Life in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake is the best of both worlds. You're on the river, with a beautifully small community, yet close enough to everything in all the big cities and the beach.  
This family I have known for years. They asked me to come out and document a typical evening spent with family out on the river. 
Good food, good company, some crabbing (those iconic Chesapeake blue crabs!), lots of laughs, and a little paddling. 
I don't know about you, but that's pretty much my idea of a perfect evening...add in a gorgeous sunset and breathtaking moonrise...oh wait, there was that too. So, I guess it was perfect. 

There's something really special about enjoying a really low-key evening on the river without much planned. Life sort of slows down, there's no timeline for things except that you better eat while it's hot... there's no distractions... you're just unplugged for a while with the ones you love. 
It felt like a good night to make memories. 
​And that's just what they did. 

If you'd like to schedule your own Day in the Life session, let's connect (you can click here to email me). I want to hear about your family and what it is you want to remember about this season of life. 
I want to hear about what's important to you. 
Want to know more about what a Day in the Life Session is? Read this blog. 
Want to know what to expect when you book a documentary style session with me? Read this blog. 
Why documentary photography? Read this one. 

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Today, we had a quiet little celebration for the sweetest baby, waiting patiently to be brought earthside. 
In the cutest little house in Portsmouth, Virginia, we celebrated by making the morning all about rainbow baby Cooper. We documented his little life inside the womb, we talked about how he came to be, we talked about his mommy and daddy's long, emotional journey to parenthood, and we talked about their hopes and dreams for him once he's here. 
It was a perfect morning.  

We talked about what a beautiful sigh of relief it will be to finally hold him and stare into his face, to count his fingers and toes, and how amazing it feels to fall so deeply in love with someone you just laid eyes on. 
We talked about the special place where they found out their tiny miracle was on the way, I think it's pretty fitting that it was in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I feel like it's a pretty magical place!

One of the things I love about in home maternity sessions is that there is a feeling of comfort and security because you are in the space where you feel most yourself- your home. You're in the space where you are going to bring your baby to live. The place where you are going to make a lifetime of memories. 
It sets the scene for the story that is unfolding. 
And, in home maternity sessions introduce us to the characters of that story. 
One character of baby Cooper's story who I think is going to play a very important role is Nelli. I think she's going to be one faithful and loyal sidekick. What do you think?
Sidenote: this little lady was the bestest girl at the session, some might even say she stole the show a bit! She has the softest fur you've ever touched and she was so cuddly! 

If you'd like to schedule your in home maternity session, I'd love to chat with you and hear your story. I bet it's a good one. 
Click here or the Contact tab above to get that conversation started. 

Deborahnica is a newly trained doula, who as of the time of this interview is still awaiting full certification (through DONA International) as a doula and is needing certification births to complete her training. She is also CPR certified and Infant CPR certified. 
She is kind, energetic, and passionate about mothers and babies. She saw a need in the community for compassionate and holistic minded birth supporters and has worked tirelessly to attain her certifications while also serving in the United States Air Force.  She even earned the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. She also earned the Levitow Award at her Airman Leadership School. 
She would really like to work in Michigan with mothers needing extra support and  to serve lower income areas. She wants to empower women by giving them gentle support, knowledge, and helping them as they transition into motherhood. 
She says what separates her from others is her compassion. I can tell you, from talking to her and having coffee with her, she is so incredibly excited to start working in the field. My gut tells me that she just wants to make a difference in the world. 
Deborahnica also mentioned that she will be certified as a full spectrum doula, meaning that she will be able to support families through all stages of pregnancy including birth, postpartum, miscarriage, or adoption.

If you were to ask my personal opinion, I think having a doula, especially a post partum doula, would be an invaluable service. 
To get in touch with Deb, you can contact her by emailing her at debthedoula01@gmail.com
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This post is a part of my Community Spotlight series, where I interview and photograph various services and small business owners that support new mothers and families in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
Have a business you'd like to recommend? Contact me here and nominate them!