Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Mirah Ruth: A Homebirth Story

Her older brother Nathaniel was my 4th birth to photograph.

Now at #11, I have had the utmost pleasure to photograph the birth of Mirah Ruth. A wondrous experience, as always. I think I'm getting a little addicted to this! Looking forward to photographing many more births in 2012.



For more information about birth photography in Minnesota, please check out MNBirthPhotographers.com!  If you are from out of state, check out birthphotographer.com to find a photographer in your area.

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Yesterday's birth...sneak peek!

This sweet little girl was born yesterday.  Welcome, Mirah Ruth! :-)

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Introducing MN Birth Photographers!

I've been hinting about this for sooo long now!  And now I'm happy to finally make it public.  MNbirthphotographers.com is up and running!


If you've been reading my blog for very long at all, you might have noticed that birth photography is a passion of mine.  I truly love it.  It holds a special place in my heart above all other forms of photography.

Ever since I first started photographing births, I began to realize that in order to be truly successful, and to live out my dream as a birth photographer, I would need to join with other photographers who shared a similar vision.  And so I founded MN Birth Photographers:  To elevate the art of birth photography by connecting expectant parents with photographers, and providing resources for the birth photography community.

It's all very exciting!  I am working with such a great team of photographers, and their encouragement and hard work is what has helped make this possible.

So check us out - and let us help capture the most important moments in your life. :-)

MNBirthPhotographers.com

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Juniper Helen : A Home Birth Story

Though I am in the midst of unpacking my house (and will probably be so occupied for a while), I hope you enjoy these images from Juniper Helen's birth!

Birth Photography continues to be a growing passion of mine, and without a doubt my favorite event to photograph. :-) I look forward to photographing more births for this fall!

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - How I Chose a Birth Photographer

In my last post I discussed Why I chose to hire a birth photographer.  I will now tell the tale of how I found, and Chose my birth photographer.

Professional birth photography is a relatively new idea.  Because of this, the search for a good birth photographer can prove a little difficult.  Among those photographers who might be interested in photographing a birth,  few are capable of being on call 24/7 - so it isn't even a plausable option for them.   And even if you are lucky enough to find a willing and capable photographer, there is still that very important question...is this the sort of person I will be comfortable having at my birth?

It is always important to feel comfortable with any photographer you hire (this is key to getting good images!), but it is particularly vital in the case of birth photography - and understandably so!

When I started looking for a birth photographer, I knew that I needed someone whom I could trust fully.  Someone I could trust to be both tasteful and discreet with the images, as well as other aspects of the event.  But probably just as important - I needed someone I could like! Someone I could like as a friend.  Because birth is hard enough without adding personality concerns to the mix.  She (and yes, it must be a she) had to be someone I felt so comfortable with that I could entirely forget at the birth.

As a birth photographer myself, I knew what I was looking for - but I still had to find it.  I started and ended my search with birthphotographers.com.  Though I did some googling and asking around as well, I found this website to be the most helpful go-to resource for my area.

Lucky for me, birthphotographers.com listed several photographers in my area.  And all of them do some really nice work!  But having never met them (something I intend to change soon!), I had only their websites to go on.  It was based on what I saw of her on her website, that I decided to interview Erika Laurice - first on the phone and later in person.  I really liked her photography style, loved that she was a mom of two kids, and surmised that she might be my sort of "comfortable".  After meeting with her in person I felt even more confident with my choice - I could just chill with her and we actually ended up talking for quite a while - no worries!  Among various topics (but more on point) we discussed the upcoming birth, what I was looking for in a photographer, as well as the images I expected (or did not want)...and that was that. I signed the contract (she signed a confidentiality agreement) and sent in the retainer.  Simple as that, she began to anticipate my call.



Erika turned out to be fabulous at the birth.  So fabulous that I barely noticed her until the baby had finally arrived!  She did great with the photography and captured some great moments that I will cherish always.  I am so happy with my choice and now truly view her as a friend (life-changing events do that to people :-)  ).  Thank you so much, Erika! You rock!!

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Why I Hired a Birth Photographer

After reading my last post you are probably wondering why I would hire a birth photographer at all.  Seeing as I'm not fond of my own pregnant pictures - why in the world  would I want images from the actual birth??!

Because of moments like this.

At the birth of my first child, I did not know any better. Someone did take a few photos - but the light was very dim/tricky (common at births!), and this person did not know how to use my camera very well. Because of this, of the few images taken I do not have a single image from the day that was not blurry. Totally my fault. I had not prepared. But moreover, I was not prepared for how much I would care about those images after the birth. Before the birth I had seen other people's birth videos and thought to myself "why in the world would you ever want to remember that?!".   Birth was scary enough to me at this point - I had no interest in preserving those moments forever, because I had no reason to think that I would or could ever appreciate them!

Thankfully somebody else decided to care - realizing that one day, I would care too.
Now I cherish the few blurry image from that birth!  And now I realize how important it is to have a birth photographer.

But why are these birth images so important to you?

1. My birth images empower me to be a better, stronger person. There are few times in my life when I've been given strong and constant support and affirmation, towards achieving a goal.  And so far, I've only experienced a couple times when I've achieved something unarguably incredible (here is a hint -giving birth!).  I may not have looked my best at the time, but that's really not the point.  It's about what I was able to achieve, with the help of God and support of others.  These images remind me "If I can do that, I can do anything"!


2. My birth images help me to never forget the "firsts". I forget things so easily (my husband can attest to this!).  It actually scares me sometimes, how easily I forget things.  I think this is part of the reason why I became so interested in photography in the first place - because it became so important to me, to remember. To always remember the people most important to me, and the times we've shared together.  So of course, after I determined I actually wanted to remember the births of my children ( ;-) ), capturing images from those moments became paramount.  I can hardly express how happy I am that 5 years from now I'll be able to look at these birth images, and be reminded what those "first moments" looked like.  I'll remember how thrilled my little Debbie looked, the first time she saw her baby brother!  How proud my husband looked the first time he saw his son (awww!!); and how my sweet baby looked, the moment I met him for the very first time.  These "firsts" are captured moments I'd be sad to forget - and so I thank God for cameras and birth photographers.

These are also some of the reasons related to why I became interested in birth photography as a profession.  But I'll leave the details on that for a future post. :-)

So why did you hire a professional birth photographer?




1. I couldn't take them, myself! Obviously.  But I also knew that unless I specifically asked assigned someone to exclusively take photos, I would have a very difficult time finding anyone else with the "free time" to take pictures.  Afterall, my husband would be paying full attention to me (and I wanted him in the photos!), and my doula and the midwives would have their hands full as well.  I didn't want a repeat of the first birth, where I only got a few blurry photos...so I knew professional was needed.


2. I wanted good pictures of my brand-new baby. Come to find out - new babies are exhausting.  So exhausting in fact, that I barely have any pictures of my first baby before she was three weeks old (just fyi, camera phones don't [yet] make for quality documentation), and by then she looked so different from when she was first born!  By hiring a birth photographer I was assured that I would have quality images of my baby as a newborn.  This was important to me, so I knew I needed a birth photographer.  This turned out to be a wise decision, as my hardy little boy has grown out of his "newborn look"  very quickly.  By hiring a professional birth photographer I was able to get some beautiful images of my brand-new baby, and I am so happy to have them!

Now I know I have yet to tell the tale of how I came to choose the fabulous Erica Laurice as my birth photographer...but I'll have to leave you in some suspense.  Babies to tend to, and all that!  But go ahead and view more images from the birth on her blog...and stay tuned for my next post.

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Byron is finally here!

It's been so long since I wrote last - and no doubt you've forgotten all about me!  But in my defense, some very big things have been happening around here lately.  And most importantly...

[caption id="attachment_1749" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Me, at the baby shower - week 40!"]

Byron is finally here!

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Derek Michael: A Birth Story

This little guy showed up somewhat unexpectedly, over Thanksgiving weekend.  It was a beautiful, joyful -  dare I say perfect birth - giving his parents much to be thankful for.  I am yet again amazed at the wonder of new life, and the blessing this brings to all of us.

I am also super excited to share the slideshow I created for this birth (below), because I've added clips of REAL FOOTAGE from the birth itself (don't worry, it's the good kind)!  Give it a watch and let me know what you think.

At the time I wasn't sure how it would all turn out, so I didn't even let the mom and dad know I was going to film anything.  But they really liked the results! I hope to create more slideshows like this for future clients, as I think these little "live moments" really help to capture the powerful emotion of the event.  I'm VERY excited at the possibilities of this approach, and look forward to pursuing it further!

Twin Cities Pregnancy & Birth Photographer - Yoga Winners!

Welcome to 2011!

And now to reveal the 3 winners of my Blooma Yoga contest.  Thanks to each of you for leaving such encouraging comments on my Why Birth Photography? page. I love hearing from my readers!

This contest entitles 3 winners to a whole month of unlimited Blooma Yoga classes.

And the winners are...

Amanda Oman

Natalie Kirby

&

AnnDee Bashyal

Thanks again for entering!  I'm so excited to share this prize with you, and I hope each of you enjoy it to the fullest.

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - A Christmas Blooma Yoga Giveaway!!

ANNOUNCING A CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

It has been a great year, and I have much in the works for the next (including a new birth website).  So, to say thanks to all my readers and clients, and in conjunction with Blooma Yoga,  I am giving my readers a chance to win a fantastic Christmas present:

AN UNLIMITED ONE-MONTH PASS TO BLOOMA YOGA!

Imagine trying out every class, and every teacher at Blooma in for a month!  The pass is valued at $99, and is valid at both the St Paul and Edina locations!  (If you win you can even give it as a Christmas Gift too.)  This will be a GREAT way for any woman (expecting, or not!) to start off 2011.

To make things even better, there will be three winners!

To enter, all you have to do is to visit my current birth photography page, and leave a comment there (not here).  You can tell me what you like or don't like about birth photography...ask a question...or just say hi! That's it

Entry will remain open until December 31st, 12PM.  The winners will be chosen at random  on January 1st (no double entries accepted).

Good luck & Merry Christmas!

P.S. See this video about Blooma for more information about this fabulous Yoga resource in the Twin Cities.  Need yoga inspiration? Check this out!

By entering this contest you agree to receive future email correspondence from Elizabeth Dahl Photography.

Twin Cities Birth Story Photographer - Little Wonder pt 2

A follow up to this Little Wonder.



The more births I photograph, the more I love what I do. This is where I belong, this is what I'm supposed to be doing... It's such a fantastic feeling.

Things have been super busy for me over the holidays, so this blog has fallen to the wayside as I simply edit, edit, edit. However, I think things are starting to slow down and I'm very excited to start sharing the various projects and sessions I've been working on. I also have a very exciting, super duper CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY coming up this weekend...so stay tuned for that! :-)

Twin Cities Event Photographer - The Twin Cities Birth & Baby Expo

This year I had the pleasure of being an exhibitor and photographer at the Twin Cities Birth and Baby Expo.  Enjoy these highlights, (as well as the babywearing video at the bottom of this post), and be sure to join us next year!

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Little Wonder

Last night I witnessed the amazing birth of this little wonder. He is just perfect, and his mama was phenomenal!

A beautiful birth and lovely family, truly.

What a joy these little ones are. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. <3

Twin Cities Maternity Photographer - Pregnant is Beautiful, Pt 2

Remember Mindy? She is such a gorgeous mama and I had such a lovely mini-session with her. I just had to share a few more favorites with you!

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - A Brand New Miracle

So what kind of photography do I enjoy the most?  Birth photography.  Without a doubt.

I find each and every birth to be the most amazing and miraculous.

Every mama deals with it a little differently... but the outcome is always incredible.

Always.

Twin Cities Yoga Photographer - Blooma Yoga

This has been such an amazing, productive month for me.  I have had the opportunity to photograph some incredible people, and I can hardly wait to show you all that I've been working on.

One of my favorite shoots was for Blooma Yoga, located in Edina Minnesota (with a second site in St Paul).  Our model Mindy (also seen here) was so talented and easy to work with - and flexible according to all meanings of the word (all this while 7 months pregnant - seriously, I doubt my ability to form certain yoga positions at normal size!).

The Yoga photoshoot was not only fun and educational - it also got me so psyched to start yoga lessons, this fall!  With Minnesota's Siberian Winter inevitably heading our way, as well as a new little addition to the Dahl household come March (yes, that's right!), the prospect of an active yet relaxing way to spend my winter months is a very exciting one for me.  I may even take little Debbie to a Yoga for Tots class - or when I really need a break, take advantage of the childcare!!

Enjoy the photos below, and allow them inspire you to new heights of physical activity. ;-)

Twin Cities NICU Photographer - Baby Shula

I was so excited when this mama chose me as her birth photographer! She seemed like a person I would get along with so well, and I was really looking forward to meeting with her.

So two months before her due date, I called her up to set a date for her maternity session. But something sounded a little "off" in her voice when she answered. I was immediately worried.

"Didn't you hear from {the midwife}?" she asked, "...The baby was born last night."

My jaw dropped. This poor mama! She went on to tell me her story, and I was so relieved to hear that mama and the baby were doing well, despite Shula's much-too-early introduction to the world. It would be a month before I would be able to take any photos of baby Shula, and even then she was such a little thing. But such a strong little fighter (and so much hair!).

Our photo session at the NICU was quite precious. Though a traumatic experience for all of them, this new little soul is such a blessing to their lives. I watched with such pleasure as mom and dad beamed with joy, over their tiny little girl. They can hardly wait to bring her home! And when they do, I'll be there to help them document an exciting triumph in their family's life.

Twin Cities Baby & Family Photographer - A Baby Peek ... Continued

You've already seen some of these photos before, but now you can view the rest of baby Lilyana's photo session through the slideshow below.



Complimentary online slideshows are included with every photo session, from now until October. Such a great way to share your photos with family and friends!

Twin Cities Birth Photographer - Birth Empowerment

My newly-made friend Elisa just wrote a very empowering post, regarding her recent birth.  It was very challenging to me, especially as I contemplate future births of my own... :-)

Read her post here: Welcome, Baby Noah!

I met Elisa for the first time at her birth. It was a last minute decision, so there was no meeting before the birth, or way for Elisa to really connect with me or "ease into" the idea, before I attended her birth.  Normally a birth session would be proceeded with *at least* a phone call!  But her midwife told her about me and arranged everything on-the-fly.  Elisa just really wanted those pictures!

Everything went great.   Thankfully we did connect - really well!   And I was so honored and blessed to be able to be there, to be a part of such a special and powerful event in her and her family's life.

Would you like to see more pictures?  View Elisa's birth slideshow here.

Twin Cities Birth Photographer * Nathaniel James: A Birth Story

This little guy was born about a month ago now. It was such a blessing to be a part of this couple's birth experience (it was the best "birth party" I've ever been to!), and to be able to photograph Nathaniel's first moments in this world. I will never forget his parents happily singing a Veggie Tales song, as they sat in the birth pool, working through the contractions. It was a difficult birth, but the outcome was truly amazing!

To learn more about birth photography and what I can do for you, look here.