About

I’m unapologetically raw and honest. Parenthood is messy and so beautifully difficult. It’s the most rewarding and yet the scariest thing I’ve ever done. And I try my hardest to take all of it in: the cracked nipples, the postpartum body and hair loss, the blowouts and 2 am cry sessions, everything. It’s a season, and seasons pass. And although in the midst of it, it can be daunting and feel like you’re drowning (I sure did, shit I still do), I can’t imagine being on the other side. I don’t want to be there yet. UGH, I begin to cry thinking about my son going off to college or leaving the house already and he’s only a toddler (which my husband totally laughs at me for). And as for photography, I want everything documented. I want my children in 20 years to be able to look back at this crazy life. I didn’t grow up with pictures so taking and having pictures is something that I am determined to provide to my children and those around me. Sometimes it’s those small details that we forget after a while. And being able to sit down, and hold a picture in your hand while remembering the sights/smells/feelings from that day is inspiring and oftentimes the most comforting feeling in the world. It’s so cliche but pictures speak a thousand words. They stir up forgotten emotions, and trigger a waterfall of tears in an instant, both positively and negatively. But that’s life and I love the chaos of life. It’s fucking beautiful. Warmly, Jelina Sonnenberg, SBD, CD(DONA), CBP, HBHD, GBCE She/Her/Hers Birth Photographer, Certified Birth & Bereavement Doula, Placenta Encapsulator, & GentleBirth Childbirth Educator

Awards

Location

Peoria, Illinois, United States