June 15th "Birth-Telling" Ashley Blythe

Before there were photographs, all we had were stories. Birthtellers draw from the ancient tradition of storytellers who would share our history through spoken words. We used the intimate custom to heal from experiences personally and as a community. Now, through images and words in tandem, birth stories can shape the future of our culture and society with more than words alone - as photographers we have the power to help change the world for future mothers. In this program we will discuss the mindset of being in a birth room, when its ok to document and when to stop, finding your place in a crowded space, and telling the story so that your Mothers will feel empowered.

I love all things birth. I love talking about every aspect from the photography all the way to placentas. I am a doula and an active advocate for moms legal rights in child birth. Rain, thunder, and dark clouds breathe life into my soul. I need them more than air. So if it’s raining, we are going to go outside and soak up every bit of it! I clean the hell out of anything and everything - and that even includes mopping the front porch (Even in dusty dirty Lubbock.) I put my all into everything I do. Because My version of hell Is knowing my potential and never reaching it. I never want to wonder if I could have done more. I’m not afraid to fight for things, Because “If not me, then who?”

*Meal is an extra fee and optional.