What makes an image great? Sometimes it is the technique, the manipulating of the camera settings and composing the image just so. Other times, the specific moment one captures makes the image deep and profound. Even more so, is the importance of that image to the ones who experienced the moment. We have all heard the saying that “A picture tells a thousand words”. Sometimes, those who live through the moment of the image that was captured have a much greater and deeper story to tell than what one would conclude just simply looking at the picture. As a Delaware professional photographer, I have had the opportunity to capture many such moments.
One of my favorite quotes, (of unknown origin), is:
“We take pictures as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone”
I want to share one image that is particularly special to me. Not only because it is the birth of my son, but also because it reminds me the feelings and emotions of what we went through to get him safely here 6 years ago.
My husband took this picture. He was a little unprepared for the how quickly the birth was happening and didn’t have time to adjust any settings. As a result, some images are pretty blown out. Sometimes though, perfect technique is not what makes an image great.
I wasn’t shooting in RAW at the time, but tonight I was going through an old hard drive and came across these images and gave it a go to edit it the best I could. I love it, despite some of the highlights are blown out.
Our son was born via c-section due to a risk of strangulation from a partially ruptured amniotic sac. This occurred sometime during my 1st trimester. My entire pregnancy was a roller coaster, and full of more than 20 ultrasounds. Our baby was constantly at risk of his limbs self-amputating, obtaining severe deformities, or even suffering death. We held our breaths in between each bi-weekly and eventually weekly ultrasound.
Our perinatologist told us in his 20 years of practice, he had only seen a similar case 4 or 5 other times. Of those times (if my memory serves me correctly), two of the babies had severe deformities. One had minor deformities, and the other was unaffected.
It was nothing short of a miracle that our baby was born unaffected by the fallen membrane. Our little baby was the talk of all of the doctors, nurses and staff at how incredible it was that he was unscathed by it!
I’m sure you can imagine the relief we felt when he was delivered seemingly healthy! Our son did end up being diagnosed with a completely unrelated condition. He had a life saving surgery at 10 days old. During his first 3 years of life, he became gravely ill on several occasions and had to fight for his life.
This image will always remind me of our blessings and the miracle that our baby was (and still is!). So much gratitude. I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY!
I always enjoy reading other’s comments! If you love this image, or have a story of your own little miracle, please feel free to share with me below!
I had a similar experience with my pregnancy as you. These moments are EVERYTHING! You are such a great photographer, girl! Delaware rocks with you in it!
“Sometimes perfect technique is not what makes an image great.” Love that! There’s so much truth in that statement. You’re a great photographer & writer. I’m sure many people in Delaware (and all over) are super inspired by your truths & photography!
I had a c-section as well, and I remember all the emotions from my high risk pregnancy. It’s definitely a rollercoaster, and I wished so that I had photos like these. I can’t wait to see your work in Delaware, other moms will love your outlook.
A rollercoaster for sure! My c-section delivery was by far the most difficult of my 5 births. I wish more mothers could have the opportunity to capture the birth of their baby during a c-section.
Aw love this! Those moments of birth are so incredibly special and magical. My second is due any day now!!! So happy your husband was able to capture this.
So magical! I know a lot of people aren’t allowed to take pictures during c-sections, so I am definitely glad that we were able to! Sending you good vibes for your upcoming delivery! Best wishes to you, Olivia!
Wow! So moving! I’m glad you were able to capture a C-section. They are so strict with that where I’m from! You have beautiful work!
Ah! Such a bummer! I wish more hospitals were open to the idea of birth photography during a c-section. Delaware awaits your arrival Erica! Ha!
Wow, what an amazing photo! Whether or not it’s technically perfect, it is absolutely breathtaking and certainly tells a story! Thank you for sharing your story!
Breathtaking!
Oh my goodnesss! This is amazing! You are such a strong momma!