I’ve never been one to be big on New Year’s resolutions. But as I’ve spent the last several days focusing on organizing, purging, and refocusing on what’s important to me, I can’t help but be excited for what this new year is about to bring. Certainly influenced by my time in the Hawaiian culture, it’s been wonderful and refreshing to see positive changes organically happen rather then going against the grain.

While many focus on change with each New Year, I am resolving to do the opposite: Embrace myself.

Birth Photography isn’t always the medical documentation that people initially think of. D.C.

One of the biggest lessons I learned through the community, island, and people of Oahu is that I’m not alone in my passions, my thoughts, or my dreams. I’ve actually been trying to mold all of what makes me ‘Me’ into everyone else’s ideals, rules, or standards. I’m starting to wonder if this has been the broken link the entire time.

Having said that, I have started each new project over the last several asking myself:

Does this involve a quality product?
Does it empower, embrace, or enhance women?

Bonding with Baby after Birth. Washington, DC

Commiting to these two goals is my own sort of project, and yet one that never was absent. It shows in my Birth Photography, Newborn Sessions, Breastfeeding Portraits, and Child Photos. In the next several weeks, I’m excited to collaborate even more with both Maryland State Doulas and Newborn Sleep co. Come March, you’ll see me at the Maryland Families for Safe Birth expo Baltimore Birth Festival (keep up do date on the event with this link), showcasing the gentle side of Birth Photography you may not have seen before. Fingers crossed I’ll be making an appearance in Oahu again this spring.

Like I said, I’m not usually one to mark January as a ‘time for renewal’...but coincidently, I think it fits well this year.

See you soon!

xo

Teresa

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture, and is proud to serve on The Queen’s Court.

Encourage, Empower, Embrace, Enlighten