Photography | My Purpose

A couple of weeks ago, I had the incredible experience of shooting a birth. Han and I first met at the CrEATe Donuts get-together almost two years ago in July and have strengthened our friendship via social media since. When we got together a couple of months before her due date, we decided to do a birth shoot together. I'd never done a birth shoot before but was excited to give it a shot (you see what I did there?)

It ended up being a totally unforgettable experience! Watching a birth is so much different than doing it yourself! When you're in the throws of delivery, you really don't notice who's in there or what they're doing. All you know is that there's a baby coming and you've gotta push. So when Han's MIL pressed the red button and about 7 people came running in, literally running, it was the perfect example of the phrase, "organized chaos."

And then he was here! And I got to capture it ALL! I got to see the transition from laughing between contractions to desperate concentration on staying relaxed and just breathing. I got to see the bond between a brand new mother and father with their child and I got to see the love, support, and amazing teamwork of Hannah and Stephen.

Ever since I started getting more serious about my photography and offering sessions, I struggled with figuring out where I "fit in." I enjoyed photographing newborns and families and had considered doing more with bloggers, but none of it really felt right.

I walked away from this shoot hours later and felt that I was meant to do this, not because I thought I did an amazing job or was super talented or anything, but because so much of what is required of a birth photographer aligns with everything that makes me, me and brings me such joy! I felt a real passion for it. I loved cheering Han on and encouraging her and watching the relationship between her and her husband. I loved capturing those moments and didn't mind at all that a lot of the time I was there was spent just waiting (I've always been good at waiting).

In short, I feel like taking these photos for Han and her family helped me realize my purpose, and it feels good to feel like I know where I belong and who I am and what I love. I am a birth photographer, and I can't wait to do more!

If you're pregnant (or know someone who is) and are interested in booking, please let me know! I'll only be taking 1-2 due dates per month. I'm still deciding what my rates will be, so stay tuned and send me an e-mail or PM on one of my social media interfaces if you'd like to set up a shoot or are just so excited to be pregnant you want to tell someone who will be equally excited!!!

Love you all so much and thanks for your continued love and support! And don't forget to visit Han at Merry Happy Blog and on Instagram to show her some love and say congrats!

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Susan is a birth photographer and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a photographer for your birth? Contact Susan for EDD availability.