There is little one can say to truly describe the experience of being mere weeks away from giving birth if one has not experienced it as a visceral truth. In many ways, words have very little to do with that sacred moment, just before the world as it was ends and the unimaginable new life begins.
When I see the few photos that I have of my pregnancy, I realize what a unique marker that time period is, and I wish I had documented that state of being with more intention. To look at those photos and see myself in that incredible place of possibility, long before I ever laid eyes on the exquisite little face that would alter me forever, is a priceless gift. I could not have guessed how the world would change with a babe in my arms.
That is why it was such a pleasure to photograph our friends Claire and Garret, less than a week before the birth of their daughter, Deja. It was an appropriate first photographic venture with my sister Rebecca. The shoot took place less than a mile away from the cabin in Bonny Doon where my own son, Jasper, was born. Rebecca was an incredible support to me throughout my pregnancy, and a wonderful help during my labor. It made sense to have her assistance with this shoot. We were both excited to be capturing this moment for Claire to look at and remember in years to come.
This particular shoot was a gradual stroll through the most lovely redwood glens, meadows and garden of the community that Garret and Claire call home. Along the way we stopped in at their good friend Stuart’s yurt, to witness the ritual smoking of a deer hide in the traditional Ecuadorian fashion.
From there we found a sweet meadow that made for some lovely (and might I add, sexy) photos of the expectant couple. It was inspirational to see how playful and loving Garret and Claire were together even as they were about to take the leap into parenthood. I felt glad for this little baby to have parents whose love for each other is so evident.
From the meadow we walked on to the yurt of Emily, Claire’s sister. Though this portion of the shoot was completely unplanned, the final result would have been incomplete without it. Witnessing and documenting the love between these sisters was such a rich experience for a team of sister photographers. The psychic sister aspect of wearing the same color unplanned aside (people with sisters who are also close friends will know what I mean), the connection between Emily and Claire was palpable.
We ended our shoot in neighbor Olivia’s epic garden at the magical golden hour near sunset. Amongst the rows of greens and vines of salvia, we captured Claire alone (well, almost). As we photographed Claire and her magnificent belly, her face began to take on an otherworldly glow. Her features were like those of a person in deep meditation. It was not hard to see that she and baby had already begun that deep conversation that sets birth in motion.
Five days later, Claire gave birth to her daughter, Deja. We have met Deja, but we have not yet photographed her- but when we do, I’ll be sure to share some of those photos with you.
Here are some of our favorites from the shoot:
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