I recently photographed the birth of my friends’ daughter.  This couple wanted to have their story documented so that they could always remember what it was like the day they brought their baby girl into the world.  I know that many moms would shudder at having a camera in the delivery room, but I have come to realize that a birth is such a miraculous experience that I begin to wonder why birth photography is not more common.

Ok, I know there are a few obvious reasons, but we’re talking about tasteful images of the first few moments of newborn’s life.  The photos leading up to the birth show such strong and beautiful emotions, and they are all a very important part in telling the story of the birth.

Jen was in labor for a very long time, and while she needed a lot of privacy during the more painful parts of her labor, she was ready to be photographed after she was fully dialted and about to go into delivery. Here are just a few photos from the start of the delivery through the birth:

Jen looks amazing despite a long, hard day of contractions.

This is it!  The baby is just about ready.

Sean just said a prayer before the midwives begin the delivery.

Jen is in between pushing in this photo when Sean said something to make her laugh.

The midwives were so professional and attentive.

They are looking into a mirror that is reflecting the first glimpse of the baby’s head.

This moment was so touching.  Jen can finally see her little baby.

Little Imani has arrived and she is precious right out of the womb.

This is my favorite: their first family portrait.

Little Imani looks up at her mom.  Their lives are forever changed.  Congratulations to the new family!  God bless little Imani.

Jen and Sean were recently featured on the cover of Expectant Mother Pittsburgh.  The photo is one from their maternity session.  I think it’s fitting that they are on the cover of this magazine as they are a couple that I really look up to as my husband and I begin to think about parenthood. Here’s the cover: