Stephanie Shirley Photography

Presenting JJ | Houston Birth Photographer

Stephanie Shirley — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:36:19 +0000

This birth made me realize just how spoiled I have been over the last year in photographing births. Out of all of the births that I have done, this is by far my longest, but at the same time, an average length of a birth. I wanted to be able to meet them at their house before heading to the hospital since they had originally planned to labor as long as possible at home. Since she was over 40 weeks, sitting at 3 cm dilated at her last appointment and had been laboring for a few hours, I decided to make my way to their house. I got there just after 9 pm, and of course, the jitters got the best of them and we headed into the hospital. Mom wanted to try her best to avoid any help with laboring as well as any medication. She wanted the freedom to walk the halls if need be. I do have to say she had an excellent support team, including the doctor who was doing everything in her best interest. Unfortunately there wasn’t the progression she thought she was having over the course of a few hours, so she decided to go ahead and get help. She did extremely well with her laboring and pain management. It is amazing to watch the transformations through labor. We took many guesses on time of arrival and birth weight and one of the doctors was spot on with his birth time.

I am so happy that I got to be a part of JJ’s arrival and help capture it so that you always have something to look back on as he quickly grows and changes. Happy Birthday, sweet JJ!

Here is a favorite picture of Mom. It is amazing that women can endure what they do during labor and still look beautiful!

Date: January 9, 2012

Time: 4:27 pm

Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz

Place: St. Luke’s Hospital

Doctor: Dr. Todd Ivey, M.D.

Music: Long River West by John Ellyson

Presenting Harper Tritz | Houston Birth Photographer

Stephanie Shirley — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:16:30 +0000

This mom progressed so quickly, especially for being a first time mom. I got the call around 5:15 saying that she was 4 cm. An hour later I was walking into the labor and delivery room to see her getting checked by the nurse, only to find out that she was already complete! Poor thing had to wait very patiently for the doctor since no one expected her to get to 10 cm so fast, and no one expected her to have to fight against the urge to push. (He was coming on his own with the contractions alone).

Her doctor made it just in time and Harper was welcomed into the world. He was one of the most alert babies just after birth that I have ever seen. I was there about 2-3 hours afterwards and not once did he fall asleep.

I am so glad that I got to be a part of your day… his birthday. Happy birthday, Harper. You already have amazing parents!

Date: November 9, 2011

Time: 7:03 am

Weight: 6 lbs 2 oz

Length: 18.75 inches

Place: Memorial Hermann Memorial City

Doctor: Erica Roberts, M.D.

Music: Steal Me by Jupiter Sunrise

Generations | Houston and Cypress Family Photographer

Stephanie Shirley — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:37:39 +0000

I love getting the opportunity to meet up with large families and capture all of the generations. If you haven’t made it a point to do this with your family, DO IT! I don’t care what is going on in your busy life, this is something that you should really make a point to do. Whether it is at a family gathering over the holidays taken by your point and shoot or with another photographer, make time to take pictures.

Take a peek!

Lucy (er, I mean) Delaney in the sky with diamonds!