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Hi there, i’m Carmen Bridgewater.

I am a wife, mother of two girls, and a birth photographer from the Midwest creating provocative art below the Mason-Dixon line. For 13 years I have worked as a professional photographer and for the past 6, I have devoted myself to birth photography with a focus on storytelling and narrative-shifting themes.

My craft has taken me all over the world with my latest adventure being in Kigali, Rwanda in 2025 where a client asked me to come document her latest pregnancy and birth. Over the past 6 years, I have documented 240+ birth stories and (no exaggeration) every client I encounter leaves a permanent impression on my heart. Observing people persevere in their most vulnerable moment never gets old and the miracle that it child birth still amazes me.

My work is inspired by the diaspora - from the ways our cultures have survived centuries of displacement to how we challenge societal perceptions and reclaim the stereotypes used against us. My art is deeply rooted in the power of our collective story.

I desire to highlight the fact that Black women can and do have magical birthing experiences in light of the harrowing statistics that face us. I often photograph women birthing at home or in birth centers with personalized care from midwives, supportive partners, and encouraging doulas. I love that I am able to show how cultural sensitivity alters these profound experiences for the good. Thank you for stopping by and I hope your heart is touched while viewing these works that I have so thoughtfully captured.

A man and woman sharing a kiss, holding hands, against a white brick wall.

A man and woman sharing a kiss, holding hands, against a white brick wall.

A woman in a yellow dress and black hat holding a child in a warm hat and coat standing with a black dog in a grassy field during sunset with a city skyline in the background.

A woman in a yellow dress and black hat holding a child in a warm hat and coat standing with a black dog in a grassy field during sunset with a city skyline in the background.

A man hugging a woman from behind with both of them smiling in a modern kitchen.

A man hugging a woman from behind with both of them smiling in a modern kitchen.

A couple sharing a kiss outdoors, with the man wearing a black hat and a denim jacket draped over his shoulders, while the woman has styled black hair and large earrings, wearing a white embroidered dress.

A couple sharing a kiss outdoors, with the man wearing a black hat and a denim jacket draped over his shoulders, while the woman has styled black hair and large earrings, wearing a white embroidered dress.

A couple sitting on the floor of a bright bedroom, talking intimately. There is a large bed behind them, a window with sunlight outside, and houseplants in the corner.

A couple sitting on the floor of a bright bedroom, talking intimately. There is a large bed behind them, a window with sunlight outside, and houseplants in the corner.

A happy family, including a woman, a man, and a baby, smiling and playing on a bed in a bedroom.

A happy family, including a woman, a man, and a baby, smiling and playing on a bed in a bedroom.

A man and woman hold a young child together against a white brick wall. The man wears a beige coat, white hoodie, and white sneakers. The woman wears white pants, a quilted jacket, and boots. The child wears a beige quilted jacket and white shoes. Th

A man and woman hold a young child together against a white brick wall. The man wears a beige coat, white hoodie, and white sneakers. The woman wears white pants, a quilted jacket, and boots. The child wears a beige quilted jacket and white shoes. They are sharing a tender moment.

A woman sitting on a couch embracing a sleeping child, while a man is leaning on the couch smiling and looking at them.

A woman sitting on a couch embracing a sleeping child, while a man is leaning on the couch smiling and looking at them.