The Birth of Baby Isabella - Slideshow

I am so thankful that Evangelina has agreed to let me share the full slide show!

There are a few things that should be explained. There are some large chunks of time missing. This was a very very long labor (50 hours). There was a point during the process that the midwife decided it would be best for us all to leave (midwife, doula, photographer) so that we could all get some rest. I was gone for about 6 hours at that point.

In the end, after 4 hours of pushing it was clear that this baby needed help coming out and so E was transferred to her hospital. Unfortunately, when we arrived I was informed that it was hospital policy to not allow photography during the actual birth. I did not know how soon after the birth I would be allowed to photograph. Because of this I was not in a great position, nor did I have my light metered properly. One blurry, over exposed photo was all that I got of E seeing her baby for the first time. Lets just agree to call that one artsy ok?

This was such an amazing experience for me. Though it was a long, I am so pleased that this was my first birth shoot. A wonderful couple, unfathomable support system, getting to work with my friend Teri (the doula!). It was more than I could have ever dreamed of. and I can't WAIT to do it again!

The Birth of Baby Isabella - San Francisco Bay Area Birth Photography

This week, I had the honor of photographing the birth of Baby Isabella. E had planned for a home birth. She had a wonderful midwife and an amazing doula on hand to help her through this journey. What she did not plan on was a 50 hour labor (Yes, 50 hours!) and 5 hours of pushing. She did all of this unmedicated. I am completely in awe. She was so calm throughout the entire process.

I'm working on a slide show but am waiting on final approval from E and her husband before posting. Some images are very intense and involve nudity, so I want to make sure they are comfortable with sharing before I post them.

For now, here are a few of my favourite pictures from the day.