How Small. How Beautiful. Whatever happens in the Years to come, this is perfection. This is Love. {Melbourne Newborn Photographer}

I enter every newborn session with ideas in my head, poses to try, props to use. Every session comes with at least a minimum expectation of different images, always starting with simple wrapped poses... and then onto various other props and poses. I always hope for a more challenging pose from a session, depending on the bub, sometimes a hanging pose.

 

Little Skylah was one of those dream bubs... She went from pose to pose, prop to prop all without much fuss at all. I was able to use a new prop (the gorgeous little doll bed, don't you just LOVE it?) and change hats, and wraps and given she was being such a dream, and her parents adore the hanging poses we moved on to try a pose in the sling... and she was still calm and sleepy after another feed... move on to the parent shots... (don't you just adore the besotted daddy? Not to mention mum who is clearly smitten.)

 

I usually wouldn't attempt a second hanging pose, as most babies have had enough by this point and I already have a plethora of choice, but things were moving along so smoothly I pulled out another prop I hadn't had the chance to use to date, and sweet little Skylah absolutely rocked it! It was a little more detailed, getting the perfect position and pose, but thanks to some quick snapping we were all hugely chuffed with the result.

 

Thanks to Ashleigh as well for taking a couple of action shots while I worked away.

 

enjoy. xo

 

 

Action shots: Thanks Ash. 

 

Birthing is the most profound initiation to spirituality a woman can have. ~ { Triplet Natural Birth Photographer }

There are moments in your life, and people you meet that change your life forever. This year a most fantastic series of moments have all lead to this point, and in itself I know the moments of the last week will be life altering. How can they not be? To witness and capture the natural birth of triplets will forever stay with me, will forever be a highlight in not only my professional career, but my personal experiences.

 

 

A bit of the background: 

 

I met Chenoa through a series of events on the wonderful world of social networking. (Don't you love Facebook?) A mother she met via a group on Facebook was the mother of the gorgeous newborn triplets I photographed earlier this year, and she had posted a few of the pictures, this lead to Chenoa checking out my page and then seeing my posts about looking for some clients for birth photography...
Chenoa: "What about a triplet birth?"
Me: "Email me please!"

 

Within a couple of emails it was easy to see that we 'clicked' and we began preliminary plans. I know its hard to get a vibe from an email, but there was also a blog I could follow. (I recommend it for a read). So before too long we were emailing and messaging each other as she updated me with her pregnancy and milestones reached.

 

The only hurdle we seemed to have was that we were two states apart... a bit of an issue as far as 'being on call' for a birth, but this was no ordinary birth, or ordinary lead up. We knew that if (or rather 'when') she reached September everything was all set for a birth at her local hospital. She had a supportive Dr and an amazing birth team (not to mention the resolve and instinct of a woman rarely seen.) As she reached and passed her 33 week milestone an induction date was set... my flights were booked, and we crossed our fingers (and legs in her case) as we waited, possibly somewhat impatiently and uncomfortably.

 

 

The Universe's part:

Call it fate, call it luck, call it serendipity, I think both Chenoa and I always knew these sweet babies wouldn't make their appearance until after I had made it up to Queensland. That said the excitement was building and I felt almost like a stalker, watching Chenoa's page and blog and incoming emails hoping for 'no news' until I'd made it up the Brisbane at least.

An induction date was set for the 6th of September, and for some reason I couldn't shake the feeling that I should be up there on the 5th, so I booked flights and a car and practically held my breath until I drove up the long driveway to meet Chenoa face to face for the first time.

It was honestly a feeling of meeting an old friend, I instantly clicked with her and met the rest of the support team, including her best friend and her homebirth midwife who had been at her other two births. The only person I hadn't met was her husband, we later met officially between a contraction as we all arrived in the birth suite.

It was great to sit, relax, chat and then get a few maternity photo's in, partly to pass the time, and partly so Chenoa could get some walking in. I felt a little cautious, I don't know why, I knew she wanted to bring labour on. Their property is stunning, she was glowing, and honestly I was, I still am, in awe of her spirit and calm.

We both spoke of how blessed we were, how perfect the timing was, and how she was now 'allowed' to go into labour because everything was in place. We'd all laughed that we felt it would be a midnight dash to the hospital... we were almost right.

The Birth:

It may be best to read Chenoa's birth story for all the details, but from a photographers perspective it was intense. At around 8pm I got the message that her waters had broken and they were heading into the hospital in about 30 minutes. So after a quick coffee and shower, thinking it might be a long night, Taryn (Chenoa's best friend and in charge of videoing the birth) and I headed in to the hospital, and after walking into the birth suite we were instantly thrown into a situation full of activity. I heard the words "I need to push NOW!" from Chenoa and knew it was show time! I actually think the staff were frazzled... it was all happening a little too quickly for them. Chenoa seemed calm, her midwife/support was calm, Taryn and I were able to hide behind our camera's (and I honestly don't remember feeling freaked at all, the adrenalin was wild, but I never felt scared or frazzled.) Poor Dan, Chenoa's hubby was a little befuddled I think... he sat and helped in his own way, but he seemed to see it all unfold so effortlessly around him.

Only about 10 minutes after entering the room Isaac was birthed calmly and seemingly easily, I remember snapping like crazy, and tears streaming down my face. He was gorgeous, and had snuggles with his mummy straight away before being checked.

The next moment I remember, and it really was only a moment later, was seeing a foot, then another foot... Dylan was breech and gliding into the world in his own beautiful style. The staff were somewhat frantic and I think a Dr had arrived now, there was concern because he was breech, but honestly there was no stress from any of the support staff... I watched through my lens a birth I will never forget, a bum, a back, shoulders and welcome earthside beautiful boy. Chenoa was able to hold him immediately as he arrived and he made a small little squeak then whisked away as he was stunned and needed some assistance breathing for a little while.

Dan was by Dylan's side, and then only 3 minutes later Ailah , head first and honestly very easily from where I was standing, made her way earthside and onto Chenoa's chest. The smiles in that room could've lit the darkest of caves... everyone was beaming. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.

Dylan was taken to Special care and I then trotted from the birth suite to special care getting various images.

Only three hours after Ailah was born Chenoa was holding all her babies in her arms. Sitting in special care with her new babies her smile was beaming, the staff were in awe, Dan was as chuffed as any father could be and I was able to capture the first images of mum and dad with their triplets... what a buzz!

I headed back in the following day still on a high, and photographed Chenoa and Dan's older children having some cuddles with their new baby brothers and sister. What beaming faces, what pride, what utter awesomeness.

This birth will be one that will long be spoken about. A birth captured and an inspiration for other mothers. Not only mothers of multiples who truly CAN naturally birth their babies, but of all mothers. The instict and deep belief in Chenoa was, and IS where her absolute beauty comes from. She is truly a woman, in her most pure form. She is blessed, she is appreciative, she is alive and empowered. I feel truly honoured to have been able to capture the birth for you Chenoa and Dan. THANK YOU!

I'm sure I flew home still floating on a cloud.

LOVE xx



Never under-estimate the wonder and power of birth... Never understimate the strength and instinct of a woman!

This time yesterday adrenalin was pumping and excitement was building... To be witness of a natural birth of triplets was exciting enough, but to be entrusted by such a beautiful family to capture these memories was both humbling and precious.

 

I plan to put together a more detailed blog and perfected slideshow in the coming days, but with so many interested people, from all over the world I wanted to share this here with you... almost 24 hours on from such a remarkable and empowering example of what women are capable of if you allow them, of natural birth of multiples... it CAN be done...

To witness and capture the moments these little ones entered the world and watch a woman in her primal best, birthing her babies instinctually was nothing short of mind blowing. I feel so blessed and honored to have been able to capture the journey. Three hours post birth, the elation is still evident on mum as she holds her babies, 2 boys and one girl, all together for the first time earthside. ♥

 

Thank You, Chenoa and Dan for allowing me to be part of a career, and life highlight.

Left to right: Isaac, Ailah and Dylan.

 

 

 

follow the link to view the slideshow.

http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d7a4d784d6a67344d7a6b3d0d0a&blogview=true

"A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone."

How I adore the glow of pregnancy, it's such a joy to photograph. There is an excitement and even a peace that comes with shooting a maternity session, and knowing that before too long I will get to meet the gorgeous little bundle and capture the newborn sweetness that follows.

I prefer doing maternity sessions outdoors, there's a natural element and closeness to nature when a woman is in the full glow of pregnancy, it's womanhood in overdrive, and I adore capturing the connection of family before the new babe even arrives.

Sonia absolutely rocked her session, we hoped for some nice weather and were even blessed with a little winter sunshine for a few images, don't you just love it when mother nature listens to your requests for the perfect light?

I cannot wait for the next installment of this journey.

Until then, enjoy. xo



" A babe in the house is a well-spring of pleasure, a messenger of peace and love, a resting place for innocence on earth, a link between angels and men."

It's been a while since I've been able to play with all my little girl props, a problem in itself really, because I am so spoiled with choice I don't know what to use.

Baby Felicity was just delectable, her beautiful little lips and sweet little face, but she had a little bit of spunk too... I love that. She took a while to settle in, and it took some time to work out some poses that she could settle in to, but once she settled she was a dream, worth every minute.

I adore her parents, clearly besotted (though somewhat sleep-deprived) they were truly in love and patient as we worked together to get the beautiful family images.

Enjoy. xo



The Big Announcement - Workshops!

It's happening... it's really happening... WORKSHOPS! I have announced the date for the first (of what I hope to be many) workshops. The Date: November 22nd 2012.

To be held at the Lakeview Room at Grange Cleveland Winery. 55 Shannons Road, Lancefield, Victoria. (around 35 minutes from Melbourne Airport).

Class size is limited to 8 photographers.  The workshop will run for approximately 8 hours beginning at 9:30am, and will include posing newborns (including at least one hanging pose), tips and tricks for settling, wrapping newborns, and a short look at editing final images and questions.  If weather allows we will also do a few outdoor setups.

Bookings are now open and will be taken on a first in first served basis.

To request details and a booking form please email: info@emilyblackphotography.com