We were lucky to catch up with Whitney Combs recently and have shared our conversation below.

Whitney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are often hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?

As a photographer, one of my favorite things to document is births. I have experience photographing births in a hospital setting, but this year I had the opportunity to photograph my first home birth. I met Christina and their family last Fall when I did their family photos. We had moved up their Fall session because, unfortunately, Nick’s (the Dad) cancer had returned. Shortly after that, they found out they were pregnant with their fifth child. Christina was growing a beautiful child as Nick’s health was declining. I continued to follow their story and keep in touch as their needs continued to change and grow. Christina contacted me to schedule their newborn photos and I asked if she would be interested in birth photos. She was, and we were able to share our love and conversations for all things birth. I was so excited as this would be my first home birth and I knew these pictures would be so important to their family. Around this time, the doctors estimated Nick had approximately a month left, but Christina had a few months left in her pregnancy. They were faced with the harsh reality that Nick may not be there for the birth of his 5th child.
Well a month passed. Then another month, and another month. Then it was May. The month of Christina’s due date. Christina was nearing the end of the pregnancy and Nick was still there supporting her all the way.
The month of May was full of prodromal labor for Christina. Back pain, inconsistent contractions, and a couple of false alarms when we thought it was go time. Her doula also got covid. So in addition to photographer, I told her I would be happy to put on my doula hat and do what I could. We felt sure baby would come in May. She was showing all the signs.
Then June came. Particularly around 4:30am on June 4th. My phone rang and it was Nick. He said the contractions were strong, he had called the midwife, and I needed to come too. When I arrived, it was very obvious that baby was coming soon. Her contractions were strong and back to back. Nick was right there with her. When I tell you about the strength in that house, it’s difficult to put in words. One midwife was about 30 minutes away and another about an hour. It became clear that there was a good chance the baby was going to arrive before they did.
I chatted with the midwife on the phone and she told me to go ahead and put on gloves she had left there. Honestly, I didn’t quite take her seriously; hopeful that one of the midwives would still make it in time. The next 5 minutes were intense. Christina was on the bed working through pretty constant contractions. She knew the baby was coming and was saying, “no, it’s too soon, not yet.” Nick leaned over and said, “it’s fine, you’re safe, you’re strong, and you can do this.” After that, I figured I better put those gloves on.
At this point, Christina moved to a squatting position on the floor. She told us baby was coming and someone needed to get the head. With me in front and Nick behind, at 5:20am, with midwives still on their way; I caught the baby’s head and Nick guided her body. She was here. A beautiful, healthy baby girl. I had just been part of the delivery of a baby.
This experience was one of the most incredible things I have ever experienced, as a photographer and as a person. There were so many lessons learned, but as a photographer and business owner, I think it represented the fact that you can’t always plan situations. You will encounter unique stories, unexpected twists, and many changed plans. Embrace it. Sometimes the unexpected experiences can be far better than anything you could plan.

Whitney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Whitney, the owner and photographer at Pure & Simple Creations. I am a birth and family photographer serving King, NC and surrounding areas. I strive to provide natural, authentic photos to families of all kinds and at all stages of life. From engagements, to births, to extended families; I love meeting people and providing them with beautiful photos and an enjoyable experience during their session.

I have been photographing since I was a child; from photographing for the yearbook in middle and high school, to working with a portrait photographer through college, to starting a business of my own. I’m proud of a long history of working with different people and photographing in all kinds of situations. Being a photographer is so rewarding. I take pride in my work and am honored to be chosen to photograph families in all walks of life.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a photographer is that I get to be a part of a family’s memories for many years to come. I love seeing my work hanging on the walls in people’s homes; my work featured in their family photo albums; and my photos being shared on their social media pages. It is such an honor.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients tends to be word of mouth. By providing an enjoyable experience and quality photographs, clients share about this and I continue to get booked.

Contact Info:

• Website: puresimplecreations.com
• Instagram: pureandsimplecreations
• Facebook: Facebook.com/puresimplecreations

Image Credits
The headshot of me – Angie Gardner The rest of the photos are Pure & Simple Creations