In every birth, there’s someone who steps into the role of Guardian of the Journey.
It’s a role that goes beyond simply witnessing; it’s about holding space, offering comfort, and creating a sense of calm through the unpredictable and sacred process of labor.
Birth is a communal experience, one woven from layers of support, and Cinco was an integral part of that fabric. He moved through the birthing space intuitively, knowing when to stay close and when to retreat, offering his calming, unspoken presence with each surge. He was truly the Guardian of the Journey!
Pets like Cinco often have a deep, instinctive understanding of what’s happening during birth. They can sense the subtle shifts in energy, the pauses and deep breaths, and they respond with their own kind of support. Cinco was, in his own way, not only the guardian of the journey, but also the “best Doula”—no words needed, just silent, unconditional love. His presence was a quiet reminder that birth is about trust, patience, and surrender.
As November is competition season for photographers around the world, I knew I had to enter Cinco’s image into the Birth Photographer of the Year Award (BPOTY). The photograph captured something rare and deeply beautiful—the way Cinco offered reassurance and grounding energy in this home birth. He was as much a part of the birth team as any human, and I wanted to honor his presence as the ultimate Guardian of the Journey, by sharing his role with others. It’s not every day that a dog becomes such an essential part of the birth experience, and this image was a tribute to the unique, unconditional companionship that animals bring to our lives.
As a doula and photographer, I feel a profound sense of honor capturing these moments of connection, whether between birthing parent and partner, birth worker and client, or even birthing parent and pet. Birth is a journey that reveals both strength and vulnerability, and every member of the supportive circle contributes to creating a safe, loving space.
Another image I entered into the competition was The Thread of Life, which won a Silver Award. Capturing this photograph was a challenge due to the low-light conditions, but it was worth every effort. Often, I choose to avoid using flash during birth sessions because I believe it distracts the birthing parent from their process and shifts the authenticity of the moment. Birth is intimate, raw, and wrapped in natural shadows, and I want my clients to remember it that way. My goal is for clients to look back on their birth story and feel the truth of that day, the way light naturally danced around them, framing their strength and their surrender.
In my photography work, I rely heavily on my Nikon D750 and Sigma 35mm lens—a combination that I find both versatile and true to life. Among all the options on the market, this setup has consistently allowed me to capture the genuine light, depth, and movement of a birth space. Despite experimenting with other lenses and cameras over the years, I always return to this duo.
Here’s to every being who shows up in big and small ways during birth—the partners, the birth team, and the pets who stand vigil through the labor waves. Birth is as much about community as it is about transformation. The simplest companions hold profound power.
Whether human or animal, every guardian of the journey of the birthing circle adds something irreplaceable. Here’s to those who support the journey, one breath, one touch, and one quiet presence at a time.
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