Vannessa Brown is a professional birth, motherhood and family photographer specializing in the documentation of life’s “unplanned, unposed, and unexpected moments.” From a child opening its eyes for the very first time, to a father holding his wife and new baby beside the birthing pool, to a toddler gently cradling their new sibling on their lap, Vannessa is passionate about capturing the beautiful and fleeting moments of birth and life. 

With an academic background in engineering, Vannessa began to explore photography when she was pregnant with her son, and it was her research on birthing that inspired her interest in birth photography. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Vannessa Brown Photography was officially launched in 2011, and after photographing her first birth in May 2012, Vannessa never looked back. 

As a photographer, each experience brings with it its own unique demands – for periods of up to 5 weeks, she has to be available at a moments notice, and it can take up to 50 hours to properly document a single birthing experience.

Photo Credit: Vannessa Brown Photography 

In the last 8 years, she has documented nearly 100 births in hospitals all across Edmonton, in birthing centres, operating rooms and midwifery clinics, as well as home births in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. “It is an honor,” she says, “I am so grateful and thankful to the families who trust me to be a part of these life-changing events.” 

Much of her focus and creative approach has been informed by her own experience as a mother of two. From the moment of the actual birth, to the weeks and months after bringing a new child home, it is easy for special memories and moments to get lost among busy schedules and exhaustion. “You think as a mom, you’ll always remember, but you don’t,” she says, “it breaks my heart that I don’t remember all of the little things.” 

According to Vannessa, it is common for clients to be on the fence regarding birth photography. However, having been on both sides of the camera herself, as both the photographer and the photographed, “It is worth it,” she states simply, “these are details that are unique to each family’s journey. They are priceless.” 

In addition to birth photography, the packages offered by Vannessa Brown Photography include the Family Documentary Session, the Motherhood Session and the Family Mini Session, all specifically designed to capture life as it is. With a focus on real personalities and authentic family dynamics, Vannessa captures the moments you never knew you didn’t want to forget. Sessions can take place in your home or on location at a favorite local restaurant, park, or play area, creating real and lasting memories beyond the classic “Sunday best” family portraits. 

To learn more about birth, motherhood and family photography by Vannessa Brown Photography, visit https://www.vannessabrown.com.  

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After 3 months of cinematic silence, digital projects will again come to life at Carnival Cinemas on Friday night.
“It has been a tough 3 months,” said theatre owner Bill Ramji. “This weekend, we come back to life!”
Movie goers can choose from Trolls World Tour, Sonic the Hedgehog, I Still Believe and the classic 1970s
film E.T.
Carnival Cinemas has kept prices steady at $5 and still offers the same snack bar and games arcade center in addition to Ctrl V, their virtual reality entertainment complex.

“We will still offer the same services as before, for meetings, birthday parties, and other rentals to serve our customers,” said Ramji. “We are ready to be central Red Deer’s entertainment hub.”
Over the last weeks, the Carnival parking lot has been home to food trucks, a move which was initiated last year.
“Having food trucks in our lot gives us good visibility,” added Ramji. “Last year we even had a small collectors market day for local comic book and card collectors.”
Ramji noted that movie goers can go online at https://carnivalcinemas.ca/ to view their current film slate and view online trailers.

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