I recently had the very special and unique experience to photograph a birth for the first time. I’ve worked with Sarah’s family many times over the years and when she shared with me that she was expecting her third child, I instantly jumped at the chance to be there for the birth. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as we all know babies arrive into the world without following any sort of timeline or frame that can be counted on. Sarah had correctly anticipated that she’d go into labor before her October due date.
I got the call around 8pm on the evening of the 26th of September and hopped into my car and headed to Sarah’s house, roughly 40 minutes away. I got a message almost halfway there that her water had broken and I began to get worried that maybe I’d miss Isabelle’s arrival, as Sarah’s previous deliveries had gone quickly.
Thankfully, I got there with plenty of time to be a fly on the wall and witness it all. Amazing. Truly, honestly, amazing. The atmosphere was calm, quiet and very focused, with Sarah quietly concentrating and peaceful through each and every contraction. The midwife and her crew hovered quietly, working together to prepare, anticipate and give care to Sarah. Sarah’s parents were in and out, mostly her mom standing by just being present. A cousin, Shannon, helpful with getting water, and checking on the two older children sleeping in the other room. And Sarah’s husband, Darwin, started his day across the country in Boston, arriving at home just a couple hours before Izzy was born. He too was calm, present and by Sarah’s side as she labored.
Sarah’s older son and her dad both share a birthday on September 27th, so we were wondering if Isabelle would share a birthday with her brother and grandpa. But the little peanut decided she wanted her own birthday and arrived at 11:55pm on the 26th.
Take a moment, turn up the volume on your computer and watch the beauty of this story unfold. (And because I love big images, make sure to watch it on full-scale!!)
These are the most life-giving photos I’ve taken to date.
Some of my very favorites.
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The Birth of Izzy from hannah elvrum on Vimeo.