A Little Angel Sprinkling Star Dust On Me

So I feel like I only write a blog post when I achieve something or win awards etc and after this blog post, I’m totally gonna start writing something about how crap I am - I promise! But for today, I am going to shout it from the rooftops that I am a FINALIST APPA DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR for 2019! Soooooo close I could smell the win but alas no cigar - coming in at bridesmaid level is such a feat in itself. I’ve never been in the running before and I’ve been entering since 2014. This is kinda a big deal. For me and for those who are in the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) scene.

I need to thank a few people:

• Sarah Life and Lens Photography HUGE CONGRATS for being a bridesmaid with me - we rock! Thank you and Lacey for the late night wine laden banter - fuck you’re my people

• Johannes Reinhart for giving me hard to take “advice” - you know I think you’re the bees knees

• Steve Wise for helping me cull - gosh that was so helpful

• Simone Addison for giving me some editing advice and tips - you’re a gem

• Paul Jarvis at Perth Pro Lab for being an absolute champ - I honestly don’t know how you put up with me

And my amazing clients Andrea, Claire, Michelle and Kate and Ally for all allowing me to showcase your birth photos.

And to anyone who has ever told me “I can” - thank you.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten to mention heaps of peeps but know that I love you!

The winners and photos that received a Silver Distinction or above at APPA were broadcasted on the Digital Tower at Yagan Square in Perth’s city. I know that policy doesn't allow any birth photos due to the graphic nature of the images (clutches pearls in case we offend Aunt Margaret) Anyhoo, I was NOT expecting to see my photo called “Three Generations of Women” of Andrea, her mum and Leia up on the big screen. I went white and was like OMG. The first person I told was Andrea because I was like, Ummmm your photo was up at Yagan Square and I didn’t expect that one little bit.

Andrea is a photographer herself and appreciates the magnitude and healing power of photography - she says;

“Well, this photo is about birth, a different side of birth that is rarely talked about, let alone shown!
STILLBIRTH IS STILL BIRTH!
1 in 4 women experience a miscarriage or stillbirth.

Can you imagine having a baby and not being able to talk about it? It’s time we start talking to grieving parents and don’t shy away from a topic because it makes us feel uncomfortable!

Their child is real!

Our culture and society lacks any sort of custom or tradition when it comes to recognising and helping others deal with infant loss, which means the burden of navigating the unique grief and suffering falls on those who directly experience the loss.

I chose to honour Leia’s short life by sharing our story and hopefully helping to create awareness!

So, here it is, 3 generations of women - grandmother, mother and daughter!
This might be our only memory together, but you will never be forgotten! LEIA 💗 1.3.2018”

Go check out Andrea’s photography page - Leia’s Legacy

So there you go. Even as an angel baby I honestly feel like Leia is sprinkling her angel star dust all over me so me, along with her family, can help show people that all births are valid and if you are a mother of an angel. I see you.

Love and blessings, Belle x