A MOTHER clutches her newborn to her chest, her eyes close as a smile spreads across her face.
And birth photographer Kate Kennedy is there to capture the sheer relief and joy of Lambton’s Claire Walshe after giving birth to her son River in April last year.
It’s one of eight images – black and white and colour, caesareans and natural births – that made up Ms Kennedy’s winning entry in the 2015 Australian Institute of Professional Photography NSW Documentary Photographer of the Year category.
Ms Kennedy has been present for dozens of Hunter births since starting her business and says the focus is always on making everyone comfortable, producing tasteful work and not intruding.
‘‘It’s still incredibly special every single time, it’s amazing how the wow factor never wears off,’’ Ms Kennedy said.
‘‘I’m definitely trying to capture the emotion of the whole experience. The connection between the couple and the emotion that the mother and father are feeling, whether that is pain, fear or everything through to that complete and utter joy and relief of having a baby.’’
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s Heath Wade claimed his third straight AIPP NSW Wedding Photographer of the Year award.
