If you are on my Facebook or if you're a past client, you got an early heads up about our trip back to Wichita. Facebook fans always get the early word on what's happening with Breathtaking! I still have TWO spots available on either Sunday the 15th or Monday the 16th. Times available are in the morning. If you or someone you know is interested in booking a session with Breathtaking during this time, please drop me an email or give me a call and I'll be happy to talk details! :)
Chantel 214.434.0807
chantel@takeyourbreathaway.net
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
My Best Friend's Birth | Ft. Worth Birth Photographer
More catching up! Baby J is already knocking on the door of his six month session. Sigh. It goes by so stinkin fast, doesn't it? Seems like yesterday they were telling me I was expecting twins and now my babies are almost two and a half! Love it.
This was my best friend's fourth baby, second home birth. She's an all around amazing human being and I miss her terribly now that we're here and she's in Kansas. I wish she'd just give in to all my badgering and move down here! ;) The birth was quick and B handled it with her usual grace, charm, and peacefulness. I'm so delighted to share these images since I have a personal, emotional connection with them. Enjoy!
This was my best friend's fourth baby, second home birth. She's an all around amazing human being and I miss her terribly now that we're here and she's in Kansas. I wish she'd just give in to all my badgering and move down here! ;) The birth was quick and B handled it with her usual grace, charm, and peacefulness. I'm so delighted to share these images since I have a personal, emotional connection with them. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Twins are NINE Months Old! | Ft. Worth-Dallas Baby Photography
Ok, not really. In fact, I'm heading up to Wichita to do their ONE YEAR smash/portrait session in like, oh, ten days. This is a catch up blogging moment-but the images are to die for. We split the session into two parts and with nine month old twins it was just as well. Sit still? Ha! First we did some with Big Sis Heather (who was my babysitter and I love her to bits) at the Botanical Gardens and then we did an in home studio session with Aunt Evy. I have so many faves I couldn't just pick a few...enjoy!
Keep an eye out in a few weeks.....cake smash fun times TWO adorable baby girls....I cannot WAIT! :)
Keep an eye out in a few weeks.....cake smash fun times TWO adorable baby girls....I cannot WAIT! :)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Catching Up-Favorite Family! | Ft. Worth Family Photography
This family isn't actually from Ft. Worth, that's how behind I am on blogging sessions! ACK! I have to say, running a huge retreat weekend and moving 350 miles all while single parenting takes it out of a girl. My clients have already seen their sneaks on Facebook (and all of them have their disks, even!) but in the interest of putting my work online like a good girl and updating, here's a fun session I did in May! This family is one I've worked with twice in the past. K and I traded for an hour and a half long body massage and a little bit of money for her newborn session (and it was worth every stinkin minute I was there, check her out here if you're in Wichita) and then I did a shoot specifically for portfolio building images a few weeks later. She wanted to catch me before I moved so she snapped up on a special I ran and we met at the local nature trails.
Now, weather in Wichita in May is iffy (as it can be in DFW as well!) so the day we picked was perfectly lit with overcast skies but COLD and so poor C in her tiny dress was a bit on the chilly side. We did our best to warm her up but I'm afraid I didn't get many smiles! Mama will just have to trade me a massage for her one year session coming up soon. ;) And big brother T was quite the handful/ham! K had her babies 18 months apart (as ALL the best mothers do....lol j/k) so she has her hands full. Oh, if only I had a nickle for each time I hear that when I am out in public with my brood of six.....
Now, weather in Wichita in May is iffy (as it can be in DFW as well!) so the day we picked was perfectly lit with overcast skies but COLD and so poor C in her tiny dress was a bit on the chilly side. We did our best to warm her up but I'm afraid I didn't get many smiles! Mama will just have to trade me a massage for her one year session coming up soon. ;) And big brother T was quite the handful/ham! K had her babies 18 months apart (as ALL the best mothers do....lol j/k) so she has her hands full. Oh, if only I had a nickle for each time I hear that when I am out in public with my brood of six.....
Friday, July 30, 2010
A Long Awaited Baby Girl | Grapevine, Dallas, Ft. Worth Birth Photographer
This Mama contacted me some time ago and was pretty adamant that having a birth photographer at this, her last baby's birth day, was extremely important to her. Then she was put in the hospital at 32 weeks-just a week before I was to move back to Texas! I was frantic that I would miss the occasion although I had her covered with a back up photographer. Still, no one wants to miss a client's birth! She hung in there for 4 weeks and then when her condition had stabilized she was sent back home to wait for labor. And wait and wait and wait we did. Round after round of 'false' labor contractions came and went and still Baby R stayed put. So finally it was decided that instead of having the hoped for birth at home, they were going to have to go in after her at the hospital. And oddly enough, when my client showed up for her induction she was already in labor! She worked hard for this baby, for six long weeks we waited and prayed and held our breath-first that she'd stay put and then that she'd come out. And finally she arrived and was totally worth the wait....
I love this image. Her husband was holding her hand and her midwife was rubbing her feet during some ROCKIN triple and quadruple peaking contractions.
She was so strong....
Her "village"
Oh beautiful girl
She did this for about 2 minutes and then she's been quiet ever since!
Dad's reaction had me in tears
This is big sister A-she literally followed the baby around the room. Didn't matter who had her or for what reason there was big sis, keeping tabs on that baby sister. *swoon*
And not to be left out of the action, the oldest 'baby' also had to have a turn snuggling the newest addition to a clan of FIVE babies...
I just love family images from a birth. The labor and delivery itself are the drama and action but the family is the heart of this moment. Grandma and Grandpa were delighted to welcome the newest baby!
I was so thankful that I was able to attend this birth. I feel so lucky to have witnessed something so wonderful and to have met the terrific members of this extended village. The love in that room was palpable! Thank you for honoring me with the privilege T&K! :)
Love,
Chantel
I love this image. Her husband was holding her hand and her midwife was rubbing her feet during some ROCKIN triple and quadruple peaking contractions.
She was so strong....
Her "village"
Oh beautiful girl
She did this for about 2 minutes and then she's been quiet ever since!
Dad's reaction had me in tears
This is big sister A-she literally followed the baby around the room. Didn't matter who had her or for what reason there was big sis, keeping tabs on that baby sister. *swoon*
And not to be left out of the action, the oldest 'baby' also had to have a turn snuggling the newest addition to a clan of FIVE babies...
I just love family images from a birth. The labor and delivery itself are the drama and action but the family is the heart of this moment. Grandma and Grandpa were delighted to welcome the newest baby!
I was so thankful that I was able to attend this birth. I feel so lucky to have witnessed something so wonderful and to have met the terrific members of this extended village. The love in that room was palpable! Thank you for honoring me with the privilege T&K! :)
Love,
Chantel
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Birth Photography and the Cesarean Birth | Dallas Ft Worth Birth Photography
Over the past three years, it's come to my attention many times that women have a mistaken notion about birth photography as it relates to a cesarean birth. I hear, sadly "I would love birth photography but I'm having a c-section". It's as if they don't think they deserve to have their baby's birth day documented simply because the birth is not going to be vaginal. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Birth photography is documentary in nature. It's story-telling via a visual media. I am there to document all the anticipation, all the wonder, all the joy-and all those things are present in a cesarean birth! There is a lot of debate over c-sections right now. Issues such as the overall rate in America, what is elective vs. what is medically necessary, even a pretty hot and heavy battle over choosing c-section for a first birth without indication. There are women who prefer and choose cesareans and there are others who feel forced into them. Regardless of how the baby comes out, however, the day is just as special, just as magical, just as IMPORTANT to both mother and child. As a birth photographer, it is my job to capture the story as it unfolds and I am able to do that in both surgical births and vaginal births. In fact, I will even go so far as to say that birth photography becomes even more vital in the case of a cesarean birth and my presence can play an even more important role, regardless of why a client is choosing to have her baby by c-section.
While surgery is performed, Mom is going to miss a lot. That's just part of the process. She's hooked up to machines and wires and is unable to follow her baby as he or she is observed, bathed, wrapped, and cared for by medical staff. In the optimal setting Mom is alert and aware and baby is brought to her quickly. Even in this perfect scenario, you'll miss a lot that I am able to capture on camera and show to you later. And let's face it-life doesn't always go the way we plan. Drugs make memories hazy, babies need help and have to leave the room for care, surgery may take longer than anticipated--and you'll ALWAYS miss the reaction of your family and friends in the waiting room! These are moments that I am able to be present for by proxy. In most cases I can follow baby and keep shooting and you can rest assured that while it's impossible to see it for yourself at the time, you won't miss it forever.
And while many cesarean births are wanted and planned out, some are not. In the case of a planned vaginal birth turned c-section, the images given to the client later are often a way to help heal the hurts and disappointment. Mom may have forgotten about all the joy and anticipation and these images can bring those feelings back to her. She may be able to make peace with her experience in part because the slide show helps her replay the emotional journey she went on that day.
In today's technologically advanced age, MOST hospitals are allowing births to be photographed regardless of their location or mode of delivery. And if photography isn't allowed during c-sections at your hospital, you as the consumer can go a long way toward making sure your desires for professional photography of your birth are met. I am always happy to talk to your care provider or hospital staff about what I do and show samples of my images. I am also more than eager to rest any fears they may have about compliance with hospital protocols. I strictly follow the rules set in place for every one's safety!
During a planned cesarean birth I will arrive at the hospital when you do. I'll document all the pre-surgical prep. Gowning up, taking meds, getting monitored, being wheeled back. Then I will stand quietly near you while the surgery is being performed, shooting the events as they unfold. After baby is here, I'll continue capturing all the first moments, and accompany Dad out to tell family about the new arrival! Then it's back to recovery as you begin the process of bonding with and meeting your beautiful baby! When siblings and relatives arrive to meet the new baby, I will be there to record the tears, smiles, and precious ooh's and aah's as the new addition becomes part of the family. I wrap up a few hours postpartum and then you get a beautifully laid out slide show of your images set to music plus digital files that are yours to print if desired. I also offer bound books of birth images that tell the story of the day your baby was born. These are especially nice if you also book your maternity and newborn portraits with me!
So, to wrap up, birth photography isn't just for home births or vaginal births, or "other people's" births. The birth of your sweet baby will only happen once, and a cesarean birth is just as wonderful captured by a professional birth photographer as a vaginal birth. No, we won't be documenting labor but the story remains the same-joyful anticipation of a miracle about to enter your life!
If you live in the DFW Metroplex and you'd like more information about hiring me to attend your birth, please contact me at chantel@takeyourbreathaway.net or call 214.434.0807 and I will be happy to discuss details and check my calendar for availability. I can also sometimes assist with referrals around the country, if you are outside of the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Cesarean birth is absolutely worth documenting so don't let it stop you from contacting me!
Birth photography is documentary in nature. It's story-telling via a visual media. I am there to document all the anticipation, all the wonder, all the joy-and all those things are present in a cesarean birth! There is a lot of debate over c-sections right now. Issues such as the overall rate in America, what is elective vs. what is medically necessary, even a pretty hot and heavy battle over choosing c-section for a first birth without indication. There are women who prefer and choose cesareans and there are others who feel forced into them. Regardless of how the baby comes out, however, the day is just as special, just as magical, just as IMPORTANT to both mother and child. As a birth photographer, it is my job to capture the story as it unfolds and I am able to do that in both surgical births and vaginal births. In fact, I will even go so far as to say that birth photography becomes even more vital in the case of a cesarean birth and my presence can play an even more important role, regardless of why a client is choosing to have her baby by c-section.
While surgery is performed, Mom is going to miss a lot. That's just part of the process. She's hooked up to machines and wires and is unable to follow her baby as he or she is observed, bathed, wrapped, and cared for by medical staff. In the optimal setting Mom is alert and aware and baby is brought to her quickly. Even in this perfect scenario, you'll miss a lot that I am able to capture on camera and show to you later. And let's face it-life doesn't always go the way we plan. Drugs make memories hazy, babies need help and have to leave the room for care, surgery may take longer than anticipated--and you'll ALWAYS miss the reaction of your family and friends in the waiting room! These are moments that I am able to be present for by proxy. In most cases I can follow baby and keep shooting and you can rest assured that while it's impossible to see it for yourself at the time, you won't miss it forever.
And while many cesarean births are wanted and planned out, some are not. In the case of a planned vaginal birth turned c-section, the images given to the client later are often a way to help heal the hurts and disappointment. Mom may have forgotten about all the joy and anticipation and these images can bring those feelings back to her. She may be able to make peace with her experience in part because the slide show helps her replay the emotional journey she went on that day.
In today's technologically advanced age, MOST hospitals are allowing births to be photographed regardless of their location or mode of delivery. And if photography isn't allowed during c-sections at your hospital, you as the consumer can go a long way toward making sure your desires for professional photography of your birth are met. I am always happy to talk to your care provider or hospital staff about what I do and show samples of my images. I am also more than eager to rest any fears they may have about compliance with hospital protocols. I strictly follow the rules set in place for every one's safety!
During a planned cesarean birth I will arrive at the hospital when you do. I'll document all the pre-surgical prep. Gowning up, taking meds, getting monitored, being wheeled back. Then I will stand quietly near you while the surgery is being performed, shooting the events as they unfold. After baby is here, I'll continue capturing all the first moments, and accompany Dad out to tell family about the new arrival! Then it's back to recovery as you begin the process of bonding with and meeting your beautiful baby! When siblings and relatives arrive to meet the new baby, I will be there to record the tears, smiles, and precious ooh's and aah's as the new addition becomes part of the family. I wrap up a few hours postpartum and then you get a beautifully laid out slide show of your images set to music plus digital files that are yours to print if desired. I also offer bound books of birth images that tell the story of the day your baby was born. These are especially nice if you also book your maternity and newborn portraits with me!
So, to wrap up, birth photography isn't just for home births or vaginal births, or "other people's" births. The birth of your sweet baby will only happen once, and a cesarean birth is just as wonderful captured by a professional birth photographer as a vaginal birth. No, we won't be documenting labor but the story remains the same-joyful anticipation of a miracle about to enter your life!
If you live in the DFW Metroplex and you'd like more information about hiring me to attend your birth, please contact me at chantel@takeyourbreathaway.net or call 214.434.0807 and I will be happy to discuss details and check my calendar for availability. I can also sometimes assist with referrals around the country, if you are outside of the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Cesarean birth is absolutely worth documenting so don't let it stop you from contacting me!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Catching Up! | Dallas Maternity, Birth, Baby, Newborn, and Family Photographer
I have a few sessions and one birth that need to go on the blog! I've been super busy getting ready for The Birth Retreat coming up in just a few weeks and PACKING for our big move back to DALLAS!
But before I do that, I need to announce the June special! And I think it's a good one. ;) I want to get you excited about booking Breathtaking for your portraiture needs in the Dallas area! I'm offering $50 off ANY portrait session! This is good on full OR half sessions, so if you'd like to try me out (and maybe even get hooked on my portraiture....) this is a great time to do it! Full sessions are a whopping 20 fully digital images that YOU get to print at your leisure for only $250. Half sessions are the same deal only you get 10 images for $150. Contact me quickly because I expect these will book up fast. 214.434.0807 or chantel@takeyourbreathaway.net Sessions will be available shortly after Fourth of July.
And stay tuned because I'm plotting a fun MINI session special in late July!
New images coming tomorrow....but first, a tiny teaser....
Lots of love!
Chantel
But before I do that, I need to announce the June special! And I think it's a good one. ;) I want to get you excited about booking Breathtaking for your portraiture needs in the Dallas area! I'm offering $50 off ANY portrait session! This is good on full OR half sessions, so if you'd like to try me out (and maybe even get hooked on my portraiture....) this is a great time to do it! Full sessions are a whopping 20 fully digital images that YOU get to print at your leisure for only $250. Half sessions are the same deal only you get 10 images for $150. Contact me quickly because I expect these will book up fast. 214.434.0807 or chantel@takeyourbreathaway.net Sessions will be available shortly after Fourth of July.
And stay tuned because I'm plotting a fun MINI session special in late July!
New images coming tomorrow....but first, a tiny teaser....
Lots of love!
Chantel
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