birth at home in chicago Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Hospital Birth Photography in Chicago | A Story of Changing Plans

The Soulful Reality of Hospital Birth Photography in Chicago

Navigating a Change of Plans: Hospital Birth Photography in Chicago I received the call in the middle of the night that there was a change of plans. Due to a specific test that came back positive, we had to move from a home birth setting to the hospital. If you have ever made a birth plan, you know how much you set your heart on specific outcomes. Consequently, you often have to mourn those quick changes when things fall out of your control. However, hospital birth photography in Chicago can be just as beautiful and soulful as any home session.The birth itself was beautiful, seeing them both work as a team was such a treat. Witnessing love in all of its glory is so special. See this beautiful Mom’s powerful maternity photography session here

Book your birth photographer

Instagram

TikTok

image from the birth hospital in October

The Beauty of Hospital Labor and Delivery

I always arrive at birth sessions with a high level of excitement. This couple was one of my favorites to photograph this year, especially after their stunning maternity session. Although I was surprised by the sudden change in location, I was overjoyed that the time had finally come for baby’s arrival. Witnessing love in all of its glory is incredibly special, regardless of the room we are in. Furthermore, seeing this couple work as a team was a true treat

arm of a mom in labor and delivery chicago

What to Expect from Hospital Birth Photography in Chicago

When it comes to a medical setting, there are slightly different rules for photography. Specifically, I focus on the quiet glances, the supportive touch of a partner, and the strength of the mother. Even in a brightly lit hospital room, we can find the “love bubble” that surrounds a new family. Therefore, your gallery will reflect the heart of your journey rather than just the clinical surroundings

dad and mom holding hands-on hospital birth

Candid birth photography Chicago hospital room

Counting contractions during hospital birth photography session

Why Documentary Birth Photography Matters

Choosing a photographer for your delivery means trusting someone to tell your story as it unfolds. Whether you are at Prentice Women’s Hospitalor a local birth center, my goal is to remain a “fly on the wall.” I look for the details that pass by in a blur, like the counting of contractions or the first skin-to-skin contact. If you are interested in booking a session, please view my Birth Photography Portfolio to see more of my work.

emotional moment at a chicago birth photographer close up of mom during labor

mom and dad during labor in chicago hugging each other

Partners working together during a Chicago hospital birth

Newborn baby first moments hospital birth photography Chicago

First skin to skin contact Chicago hospital birth photography

March 6, 2024

Home Birth Photographer Chicago: Home Birth is Here to Stay

Whenever I tell someone I am a home birth photographer in Chicago, they often think I mean “birds.” Perhaps it is a little bit of my accent, or the fact that “th” endings can be hard! Regardless, we usually have a little awkward exchange where I explain that I mean births—humans giving birth.

Their faces always show a mix of awe, curiosity, and concern. This is especially true after I mention home birth. However, it fills me with great joy to do such a unique job. I love that people hire me to create art out of their most intimate moments. In fact, being a trusted part of a team that welcomes a little one is a true honor.

Why You Should Hire a Home Birth Photographer in Chicago

Birth is raw and real. It is a beautiful mix of power and vulnerability. Actually, it is buckets full of vulnerability! I was lucky enough to be hired for this beautiful family’s second home birth. Hannah is an incredible mama and human. Consequently, I was so glad to witness their strength together again.

This second birth was a bit different, and I even managed to get a little nap in! Because birth is so unpredictable, I find that I live for that excitement. I always cry the minute the baby arrives. When you see the relief on a mom’s face, the world stops for a minute. Ultimately, something marvelous just occurred. It is pure magic.

BOOK YOUR BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK

Home birth photographer Chicago mom getting in bed to rest

Home Birth Photography is Here to Stay

As a home birth photographer in Chicago, I see firsthand how comfortable families are in their own space. This comfort allows for a level of intimacy that is hard to capture elsewhere. Many families worry about the chaos of birth, but my goal is to find the quiet, steady rhythm within it.

Photography is the best way to have something tangible to hold. Memories of birth can be a blur, but a photograph stays with you forever. In addition, these images become your family’s first heirloom. For anyone looking for a home birth photographer in Chicago, I would be honored to document your unique story and preserve these fleeting moments for generations to come.

A pregnant person in a semi-nude posture leaning over a bed covered with sheets, supported by another person behind them in a dimly lit room. home birth photographer chicago

A cozy bedroom scene featuring a bed with colorful pillows and a blue blanket. Soft lighting from string lights illuminates the room, with a piece of art on the wall depicting an abstract figure. home birth photographer chicago

Black and white image of two people lying closely together in bed, wrapped in a blanket and appearing relaxed in a cozy setting. home birth photographer chicago

A couple embracing in a softly lit room, captured from a distance. The scene conveys warmth and intimacy, with cozy home decor visible. home birth photographer chicago

A woman sitting in a birthing pool in a dimly lit room, with a person partially visible in a 'Ride-Rail' shirt standing nearby. The room has a bed and soft lighting decorations. home birth photographer chicago

A pregnant woman in a birthing pool receiving support during labor, set in a cozy indoor environment.

A close-up view of a person's back showcasing colorful tattoos, including flowers and a butterfly, with a softly blurred figure in the background. home birth photographer chicago

A pregnant woman in labor is being comforted by her partner while a midwife assists in a cozy bedroom setting.

A person lying on a bed, covering their face with their hands, appearing distressed or overwhelmed. Soft, natural light filters through the room, highlighting colorful pillows.

A woman standing in a doorway, smiling, wearing a plaid shirt in a softly lit room.

A close-up image of two people embracing, with one person resting their head on the other's shoulder. The shirt of the person being hugged features logos of different beverages.

A silhouette of a pregnant person standing in a doorway, partially visible, with a bathroom in the background.

A man and woman are engaged in a task in a bright kitchen, with the woman leaning over a sink and the man standing behind her.

A couple shares an intimate moment, embracing and gazing at each other in a softly lit bathroom.

A woman in a dimly lit room appears to be in labor, showing signs of discomfort, while a supportive partner stands nearby, visibly concerned.

A woman stands in a bright bathroom, holding her head in her hand, with natural light streaming in from a window.

A man standing in a narrow hallway, with arms crossed and eyes closed, illuminated by soft natural light from a nearby window, captured in black and white.

A woman in a birthing pool, leaning forward with her elbows on the edge, while a partner holds her hands, providing support. The background includes a bed with pillows and a crib.

A pregnant person helping a child navigate stairs in a home setting, depicted in black and white.

Black and white photo of two pairs of bare feet stepping over a broom handle on a wooden floor, with a textured rug in the foreground.

A woman holds her newborn baby wrapped in a towel, surrounded by supportive individuals during a home birth in a birthing pool, captured in black and white.

a baby being born in water during a home birth in chicago serene underwater scene.

A couple in a birthing pool, with the woman holding a newborn wrapped in a towel, both looking emotional. The setting is intimate and private, with minimal furnishings visible in the background.

A black and white image of a shirtless man gently holding a newborn baby in his arms, with a softly blurred background showing a cozy interior.

A mother gently cradles her newborn baby wrapped in a red blanket, both lying on a bed with striped pillows.

January 20, 2023

Batavia IL Baby Photographer | Six Month Session

As a Batavia IL baby photographer, I get a front row seat to some of the most fleeting, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments in a child’s life. Six months have already gone by since her newborn shoot and the difference is wild. The cheeks, the chubby thighs, the way she’s suddenly holding her own head up like she owns the room. Every single day brings a new change, and babies wear time in the most beautiful, pronounced way. I also photographed the first year of her brothers life, and I think that’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of. A family’s growth.

This sweet little lady was mostly all smiles. She’s learning to find her balance when she sits, and she is so aware of her big brother glancing over at him every chance she got, like he’s the most fascinating thing in her whole world. Honestly? She’s not wrong.

Book your baby’s milestone session

Instagram

tiktok

Why Hire a Batavia IL Baby Photographer?

This is exactly why I always tell families: don’t wait. Don’t blink. Babyhood is short and your camera roll of blurry phone pics is not the same as having it truly documented. The chubby thighs don’t last. The wobbly sit doesn’t last. Even the way they look at their siblings in pure adoration — it changes faster than you expect.

Experts agree that the first year of a baby’s development is the most rapid period of growth in a child’s life which is exactly why documenting each milestone matters so much. As a Chicago Family Photographer and Batavia IL baby photographer milestone sessions from newborn through first birthday are some of my most treasured work. You can see more on my portfolio .

If you’ve been thinking about a session — this is your sign. These babies don’t keep as much as we try.