One Tree Photography

The Woman Behind One Tree

Before anything else, I'm Jessica Peterson, wife of Trevor, and mama to Abigail and Waldron. I've been a whole lot of things in my life (waitress, middle school teacher, Barnes & Noble bookseller, blackjack dealer…), but this is what I was meant to be doing. I always wanted to be an artist – I had that burning something inside telling me to CREATE, but I couldn't draw or paint or sculpt. Photography had been a hobby since college, but it wasn’t until my daughter was born that I really embraced it as a creative outlet.

Before setting out on my own, I worked for one of those busy photo studio chains. There were things I liked and things I didn't, but I learned a lot about what is really important to me as a photographer. (Hint: it's not about getting the perfect smile.) I've also learned that while I can't draw, I CAN see. My artistic gift is my vision, and it's made even stronger as a mother. There is beauty in everything – in eyes and details and gestures and glances. I'd love to share some of what I see with you.

Jun 08 2012

Elliot’s Birth Story {Seattle Birth Photography}

Second births are amazing! They can be so quick, so intense, and so fun! Especially when the first child gets to meet his sibling. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any big brother who was quite so excited. You’ll see…

I wrote quite a bit of Corey’s birth story here, so I’ll just share a few things I loved about this birth:

Puget Sound Birth Center! Corey’s midwives are my midwives, and it was so good to see Ali again. It felt like home. The room Corey birthed in is the room I labored in with Abby. And each member of Corey’s birth team just felt so supportive and comfortable and relaxed.

Peaceful pushing. Corey pushed silently and Elliot was born in such peace. It’s an incredible experience to witness that kind of a quiet birth. The room was charged with energy and awe, and I think I was more aware of that energy because of the quiet. It’s hard to describe, but so fabulous to witness.

Gorgeous afternoon sun. Daytime births are so fun for a photographer! Even with the shades drawn, the sun moved across the bed as Elliot nursed and met his family. The warmth and light enhanced that peaceful, homey feeling even more.

Big brother. Like I said before, big brother Liam was SO excited to meet his little brother. I’ve got so many images of smiles and curiosity and laughter as Liam and Elliot got to know each other.

Here are a few images from that quick, sunny afternoon: