Hi, I'm Sydney
I technically photographed my first birth when I was just 13
I had the unique honor of being invited to my littlest sister’s birth, and there I was, right beside the doctor as she made her grand entrance. In a flash of inspiration (or perhaps a bout of temporary insanity), I decided my bonus-mom absolutely needed photos of this moment! Back in 2007, everyone carried those tiny personal Nokia cameras (because, seriously, what the heck was an iPhone!?). So, I whipped out my pink, pocket-sized camera and started snapping away. The photos weren't exactly glamorous, but I knew right then that birth was something amazing and worth documenting.
At 17, I had my daughter, and let me tell you, it was a fast and furious ride! I was all set on a natural birth, but I had no clue what a precipitous labor was or how unprepared I was for it. Fast labor might sound like a dream come true, but there’s a whirlwind of factors and hormonal stages your body needs to go through. Instead, I was thrown into the whole ordeal with just 2 hours of intense contractions. It was brutal and left me physically and emotionally wrecked. But the moment I heard my first-born daughter’s cry, I was hooked.
When my bonus-mom arrived at the hospital, I was deep into the pushing phase. Without missing a beat, she pulled out her camera, just like I did for her—and captured my daughter’s grand entrance into the world.
These photos mean so much to me.
Eight years later, my second child came along. His delivery was much harder, and at home. I was in active labor for nine hours and spent an hour and a half pushing. He was a big baby at 8 lbs, compared to my first who was 6 lbs. I had an amazing support team around me who believed in me, even when I was exhausted. This was my dream birth, complete with my own birth photographer and videographer to document the entire process. And again, I deeply cherish those photos and the video she created!
For years, I knew my calling was in the birth community, but I wasn’t sure how to pursue it. As a single mom, midwifery felt out of reach. Then I married a Marine, and moving every 2 to 3 years made it impossible to establish myself as a doula. But in the summer of 2023, my husband retired from the Marine Corps, and we moved back to the Wichita-area. Shortly after, God opened the door for me to attend and photograph a birth. At the time, I didn’t consider myself a photographer. I was just a friend wanting to help another friend document the most important day of her life: the day she became a mama.
And just like that, here I am. I want to help families relive the moments they met their baby for the first time. Through my work, I hope to show parents that they have options in how they choose to birth, where they choose to deliver, and who they trust to be in their birth space.
I can’t wait to go down this journey with you!
In the meantime, let’s get personal.
I’m Sydney. I’m a wife and mother of two (Ryleigh & Westin) as well as a bonus mama. I somehow survived being a teen mom and several years of being a single mom. Then I married my husband, who was in the Marine Corps, and we moved all over the place until the summer of 2023 when my husband retired and we came back to my rural hometown in Kansas, and that is when I began offering birth photography in Wichita, Kansas. Now I’m in the throes of juggling a pre-teen and a toddler. My days are filled with homeschooling, 4H projects, cooking all the yummy things, reading my Bible, teaching art and 4H classes, and learning to be content with slow and intentional living. My passion for photography even extends to capturing the essence of our small town's rural life, from its vibrant livestock scenes to families working on their farms, over at Capturing Kansas.
You can usually find me binging "The Office" on repeat while editing, or tuning into podcasts that fuel my curiosity. I'm a perpetual hobbyist, cycling through hyper-fixations on everything from crafting the perfect sourdough, to intricately stitching embroidery, and devouring historical fiction novels. Coffee is my vice, and Bible studies help keep me focused on Jesus. A self-proclaimed foodie, I'm always up for a culinary adventure. Laughter is my therapy, and my slightly offbeat sense of humor is always ready for action. Thrifting is a treasure hunt I embark on regularly, and New Orleans is my escape route for quality time with friends. Neutral colors are my aesthetic haven, and my love language is a harmonious blend of quality time and acts of service.
What Makes Me Different,
Choosing a photographer is more than just a decision; it’s a journey. You pour over their work, immerse yourself in their style, explore their portfolio, and delve into client reviews that offer glimpses of the artistic and professional experience awaiting you.
In our community, we are blessed with an abundance of talented photographers, each with their unique and honed skills. However, when it comes to birth photography, selecting someone to capture one of the most intimate moments of your life requires more than a casual glance.
What sets me apart in the realm of birth photography isn’t just my passion for birth work, but my deep understanding of evidence-based, physiological birth. I am equipped to support the natural rhythms of labor from start to finish, offering both emotional grounding and practical support when you need it most.
Birth and postpartum were never meant to be experienced in isolation. Historically, they were held by the village, women supporting women, passing on gentle, grace-filled advice, helping hands, and steady reassurance. I believe in being part of that village for you. Whether you need guidance, calm encouragement, or someone who simply holds space with respect, I’m there.
While I don’t currently offer formal doula or breastfeeding packages alongside photography, I stand ready to be your birthkeeper, help you and your baby begin your nursing journey, or provide supportive words as you navigate each phase of labor. My role goes far beyond taking photos; I’m here to uphold your birth plan, honor your choices, and be a steady pillar of support throughout your experience.
Being present at a birth is a privilege, and knowing how to be present is a skill.
Labor has its own unspoken language, and my ability to intuitively respond to the nuances of this language is invaluable. The natural stages of transition can be daunting for someone inexperienced, potentially adding tension and worry to the room. In contrast, when I hear those powerful transitional sounds and witness your body and emotions ride the waves closer to meeting your baby, I feel nothing but joy. My intuition guides me, allowing me to serve you with the calm and confidence that comes from understanding the journey you’re on.
Moreover, the photos I deliver are authentically beautiful. While I appreciate artistic editing, birth stories transcend trends. Editing styles evolve, but your birth photos are timeless memories meant to faithfully reflect your experience. I promise never to over-edit or alter the true color and tone of your photos. I won’t erase the sweat from your brow or take artistic liberties with your experience. When you look back at your photos, you will see your exact, authentic memories reflected back at you, preserving the beauty and truth of that extraordinary moment.
Finally, I place great importance on ensuring that my faith, birth expertise, and tranquil demeanor are present during your birth. Therefore, I was meticulous in selecting a backup photographer, should an unforeseen circumstance prevent me from attending. Should an emergency arise that prevents my attendance, rest assured that my chosen backup photographer embodies these same exceptional qualities. When you choose me to document your birth, you're not just choosing my skills, but also a seamless continuity of care and support, ensuring your journey is honored with unwavering dedication and compassion.
This is From my Homebirth
My goal is to gift you the same precious experience my birth photographer gave me: capturing your birth story in a way that will be cherished for a lifetime.
