This is an unusually personal post for my blog but hopefully something enjoyably different…
For about three months I’d been planning on documenting the arrival of our newest little boy by photographing from the first contractions through labour and birth, capturing his first seconds in the world – all with Sophie’s consent of course! Most people were a little horrified that she was allowing me to take my camera within 100 miles of her while she was in labour but she was completely up for it.
We both knew this was the last time (most probably) we’d be going through this, and for me as a photographer the last time I’ll have the chance to capture something so life changing in my own family.
Of course, when the moment came and her waters broke in the car at 7:30pm on Tuesday 18th October a little bit of panic set in and I very nearly gave up on the idea. I’m so very glad I didn’t.
Here’s what happened next from our arrival home, Casper’s hasty departure to Nana’s (completely unaware anything was happening) and our short stay at Wythenshawe Hospital including Felix’s grand entrance just before 10:30pm…
Casper came home about 2pm the next day to meet his little brother. He was instantly head-over-heels in love. We cried.
I can’t even explain how much these photos mean to me and Sophie, and what I’m sure they’ll mean to Casper and Felix as they grow up. We’re having them made into an album and they’ll only become more treasured as time passes.
Events of the last seven days, including the sudden and unexpected loss of my wonderful Grandad last Thursday, have reinforced for me the importance of capturing the people and moments so precious to us. I don’t have anywhere near enough photos of Grandad, certainly not recent ones, and I’ll be making more of an effort to capture the life and love around me in the future – you should do the same. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did.
Joanne Spencer - Adam, I was having the crappest day until I saw this…and shed a little tear of happiness for you both. Huge congratulations to the Johnson family, baby Felix is perfect :o)
Hope you are all well, and all the best for the future as a family of four! x
Tom Astley - Beautiful!!!
Sharron - Hi, these photos are so beautiful and moving. I’m just about to go into labour and my partner wants to take photos of the event, but I’ve always said no. After seeing how touching these are, I’ve completely changed my mind. Beautiful. And massive congratulations to you all!
Laura Lawson - Absolutely precious (the pictures and the little guy himself). Hugest congratulations to you all. XXXX
Albert Palmer - Just beautiful – well documented – what a story!
Katy Lunsford - Ohhhhh… Adam these are just so beautiful and moving *sniff*… what an amazing set of images that will be treasured for years and years. Definitely want a camera there next time – must train Dev up properly before the next baby! xxx
Kim - Congratulations to you all and thank you for sharing. A beautiful post x
Kate Sanai - Adam – this is absolutely gorgeous. Massive congratulations! x x x
Helen - Wow, these are amazing, shed a little tear myself!
Adam Scull - Adam – these pictures are fantastic and are a real treasure. Congrats to you both and well done Sophie! I can totally relate to your words towards the end of your post having gone through the same earlier on in the year. It makes moments like this all the more special, as if they weren’t special enough :) thanks for sharing.
Vicky Crewe - Wow.
What an amazing set of images to treasure, I really wish I had something like this {although both my babies were c-sections so might have been a bit more gruesome! Both born at wythenshawe too :)}
xx
Chris Thornton - Love this post. Bringing back memories for me too. Such a special time and great to have these pics to look back on. Fab images. Good luck with the sleepless nights!
Marion Astley - Thought the photos were great, hope the whole process wasn’t too much longer than how long it took me to look through the pictures. Love the one where he is grabbing Sophie’s top even though just been born. Gorgeous!
Adam Riley - Great photographs- the perfect way to remember every moment! Congratulations!!
Mat Prest - Congratulations to the both of you. Great photos too. All the best for the future.
Sophie - Adam, wow what can I say – massive congratulations. Absolutely love the story from start to finish. I love the picture of Sophie with her cup of tea, just perfect!
I recently realised the same importance to capture as much as you can of your loved ones after the death of my grandma and realising I don’t have as many pictures or information as I would like to…
Congrats again!
Ali Lovegrove - Adam, you know I’ve been meaning to comment for a long time, so sorry I haven’t yet. I am utterly blown away by these, that last image leaves me totally speechless. These could well be the most precious images i’ve ever seen. I adore the one of your good lady drinking tea – very relaxed looking! She looks absolutely beautiful in the one of the three of you. A truly stunning set of images of the most special time xx
Matt Fryer - Beautiful series of images. Can’t really add anymore than that.
Alex Brandon-Smith - Awesome images Adam. Simply beautiful.
Stephanie Oakes - Oh my. These are incredible. That last photo is just the cutest thing I have ever seen! Huge congrats to you both belatedly {can you believe, like my little man, Felix is 8 months old this month!}
Evie Wroe - Adam, these are just so special and breathtakingly beautiful! Definitely a defining moment!