Hi, I'm Christine
- the founder of Cradle & Capture.
I live on a beautiful farm just outside Polokwane with my little family (beautiful baby boy, 4 cats and two adults who adore good coffee and old music)
If your'e a collector of plants, lover of breakfasts, coffee snob, firm believer of Jesus Christ and prefer a one on one conversation over a group gathering, we'd probably be friends.
My story started as a professional nurse and midwife, where i witnessed the sacredness of life in its first moments. That deep reference for birth and family has shaped my heart, and led me here.
I like to think of myself as a mosaic of pieces - some worn, some new, some fragile, and some i hardly recognise. It's the same beautiful complexity i look for in my photography, the real, the raw, and the tender pieces of life that come together to create your story.
If you love the messiness of motherhood, the chaos of growing families, and the way an ordinary day can feel extraordinary when you slow down to notice, you're in the right place. If you like savouring the small things, a quiet cup of coffee, a new bloom on a plant or a baby's tiny yawn, then I think we will get along just fine.
My work is all about freezing time. One day when the baby shoes are tucked away and life gets quieter, you'll have these photographs to look back on.
A history of love, belonging, and connection - told in pictures.
WHY BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY MATTERS TO ME?
When I mention birth photography to people, I usually get one of two responses: A very intrigued face with "I wish I could have had that for my birth" or a little frowned upon face with "do people actually want photos of that?"
I can understand why. Birth is messy, raw, sometimes traumatic and deeply intimate. You are at your most vulnerable being physically and emotionally exposed. Fear, doubts and chaos can quickly creep in. But despite all of that, seeing women come face to face with their body’s power, and look fear in the face, and perhaps believe for a moment that they can’t do it…. and then do it anyway… is the most incredible thing to witness.
I believe that birth imagery can change the world. It makes birth visible and accessible. Birth Photography certainly changed the way I processed my own birth and gave me a confidence I have never known as I embarked into motherhood. During my own birth, I asked my husband to take some iPhone photos of me while I was labouring, pushing and working hard to meet my baby boy. I have looked at those images over and over in awe of how miraculous birth is. Being able to relive those emotions and reminiscing on how good the Lord was to me during those moments has made me find inner healing, it restored my faith and confirmed to me that this is something I also want other women to experience.
THIS IS YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CHANCE TO SEE YOUR OWN STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE
No mother should look back on her birth and wish she could better remember the first time her eyes met her baby’s, the unwavering support of her partner’s loving hands, or the perfect details of her newborn’s face.
All of the powerful moments of birth — the joyful, the challenging, and everything in between — matter and deserve to be remembered! Birth photos preserve these priceless memories, which is not only of value to you but also an immeasurable gift to your children.
Why is my business called Cradle & Capture?
"Cradle" represents God's hands gently holding both mother and child—the divine design of new life, love, and protection. I imagine how I am cradled and safe in His arms.
"Capture" besides the literal meaning, reflects the calling I have to capture what moves God's heart - the first breath, the holiness of birth, family connections and the masterpieces(us) He created for His glory.
Now that you’ve learned about me…
LET'S TALK ABOUT YOU!
I want to learn more about you, your family, and your desires for birth and motherhood. Our consultation is free, no obligation, and no pressure. Let's connect!