Kimberlin Gray Photograpy | Featured Photographer
Amanda McGhee of Kimberlin Gray Photography is a part of my The Birth Experience Mentoring Program and it has been a joy to watch her birth business grow. Her captures are real, emotive and I’m positive they are treasured by her clients! They are so lucky to have her as a part of their birth team. Be sure to check out both her main photography website and her dedicated, newly released, birth website at the links below.
Name: Amanda McGhee of Kimberlin Gray Photography
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
Main Website: http://kimberlingrayphotography.com
Birth Website: http://www.kimberlingrayphotography.com/clients/birth
Facebook Fan Page Link: http://facebook.com/KimberlinGrayPhotography
Tell us a little about yourself….married? children? pets?
I am a mom of two, a six year old daughter and a 3 year old son. I’ve been married for 12 years to my best friend who supports me in everything I do!
How long have you been in business?
I have been in business 3 years.
Canon or Nikon?
I am a convert. I started my business with Canon, but switched to Nikon last fall. So I shoot with the D700.
What is your most used lens while photographing a birth?
24-70mm 2.8 and 50mm 1.4 (I typically have the 50mm on my backup camera and switch during the birth as needed!)
Did you / Will you / Would you have one of your own births photographed?
I did not have my births photographed. Honestly, I had never heard of birth photography at that time. But, I wish I had – they were two totally different experiences and there are so many little moments that I wish I had captured. I would love to have a photo of myself in the birthing tub with my husband and doula beside me…or the look on my face when they announced my son’s weight at 9lbs 10oz!!! Those are the moments to freeze in time!
What drew you to photograph births?
In the process of educating myself about natural birth in preparation for my second child’s birth, I read every book and searched and searched online. I came across “The Birth Experience” website on Life in Motion Photography and instantly was overwhelmed with a feeling of, “THIS is what I want to do!” I actually have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and taught in an elementary school for nearly 10 years and never felt that way about any job I’ve ever held. I knew instantly that I wanted to be a birth photographer!
Tell us about a favorite moment you experienced while photographing a birth.
One of my favorite moments was during a birth where the mom and dad were so fun, laughing and joking through her labor. With every push, her belly button popped out further and further. The dad started to poke it back in and I just had to pipe up and say, “It’s not an eject button!” (I typically don’t speak during the pushing phase of birth, but felt so comfortable with this family that I knew it would be okay!) Everyone in the room cracked up (including the doctor and nurses). I was even asked to be sure I included a photo of him “pushing the eject button” when I put together their slideshow! At this same birth, the dad wanted to deliver his own baby girl, and one of my favorite shots ever is the one where his expression is so focused as he is easing his daughter into the world. Amazing!
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous work with us Amanda!