Monthly Archives: September 2013

Introducing 3 month old Miss Amelia | Hobart baby photographer, Katinka Smith

Babies

I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Amelia a few weeks ago along with her mum Bec and her Nanny, Gail. Poppy (Rick) wasn’t able to join us for the photos, but Gail and Rick have been a wonderful support to Bec, because, you see, Amelia has a special story.  Amelia has a big brother, Noah. Noah was born sleeping at 32 weeks.

This is Bec and Amelia’s story as told by Bec.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mum and in 2011 I decided that it was the right time. I was determined to not let the fact that I was single get in the way!!! So with the help of Tas IVF I fell pregnant first try with Noah and was so excited. I was even more excited when I found out he was going to be a little boy.

At 32 weeks I found out I would be going to hosptial to give birth to my little man sleeping. It shattered my world and my heart. A week later I did what no parent should have to, and that was to bury my son. Losing a baby is something that happens to someone else, I never thought that it would happen to me.

6 months after Noah was born I fell pregnant again, again with thanks to Tas IVF. I had very mixed emotions and was terrified I would lose this baby too. When I found out that I was expecting a girl I was quietly relieved.

When Amelia was born it felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I finally had my rainbow and she was alive and healthy. I could start to be happy again.

My heart will always have a piece missing, but Amelia has helped me to learn to live again. She has an amazing guardian angel looking over her. I talk about my son all of the time and when people ask if Amelia is my first, I say no. I am a very proud mummy of two babies.

I also volunteer for Pregnancy Loss Australia in honour of Noah and donate bears in his memory every Christmas and birthday.”

This is Bec, her daughter Amelia and her wonderful mum Gail (Nanny).

3 month old baby Amelia

Katinka Smith is a portrait photographer based in Hobart, Tasmania. Katinka specialises in creating emotive and meaningful imagery that is close to your heart with her aim to ensure sessions are ‘fun, emotive, you’. Katinka photographs babies and children of all ages, families, maternity, couples and weddings. Katinka can travel interstate for weddings or special commissions by negotiation. You can contact Katinka Smith via the contact form here and can stay up to date by ‘liking’ her Facebook page.

Tasmanian Wedding Photographer | Hobart Family Photographer | Hobart Baby Photographer | Hobart Maternity Photographer

Introducing baby Crystal | Hobart newborn photographer, Katinka Smith

Newborns
A few weeks ago I photographed Miss Crystal and her family. Crystal is a very special rainbow baby. A Rainbow baby is a baby born after the storm; the storm of pregnancy loss. Crystal has a big sister Angel. Angel would have turned 1 last week.

I have known Adam and Angie for about 12 years and we were excited last year in the lead up to the birth to their first born child. We knew they would make excellent parents. However, life took a different path and Angel was born sleeping. Six babies are born sleeping every day in Australia and 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss. So instead of bounding in with gifts and flowers I readied my camera gear to photograph two ceremonies. The first was the naming ceremony for their beautiful sleeping Angel and the second, which no parent should ever have to experience, was Angel’s memorial service the next day. They were the hardest things of my photographic career, but they pushed me over the edge into becoming a Heartfelt Photographer. This was a goal that I have had ever since I started photography and Angie gave me the push, telling me I was ready. Thank you Angie 🙂

Pregnancy loss is a taboo topic, but Adam and Angie want you to know Angel’s story, not only because she is their daughter, but they hope that increasing awareness and encouraging discussions around loss will help other parents on the journey.

2013 has been kinder and exactly 11 months to the day after Angel’s birth, Crystal was born. A beautiful healthy baby girl. A daughter for Adam and Angie, and a little sister for Angel to love and protect.

Angie and Adam are already excellent parents, they have done wonderful, incredible things in Angel’s name. These include:

  • an Angels bear drive for Pregnancy Loss Australia which raised over $2,000. This purchased 100 Angel bears in memory of Angel that will be given to other families who suffer a loss offering them comfort so they are not alone and do not have to leave the hospital with empty arms;
  • organising a team of runners for the City to Casino marathon to support Heartfelt. The amount raised in memory of Angel was $2,000 and the total amount raised by all of the families participating in memory of their own losses was a staggering $7,886 for Heartfelt; and
  • donating a cuddle cot to the Hobart Private Hospital on Angel’s 1st birthday. This represents a value of around $4,000 and allows for angel babies to stay in the room with their parents while staying cool. These are a huge comfort and support for angel parents.

I have absolutely no doubt that they will continue to wow me in years to come and will be AMAZING parents to Crystal. I am sure that you will all join me in wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations Adam and Angie. Crystal is DIVINE! I cannot wait to watch her grow and to document her life.

Katinka x

Here is a slideshow of their session with Adam and Angie’s beautiful words to Crystal.


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