Let me take you behind the scenes of a recent birth story....

It’s 01:30 am. My phone rings, jolting me awake from a deep sleep. I squint at the screen, heart racing, and see the name Jess(Birth client) flashing. Without hesitation, I answer.

"Hey, it's happening!" Came the excited and slightly panicked voice of Elliot, Jess' husband, on the other end of the line. "We’re heading to the hospital now. The contractions are getting stronger, and the maternity ward has said it’s time to come in"

I’m instantly wide awake. My mind races as I mentally tick off my checklist—camera gear, backup batteries, memory cards...—all prepped and ready to go. There’s no time to waste. "I’m on my way," I reply, already halfway out of bed.

But first, there’s the matter of the three little humans still soundly asleep in their beds. My husband, who has developed a sixth sense for these middle-of-the-night calls, stirs beside me. "It’s go time?" he murmurs, his voice laced with grogginess.

"Yup, baby time," I say, giving him a quick kiss on the forehead. "Tag, you’re it! You’ve got breakfast duty and school drop-off."

He chuckles, still half-asleep. "I’ve got this. Just bring me back some coffee—barista grade."

With a grateful smile, I slip out the door, my camera bag slung over my shoulder, and head out into the quiet, star-filled night. The streets of Cape Town are deserted, save for the occasional car or delivery truck, and as I drive toward the Southern Suburbs, I can’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervous energy. It’s not just the thrill of documenting a new life coming into the world—it's the privilege of being invited into such an intimate and sacred moment in this beautiful city we call home.

As I park and rush into the hospital, I mentally prepare myself, running through my usual checklist of thoughts: Stay present. Stay quiet. Anticipate the moment, but don’t intrude. I arrive at the maternity ward and find Jess in full active labor, Elliot by her side, holding her hand and whispering words of encouragement. There’s a palpable energy in the room—a blend of tension, excitement, and the unspoken anticipation of what’s to come.

After a quick hello and a few reassuring words, I silently set up my gear, capturing the raw, beautiful moments as they unfold. Jess' breathing is deep and measured, her focus solely on bringing her baby into the world. The midwife is calm and collected, guiding her through each contraction with steady hands and a warm smile. The room is dimly lit, and the soft hum of the monitors creates a rhythm that is both soothing and urgent.

As the hours tick by, the sun begins to rise, casting a soft, golden glow over the city, with Table Mountain just beginning to emerge from the shadows. Jess' labor progresses, and we all know the moment is close. I catch Elliot's eye, and we share a brief, knowing smile. The anticipation in the room is almost tangible now, and my heart pounds in sync with the rhythm of labor.

Finally, at 08:45 am, the baby makes her grand entrance. A gorgeous, perfect bundle of new life. There’s a collective gasp of relief and joy, together with the sound of my shutter clicking as I capture the first moments of a new family. Tears stream down Jess' face as she holds her baby girl for the first time and Elliot protectively embraces them both. I feel a lump in my throat. Every birth I photograph takes me back to my own stories—those moments when love, fear, and relief collide, all woven together in the first cry of a newborn.

I document the new family as they laugh, cry, and marvel at the tiny person they’ve created. The room is filled with a sense of awe, and I’m reminded, once again, of the profound beauty of birth—the way it changes you, shapes you, and leaves an indelible mark on your heart.

As the excitement calms and the new family settles in, I quietly pack up my gear. My job here is done, but the impact of what I’ve just witnessed stays with me. I say my goodbyes, offering a few final words of congratulations, and step out into the bright sunlight. There’s a sense of fulfillment that comes with capturing these moments, but there’s also a pull in my heart—a longing to rush back, to hug my own babies a little tighter.

It’s funny how witnessing the birth of a new life always brings me back to my own journey of motherhood. Later, as I drive through the familiar streets of Cape Town to fetch my kids from school, my mind drifts back to their births—the overwhelming love I felt, the excitement, the relief... I can’t wait to see them, to hold them close, and to remind them of how much they mean to me.

When I finally pull up at the school, my littles run toward me, their faces lit up with joy. I scoop them up, one by one, and hold them tight. They giggle and squirm, oblivious to the emotions swirling in my heart. But for me, it’s a moment of pure gratitude—a reminder of the incredible gift of life and the privilege of being their mom.

As I buckle them into the car and head home, I reflect on the day. There’s something truly special about birth photography—about being there, in the thick of it, capturing those first breaths, first cries, first moments. It’s a job that fills my heart to the brim, and one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

If you’re expecting and considering birth photography in Cape Town, I encourage you to take the leap! These moments are fleeting, but unforgettable, and I'd be honored to help to capture them for a lifetime.

With love

Deidre