I remember sitting in our birthing class and our Midwife suggesting that we look into having a birth photographer. Immediately, I thought, nope, not going to happen. I don't want someone taking a picture of me in such a vulnerable and raw state. If you know me, you know that I'm modest, reserved, and an introvert. I prefer not to expose my vulnerability or let someone in until I really get to know you. So the thought of having a stranger in one of the most intimate moments of my life was something I was against.
During the birthing class our Midwife played a birth video created by Liansley Photography and by the end of the video I was in tears. It was powerful, inspiring, and it confirmed my belief that I could have a homebirth. I still, however, did not think a photographer was a great idea personally but we thought baby might like to see her birth so we decided to at least meet with Brandy. I was still sure that this wasn't something I would want (I can be very stubborn).
When Brandy arrived, I immediately felt at ease. She is so uplifting, warm, calm, and loving. It felt like we had known eachother for years. I can't describe how relaxed we felt. It felt like she belonged there,a missing part of the puzzle. Of course, we booked her.
When Brandy arrived for Ems birth, she brought the same energy. She wasn't in the way, in fact, I wasn't aware of her at all until I got to a breaking point in my labor. My labor was long and difficult and in my weakness she started encouraging me. Her voice and words gave me strength and reassurance, it held me together.
Our second child came 9 days late and during this time Brandy never got impatient, never asked if we were going to induce, never remotely suggested we were an inconvenience.
When he finally made his arrival it was on Thanksgiving Day!! If you have ever hosted a Thanksgiving then you know how much work goes into this day. Brandy, once again, went above and beyond. She didn't hesitate when we called, she didn't rush us, she didn't complain. She wanted to be there and again was there when I needed her the most. I was scared and her voice and presence brought that calmness and love. She even followed us to the hospital, we rushed out of the house and didn't have time to fill my Dad in. My Dad was scared but she spoke with my Father about every thing that was going on and eased his fears, which meant a lot to us. She could have easily left when we transferred to the hospital and she could have skipped talking to my Dad, it was Thanksgiving after all, and I'm sure she had a million things to do but I would never have known. She stayed with us the entire time and after his birth, again she could have rushed back home but she didn't.
Brandy is amazing with children, patient, kind, and loving. You always have her full attention and never feel like a burden or rushed. She is an incredible woman and a blessing.
Many photographers can take a pretty picture but Brandy's pictures have that special something about them. They move me to tears, she captures the beauty within the subject, she captures the raw emotions, she captures the love. If you can't visually see it but you can feel it, she has the ability to capture that on film. I'm not sure how she does it but you can see her passion for photography and people in all of her photos.
We are truly blessed to know such an inspiring woman and to have her capture our family pictures. If you are ever in need of a photographer, I can't recommend liansley enough.
We are thankful for you Brandy