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 05 2012

Gemma’s Birth Story {Seattle Birth Photography}

You can read my perspective of Gemma’s birth story here, so today I’ll just share a few things I loved about this birth:

Laboring at home. Lani labored for well over twenty-four hours in the comfort of her home. She had her own clothes, her own food, her own bed — all things that help to keep us calm and relaxed, even in the midst of labor.

Dogs who cared. While Lani labored, her two dogs, Dudley and Ray (did I get those right?), stayed watchful and close. I love how animals instinctively know what is going on and stay nearby. So sweet!

A hospital that surprised me. The Issaquah Swedish is VERY new, so this was my first experience there. Of course the facility itself is fabulous, but what I loved about this place was the doctor and nurses. Lani was cared for beautifully, and not pressured to progress with massive amounts of Pitocin. In fact, it was several hours before a tiny amount of Pitocin was introduced. Each time Lani or Dex or their doula, Barrie Thuneman (www.fullmoonbirth.net), inquired about something (episiotomy, delaying cord clamping, etc.), the answer turned out to be very much in line with their hopes. It was a beautiful thing.

Here are a few images from after Lani and Dex transferred to the hospital.