Over a year ago, I photographed my first birth and have been reflecting and musing recently about the value of birth photography. It has been such a privilege to offer such a unique and important service to women in the Grand Rapids area, and I wanted to share a few reasons why I think birth photography is so valuable.
Read MoreWelcome home, little one. If you can't tell by these dreamy images, let me tell you: your mom, dad, and older furry siblings adore you.
Read MoreBethany's home birth was so special to witness and photograph. It was a healing birth experience for her, after having two cesarean births and a hospital VBAC. Bethany wrote her birth story, and shared it with me. Reading her story after seeing it all unfold before my eyes and through my lens was a privilege. I share it here now, with her permission, in hopes that it is also meaningful to you.
Read MoreFloral milk baths are a gorgeous and unique way to celebrate your pregnancy. If you are worried your bathtub is not pretty enough, these images prove that even if you have a small bathtub with no natural lighting, your images will be beautiful.
Read MoreToday is #GivingTuesday. If you are looking for an organization abroad that has developed an effective model for community development starting with empowering maternal care, please consider donating to Shiphrah Birth Home.
Shiphrah is making a real difference in the community - and it all starts with supporting and caring for each individual woman and family that walks through the door.
Read MoreSnag my last openings for winter births, milk baths, and in-home sessions with these Black Friday Deals! I only have a few spots remaining this winter and they are filling up quickly.
The best part of the deal? Not only are you saving money, but the amount you save will be donated to Shiphrah Birthing Home in the Philippines.
Read MoreIt's taken me a while to share these images - it turns out that it's far easier to share images of the vulnerable, beautiful, life-changing moments of other people's lives than to share my own.
In the spirit of practicing what I preach, I am sharing these self-portraits that freeze in time the incredible body God has given me to grow this precious and loved baby of ours.
Read MoreMy heart is with all those who have experienced this kind of loss today, and my prayer is that you will not feel alone - that your baby is recognized as the deeply loved individual that he or she was - and that you feel supported and seen as we walk this journey together.
Read MoreMany more gorgeous images to come, but for now, here are a few photographs that capture the beauty and strength of this mom during active labor, transition, and immediately after giving birth to her 4th baby at home.
Read MoreDid you give birth in a GR hospital? Did you hope for a minimal intervention birth?
If so, answering these 5 questions for me will help me to help other women in my doula work. Plus, you could win free deliciousness from Global Infusion!
Read MoreThis couple was so thrilled to be anticipating the arrival of their first child. Zarah was absolutely glowing during this entire session - and the late afternoon golden light on UPLB's campus was simply stunning. Green and blue are my favorite colors, so naturally, these photos make me so happy!
Read MoreI recently completed a birth doula certification training through DONA International! Doulas offer emotional, physical, and informational support to women before, during, and after giving birth.
Along with continuing to do birth, maternity, newborn, and family photography, I will also be adding doula services to my work!
Read MoreI can't get enough of this session. I burst into tears multiples times while editing these photos. Maybe that's because I've known Annie so long and was so full of joy to hear her birth story and spend time with her and little Arie. It might also be because of the anticipation for my own little one. I'm 16 weeks pregnant, emotions are high, and my heart is so full.
Read MoreLaura was my first and favorite babysitter growing up. Her parents are close friends of mine, and she got lots of practice mothering my little sister and me while we grew up. Now, to witness her as a mother to her own precious kiddos is such a joy. She and her husband recently moved back to Michigan (!!!) and we took some Mommy & Me photos at Laura's parents house. Their house is full of memories from Laura's childhood (and mine!) and now will hold memories of her children's young years. I'm so happy to present some glimpses of this beautiful family! And I cannot get over that copper-red hair!
Read MoreWe met a wonderful couple when we first moved to the Philippines, but sadly (for us) they moved back to the US shortly after we met. Towards the end of our time living in SE Asia, they came back for an extended visit and I had the pleasure of photographing them with their 6-month old cutie, Asher. We just hung out at the house for the afternoon, and I photographed some of their routines and time spent together. I love documentary photography like this - it's so real!! And this family is stinkin' adorable, so that helps too. :)
Read MoreI had the privilege of photographing a beautiful new baby and his mother Norlyn just a few moments after she gave birth at Shiphrah Birthing Home (part of Help International Ministries) near Manila, Philippines. Baby John was immediately held skin-to-skin and breastfed within the first hour. It was a joy to capture their bond and share the photos with this family.
Read MoreMother's Day is coming up (May 14!), and it therefore seems appropriate to offer Mommy & Me Mini Sessions! This would make a perfect gift for an amazing mom.
Read MoreOn the occasion of Akira's birth, it seems appropriate to finally blog about this beautiful maternity session. My friend Nita and her husband Buyung are dear friends of ours. They are from Indonesia, have lived in the US, and we met in the Philippines! I had the privilege of taking photos of Nita, Buyung, and their daughter Io as they anticipated the arrival of their son - baby Akira.
Read MoreIt was so fun to take photos of my friend and her daughter as they played outside their apartment when I was recently in the Philippines. This little gal takes in the world with such curiosity and fearlessness. She is carefree as her mom works as a midwife at Shiphrah Birthing Home (part of Help International Ministries) nearby. Their bond is so strong, and it was a joy to hang out with them in a place so near and dear to all of us.
Read MoreSweet Baby Matias was born in the Philippines at Shiphrah Birthing Home (part of Help International Ministries), shortly before I moved back to Grand Rapids. It was an absolute privilege to be a part of this family's special day.
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