I LOVE MIDWIFERY CARE

To celebrate and honor the work that midwives do, I wanted to share some photos from births that I have attended and tell you many of the reasons why I love these care providers.

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Midwives provide exquisite, patient centered, prenatal care.

Whenever you sit down at an appointment with a midwife, they ask how YOU are doing. They want to know the emotional and physical side of pregnancy. They aren’t just focused on a heart rate, but they want to know how you are handling stress/anxiety/a backache and what they can do to get you to have peace and be pain free. Midwives build a relationship with patients and prove that they are worth trusting through birth.

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Midwives are hands-on.

Midwives recognize that birth is not a calculated equation. There is no formula to get to the perfect birth. They are able to see the tides of labor and help moms ease the pains. They know that position matters and will use their arms & hands & muscles to support a birthing mother. A midwife will hold your hand and whisper in your ear “you’ve got this”. Whenever they look into your eyes, you know they are on your side.

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Midwives support a variety of birthing positions.

On the bed. In the tub. On hands and knees. With an epidural. With a birthing stool. In the shower. Lying on the couch. On your back. Without any meds. Leaning over the bed. Side lying. A MIDWIFE WILL GIVE YOU OPTIONS. They will let you lead and direct you to another position when needed. But they key is that you have a choice!

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Midwives EMPOWER Women!

Expectant mothers are intelligent. They do research and read books and study for birth. They have educated opinions and midwives respect that! Whenever a mother has an idea like “can I catch my own baby?” or “will you let me cut my chord”, a midwife will consider it. They know that when a mother is given freedom in birth, she feels confident and empowered. Midwives also say things like “you are strong” and “your body was built to do this”. They speak in accolades and affirmations, and we all know we live in a world where we need more of that.

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Midwives care about families.

Midwives recognize that birth is not a medical task, but a communal experience. When children interact with midwives, they feel included and empowered themselves. Midwives don’t treat kids like walking “festering germs”. They talk to children with gentle words! They often have toys in their offices because they welcome kids as a part of the process!

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Midwives RESPECT women.

A midwife asks permission BEFORE touching you. A midwife waits for consent. She talks to you about breaking your water before it happens. She will ask you if it is alright to do an episiotomy, but likely won’t do it at all and will let you tear on your own. A MIDWIFE RESPECTS A WOMAN’S BODY! Enough said.

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Midwives are safe.

Midwives are found in and out of hospitals, at birthing centers and home births. There are different regulations in different states, but in NC, practicing midwives have completed medical training. This ain’t their first birth rodeo. They know what they can handle, and they know when to call for help. They know when medicine is appropriate and not. They are licensed medical professionals!

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I must also mention that OBs also do many of the above things. There also might be some midwives that don’t do them. I am making generalized statements based on my personal and professional experience. The best tip that I can give for any mother searching for the above support is to KNOW AND TRUST HER PROVIDER, whether she births in a hospital, at home, in a birthing center, or in the middle of a creek. Women should find trustworthy care providers and know that is it a WOMAN’S RIGHT to find a person that is right for them.

Also, when in doubt, hire a doula. :)

Woodleaf Wedding

There are a lot of Sacred experiences that happen in our lives. Some are everyday moments we don't expect and some are more monumental. Well, the thing I know about Jill and Ben is that their lives are filled with Sacred moments that shape them and form them. They are experiencing the world, traveling, working and becoming better humans. And on this particular day, they had a big moment, a big decision, which was the culmination of a lot of those small Sacred moments: 

THEIR WEDDING

The wedding took place at Ben's childhood home. It is a beautiful historic home with so much character. I loved taking pictures here because there was beauty EVERYWHERE! 

I am honored to have been able to walk through this day with them and capture these beautiful memories. 

Molly's Maternity Portraits

Molly and I have known each other for 11 years. Wow, when I type it, it definitely makes me feel old. We met in college, lived on the same floor, but it wasn't until about 4 years ago that we really became friends. 

Molly is a blogger over at Molly's Musings. She is also a pretty impressive photographer, but more importantly, Molly is PREGNANT and expecting her first daughter in just a few weeks! 

I don't think I have to make any comments to any of these photos.

They are stunning.

She is exquisite. 

I hope your enjoy this beautiful mama and go check out all of her goodness on her blog.

MT + Michael

If you want to bring happiness to the whole world, go home and love your family.

It is quote from Mother Teresa. 

It is the most fitting quote for a baby's room and motto for a family.

MT & Michael are doing it. Hopefully we will all go and do it. This is one beautiful family!

The McNiels

It was orchestrated by the Divine.

The chance to leave my family for 4 days, get on a plane (with one small backpack), and experience/document the Sacred moments of a new family. I am incredibly grateful that God gave me the chance to be with my friends. I am grateful that my husband and family took over my normal responsibilities.

Josh and Presley thanked me plenty. But honestly, the trip was more of a treat to me. They trusted me with their son and with their space. Also, as a classic Enneagram #2, feeling needed and appreciated and loved was a boost to self.

I didn't sleep much, but this trip was restful. I didn't sightsee, but the things I saw were beyond beautiful.  

I hope you enjoy being able to take parts in these Sacred Spaces. 

Introducing, Wendell Wesson McNiel

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One of the best parts about being in the McNiel home for multiple days was the opportunity to photograph the candid moments. I loved being able to document these small, insignificant, yet wildly significant moments. Josh and Presley may not recall them, but they are totally worth taking a second to dwell over. 

like this phenomenal warrior mom of chickens and babes. 

and Wendell soaking in some Vitamin D by the window

Presley's mom, Lisa, coming over to help meal prep for the week

One of a million refills on Presley's water. One of the best ways a husband can serve his breastfeeding wife.

A moment to encourage. A moment to love. A moment to just be.

Family

Full time student, full time Dad.

The nights are long. The nights are hard. But this baby is truly loved

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Now I am going to show you all the pictures of Wendell and I. The little boy won't remember me, and likely won't know me, but for 3 and a half days, we were best buds. 

Goodbye Grace & Nick

When Bradley and I moved to Raleigh in 2014, I started working part time at Videri Chocolate Factory. It was there that I met Grace. I remember the first time we really had a chance to chat... it was a slow Saturday morning and we dove into food and faith and life. I think I just knew that we were kindred spirits. Fast forward about a year, and we are building a chicken coop in my back yard and buying chickens on craigslist. 

Grace and Nick & Bradley and I had an (accidental) intentional relationship when we decided to become chicken neighbors. As many of us know, it is really difficult to get together with friends in the busy of life. Well, with our shared chicken schedule, Grace and Nick came over to our house 3 evenings a week. We didn't necessarily hang out all of those days, but we interacted and checked on one another. We didn't know that we were doing "a thing", but we created something beautiful. 

Grace and Nick were the first friends to see a fresh baby Shelby. They came over the day she was born, fed the chickens, and brought us meals. They witnessed the royal mess that is PARENTING (and i hope we haven't scared them away from having kids!). They nursed chickens back to health and "took them to a farm" when they were too sick to stay. These friends are the kind of friends that everyone should want in their corner. 

As I sit here and type this out, my eyes are filling up. This amazing 4 year journey is coming to a close. Sure, we will still be friends, but it won't be quite the same. I am joyous to celebrate the seasons of life that we experience. I am thankful for this season of friendship and that they are beginning a new season of their own in GA. 

So here are boocoos of amazing and beautiful photos of my friends. 

From right off Athens Drive to down in Athens Georgia... until next time, friends.

A Durham Newborn Session

I photographed this beautiful baby a couple of weeks ago and I specifically remember that it was raining. Honestly, I think its been raining ever since! We have been experiencing some really dreary days, with some very inconsistent weather, so hopefully this beautiful baby will brighten your days! 

Azalea and her beautiful family reside in Durham and I am thrilled to have captured these beautiful moments of their newborn girl in their home. 

As you will see below, the older brother was not really in the mood for posing, but we made it work. Real life, right?!!

Jack + Tucker

You know, whenever I take newborn photos, I can usually handle the cuteness.

BUT THIS TIME THERE ARE TWO!

Double the cuteness and the tiny details and perfection. 

Also, they are each individuals and they each have little unique things about them!

Soak in the cuteness!

(yea, I know what you are thinking... she is superwoman!)

Elizabeth's Maternity Session

Maternity photos are so fun! Especially when the couple is laid back...just like these two! They were open to being creative, and actually laughed a lot during our time at the Arboretum. I had a blast and look forward to meeting their sweet miracle baby! 

Its not difficult when your are photographing such beautiful people!

My 30th Birthday Photoshoot

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

It is true, I am THIRTY. Many shudder at the sound of their 30th, but I have been rejoicing. To me, being 30 means you can do whatever you want. See, while you are in your 20s, you are really concerned with how others perceive you, but once you hit 30, you realize "ain't nobody got time for that". So you do what you want. and what did I want to do?

a 30th "cake smash" session. 

My AMAZING friend/blogger/photographer, Molly Perdue, took these photos for me and truly made my dreams come true. You can find out more about Molly here. 

So here it is. A bunch of pictures of myself.

You're Welcome.

Little Neil

I am partial to moms. It is true. If you are a mom, I already respect you because you are sustaining little lives everyday. I am sure that if I were a surgeon, I would also be partial to surgeons, but in my book moms are the winners. 

Ashley is a mom to 6 month old Neil. She and her husband, Robbie hired me to do a lifestyle/milestone photoshoot. Let me tell you something about Neil... HE IS A HAPPY BABY!

Something really loving that Ashley kept saying while we walked around the park was "this is about Neil...these pictures are for him". There is another reason I love moms...they are constantly living a life of selflessness. 

Yes, the pictures are about Neil, but they are also about this beautiful family of THREE! 

Milestone photos for the win! Happy 6 months little Neil!

The Hoyle Family

Ahhh, it is finally starting to feel like spring! 

Last week I had the chance to go spend a few nights away (YES WITHOUT MY KIDS) with my friend Meghan. She recently had surgery and could use the extra hand with her daughter, AND I haven't been away by myself since Shelby was born. Yes, that is 2 years folks. 

My 3 day vaca was packed with toddler activities, doctors visits and movie nights, but I also wanted to grab a few shots of their family while I was there. As you can tell by the photos, you would NEVER know that Meghan just had surgery. She is quite resilient.

This is Dorothy. She is probably the happiest 19 month old I've ever met. I don't think she wined one time during our trip. She is a doll!

No Mistakes #lucysbirth

Kaitlin hired me at 37 weeks. This isn't the most common occurrence, but it happens from time to time. Whenever it does, I am OVERJOYED! Doulas want clients to do whatever they need to have support in their labor. If that means deciding last minute that you want support, then do it!

In Kaitlin's case, labor was on and off for a couple days. Yes, the books often have a model for what labor looks like, but our bodies tend to not abide by anything in a book! The drive to the birthing center was about an hour, so once they checked in with the midwives, they made the decision to head next door to the "hotel motel holiday inn".  Things progressed very quickly after that...

Very shortly after we got there, we decided to head on back.

and as you can see

homegirl COULD NOT get off of the floor

Thankfully, the (very curious) hotel staff provided us with a rolling chair...

Kaitlin's husband Randy just could not stop laughing.

This is about the time that Randy said 

"I am so glad you hired a photographer"

:)

Thankfully, we made it back to the birthing center...still on the floor though.

There is a peace that comes over mom once she arrives at the place she will birth her baby. She knows she is safe. She gains just a little more control of the contractions because she is ready for baby to come.

This is one proud husband (and dad!)

Birth can be exhausting! Especially when you are up throughout the night with contractions and cramps. 

Sometimes mom just needs a power nap!

It is a good thing Randy has this dad thing down!

Kaitlin, you are STUNNING!

Thats right ladies and gentlemen! 

10 pounds

TEN POUNDS!

This force of nature of a woman birthed a ten pound baby in a birthing center 

This birth was really fun! Randy and Kaitlin's attitudes were just so light and comical. 

Like Randy's shirt!

It says "no mistakes, just happy accidents"

Randy felt very passionate about wearing it for the birth of his daughter. Because let's face it, sometimes we have babies when they aren't the "plan", but look at that beautiful happy accident in his arms! 

Sarah Camille

Want to know what makes this photo so special?

The rug that Sarah Camille is resting on is the same rug used with her mom's newborn photos. I love family heirloom pieces and I love that this newborn photo shoot is FULL of them!

And then there are these. 

I just can't. 

This photo has so many special connections and brings up so many amazing memories.

And this family. A family I now consider my good friends.

It is a perk of the job to be able to serve some really amazing folks. 

I just love this one. The face that mama is making is the most beautiful! It is what mamas do! They make big faces to talk to their babies! It may seem silly, but it is so natural so exaggerate our words so the babies can see us! 

It is an honor to document these memories and to serve as a doula for this beautiful family!