Modern Expressions

 

I happened upon Tamra Hyde’s photography when reading through a Yahoo group.  Someone said that she had a “real talent.”  I have to say–that was quite an understatement!

As I looked at the photos of the waterbirth, I couldn’t help but think that somehow Tamra had been able to capture a bit of heaven in her photography–somehow she was able to capture that moment when earth and God Himself meet in the miracle of childbirth.

Previous to looking at Tamra’s work, I did not think it was possible to capture that essence of the divine in anything as earthly and mortal as a photograph.  Somehow, she does it.

I took a minute to interview Tamra, to try and find out what it is about her that allows her to do this.

Utah Childbirth: Tell me a little bit about yourself and your family.

Tamra:

My name is Tamra Hyde.  I have been married to my husband David for 15 years this July.  We have six beautiful children.  Alexander is the oldest.  He just turned 13 and is a gentleman.  Sullivan is 10 and is our best friend to the little ones.  He is very nurturing.  Ahrana is 7 and is our little helper.  She is gifted at housekeeping and can outclean all of the boys.  We adopted her from India when she was three years old and we love her very much.  Oliver is 6 and is our stubborn child.  I am trying to figure out how to teach him when to bend and when to be strong.

 

 

Finneas is 3 and was our first child born at home.  Suzanne Smith was our midwife.  She was wonderful!  He is a growing like a weed and is all about being a big boy.

Virginia is our youngest.  She was born in our backyard hot tub with Cathy Larson attending.  It was an amazing experience.  I don’t think it gets much better than that. She is tiny and sweet and definitely the love of our lives.

I have chosen to homeschool my six children.  This is very challenging at times but I have really enjoyed it.  I love being able to let my children learn at their own pace and to study the things that really hold their interest.

Utah Childbirth: How did you become interested in photography, specifically birth photography?

Tamra:

I have been an artist all of my life.  I have always been fascinated with the art of photography, but the mechanics of using the camera always stood in my way.

I finally got brave and decided to learn and once I did a whole new world opened up to me.  Birth became a part of my life when my first was born.  I was hooked.  I read every book I find on the subject.  I began to attend the births of friends as a videographer and when I picked up photography the two things naturally fell into place.

I am always drawn to the storytelling side of photography and birth photography is the epitome of that art. I was priveleged to attend my first birth as a photographer in June of 2007 and I was hooked.

Utah Childbirth: What are some things you love about your job?

Tamra:

I love the flexibility of being a photographer.  As a homeschooling mother it is wonderful to be able to choose my own hours and to do much of my work at home.

I also love the creativity as no two sessions are alike.  I love the challenge of finding the perfect natural lighting, arrangind artificial lighting, and capturing that perfect shot.

Utah Childbirth: How has doing birth photography affected you personally?

Tamra:

I have come to know some very wonderful women.  Birth is such a personal and spiritual experience, it is an honor to be asked to participate.  I have seen the power of women and the joy of childbirth.  I feel that I am a stronger person by being near these women.  I can’t watch a birth slideshow without tearing up and I love my clients and their babies.

Utah Childbirth: How can someone contact you for a session, and what should they expect?

Tamra:

Custom portrait photography is truly an art form.  Each session takes 1-3 hours of photography time and up to 20 hours of editing time.  It is for those who appreciate art in all of its forms and for those who want a true representation of their family.

I have a fresh and contemporary style.  I am always trying new things and my clients love this. I am currently accepting birth, maternity, newborn, baby, child, high school senior, family, engagement and wedding clients.

Wedding clients for 2009 will recieve a significant discount on pricing. I am accepting portrait clients on Fridays and Saturdays only and session times fill up quickly.

I am in West Jordan but all sessions are on location. When I accept a birth client I reserve an entire month and will not book any other births or weddings during that month, so it is important to book right away to secure your session.

Many of my birth clients receive a free maternity or newborn session with their package.  Please check out my website Modern Expressions for pricing information.

Let me know that you found me here and recieve a $50 credit toward your session.

Contact Information:

Tamra Hyde www.modernexpressionsphoto.com www.blog.modernexpressionsphoto.com modernmother@comcast.net 801-712-0510