International Award-Winning Birth Photographer | Based out of Dallas / Fort Worth Texas

How did it get started?  How did I get to where I am today? Well, TODAY, was the absolute best day to share my story.  Why?  Because 5 years ago today I became a mom for the very first time.  I gave birth to my son, after 16 hours of labor, on all fours, in my husband's lap.  It was the most intense moment of my life, and I could never have prepared myself enough for the emotions of that day and days to come.  

I learned that I am a selfish person, that I lack patience, that I’m not the best person with little sleep.

But he pushes me to be a better me, even on the days I fail. He loves me with such a devotion that leaves me breathless and causes me to want to love people the same way. He forgives in seconds. He makes me stronger, better, and he made me a mom.

So how does the birth of my own child (who was 12 days "late") have to do with why I am a birth photographer?  Because I saw these images:

I saw my husbands support and emotions.  

I saw my birth team supporting and loving me.

I saw what a badass I was. (Is it weird that after I gave birth my self-esteem went up, my feeling of "I can do anything" is so much higher than before and that I use my breathing techniques in all walks of my life.)

The emotions on my own face throughout my labor and then seeing this little human for the first time- my BABY! It was such an out of body experience and yet I was so tired and in such a birth haze I don't remember much.  Which is why these images and the video (see it here) have helped so so SO much in processing my sons Birth Story.

When I received my images, I knew.  I knew that I just HAD to give this gift to other parents.  At the time I didn't know birth photography was a thing.  I only knew one girl who did it, my photographer, and I was her second birth.  Then I learned, there was this amazing but small community of strong, talented and loving birth photographers.  They opened their arms, accepted me, and taught me.  Some of the biggest pioneers in our industry took the time to pour into me.  Which is why I am always looking to pour into others, to keep Birth Photography community over competitions.  To give back the same way I received so many many times. 

My first birth was 4 years ago and what an educational and empowering first birth.  I left that birth knowing 100% that this was what I was made to do.

From there I jumped in, it hasn't always been easy or smooth sailing but I have worked and continue to work hard and with just as much passion as my very first birth.  I have had the honor of attending 33 births.  Hospitals, Birth Centers, Homes.  Cesareans, medicated, unmedicated, vaginal.  3 Repeat Families.  Singles and twins.  17 girls and 18 boys in 24 different locations.

Two Award-winning Birth Images in 2017 (all awards, features, and publications):

So today, 5 years later.  Where are we heading?

Well, big plans this year!  I'm joining more birth teams, which is always my first love!  But also partnering with a few Birth Centers in the area that I will be writing about more soon.  Partnering with The Natural Way Birthing Project and  'What to Expect".  Mentoring one-on-one, an online Birth Photographers Course, and a few guest speaking engagements.  A REAL and Raw Postpartum Story project. Continuing to offer Forever Stories. The sky is the limit! This year is all about connection.  Of empowering woman.  Of having more images with Woman Of Color serving Women Of Color. A year (and many more) with the mindset of educating both the industry that I hold dear and the communities that I serve.   

All images from Axle's Birth were taken by Lauren Marie Photography