Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Holden Matthew

This is Holden’s Birth Story

The moment I met Courtney and Matt, I knew that I wanted to be on their birth team! We met near Salem for coffee to see if we might be a good match for birth photography, and we literally laughed through the entire meeting! They were so sweet together and I loved hearing all about their journey to have little Holden. (Well, at that point; baby’s gender was a surprise- which was mega cool! Courtney told me that she had been diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden, and her pregnancy required injections throughout her pregnancy as well as being closely monitored by her doctor. (This incredible Mama injected herself with over 500 needles in the duration of her pregnancy!)

(Courtney & Matt’s sunset maternity session at a pumpkin patch in Salem, Oregon)

When I arrived at the hospital in Corvallis, Courtney had already been laboring for quite some time- but she was so in tune with her body and smiling through unmedicated waves. She was progressing, but slowly. After more time had passed, pit had been administered, and her water had been broken for some time~ a red flag came up with babe. Courtney and her doctor decided it would be in her and baby’s best interest to go ahead and deliver via c-section.

Holden was born via a gentle c-section, and was placed on Mama’s chest after being quickly dried off (to keep him warm!) It was such a beautiful experience and I am beyond honored to have captured it- and that Mom and Dad have given permission to share their story <3

Watch the Birth slideshow below to see images and video clips from Holden’s birth-day! Mom and Dad had both sets of parents (AKA the new Grandparents!!) to help welcome into the World.. Holden Matthew, you are so loved little guy!

Welcome to the World, precious boy!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Piper Grace

I have a huge love for in-home Fresh 48 sessions! This one was especially meaningful since this gorgeous babe was born AT HOME just outside of Salem <3 She was the fourth girl added to their sweet family, and as you’ll see in their video, these little dolls were SOO excited to have another little sister!

Salem, Oregon Fresh 48 Photographer | In home lifestyle Fresh 48 session |

Having video clips added to these Fresh 48 slideshow’s is something I adore giving to my clients!! I imagine they will be even more meaningful to each family as the years go by. When you watch this video, I hope that it takes you back to that precious time with your own children! I think we can all agree that the newborn stage goes by much too quickly :) (ALTHOUGH- I DO love getting a little more sleep these days having older kiddos ;)) A huge thank you to this family for letting me share a little glimpse into their lives <3

Here is the Fresh 48 story of Piper Grace:

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Finley Eugene

This is Finley’s Birth Story

I feel like when I talk about birth photography, or when I share birth stories here I talk a bit about Mama’s labor and delivery itself but sometimes I forget to talk enough about the emotional part of what I get to do..

While I photographing this beautiful birth, I kept putting my camera down between shots and thinking to myself how absolutely flawless the connection was between these two parents-to-be. The bond they share that carried them throughout the arrival of their son was INCREDIBLE.

When I first meet my birth clients one of the things I make sure to tell them is that their birth space is top priority to me~ and if they are ever aware of needing a break from photos that I would leave for a little bit. This Mama said that her husband knows her cues and is in tune with her enough to know if she is feeling an inkling of that. Ohhhh my goshhh, she wasn’t lying- they were a remarkable team.

Kelsey and Donovan picked the Corvallis Birth & Women’s Health Center for the delivery of their son. I have worked with two birth photography clients at that location already- it is SUCH a warm, beautiful birthing space. The staff at the birth center are just wonderful, they adore their job and care deeply for the families they work with.

By the time Mama arrived at the birth center, she had already been laboring at home for quite some time and when I walked in, she was spending time in the birthing tub. One thing that stood out to me is how calm and peaceful she was between waves. You’ll see in their birth video that she was often smiling and even laughing allll the way up until she brought her sweet boy into the World. I so admire how inwardly focused she was during each contraction, making sure to work WITH her body and fighting the urge to work against the feelings.

I am thrilled to share their Birth Story below. It is my hope that every time Mom and Dad watch it, that they recognize the beautiful connection between them and how incredible of a team they are. There was so much love and trust in their birth space… What an amazing atmosphere to surround your new little one with <3

Congratulations, W family! Thank you so much for allowing me to capture this time for you.

Welcome to the World, precious Finley.

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography : Ezra

This is Ezra’s Birth Story

After 40 hours of labor, along side her supportive husband, this strong Mama welcomed her beautiful boy earthside- and it was beautiful.

Baby Ezra was born over a month ago, and I’m STILL thinking about his journey here. Mama had a bit of a roller coaster throughout her labor, as it seemed to start and then slow for a bit, then hit again quite strongly. When that happens, it can be incredibly emotional to get through. Because of the duration of her labor (40 hours is a normal amount of time for labor/delivery <3) it is expected to be tested mentally, emotionally, and last but definitely not least, physically. Physically not only from the inconsistent waves, but from the sleep deprivation as well.

There were moments when Mama wasn’t sure she could go on, and you will see that in the video. This is one of the reasons why it is SO IMPORTANT to have support. When Corrin grew weary, she had her incredibly loving husband there to talk her through and it and to remind her gently that she “COULD DO IT, and that she WAS DOING IT!!!” He reminded her of her goals, and of the faith he had in her. It was so beautiful! Corrin had her AMAZING doula by her side throughout her journey also! Latisa was an ANGEL, being there for both Corrin and her husband Nate. (I also loved getting to know Latisa throughout the duration of labor and I am so happy to have spent that time with her!!) You’ll see her throughout the video sharing her wealth of labor/birth knowledge as well as providing physical and emotional support.

I feel truly lucky to have worked with this Mom and her incredible birth team. Ezra, you are so loved already, sweet boy! Without further delay- here is the Birth Story of Ezra Mitchell:

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Harrison Lee

This is Harrison’s Birth Story

This sweet boy was born after his incredible Mama labored with him for 40+ hours (YES, she is amazing!)

I got a text on Thursday 3/14 from Lauren letting me know her water had broken in the wee hours of that morning and she was having contractions- but to wait until she met with her midwife later that afternoon to confirm that things were moving along the way they should be. We kept in touch throughout the day while she labored at home and rested as much as possible to prepare for the arrival of her little babe.

Then I received THE phone call at around 2:00am on Friday and headed to the Birth Center. Speaking of that- I have to tell you a little about the incredible place where Lauren was to bring her baby earthside- The Corvallis Birth & Women’s Health Center I can’t even get over how fabulous it was. When I walked in, it was like walking into a friend’s home- warm, inviting, and COMFORTABLE! The rooms where Mother’s get to labor and meet their baby felt just like a bedroom in a home. Also, I LOVED the midwives :) It has been a month since I photographed Lauren’s birth and since then I have photographed another Mama there (stay tuned for her birth story next!) As I have now met several of the midwives, I have to give them a massive THANK YOU for being so kind and for welcoming me into your space! If you live in the Salem, Corvallis, Albany etc. areas and are expecting, I highly recommend reaching out to them and going in for a tour!

When I arrived to the birth center, Lauren was cuddled up peacefully on the bed with her hubby and breathing through a wave. She was so calm and relaxed! We chatted for a little bit so I was updated on what was going on, and I got a few photos then left the room so she could get some rest. Things were progressing, (but slowly.)

Since Lauren’s water had broken the previous morning and contractions were still irregular/not enough of a change; she ended up transferring over to Good Samaritan (Corvallis hospital) to receive a little extra support to help things along. I’m SO grateful that she was able to have an amazing start to her birth story at the birth center, and when her midwives came along to the hospital it was such a smooth transition! Things went beautifully after that- I’ll let the video tell the rest of the story! :)

You’ll see throughout the video an incredible amount of support- Lauren had her amazing husband Josh and her sweet Momma there. With a labor on the longer side, (did I mention how amazing Lauren is!? :)) it was SO GREAT that she had two support people that took turns being her “person.” I hope when Lauren gets to see the video that she sees not only how STRONG, and incredible she was- but to see all the love that surrounded her in that space.

I’m so honored to share the beautiful Birth Story of Harrison Lee: Welcome, little one!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Genevieve Louise

This is the birth story of Genevieve

Today I’m sharing a different kind of birth story. This was a journey that began with a family of three wishing for a second baby, and a loving friend who was eager to help. The surrogate Mama, Brooke already has two amazing kiddos of her own and is one of the sweetest, STRONGEST people you’ll meet. (I am lucky to know her from years ago when I worked with her! Shout out to Brooke as she was the best boss ;)) I’m so grateful that she reached out to me to capture part of their journey together. Before the birth, we took some maternity photos of both families together. It was SO FUN getting to see them all together- I’m so happy Brooke decided to capture her pregnancy also!

Salem, Oregon Maternity & Birth Photographer | Surrogacy Family session in Salem, Oregon | What to wear for Family photos | Surrogacy photo session pose guide | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I really can’t put into words how incredible it was to witness and capture the birth of this very LOVED, sweet girl. Watching one woman give the gift of carrying and delivering another woman’s baby was just, so powerful. It was one of those moments in life where you are reminded of how capable we are of changing someone else’s life for the better. So many things in life we take for granted- like the ability to sustain a healthy pregnancy and go through labor and delivery. Brooke gave this incredible family the most beautiful, selfless gift. Not only that- but the huge amount of trust and admiration you must have for the person you choose to carry your CHILD. I am in awe of both of these women. Surrogacy is SO amazing- and I was so happy to get to capture part of this journey for them; including their birth story!

Here is the birth story of Miss.Genevieve Louise. Enjoy!

I also wanted to say a huge thank you to these two amazing families for allowing me to share their surrogacy birth story. It is so important to share all types of birth, and all the different ways to become a family. THANK YOU!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Adelaide Opal

This is Adelaide’s birth story

When I get home from photographing a birth, the first thing I do is grab a piece of paper and write down a few things that stood out to me. I do this for a couple reasons-

1.) Birth is such a BLUR. There are so many little details that are easy to miss, and some that are forgotten. I LOVE being able to write something about the birth on my blog, so I always come back to the piece of paper where I wrote what was fresh on my mind.

2.) It is also important to me that I get every single piece of Mom’s birth story that I have available into her photo gallery and birth video; so that it can be the most accurate representation of that day for Mama to cherish for years to come. Every mother will end up talking about her birth story at some point, and there’s always a part or two where she’ll get the biggest smile on her face remembering something little (or big) from that day. My goal with every birth is to try and capture those moments for her so that it won’t just be a story she’s telling- it will be something she can WATCH and re-live over and over again <3

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One of the things that will always stick with me from this beautiful, gentle home birth is her support system.

Mama had her AMAZING husband who stayed by her side and was so tender and supportive of her. (Note the part where he pulls her hair up into a bun for her mid-contraction!! And the adorable note he left for her- stop it! :)) Their sweet, ADORABLE daughter was also there for the birth! She was so excited to be a big sister and oh my gosh she was like a little doula herself! She would peacefully sit in the same room as her Mama, coloring. Or she would disappear into her room for a little bit, then come out periodically to check on how her Mom was doing. I think Mom will love the part of the video where you get to see her daughter reach out and grab her hand during labor, and in the next frame she reaches up and gently touches her Mama’s hair.

I’m so excited to share this beautiful, BEAUTIFUL birth. Welcome to the world, precious Adelaide!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Evelyn

This is Evelyn's birth story

When I first met Mama, she told me she was interested in having her daughter's birth photographed because she felt like there were so many parts of her son's birth that she wanted to be able to remember better- but it was just such a blur.  A happy, emotional, blur.  I really feel like that is the reason why birth photography is so important to me.. It's TRUE.  The labor and birth of your child is one of the most precious moment's of your life (if not THEE most precious..) It's a time that you wish so badly you could freeze in that moment and return to it years down the road.  When Mama sees this video, I hope it'll pull her right back in, to that day.  To the anticipation of riding in the car for her induction with a doctor that she absolutely LOVED and had such a connection with.  And remembering that she wanted some peanut M&M's while she was laboring (and she got them right after baby arrived!!!)  I want her to remember her husband by her side telling her sweetly he wished there was something he could do to help her- and the way that he looked at her while she was laboring, and how he admired her holding their baby girl.  It is my biggest wish that she will remember how excited her son was when he burst in the room running to see "myyy babyyyyyyy!"  (I'm pretty excited for baby girl to get to see this video someday, too!!!  Her big brother fell in love with her in just seconds!)  I want Mama to see this video and see how beautiful she is, and how beautiful her family is.  She and her husband have created this precious family together, and that is something worth celebrating.     

Etzel family, thank you so much for giving me the honor of working with you. 

Welcome to the World, sweet Evelyn!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Oliver

This is Oliver's birth story

I met with Mama twice before her birth, and we chatted about her hopes and wishes for her delivery. She told me she wanted to try birthing naturally. And she did it. She embraced the waves of contractions, and found this beautiful strength within her. When her sweet boy arrived, he cried for a moment, and instantly calmed on her chest. He was peaceful, alert, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.

“THERE IS A SECRET IN OUR CULTURE AND IT IS NOT THAT BIRTH IS PAINFUL BUT THAT WOMEN ARE STRONG”. -Laura Stavoe

There is so much I want to say about this birth.  I want to tell you about how calm, and peaceful this beautiful, laboring Mama was.  I want to tell you about how I witnessed a woman working with her body to bring her baby into the World.  She chose not to use any type of pain relief.  (No epidural, or anything else)  Her husband was by her side the whole time, and at one point, he said something to the effect of "she's got this."  Tianna's birthing space was full of support, full of LOVE, and I think she could feel that we ALL believed in her, and knew how powerful she was in this moment.  You'll notice in the video that her smile radiates between her contractions, and into transition.  I want to tell you about how she made the decision to cut her own umbilical cord, like the incredible, fierce Mama that she is.  I want you to see how she embraced the waves of contractions, and trusted the power of her body.  Most of all, I want to tell you what an honor it was to be in the room with her, and to witness such strength.  Her strength is an inspiration to me, and to all the women that come after her.  This is the birth of Oliver Warren Scott Carroll.

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 | Finnley's Story

"Family is not defined by our genes, it is built and maintained through love."

 -Amalia G., Independent Adoption Center

Yesterday was an incredibly emotional day for me.  I had the incredible honor of photographing a very special Fresh 48.  I'll give you a little bit of a back story!

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Fresh 48- An Open Adoption Story | Finnley Thomas

I am a part of a Mom's group on Facebook, and a few months ago, a woman made a post in the group about how after three YEARS of waiting, she and her husband had been matched with a an AMAZING birth Mom for an Open Adoption.  *They were FINALLY getting their little one!*  (But what they ended up getting was SO much more than that!)  Anyway, it just struck a chord in my heart.  I choked up a little bit just reading her post about how excited she was.  I thought about contacting her to see if she may be interested in a Fresh 48 session, but I didn't want to sound like a weirdo!  Haha!! It was one of those moments in life where you think to yourself, "should I reach out..? No..? Too forward?" Hahah!  I have a lot of moments like that ;)  I put the idea to the back of my mind and went on with my life.  Sometime after that, the woman made another post or commented on something, and I recognized her name.  All my thoughts came flooding back, and I just felt so compelled to contact her.  At the risk of sounding like a crazy person, I reached out and told her how moved I was by their journey and how I would be soo honored if I could capture some memories for them at the hospital.  To my surprise, she wrote back and said that she would talk to the Birth Mom and see what she thought about all of it!  I got another message later saying they were TOTALLY on board, and wanted to hire me.  AHHHHHH!!! <3  We spoke the next day on the phone, and she said something that I'll never forget!  She told me that just the day before, her and her husband were talking about how it would be really amazing if they had someone photograph some of these moments for them.  UMMMM GOOSEBUMPS!!  (THAT totally sealed the deal for me.  This was MEANT to be.)  

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Fresh 48- An Open Adoption Story | John, Britt & Kayla with sweet little Finnley

As I got to know Kayla, she shared with me how incredibly close she was to the Birth Mom, Britt +  her two sweet kiddos and how they LITERALLY had become a family throughout all this.  (Seriously, cue all the tears.)  She sent me some photos of them cooking breakfast together on Mother's Day, and just hanging out at the house together!  She also shared some BEAUTIFUL maternity photos they had done.  I was so moved.  To be honest with you, I didn't know very much about open adoptions.  But I will tell you one of the reasons I wanted to be there to photograph them that day.  I wanted them to be able to see themselves in that moment.  For Britt to see herself holding little Finnley (SUCH A CUTE NAME!)  I wanted Kayla & John to be able to see themselves becoming PARENTS, cuddling with their little man, and most importantly, I wanted Finnley to be able to see these photos someday.  It is my prayer that he will be able to look at these photos when he is older, and see three ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE adults, that LOVE him more than anything in the World.  Three beautiful people, that worked together, to create this precious life for him.  You guys.. He is SOOOOOOO loved already.

Here are some of my favorites from my time with them.   

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Fresh 48- An Open Adoption Story |  Finnley with his precious big brother + sister

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Fresh 48- An Open Adoption Story | Mommy taking a moment with her sweet boy <3

When Kayla and I were first talking, she told me how long they had prayed that a birth mother would pick them that also wanted an Open Adoption.  And it was Britt's desire to find the perfect family very early on in her pregnancy so that they could experience the pregnancy with her.  So Kayla and John were able to go to appointments, to hear his sweet little heartbeat, and share in the joys of pregnancy with her!  She told me they talked every day, and saw each other AT LEAST once a week.  Britt gave them the gift of parenthood in the most beautiful way, and they have truly become a family.  (They call themselves "The Tribe!")  As you can imagine, I cried as I read through her e-mails.  Finnley will grow up knowing Britt, and his big brother and sister, and get to experience ALL of their love.  I am so in awe of this family!

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Fresh 48- An Open Adoption Story | The beautiful Mama's <3

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Fresh 48- An Open Adoption Story | Mama Britt & Finnley <3

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Fresh 48- An Open Adoption Story | Their Tribe <3

Aren't they amazing?  Sweet little Finnley is so blessed.  I wanted to give Kayla, John, and Britt the biggest THANK YOU for letting me get a glimpse into your beautiful, precious journey.  I know my life has been changed just knowing you all.  You are an inspiration, and an image of HOPE for so many people.  XO  

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Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 | Baby M

YOU GUYS, I AM SO BAD AT BLOGGING!  Oh man, I am the worst!  I'm going to be working on getting a few posts up from sessions I did back in Jan/Feb, just because there are too many beautiful babies/families for me NOT to share!  Proof:     

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Look at that sweet little face cuddled up with Mama <3
Salem, Oregon Photographer | Fresh 48 | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com  

SEEEEEE!?  He is just precious!  This was a Fresh 48 Session at the Salem Hospital.  He is the first little one for these two, and he is SO loved.  Here's a few more from our session together:

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TINY TOES <3
Salem, Oregon Photographer | Fresh 48 | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com  | Salem, Oregon Hospital Newborn Photography Session | Hospital Newborn Photos

I think one of my favorite things about Fresh 48 sessions, is the unposed/lifestyle feel to them. I always have a lifestyle/documentary photographer approach when I do portraits.  It is important for me to few traditional poses in, but the photos that tug on my heartstrings are natural interactions between the families I am photographing, and the sweet little details.

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | Fresh 48 | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com  

These two photos below were a couple of my favorites.  His tiny fingers!  <3  As a Mama myself, that picture below of baby next to the hospital bed is so sweet to me, because it brings back memories.  I can remember that feeling of being in my hospital bed, and looking over at my own precious baby in the bassinet next to me.  THESE are the types of memories that I LOVE preserving for my clients.  

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | Fresh 48 | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com  | Salem, Oregon Hospital Newborn Photography Session | The tiny newborn details | Hospital Newborn Photos | Lifestyle Newborn Session | Portland Oregon Hospital Newborn Photographer

And of course, Daddy and baby photos are just the sweetest.

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | Fresh 48 | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com  | Daddy holding newborn at hospital | Hospital Newborn Photography Session | Oregon Hospital Newborn Photographer | Mastin Labs

Okay I'm out of here to go enjoy some of this gorgeous sunshine we are having!  I promise it won't be long until my next post!  : )  Enjoy your Monday, friends!  

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Date Night with Doulas

Last week I hosted a table at the Date Night with Doulas event in downtown Salem, Oregon.  It was held at Crema Tea Room (they have AH-MAZING coffee and Bubble Tea, by the way) and I was so excited to do an event with these ladies!  Bloom Lactation, Mamaroo: Mid-Willamette Valley Baby Wearers, and an incredible group of Doula's including The Salem Doulas were all there.

It ended up being a super fun evening, and I was so happy to get to know these inspiring women!  As a Birth Photographer, I am drawn to the beauty of birth and all that surrounds it.  I have so much respect for the birthing Mama, for her partner, for the medical professionals, and for the support that she has; before birth, during, and postpartum.

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As the evening was coming to a close, I was able to get a few shots in!  The gift bags for Mama full of coupons & little treats, some of the amazing women that were there, the Butterfly Tree (SUCH a beautiful idea!) and a few items from the giveaways!  HELLO Earth Mama Angel Baby products- (My family LOVES the Angel Baby Orange Vanilla wash & Non-Scents lotion!)

On a personal note- choosing the best birth support team for you (Doula, breastfeeding counselor, photographer, postpartum Doula etc.) is such an important decision.  I loved the idea of getting to sit down and "interview" each of us and see what kind of connection we have.  It is important to feel safe, understood, and supported during such a sacred time in your life. If you are reading this, and expecting, just know there are so many of us here in the Salem area that are here to support you!  (And in my case, to capture this precious milestone for you!)  I know that I would have loved to have any of these sweet women with me on my birth journey <3 

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Welcome Baby Thea

I got to capture this beautiful home birth down in California last September.  Mama is Savanna (www.savannamorgretbsp.com) and I was incredibly honored to work with her!  She is an amazing doula AND birth photographer in Hanford, CA- and was just completely in her element while bringing her sweet girl into the World.  I have never seen a more peaceful birthing experience, it was SO special.  I told her afterwards that I wished I would have known about her doula work when I had my son- she KNOWS birth! Here are some of the incredible moments from that evening.  Enjoy! <3