There are some stories that leave an imprint on your heart, and Sophia’s birth is one of them. We made our way from my Lynchburg, VA to Louisiana for the holidays, but this trip held an extra special purpose: to document Sophia’s birth day. I had cleared my calendar and kept my gear close, knowing that at any moment I might get the call to photograph the long-awaited arrival of their newest baby girl in the Bullock family. When the text came that Amanda was leaving her Doctor appointment and going to have an cesarean section instead of her original birth plan, I grabbed my camera bag and rushed to the hospital. Little Sophia was about to make her grand entrance and I was so excited to be there to document her arrival, even if I had to wait just outside the operating room.

Amanda and her family have trusted me with life’s biggest milestones for over 15 years, and capturing Sophia’s arrival was the continuation of a story I’ve been honored to document.

Milestones with the Robinson and Bullock Family

Our story together began when I was hired to photograph Amanda when she was in junior high. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of documenting so many chapters of her life:

Senior Portraits: Celebrating her graduation and the excitement of the next chapter.
Prom & Pageants: Glamorous moments filled with sparkle, laughter, and memories.
Engagement: Capturing the love and joy of a new commitment.
Wedding Day: From aisle to first dance, a beautiful day full of meaning.
Motherhood Journey: Birth sessions for each of Amanda’s two children.
Newborn Sessions: Sweet portraits of her babies in those precious early days.
Milestones & Holidays: Annual family portraits, Christening Ceremony, Christmas sessions, and milestone celebrations.

Through the years, our relationship has grown from photographer-client to a genuine friendship and I now consider them as family. It’s rare and beautiful to walk alongside a family through so many seasons, and each time they include me, it feels like family.

Baby Sophia’s Birth in Louisiana

When Amanda shared that she was expecting again, I knew I wanted to be there. Although I’m now based in Lynchburg, VA, I coordinated my holiday trip to Louisiana so I could be nearby for the big day. Sophia decided to make her arrival after a whirlwind and unexpected series of events. Her dad, Neil, shared this beautifully:

"It's been a wild week, world, meet our little miracle Sophia Marie Bullock.
We had no idea that a checkup last Friday morning would very quickly become the exhausting and nerve-inducing day it ended up being. Amanda and I went to get a check-up on Sophia and make a plan for delivery — she was already at 40 weeks and 6 days. Marilyn ended up going about the same amount of time so we weren't worried. Turns out she was running out of fluid and Amanda's blood pressure was going through the roof. It had to happen, and it had to happen fast.
Two hours later the doctors pulled out 6lb 6oz Sophia. She was wrapped multiple times in her umbilical cord and had worked up not one but two true knots in her cord. The doctors and nurses that worked on her and Amanda claimed that this was a super rare event. After some Googling (which is never a good idea), I realized the situation we were in — we were incredibly blessed to bring everyone home.
I'm not in control of any of this. We're all home, Mom and Sophia are safe and healthy, and I am feeling more blessed than I ever have. Thanks to our families who have fed and helped us out over the last week, Andria Fontenot for giving up her holiday to capture this, and the doctors and nurses at Christus St. Francis Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital that worked as quickly as you could to take care of my girls."

While I wasn’t allowed in the operating room due to hospital policy, I waited just outside the OR, camera ready. As Amanda and Sophia were wheeled out, I captured the moment Amanda held her baby close. Those first moments were full of gratitude, relief, and awe and were incredibly moving. It reminded me all over again why I do what I do.

A Sister’s Love: Marilyn Meets Sophia

One of my favorite moments from this entire experience was capturing Sophia’s big sister, Marilyn, meeting her for the first time. The look of pride and excitement on Marilyn’s face was unforgettable and you could feel how much she had been anticipating this moment. She couldn’t wait to hold her baby sister and leaned in close to study every tiny feature.

That moment, like so many others from this birth story, is one I’ll never forget There’s something really special about helping families document every meaningful parts of their story.

Documenting Motherhood: The Sacredness of Birth Photography

There is something profoundly sacred about witnessing and recording the moment a woman becomes a mother (whether for the first time or the fourth). In the flurry of labor and delivery, so many little details and emotions can blur together for the parents and that’s where birth photography truly makes a meaningful impact. It allows Mom and Dad to later revisit precious memories they might have forgotten or missed in the nervousness of moment. Birth is made up of tiny, powerful moments that are full of awe, connection, and emotion and these memories deserve to be held onto forever.

Birth is unpredictable and raw, and that’s part of what makes it so special to document. The moments unfold quickly and do not always go as planned and having someone there to quietly preserve those early moments can mean so much later. Looking back at the photos of Amanda holding Sophia for the first time, I’m reminded how deeply powerful those early connections are. These are the images that help mothers remember the very beginning of their baby’s story.

Birth photography is also about honoring the journey of motherhood. I approach every birth with reverence and care, understanding that I’m entering one of the most intimate, vulnerable moments of a family’s life. There’s a deep level of trust involved in allowing a photographer into your birth space, and I never take that lightly. Privacy and respect are paramount. I work with my clients beforehand to discuss their comfort levels, wishes, and any sensitive concerns. My goal is always to ensure Mom feels safe and supported, and that I’m a reassuring, calm presence in the room.

I often find myself cheering quietly behind the camera, tearing up when everyone else does, and smiling from ear to ear. It’s impossible not to be moved when you witness the strength of a mother bringing life into the world. Those emotions are what make birth photography so extraordinary. It’s real, unscripted, and overflowing with love.

What to Know When Hiring a Birth Photographer

If you’re considering hiring a birth photographer – whether here in Lynchburg, VA or anywhere – there are a few important things to keep in mind. Birth photography is a wonderful investment in preserving your family’s story, but it does come with some unique aspects. As someone who has been a birth photographer and motherhood storyteller for years, here are my top tips for what to know (and ask) before you book this very special service:

Availability & On-Call Commitment: Babies arrive on their own schedule, so your photographer needs to be ready to roll 24/7 around your due date. When I take on a birth client, I “clear the decks” and remain on call for several weeks before and after the due date. That means I might miss holidays, skip travel, and have my camera bag packed in my trunk at all times so I can drop everything and be there when you call.
Trust, Comfort & Intimacy: Having a stranger in the delivery room isn’t easy, which is why it’s crucial to choose a birth photographer you feel completely comfortable with; you’ll be sharing one of the most vulnerable moments of your life with this person. A professional will respect your privacy and wishes every step of the way. That might mean using discretion with sensitive photos or simply knowing when to fade into the background. You should feel at ease knowing your photographer will handle your birth story with care, respect, and compassion.
Experience & Reliability: .The delivery room can be unpredictable, with low lighting, fast-moving moments, emotional highs and lows – so you’ll want someone who has experience handling it all. An experienced birth photographer will come prepared with backup equipment because they know there are no second chances. Just like an experienced wedding photographer, a birth professional knows how to anticipate moments and adapt to any lighting or environment so that every crucial moment is captured beautifully.
The Gift of Letting Loved Ones Be Present: One huge benefit of hiring a birth photographer that people don’t always think of is that it frees up your partner (and other support people) to fully experience the moment. I’ve heard parents say, “I’m so glad we decided to have a photographer, because it allowed my spouse to be in the moment with me instead of worrying about taking photos.” In fact, many parents admit they regret not hiring a birth photographer when they had the chance. Having a professional there means Dad can cut the cord without also trying to snap a selfie, Grandma can shed happy tears without rushing to grab a camera, and everyone in the room can live that once-in-a-lifetime experience fully while knowing it’s being preserved in images.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a birth photographer who will handle your baby’s birth-day with the expertise, care, and dedication it deserves. The goal is to find someone who will not only take stunning photos, but also support you and blend seamlessly into your birth team.

Let’s Capture Your Story

Being there for Baby Sophia’s arrival reminded me how much I love getting to tell these stories. Birth, newborn, and motherhood sessions allow me to capture moments that pass by quickly but matter so much. If you are expecting a little one, I would be honored to be a part of your story.

Andria Fontenot Photography is based in Lynchburg, VA, but as you can tell, I will happily travel wherever your story takes me if I’m able. Whether it’s photographing a birth at the hospital, a serene at-home newborn session, or a special motherhood portrait, my goal is to create heartfelt, timeless images that you and your family will cherish forever.

If you’ve been thinking about birth photography or a motherhood session, I’d love to talk to you about documenting this journey. Let’s talk about what matters most to you and how we can preserve it. I’d love to hear about your due date, your hopes for your birth experience, and any questions you have. Every family’s story is unique, and it would be my absolute joy to help you document yours.

Thank you for reading about this incredible journey with the Bullock family and Baby Sophia’s birth. I can’t wait for the next beautiful story I get to tell through my lens. If you’re ready to start planning your own session, send me a message – let’s capture the magic of your motherhood journey together.