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 Child & Baby Photographer - Deck Mornings

My sweet babes.



I live for mornings like this.  :-)

Twin Cities Mother Photographer - Blessings of Motherhood

Being a mother is the most incredible job in the world.  Yes, photography is cool and all, but where would I be without my inspiration?  My kids are my joy and inspiration in so many ways.



Sure, they tend to make life a little more complicated.  I've lost sleep - lots of sleep! - since they got here.  My clothes seem to never fit.  I can never vacuum enough, tidy, wash, or scrub enough - like magic my work seems to undo itself within minutes.  It now takes at least an hour to simply get out the door to go anywhere - and usually longer than that.  "Free-time" - what's that?  Not to mention all the training and teaching that must be done!  They rely on me completely, and its my job to be there for them.

But it's more than a job or a responsibility.  It is a joy and a blessing.  Sometimes it's easy to loose sight of this when scrubbing makeup out of the carpet, or when suffering through a sleepless night with a fussing baby - but really, besides meeting and marrying my hubby, they are the best thing that has ever happened to me.  God has shown me such love through these little ones, and I pray every day that He will help me show them love in return - in a way that they will feel right down to their little souls.

I am very blessed to have a Mother who did this for me.  I always thought she was a great mom, but it is only now that I have begun to comprehend the extent of what she has done for me and the rest of my 6 siblings.  Now I realize what a brat I probably was! lol  But she was always there for me.  Always ready to listen.  And though in no way perfect - always loving.

Mom, I love you.  Thank you for always loving me.  You've taught me the most important part of how to be a good mom.  With God's help, your grandkids will be the better for it. :-)

Twin Cities Baby Photographer - Christening Overalls

Just before I got married, my grandmother gave me a beautiful antique china doll that had been made by my Great Aunt Ista.  I grew up around this doll and can remember being a little kid and specifically going to "visit" the China dolls placed in my grandmother's guest room.  This life sized china doll (when I say life-size, I mean its about as big as a 2-3 month old baby - and is actually *chubby* looking!) is named Michael, and was meticulously dressed in a beautiful white, hand made Christening gown, complete with a lace cap, white stockings and patent leather shoes.

The day my grandmother gave me this doll, I said to myself "This will be the Christening gown for all of my future children!"

And just as I had planned, a little over a year later I had my little Debbie, and dressed her in this gown for her baptism (see the image on the left - Debbie at 3 months).

However, when I mentioned this plan to my husband, he said that though he liked the tradition for the girls, his future boys were not going to wear a dress.  "Not even if it's cammo!" he said.

Two years later...enter Byron.  The first boy, and no Christening gown for him!

I thought it would have been cute to find him a little suit or something for the baptism, but I couldn't find anything locally, and I didn't plan ahead enough to purchase online... so I found a little blue bow tie, and this cute overall w/polo shirt combo at Target.  He looked adorable in it, as you can see!

So my boys may not get the Christening gown, but I think we have a sufficiently cute replacement.  Christening overalls (w/bow tie!).  Oh yes, I'm satisfied. :-)

But I wonder if Byron secretly feels a little jipped?

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 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 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 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 Baby Photographer - A Baby's Many Looks

I recently put together a custom photography & print order for this family.

When their first child was one month old, they had a collage like this made.  So for the second child they wanted me to adhere to the same style and design - and similar poses.  This was my attempt at same-ness. I think it turned out very well!

Twin Cities Baby Photographer - Sweet'n Pink, Angel Baby

Remember this sweet little thing? Well at two months old she's finally home from the NICU, and though the size of most newborns, I'm quite happy to report that she's strong and thriving.

She did so well at her first at-home photo session! In fact she's quite the little model. I don't often have such an angelic baby to work with, but she sure did fit the part.


Do you need newborn pictures? Enter the contest!

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 Baby Photographer - Baby Jael & Slideshows

Jael is such a great name. I love rare but solid names like that. And she was such a fun one to photograph!



For the next couple months, all clients will receive a free slideshow like the one below, with every session.  It's a great way to show your photos with friends and family...you can even share it on your blog, website or Facebook!

Twin Cities Newborn Photographer - A Baby Peek

I had a newborn session this morning! Only a few weeks have past since the Maternity session, and now I get to take pictures of their precious Lilyana. Big sister loves the camera, too! So here is a little sneak peak at this very adorable photo session.









Enter the contest.

Twin Cities Sibling Photographer - My Sister's Keeper

Twin Cities Mother & Baby Photographer: Baby Thomas

Spring is back!  Oh, and I'm lovin' it.  Currently a gorgeous 72 degrees in Minneapolis, and it seems a crime to stay indoors for very long.  Here in Minnesota we have such hard, long, Siberian-like winters that I have sometimes questioned why I still live here (..."ooh, that's right...I'm in deep crazy love with my adoring husband!"), but the amazing spring and summer months really does make it all worth it (- the love does too, of course!).

I've been taking lots of pictures with my new Canon 7D , but haven't had much time for editing lately.  I'm looking forward to showing all of you some really cool new photos - and video!  So stay tuned.  In the meantime, take a look at these mama and baby photos from a session the other day.  And be sure to sign up for my current contest if you have not already (I still need about 50 more entrants before I can pick a winner!).

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 Baby Photographer * Happy Birth-Day, Baby Noah!

Today I had the amazing opportunity to photograph the birth of this little guy.  It was such a long and hard labor, but baby Noah John finally made his appearance around 5 this morning.  I got some amazing shots that I am so excited to be able to show you!  Stay tuned, I will post more by Monday.  Enjoy your Easter weekend!!!

Twin Cities Baby Photographer * My First Post!

[caption id="attachment_85" align="alignright" width="467" caption="My little niece, trying out my new baby props! "][/caption]

First of all, I just have to start by giving a big THANK YOU to Oscar and Ian, two of Dreamhost's web operators. Though I know a little about webdesign and how domains work...I obviously don't know enough, because I got myself into a heap-o-trouble this afternoon. After over a week of work, I was so scared I had lost everything you see here (not that it's much, but hey!). Then I noticed the little "chat with an operater" icon (duh, I probably should have clicked this in the first place). Long story short, this blog wouldn't be here right now without their help! Kudos to Dreamhost, they have just earned themselves another loyal customer.

But now to the business at hand - my new website! I am so excited to finally show you all what I have been working on the past couple weeks. What do you guys think? Let me know if you have any problems with it's functionality. It's a work in progress, but I think it's finally show-worthy, and I'll do my best to keep continual updates coming (be sure to subscribe!)

So now after such a very emotional web-battle this afternoon, I think I'll go enjoy the rest of my beautiful spring day. A nice walk in the park is just what I need. TTFN!