All information has been written in collaboration with and reviewed by the birthing person. All stories and images are shared with verbal and/or written consent from the subjects.
I first met Sydney on a freezing winter afternoon when she attended a model call for my photography. It was in the snow, with a group of ladies and a lot of new gowns! We laughed our way through the cold as she and the girls tried on a few of these gowns we were testing for upcoming sessions. Even then, there was something bright and bold about her - up for anything, full of life, with a spark in her eyes.
Our next time together was just as special: a joyful pregnancy announcement session where she shared her news with the world, and I had the privilege of helping her document it.
By the time we planned her maternity session, our connection had grown into something more personal. We actually ended up doing two sessions - one indoors at my home with a makeshift backdrop after the weather fell apart, and one outdoors at Illif Commons where we went all in with a beautiful gown and golden light. At that point, we were more than just photographer and client - we were two women rooting for each other, sharing a season, preparing for something sacred.
Sydney arrived at the hospital at 6 AM, 37 weeks pregnant, ready for her scheduled C-section. With gestational diabetes and concerns about her baby's growth, this was the safest option for both her and her little one. The decision had been challenging, as Sydney had hoped for a natural TOLAC, but induction wasn't recommended, and waiting wasn't an option.
When I joined Sydney around 6:30 AM, her mom, Amy, was there, providing a comforting and supportive presence. Amy was set to accompany Sydney in the operating room. Sydney had repeatedly requested my presence as her birth photographer, passionately advocating for this throughout her pregnancy. Despite Sydney's strong efforts, the OB refused, creating a needless obstacle for this family..
As Sydney navigated through hospital paperwork and discussions with medical staff about blood sugar protocols, she started planning her OR playlist. Classic country music was her choice, something soothing to ease the tension. We spent some quiet moments talking about my personal experiences with epidurals and spinal anesthesia, to help alleviate her anxieties. Sydney's emotions spilled over as she realized fully that I wouldn't be able to accompany her into surgery. Tears filled her eyes, heartbreak evident, as she had envisioned this moment being documented differently.
When it was time to go, Sydney's anxiety escalated sharply. She admitted quietly, "I was okay until you said it was time," and her eyes welled with tears again. Her nurse immediately stepped in, offering reassurances, affirmations, and comfort, a guiding light for her through the wave of emotions flooding her mind in these moments. Amy, who typically guards her emotions carefully, showed a tenderness and vulnerability that deeply touched Sydney. It surprised Sydney to see her mom openly emotional—Amy’s tears during her cesarean made the experience more powerful and showed just how deeply she cared.
Before Sydney was taken back for surgery, I quickly taught Amy the basics of operating my camera, putting it on auto mode, hoping it would capture the crucial moments Sydney deserved to preserve. Although she should not have had too, Amy stepped into both roles - the support person during one of the most important days in Sydney’s life, as well as the person to document a major part of it. While waiting anxiously outside the OR, I spent the time researching hospital policies, determined to show that photographers posed no genuine medical risks in such environments. Conversations with fellow birth workers echoed my determination to advocate for necessary policy changes, ensuring all birthing people could have their stories fully and authentically documented.
Inside the OR, Sydney faced moments of extreme anxiety, including chest pain and sudden drops in blood pressure. Amy, holding her hand tightly, continuously reminded her that everything was under control, reassuring Sydney with her calming presence. Sydney vividly recalls staring at the reflections in the surgical lights, watching quietly as the procedure unfolded. It was a small thing that she could hone in on while her nerves flooded her mind. When she finally heard her baby’s cry—after tense moments of waiting for her little girl to be cleared—it became the most beautiful sound, instantly melting away her fear. Relief and joy flooded her heart.
The moment Laynie cried, the entire room went quiet and all she could feel was her little body on her chest and her mom’s touch.
When I reunited with Sydney before she was brought out of the OR for recovery, a lighter atmosphere had taken hold. Taylor Swift & Miranda Lambert songs played. Sydney playfully reminded Amy, "You’ve got to support her head!" as Amy held her granddaughter for the first time, humorously replying, "I've done this before, you know." The sweetness and innocence of that moment filled the room with warmth. Soon after, Sydney's partner joined them, meeting their daughter for the first time. Sydney cherished nursing her newborn daughter, feeling profound peace and connection in those early moments together.
While she nursed Laynie, I asked Sydney if she'd like a few prints of her placenta, her baby's home and nourishment the past 9 months. I did two prints for her and photographed them as well. I first saw this practice at a home birth and was in awe. It is just one small way we can give women a tangible memory of the incredible organ they created from scratch.
Reflecting later, Sydney shared how deeply motherhood had changed her. She remembered clearly her reaction upon learning about her first pregnancy with her daughter Laikynn, and when she told her mother, Amy that she was pregnant. She remembered humorously thinking, "Oh shit, I'm actually going to have to do this now." That realization marked a profound turning point. Motherhood intensified Sydney’s anxiety, making her incredibly aware and cautious, a stark contrast to the carefree, spirited young woman she once was. After experiencing a miscarriage at 17, Sydney recognized how profoundly the experience had shifted her priorities—her baby had changed her entire life path, anchoring her desire for a future filled with family and purpose.
Sydney found deep strength within herself throughout her birth journey. Overcoming intense fear and anxiety during her pregnancy and delivery helped her see how resilient she truly was. Moments of tranquility post-delivery—the gentle sounds of Laynie’s coos, the peaceful stillness of the hospital room—brought Sydney immense joy. The lactation specialist’s support further reinforced her confidence in breastfeeding, empowering her to push through typical early challenges, which she will never forget.
The next day, I returned for a Fresh 48 session, capturing tender, quiet moments between Sydney and her newborn daughter. Laynie was gentle, sweet, and calm—already deeply loved and cherished. Her first born was also present. We captured so many beautiful images of them, then sat down and talked about the previous 24 hours. We talked about what she remembered and wanted to be included in her birth story and we talked about her story, of who she was before motherhood and just how much the journey has transformed her.
A few weeks later, during a studio newborn session in Scranton, Laynie’s bright eyes and vibrant energy transformed the room, bringing smiles and laughter. Laikynn played with the toys and props in the studio (as most toddlers do), while I photographed baby Laynie. When I say she brought smiles and laughter - I meant it. When editing her session later, I messaged her mom, Sydney, to tell her how much I enjoyed these images. She responded “She is a hoot!”.
Throughout this entire experience, Sydney emphasized her gratitude for my advocacy, deeply valuing my willingness to fight for her right to document this precious chapter, as scary as that is. She learned and practiced how to use her voice to advocate for herself and her baby. Although the circumstances weren't ideal, having Amy capture moments in the OR using my camera brought Sydney significant comfort, preserving the memory of every emotional detail and milestone of her remarkable birth story. It truly takes a village in this motherhood journey, and I am so grateful to be a part of Sydney’s.
