The Advent of Pink Moon Birth Photography
It’s not everyday that a conversation with a dear friend marks a clear beginning, the first piece in a larger puzzle, but such was the case one March evening in 2017. She was expecting her first baby. I was toying with an idea that would eventually become Pink Moon Birth Photography.
Me: “So, um, this is a really, really strange and weird question; and one that you don’t have to answer right now and one that you can say ‘no’ to and I be won’t upset.” Nothing like a major qualifier to really pique a person’s interest, right?
Her: My dear friend on the other end of the line, said, “Okay. Ask the question, Rach.”
Me: I took a deep breath and said, “I was wondering if you’d maybe consider letting me photograph your baby’s birth.” I quickly added, “but you don’t have too and you don’t have to answer me now. And I won’t be mad or upset if you say no.” To my utter relief, she didn’t laugh at me, she didn’t immediately turn me down, and she said that she’d talk to her husband about it. Several days later, she texted me and informed me that YES {!!!} she’d love to have me present to photograph her baby’s birth.
Whew. And yay!
She was due April 5th and I was as nervous as heck. Fearful that our busy schedules wouldn’t align, worried that my presence in the birth space might be awkward or detract from her birth experience, and concerned too that my images would be, well, terrible. I read, I researched, I purchased an off camera flash and waited for her text or call. Nothing. I brought my camera bag with me to work for nearly two weeks, prepared for the communication that would set everything in motion. Still nothing. On the morning of April 12th, 2017 she called to tell me that it was on. Labor was going to happen one way or another. And it did. She delivered James Jon—he in his wrinkly perfection—on April 12th, 2017.
Coincidentally on April 11-12, 2017, we in the Northern Hemisphere experienced a stunning spring Pink Moon. In 2016, when I first dared to even consider a birth photography venture I was pretty sure I’d call the whole kit and caboodle “Pink Moon Birth Photography.” I loved the Nick Drake song. I loved the cyclical symbolism and mythology of the Pink Moon. For James’s birth to essentially coincide with a stunning Pink Moon seemed a sign of sorts. A signal to move forward with a relatively unconventional idea. A signal to renew old connections. A signal to refocus and re-evaluate my artistic and business pursuits.
In 2017, I’ve had the honor of photographing several births (you can find them on the blog!) After each birth story session, I come away utterly humbled and moved by the power, by the beauty, by the miracle that is birth. And as I consider this last year, I remember that a little over a year ago this (everything that is Pink Moon—the new friends and connections, the beautiful images, the shiny new website) was a fragile, tiny germ of an idea. And I realize that on April 12, 2017 both James Jon and Pink Moon Birth Photography were born. I’m grateful and humbled by Pink Moon’s success and extend heartfelt thanks to the families, friends, and birth professionals who have supported and encouraged me along the way. You know who you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
For a video collage that highlights the year in review, follow this link: Pink Moon Birth Photography :: 2017
Wishing you all grace and peace this next year,