Twin Cities Maternity Fitness Photographer - Pregnant and Working it!

(Note: These images were taken only two weeks before my sister in law gave birth to our sweet Cecilie. )

My sister in law is a triathlete.  She was also pregnant with baby #6 when the following images were taken. You'd think pregnancy might deter one from working out as much, but not her.  She was not about to let physical fitness slide, simply because of pregnancy!

She trains with Pellicano Endurance Coaching (located in Saint Louis Park, MN), and I've gotta say - this was by far the most ingenuitive and customized workout I've ever seen or heard of.  After watching her push herself for 2 hours straight (while), I came to this conclusion:

Pregnancy is not a disability, or a condition that gives us the right to be lazy/complaintive.  We are all as strong or fit as we want to be.

You can truly do ANYTHING, if you set your mind to do it!

So here is your challenge for the day...if a woman at 39 weeks pregnant can do the following, anyone can.  :-)

Twin Cities Maternity Photographer - Pregnancy Fitness

Remember my amazing sister in law?

As well as being a mom of almost-six, she is also a highly motivated athlete.  So at 39 weeks pregnant, instead of cute or romantic maternity photos, she wanted...fitness photos.

Shall we say, empowered???!!

 

 

 

 

Psst...Okay, so we staged this to get a reaction.  ;-)   She usually lifts two 10lb weights while pregnant.  But that's still pretty incredible.

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

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

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 - 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 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 Maternity Photographer - Beautiful Bellies (and smiles!)

When I first spoke with Kelly it was impressed upon me that she really wanted some good "belly art" from her session.  So I knew from the beginning that this was going to be fun!!  I enjoyed the result of session so much that I found myself having quite the difficulty editing it.  So many good shots - but which were the *best*??!  In the end these were the images that made the cut.  Enjoy!

Twin Cities Maternity and Family Photographer - Happy Expectations

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 Maternity Photographer - Pregnant is Beautiful

This week I had the opportunity to shoot a really fun yoga session at Blooma Yoga (more on this, to come!).

After capturing some amazing yoga positions (really, they were impressive, especially at 7 months pregnant!!), our beautiful model Mindy asked if I could do a little "mini" Maternity session with her.  Well, of course! She was such a joy to photograph, and we came up with some beautiful, lovely photos that I can hardly wait to show her.

Below you will find my personal favorite from the day. She looks so peaceful and happy.  I just love it.  Thank you for letting me share this, Mindy!

Enter the contest.

Twin Cities Maternity Photographer - With Love, from the Peace Garden

This photo session almost didn't happen. It started sprinkling rain as soon as we arrived at the Minneapolis Peace Garden, but with the mama due at almost any time, we pushed through and made it work (thank you!) - with some really great results.

We had planned to take pictures in the Rose Garden, which was nice enough, but most of the roses were not in bloom yet. So I walked to the back of the garden...and discovered the Peace Garden right across the street. I was amazed at how absolutely gorgeous it was (I'm such a sucker for good landscaping), yet I had never even heard of it before! It has definitely won a place in my heart as one of my favorite nature-spots in all the Twin Cities. You will see more photo sessions from here, in the future!

Enter the contest

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.

Twin Cities Birth Photographer * Noah John: A Birth Story

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

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!