A Birth Story- Baby Ryleigh

I do not think it is possible to put in to words how much I love shooting births.  I love the emotion of the day, the ups and downs, and of course, the moment when you get the big pay off and hold your baby for the first time.  

I will never forget the first time I held my baby boy... the moment is seared in my mind.  But I do wish I had some photos of that moment too.  That is what I find so rewarding about this work.  I KNOW how important this day is-- for me, it was the first day of me, the new me, the person I am now that I have someone else to care about.  It taught me what is important, focused me, and mellowed me out.  

The other part of this birth that was soooooo amazing, was Amber had the same doctor and delivered in the same room that I delivered my first born. It was almost eerie to be back there, almost exactly five years since I had my baby boy.  It was a 'full circle' moment, for sure. 

Amber was amazing.  She had a natural birth, but she was so calm and collected the nurses thought she had had an epidural.  They had already had a very long night before I arrived at 5:30AM, but she was so mellow, she was even able to take some naps between contractions. Way to go, Mama! I am in awe of you.  

Hello, World! The Birth of Luke Samuel

Seriously, this is one of the coolest things I get to do with my job as a 'record keeper.'  I love to document the moment a mother holds her baby in her arms for the first time.  The joy.  The relief.  So surreal.  Sorry photographers, but photos just won't do it justice.  

I loved Danielle since our very first meeting, where we discussed the many aspects of birth and motherhood over tea!  And, let me tell you, this woman is STRONG.  She planned for a natural birth and never once did she falter or say "I can't."   As anyone who has been in labor knows, births don't always go as planned, but Danielle faced every moment with courage, conviction, and grace.  

Thank you so much for trusting me to capture such an important moment.  It was an honor.

Seize the 'good stuff,'

Lauren Keester

Lauren + Matt (Part Two)

Well, I had intended to post this last week, but that was before our family came down with some gnarly cold. Everyone was coughing and no one was sleeping.  And, poor Jared, who had the shortest bought of it, got to play nurse-maid to everyone else.  Anyway, one week and about 40 clorox wipes later, here we are.

Thank you again to Lauren and Matt! We soooo enjoyed working with you and your family! We wish you the best in all you do! May you have a long, happy marriage! 

Seize the 'good stuff,'

Lauren


Dallyn + Tyler

Happy New Year! 2015 was a banner year for us, and we are so excited for the nine couples who have already booked for our 2016 season.  We are even headed to Dallas this spring.  As we wrap up the 2015 films, I thought I would post this one.  I LOVE the story of how these two met!  And how cute is their puppy?!?!  


Hope's Home Birth Story (Part 1)

Dear "Hopie,"

It has been such a wonderful, amazing experience to watch your journey to motherhood.  When we first spoke over the phone about you taking on a part-time caregiver role for Jude and Harvey (in 2013 was it?  Harvey was just 4 months old), you apologized for not being able to start right at 8am that first day, because you were seeing a fertility specialist.  I have been praying for this day for you since that phone call, and here it is. 

When I told Jared I had finally found childcare, he asked what I knew about you, this stranger coming into our home, and I told him you had an inner light that shined bright and strong, and that was all I needed.  

My kids fell in love with you almost instantly, and your grace was a calming presence in our home.  Thank you for loving my children.  I say that knowing you now know, truly know, what it means to be apart from your baby for even just a few seconds, let alone a whole work day.  I always felt comforted knowing they were with you. And the testament to your love in grace is that my children still ask for mommy, daddy, and you when they are upset. 

I was so honored when you asked me to document your delivery, and when you look at these photos, I hope you will sometimes think about the smiles of the two little boys whose lives you shaped before you started you own family.  I am forever indebted to you. 

From one mother to another,

Lauren

Hello, World!- Rose Marie

Carpe Diem Video Productions is proud to announce we offer birth videography.  :-)   There is only one package and it comes with a highlight reel like the one you see at the bottom of this post (on DVD or Blu-ray) and 15-20 images (photographs) edited.  At this time, Lauren is the only videographer on our team offering birth videography, and we will be accepting only five per year. 

As a mom of two beautiful boys, I am sooooo very excited about this next chapter in our business.  I had a birth photographer for the birth of my second baby, Harvey, and I wouldn't trade those photos for anything. With that in mind, it is my goal for my mommy clients to feel about their birth video.

And, so, without further ado, let me present to you the very first "Hello, World!" video featuring the beautiful Ms. Rose Marie.  I am so honored to have been a part of this birth and to give this family something they will cherish indefinitely.  

If you are interested in meeting to discuss having your birthing experience (home or hospital) filmed, please fill out the contact form on this website, and Lauren will get in touch with you.