In this post I want to share some images from probably my favourite session I've ever had: the birth of Zoryan. (I have already shared her maternity & newborn session here: From Bump to Baby )

Since becoming a mama myself photographing births is something I've always felt drawn to.  While pregnant I couldn't stop looking at birth photography and it filled me with so much inspiration and even made me feel empowered seeing all the incredible mama's birthing their babies,  what an incredibly sacred time in one's life and what a gift it is to be able to have memories from this day because I know too well how quickly everything turns into a blur. 

When Elina asked me if I would be there during the home birth of her third baby I couldn't have felt more honoured. Being at the time 32 weeks pregnant myself made everything feel even more special knowing that soon I would be birthing my own baby. Watching and supporting my friend during the birthing process has been one of the most inspiring, incredible & empowering experiences of my life.I am beyond grateful and thankful that she wanted me to share this sacred space with her.  It is such a privilege and one that I do not take lightly.  She is a true goddess. She birthed her baby in the most confident & beautiful way, going through the surges and expansions with such power and grace, I was and still am in complete awe of her and will be for the rest of my life.

This was the first time I had ever had the opportunity to photograph a birth and I almost missed the birth as it all happened so fast, when I arrived she was already in the pushing stage and baby Zoryan arrived less than an hour after my arrival! Through this experience I have realised that photographing births really fills me up and fuels my soul and that it is definitely a path I am meant to follow. If you would like me to tell the story of your birth I would love to hear from you!

Below are some of my favourites from the session:

and here's what Elina had to say in her own words, "Ann arrived just before the midwife and I felt such a relief when I saw her! I was initially suspicious about a midwife getting involved too much, and with Ann being there I felt more protected. I am so grateful that Ann caught all those precious moments that I want to remember. Most importantly, I felt so comfortable with her being there, and in fact don't remember her taking photos or using any flash at all! She was so professional and seemed to know exactly where to be during the whole process of Zoryan's birth to have the right angle but not being in the way at all! Not only was she there to take photos she was also a source of support. I remember encouraging words and touch of the women around me, and at one point I remember  looking close into Ann's eyes our foreheads touching, feeling her love, & hearing her voice gave me my strength and confidence back. She even made me laugh, which felt amazing!"