Images are much more than a simple record. Photography speaks to the best and most generous parts of our human nature – the desire to share what we find beautiful and interesting with others. Images can create a bond between complete strangers and connect us in ways we might not otherwise realize.

This last Monday, I was given the opportunity to photograph my very first birth story session. After anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Hoversland, come 11:14pm, I was able to help welcome a sweet baby boy, Kess David William, into the world. His arrival was scheduled due to his mama's rising blood pressure, but he really made her work for his delivery. Brittany came into the Miles City hospital at 6am, started the inducing process, and like a champion gave birth to her gorgeous son a long 17 hours later. I feel so incredibly fortunate to both Brittany and Jay for allowing me into such a personal and intimate occasion. To see such an amazing process before your own eyes that is so unique to each mother and yet simultaneously universal to everyone else is a complete blessing.

The primary reason I was wanting to photograph this session is because come December, I will also be a first time mommy to a new little man. My curiosity about the entire birthing process was creating a bit of anxiety due to the unknown. What I didn't completely expect was how powerful and authentic it would be to see this family in its rawest most bare form. A woman in labor does not notice nor care about the presence of a camera lens. Brittany was completely unaffected by me being in the room and seeing her vulnerability in one of the most profound human moments to be captured on camera. The deepest pain set aside by the greatest joy. Seeing the love between Jay and Brittany as they navigated through the pain and anticipation and then experiencing the joy and euphoria of meeting their baby...well, words can't quite describe. Because words can't do it justice, hopefully, these images can come close.. but, nothing comes close to baring witness to that kind of energy. I am humbled and forever grateful to have been in that room for the first time with these selfless individuals. Some of my favorite images are the ones were Brittany is smiling even while in the throes of one of the hardest things she'll ever do.

Looking at these photos I am most moved by the amount of love this family has for one another and I can't help but think how lucky this new little boy is to be apart of such a special bond. Jay and Brittany worked together to bring their baby into the world, and did such a fantastic job! Brittany was both physically and mentally strong, and watching her in labor was positively inspiring. She trusted herself, her body, and her baby, and I could not have been more proud. I wish for all mothers, including my soon to be self, that some of these images capture the heart of that strength.