In a poignant and heart-wrenching incident, a baby was born on a public sidewalk as his Haitian immigrant mother, Judith Fleurissaint Baguidy, desperately attempted to make her way to the hospital. Despite a 40-minute walk, her efforts fell short, resulting in the baby’s birth by the roadside.
Moved by the profound story, photographer Nilza Rejane, 53, orchestrated a special photoshoot for the baby, named Waldo, within her studio in Graçataí, situated in Porto Alegre’s Metropolitan Region. Deeply affected by the baby’s unexpected birth circumstances, Nilza was inspired to capture his moments through a new lens, one filled with hope and positivity.
Upon learning about the incident from a journalist’s report, Nilza reached out to obtain the parents’ contact information. She selflessly offered to photograph the baby, wanting to provide a different and uplifting perspective for Waldo to cherish in the years to come.
Judith, on leave from her domestic work, accompanied Waldo to Nilza’s studio. The session commenced in the morning and extended into the early afternoon. Throughout the photoshoot, Judith stood by Nilza’s side, her concern for her baby’s well-being palpable in every moment.
Dubbed the “Newborn” photoshoot, the session typically occurs within a baby’s first 10 days of life, a period marked by deep sleep and maximum flexibility. Nilza allowed for breaks to accommodate breastfeeding and diaper changes, all the while capturing the rhythmic essence of the infant.
With genuine warmth, Nilza affectionately portrayed Waldo as an angel and expressed her deep affection for him. Judith readily consented to being photographed alongside her son, thus creating lasting memories. The most precious moments of the photoshoot will be compiled into a 20-page photo album, thoughtfully gifted to the family.
Despite a limited command of the Portuguese language, Judith’s gratitude was unmistakable as she uttered a simple “thank you,” her radiant smile conveying volumes. The profound connection established through this shared experience transcended language barriers, leaving an indelible impact on both the photographer and the mother.
Through Nilza Rejane’s lens, the photoshoot not only captured Waldo’s essence but also immortalized a mother’s unwavering love in the face of adversity. This remarkable visual narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the boundless and sacred affection that defines the maternal bond, showcasing the strength and resilience that mothers like Judith exude in even the most challenging circumstances.
