From IVF Miracles to Shutter Clicks: How My Twins Inspired My Photography Journey

Hey there, photography enthusiasts and fellow parents!

Today, I want to share a deeply personal journey that intertwines the miracles of modern science with the magic of capturing moments through a lens. My name is Nicole Morin, and I'm thrilled to take you along on this heartfelt ride on how my journey into the photography world came to be.

@ Resilient Roots Photography

It all began after my husband and I got married and I was browsing through Groupon one day and I stumbled upon a great deal for a beginner Nikon DSLR camera and lens kit. It struck me as a great idea to invest in this, thinking it would help capture all the moments of our vacations together and eventually those of our future children. Little did I know that this simple purchase would lead me down an unexpected path filled with both challenges and immense joy.

A Journey of Hope: From IVF Trials to Twin Triumphs

The desire to start a family filled our hearts with hope and anticipation. When we found out we were expecting, we were overwhelmed with joy. We were so elated we decided the perfect day to share our exciting news with our immediate family was on Mother's Day 2015. However, that joy was crushed as we faced the devastating reality of miscarriage just 3 days later at my checkup appointment. Month after agonizing month, negative pregnancy tests crushed our dreams a little more each time.

Determined not to give up, we sought help from fertility specialists and embarked on the emotional rollercoaster of IUI and IVF treatments. For over two years, our lives revolved around surgeries, appointments, injections, hormone therapies and constant monitoring. Every step forward brought a mixture of hope and heartbreak. The moment we'd been fighting for finally arrived - a positive pregnancy test! However, our elation was short-lived as another devastating miscarriage nearly shattered us.

Then came the news on Father's Day 2017 – we were expecting not only one baby but two! Against all odds, our prayers were answered twofold. The joy was overwhelming, a confirmation that miracles do happen, even in the midst of uncertainty. When our twin girls arrived, they brought a love that filled every corner of our hearts. They were not just our daughters; they were the embodiment of hope and resilience.

@ Rebecca Lynne Photography

Chaos, Joy, Parenthood: Behind the Lens

The arrival of our twin girls in February 2018 was a life-altering moment that filled our hearts with immeasurable joy and love. In those early days, I made the difficult yet intentional decision to step away from my career and embrace the role of a stay-at-home mom. My sole focus was to savor every fleeting second of their precious early years, determined to be present for every milestone and moment of wonder.

While still pregnant I knew I wanted to elevate my photography skills to capture my growing belly all the amazing firsts and memories ahead. I upgraded from my beginner DSLR to a professional-grade full-frame camera that I bought from an old co-worker, intent on taking my passion to new heights now that I was comfortable with the basics.

As my daughters grew from newborns to infants to toddlers, I became obsessed with freezing every moment in time. From tummy time to first steps, blowing out birthday candles to giggling in the bathtub, I documented it all. No memory was too small or insignificant. I wanted vivid recreations of these fleeting scenes to look back on for years to come when the tiny details inevitably blurred in my mind. My camera allowed me to hit pause on precious moments that were over in a blink. Each time I look back at the thousands of photos and videos, I'm transported right back to those early years, reliving the pure magic and chaos of that sublime kaleidoscope of firsts.

From Parenthood Dreams to Shutter Streams

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, like many others, I found myself homebound for the first couple of months with my two newly turned 2-year-olds. As the weather warmed, our backyard became our sanctuary, and I took the opportunity to capture every precious moment spent outdoors with my little ones. From our many indoor activities to keep busy to splashing in mud puddles and just enjoying the warmer weather, I documented it all. Sharing these moments on my Instagram and Facebook accounts became a source of joy not just for me, but for my friends and family as well. Their heartfelt reactions and words of appreciation fueled my passion even further.

As restrictions eased and we were able to venture out again, I made sure to bring my camera along on our outings to parks, beaches, and other exciting spots to capture every moment. Capturing moments with friends and loved ones against picturesque backdrops fueled my passion even more.

Looking back on those early days of motherhood, I am grateful for the countless photos that now adorn our walls and photo albums. They serve as a tangible reminder of the love, laughter, and joy that my daughters have brought into our lives. And as they continue to grow and thrive, I know that I will cherish these photographs for years to come, capturing not just moments, but memories that will last a lifetime.

Shutter Stories: Passion to Profession

It was during these excursions that the idea of turning my photography hobby into a business began to take shape. I wanted to share the same joy and warmth that I felt every time I looked back on these photos with others. The thought of being able to capture and preserve memories for others, to freeze moments in time that they could treasure forever, filled me with excitement and purpose. And so, fueled by passion and driven by the desire to spread happiness through my lens, I began to explore the possibilities of turning my passion into a profession.

What began as a simple photography hobby centered around capturing moments with my two girls has blossomed into a full-fledged business, shaping me into the photographer I am today. Initially, it was all about preserving the precious memories of my daughters' childhood, but as my passion for photography grew, so did my skill set and ambition. I found myself branching out, exploring different genres and styles, from family portraits to in-home lifestyle newborn sessions and even venturing into the realm of weddings and business photography.

With every new challenge, I pushed myself to grow, refining my skills and broadening my range. Today, I take pride in being able to offer a diverse range of services, catering to the unique needs and preferences of my clients. What started as a simple hobby has become a labor of love and a source of fulfillment, allowing me to not only capture moments but create lasting memories for families and businesses alike.

A Grateful Heart

When I look back now on those dark days of miscarriages and infertility, the grueling lows of IVF, the life-altering highs of becoming a mother to twins - I'm filled with profound gratitude for how that arduous journey ignited my passion for photography.

The heartbreak of infertility, as excruciating as it was, gave me the greatest gifts - my daughters and my photography business. Both have allowed me to live a life far beyond what I could have ever dreamed, combining my most important roles as mom and artist. The incredible joy of this career, combined with the unimaginable joy of raising my daughters, is the greatest blessing I could have received. This path has provided the flexibility to be present for every one of my daughters' milestones and special moments while pursuing meaningful work that lights me up daily.

Today, as I look back on our IVF journey and the whirlwind of parenthood, I'm filled with gratitude for the gift of photography. It's a reminder of how far we've come and a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the beauty of new beginnings. So, to all the parents out there embarking on their own journeys – whether through IVF, adoption, or natural conception – I urge you to embrace the moments, big and small. And if you feel inspired, pick up a camera and start capturing your memories. Who knows? You might just discover a newfound passion that brings joy, healing, and endless possibilities. Here's to the miracles of life and the magic of photography. 📸💕