Home Around the World, a PREGGYstory Slideshow

Maternity shoots are always so fun. We get to take tons of awesome pictures. Above is the photo slideshow in continuation of their PREGGYstory! Enjoy :)

Safe in Mommy's Arms, a NEWBORNstory ++ Slideshow

Safe in Mommy's Arms, a NEWBORNstory Plus Slideshow from My Story Photography on Vimeo.

See this link for more on their NEWBORNstory.

Strength and Stillness, a BIRTHstory

Strength and Stillness, a BIRTHstory Slideshow from My Story Photography on Vimeo.

This is their BIRTHstory from my eyes...

Each couple I photograph is unique, and I am always touched in a different way when I witness my clients during one of their most vulnerable time.

I still remember the first time I met Daddy J and Mommy K. Daddy was quite a sentimental guy with a love for photographs and Mommy was a strong woman with a stillness to her. They were quite early in their pregnancy but were decided on booking me, even if I didn't carry much experience doing childbirth photography at that time. For this simple reason, I hold them dear and wanted nothing less than to give them my best for trusting me to capture such a special moment.

Months passed and my small business started to pick up. Then one day in November, I got a message from Mommy informing me that she was having mild labor pains but that it could still be awhile. I waited on standby for her next update. Over 24 hours later, Daddy informed me that they checked in the hospital at 2cm. Two hours later they were at 6cm. I immediately made my way to join them.

It was a long marathon. This couple had decided on a natural drug-free birth. I expected what I usually experience with Moms at 6cm without epidural -- pensive, serious, unable to smile or talk for very long. But when I entered the birthing room, I was pleasantly surprised to see Mommy walking around, talking, smiling, like nothing was happening! I knew then and there that this Mom could go the mile!

Hours past as the contractions got stronger. Mommy went from 6 to 8 cm in quite a short period but stopped progressing after that. She was a bit tired but still very strong and calm. She labored quietly and privately. I knew from the first time I met her that she was a strong woman, but this was a strength beyond what I imagined.

Daddy was calm, supportive and continuously in good spirit. He knew exactly the type of support his wife needed. Without having to do much, he constantly communicated his love and concern through gestures as simple as a look and a touch.



At the same time, I admired their doctor as she patiently waited for nature take its course even if it meant more time and effort for her.



As time passed, it became apparent that the best course of action was to opt for a cesarean. I could see the initial disappointment in their eyes and I felt for them. But deep inside I trusted that this was the best course of action, and I had a feeling they knew it too.

As the hospital was quite strict, I was unable to join them in the cesarean operating room. However, from the pictures I saw Daddy take, it looked like all the disappointment vanished when they saw their handsome and big baby boy :)



I joined them again when their baby was brought to the nursery. He was awake, alert and truly a blessing. Congratulations to the family! :)

Little Luna, a HOMEstory slideshow

When I met Daddy and Mommy, we agreed on doing a NEWBORNstory shoot at the hospital. But some complications arose so we decided to wait when all was better. A few weeks later,

Mommy was so organized and prepared! She was calm and composed. It was as if she didn't have a newborn at all! She came complete with outfits, props and even food and drinks for lunch! And there was no yaya in the picture that day! Where does one find the time? Talk about supermom!

Maybe it was because Daddy was so good with Luna. He changed her, fed her, calmed her, put her to sleep... He was like superdad himself!

Or maybe it was because Luna was so easy to take care of! She would hardly fuzz and when she did, a little shushing would calm her down right away. A friend once told me that babies that go through a tough time in the NICU are generally behaved. I wonder if thats true?

Nevertheless, it blessed me to be with this family and see such love and excitement for their baby. We had fun dressing Luna in all the simple silly wishes they had for her - a football (soccer) player, a musician... We took our time and let little Luna set the pace of the shoot. In the end, we got some awesome shots and was even able to sneak a short video.

P.S. I am no videographer, but I like to sneak a few videos here and there. I feel it sometimes helps tell the story...

A Natural, Unassisted, Spontaneous Water Birth, a BIRTHstory Slideshow

A Natural, Unassisted, Spontaneous Water Birth, a BIRTHstory Slideshow from My Story Photography on Vimeo.

The strength and determination of these parents was amazing, and it all paid off. There was no intervention whatsoever. Everything happened in its course just as nature intended. The reward was heart-warming - after the delivery, they took all the time they wanted to bond and laugh as a complete family everyone awake, alert, and empowered.

It's as close as you can get to an intimate home birth, but still in a assuring hospital setting.

See this link for their complete BIRTHstory. You may also see this link for the youtube version.

Note: Parents have allowed us to share this slideshow to the public. Enjoy :)

A Big Baby Boy, a Brave Mommy, and a Supportive Daddy, a BIRTHstory Slideshow

A Big Baby Boy, a Brave Mommy and a Supportive Daddy, a BIRTHstory from My Story Photography on Vimeo.

Births are always so moving... I couldn't help but tear while making this slideshow. To read the complete BIRTHstory, see A Big Baby Boy, a Brave Mommy, and a Supportive Daddy, a BIRTHstory. To view the slideshow in youtube, click on this link.