There are few moments in life that literally take your breath away.

Today was one of those moments.

A moment where I think, “Wow! I have the BEST job on earth.” Being a Denver photographer gives me such amazing opportunities!

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I knew the day was coming so for the past few days I haven’t slept well but instead tossed and turned wondering what it would be like. You see, I have photographed many births of adorable little babies but I had never photographed a c-section. Today was the day.

I awoke very early and left for the hospital before 5:00 am. As I was driving along the small country roads to the hospital I had a huge cocktail of nerves mixed with excitement and anticipation.

Nerves that I only have a half a second to catch the very moment when little Finn would be born. Nerves that I was going to be in the OR as a photographer for the very first time. And, I can admit it, nerves that I had taken on more than I could handle.

This was paired with sheer excitement that I was going to actually be photographing a c-section in the operating room – I had waited years to do this. Excitement that this family had enough trust in me to photograph such an amazing moment in their lives.

And, of course, anticipation for the arrival of the newest life on earth. I just can’t get enough of tiny little babies. They’re just so dang squishy and cuddly. I love babies.

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As I arrived at the hospital I grabbed my bag of gear and headed through the front doors. Because it was before normal hours I had to find a nurse to check me in and allow me up to the maternity floor. I rode the elevator alone and then walked through the quiet hallways until I found the front desk of the maternity ward. I was shown to Miriam’s room and after knocking softly I entered.

There she was, looking way to great to be nine months pregnant and just an hour away from having surgery. She smiled, laughed, chatted and was far more brave that I would have been in her situation. Her husband, Ryan, carried casual conversation, make plenty of jokes and did a great job of keeping Miriam’s mind off of the upcoming c-section.

When the anestisiologist entered the room everything became more real. A quietness entered and it was obvious that little Finn would be joining the party very soon. The nurse gave Ryan a very large outfit to wear into the operating room. She then snickered and handed me the very same extra extra large outfit. Let’s just say Ryan and I looked a little silly in our baby blue moon suits. We celebrated the moment by photographing it so we could always remember how good-looking we were on that day.

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Miriam was ready to go. The nurses came and wheeled her to the operating room, leaving Ryan and I behind until they were all set up. Those minutes felt like hours. Then the nurse came back to take us back. It was time. Miriam’s amazing OBGYN, Dr. Fleming, was already getting started.

It all happened so quickly. Ryan sat by Miriam’s side holding her hand…and also so he wouldn’t pass out by looking at what was going on on the other side of the partition. I, however, stood at the end of the operating bed and with my front row view captured some of the most amazing birth photographs I could ever have imagined. Finn came out flailing and screaming. He was perfect from head to toe. One of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen.

It was amazing.

The nurses wrapped Finn up like a little burrito on the warming bed. The moment when Miriam saw her little guy for the first time was a moment that I will never forget. Such joy and love.

I was so blessed to be able to document such an important event. So blessed to be a Denver birth photographer which gives me these unique experiences.

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Thank you to Miriam, Ryan and especially little Finn for letting me take a peek into the amazing adventure of your birth!

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Click HERE to see Finn’s newborn photos taken when he was five days old.

 Denver Birth Photographer. Denver Wedding Photographer. Denver Photographer.