"Finding Cathlene as my birth photographer is easily one of the top 5 hidden blessings life has granted me thus far. As a birthing woman, it was important to me to not just find someone with a camera in which to entrust the tremendous task of photographing my birth, more than that I needed someone with experience in a birth setting, talent/skill/knowledge of her equipment, intuition as a human to the tender moments, and lastly the fifth element of human compassion and serenity as this person was invited to a sacred place of transition. I had to hope that the person I found would hold that space just as sacred and enter into it with my birth team with grace. You will find all these things in working with Cathlene. She is kind and compassionate but always professional. She set up an interview with my partner and I, then we had a follow-up to ensure she was up to date on every anticipated aspect of the birth so that she could be prepared. Furthermore asking details about our desires and game-planning should things go otherwise. We were fortunate enough to have an out of hospital birth, and my birth team consisted of my midwife, her assistant, my doula and my partner. We were close-knit team working and spending long hours together with every visit so inviting in another person felt possibly intrusive. However between the quick, professional, clear, and heartfelt correspondence alongside the video and phone chats, it was clear that she was meant to be our photographer. It exciting to meet her when we had our 36 week appointment and she came down to attend, smoothing out any potential wrinkles that might reveal themselves, checking out the layout of the birth center, the lighting, the parking. As much as I rely on my intuition and energy people give off, my partner is more strategic (being ex-military) and relies upon concisiveness, clarity, professionalism, and above all else respect. You will get it all with Azara Images. My birth photos were, are, and forever will be something I treasure so deeply it's hard to describe. And not just because it's of my daughters birth, but because they're utterly beautiful as you will see on her site. Beyond that we got the memento box which we encourage all to get, and lastly, above all else, because its clear through correspondence, approach, followup, and delivery that she truly brings talent beyond measure, and heart beyond words. She cares deeply for the birthing process and deeply respects the role she plays in capturing these sacred moments in peoples lives (I'm confident that she brings the same to her wedding shoots). You will not only have zero regrets going with this talented woman, but you will look forward to working with her in the future."

-Katie Swedo

"When you’re pregnant you imagine how it’s going to feel to hold that baby in your arms; to feel their tiny breath on your neck; their heartbeat outside of your body; to gaze at their delicate and unique features. Having held their rhythms so close to your own during these months, you feel you will know them instantly the moment they arrive; like greeting a new part of you.  
 But when they come you can’t help but look at them in awe and wonder, realizing you have so much to learn about them. For despite the profound miracle that you were a part of creating them, which makes them—in part—yours, they are also entirely their own. And that is the supreme gift of motherhood/parenthood—to spend an eternity exploring and discovering who that person is. Marigold came into our world only weeks ago, but I have already sensed her power and felt the healing spirit she holds. She is strong. She is a protector. I can’t wait to know her more. But for tonight I’ll kiss her soft head, stroke her tiny cheek, and thank God that I have the honor to raise her. 

Knowing this would be our last baby made me want to capture the intimate parts of this emotional and physical journey. A friend connected me to Cathlene with Azara Images. She offered not only her highly developed photography talents, but the gifts of her support and presence. She seamlessly became part of our birth story and left us with an incredible series of images I will forever cherish. So- although you may be hesitant to hire a “stranger” to be at your birth, you will not regret having Cathlene there to record these intense and beautiful moments of life. She is professional, yet personal. Her candid style allows her to photograph the intimate spaces without feeling intrusive. She captures the space in between—the tenderness, joy, humor, anticipation, satisfaction, power, excitement, and love that are present as another human is brought into the world. I would highly recommend her for any of your photography needs!"

-Maren Richards

"I have been photographed by Cathlene many times. Each time I have come away with a collection of images that capture the very essence of that time in my life, and it is truly wonderful to be able to look back and see these chapters so beautifully framed.
Something about her as a person cuts right to the core, her gentle intelligence and bold compassion create a space which allows emotions to come to the surface and be photographed. Joy, tenderness, vulnerability, surprise, excitement, satisfaction, humour... and love. All the feelings that come up in these great moments, are right there in every image. Her dedication to her art, her integrity as a person and her natural talents combine to make her both a joy to work with and a consummate professional who will always deliver a beautiful image."

-Hannah Pearl

"It was easy to include Cathlene in our protective newborn bubble. She was respectful, reverent, purposeful, sensitive, skillful and clearly inspired by what she does. We were beyond thrilled with the photos she took of us and have heard again and again from friends and family, how touched they were upon seeing them. 
The shots range from playful and simply beautiful, to deeply intimate, and are filled with the range of life, wrapped in grace. She truly captured us, making use of our chemistry as a family, light, the environment and collecting the most creative & ideal frames.
We felt a sense of fun, care, generosity, and security working with her. Her direction felt natural, flowing and easy to take.
Her unwavering, sensitive gaze, creative eye, and gifted perspective produced a collection of photos that our family will treasure for lifetimes to come."

-Maren Metke

"Cathlene is a wonderful and kind photographer who listened to what I wanted and respected my values. She became a close friend by my side from the beginning of labor and she made me feel comfortable throughout my whole birth. She captured one of the best moments of our life beautifully, and we love all the pictures."

-Aisan Hoss

"I reached out to Cathlene to take photos at my homebirth. We met up and I immediately knew she would be great to work with. She has great warm energy and I felt very comfortable with her which was very important considering what an intimate space I was going to be asking her to come into. I was a little nervous about asking someone to photograph my birth, but she did such a great job! The images are beautiful and I have also been impressed by how great she has been at communicating. I would definitely work with her again for other family photos etc."

-Jessica McWilliams