Editing through Courtney and James’ maternity session brought many emotions, but gratitude and love for these two people was the most encompassing. I photographed my first maternity session with them for their firstborn girl, Elsie. A week later, Elsie was born still. All of our hearts were broken and ache still from her absence.
In a week, Elsie’s little sibling will be born and I am so eager to meet them. My heart was racing heading into this session, fueled by superstition and fear, but also hope and excitement and joy. On the sunrise drive to Rochester, I cried at the extreme beauty of the world as I drove through fog clouds, but also sobbed for how brutally it can steal away life.
Courtney and James have given all of those grieving with them countless gifts: deeply honest vignettes of what the grief of a new mother and father feels like when there’s no baby to hold. Clarity on what support is helpful and what has proven painful. An invitation to stay in relationship with them and share their hope as their second child comes into the world, also amidst a damning pandemic.
What an honor to have these two in my life and to have gotten this time with them, filled with laughter, tears, and anticipation. C + J, you are the most brave, giving, and loving parents and friends.
