Beyond the Delivery Room | Verena Panzitt Celebrates Womanhood with Photography

Hi, I’m Verena, a midwife and photographer with a deep passion for celebrating women in all their stages of life. Through my work, I aim to capture the strength, beauty, and individuality of every woman, whether during pregnancy, the first precious moments of a newborn’s life, or through empowering boudoir sessions.

My journey into photography began in the delivery room. As a midwife, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless births—moments filled with raw power, vulnerability, and immense love.

I started bringing my camera to these profound experiences, capturing the very first breaths, the first touches, and the indescribable connection between parents and their newborns. These moments inspired me to expand my work as a photographer and explore new ways to immortalize the beauty of life.

Today, my photography goes beyond the delivery room. In my studio, I create spaces where women can feel celebrated and seen—whether it’s through maternity sessions, newborn portraits, boudoir photography, or even underwater shoots.

Underwater photography holds a special place in my heart because it brings a unique, ethereal quality to each image, allowing women to embrace their femininity and strength in a truly artistic way. There’s something magical about the weightlessness of water that mirrors the inner peace and grace we often forget to see in ourselves.

For me, photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing emotions, telling stories, and creating art that reflects the unique essence of each person I photograph. I’m incredibly grateful that my journey began in the delivery room because it shaped my ability to see and honor the beauty in every fleeting moment.

I didn’t study photography in a traditional academic setting. My journey into photography was born out of passion and life experience. As a midwife, I began capturing the incredible emotions and connections I witnessed during births, which naturally led me to explore photography as an art form.

Over the years, I’ve honed my skills through hands-on practice, workshops, and continuous learning—both behind the camera and in post-production. My approach is deeply personal and shaped by my unique perspective, blending technical expertise with a strong emotional connection to my subjects.

Oh, I’ll never forget my first shot—it’s etched in my memory because it was so raw and meaningful. It was in the delivery room during one of the births I was attending as a midwife. I had my camera with me, almost as an afterthought, and decided to capture the first moment a mother held her newborn. The image wasn’t technically perfect, but it radiated emotion: her tears of joy, the baby’s tiny fingers gripping her hand, and the pure love in the room.

That shot ignited something in me. It made me realize that photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about preserving emotions and telling stories that might otherwise be forgotten. That moment inspired me to dive deeper into photography and eventually build a career that lets me blend my two passions: life and art.

I use a combination of equipment that allows me to adapt to different settings and create stunning, high-quality images. My main camera is the Canon EOS R6, which I love for its incredible dynamic range, sharp detail, and exceptional low-light performance—perfect for everything from intimate studio portraits to on-location shoots.

For underwater photography, I rely on a Nauticam housing to protect my gear and ensure crystal-clear shots beneath the surface. It’s an essential tool for capturing the ethereal beauty of underwater sessions, where lighting and composition require a whole new level of precision.

In the studio, I work with Profoto lighting, which gives me unmatched control over light quality and allows me to sculpt every shot to perfection. Whether it’s soft, dreamy lighting for a maternity session or bold, dramatic light for a boudoir shoot, Profoto helps me bring my vision to life.

This combination of tools empowers me to create art that reflects the unique essence of my clients, no matter the environment.

My ultimate goal is to empower women and families by capturing their stories in a way that makes them feel seen, celebrated, and truly beautiful. Through my work, I aim to create timeless, meaningful art that preserves fleeting moments—whether it’s the miracle of pregnancy, the first touch of a newborn, or the confidence radiating from a woman in a boudoir session.

I hope to inspire people to embrace their individuality and see their own beauty, both inside and out. Every photo I take is more than an image; it’s a story, a piece of their legacy that they can cherish forever.

Beyond that, I want to push the boundaries of my creativity—whether it’s through underwater photography, artistic compositions, or new ways of blending my midwifery expertise with photography. I also aspire to share my knowledge and mentor other photographers, helping them find their own voices and create meaningful work.

Ultimately, my dream is to leave a lasting impact, not just through the images I create, but by helping people see the extraordinary beauty in their everyday lives.

The compliments that touch me the most are deeply personal and resonate with the heart of why I do what I do.

The first is when women tell me, often with tears in their eyes, that my photos made them see themselves as beautiful. Hearing that they finally feel confident or empowered after seeing their portraits is beyond inspiring—it’s a reminder of why I pour so much passion into every session. Helping someone see their own beauty, especially when they may have doubted it, is the most fulfilling part of my work.

The second is when people say they recognize my photos immediately, even without knowing it’s my work. That recognition tells me my vision, style, and storytelling have a distinct voice. It’s a huge compliment to know that my art has left an impression and speaks for itself. Both of these affirmations fuel my drive to keep creating and growing.

My unique storytelling is inspired by the profound emotions and connections I witness in life’s most intimate moments. As a midwife, I’ve been privileged to be part of countless births, where raw vulnerability, strength, and love unfold in their purest forms. Those moments taught me to see beauty in the details—the way a hand reaches for another, a fleeting glance, or the first cry of a newborn.

That deep emotional connection carries into my photography. Every session, whether it’s a maternity shoot, a newborn portrait, or a boudoir session, is a story waiting to be told. I draw inspiration from the individuality of each person in front of my lens—their personality, their energy, and the emotions they bring to the moment.

Nature also plays a huge role, especially in my underwater photography. There’s something magical about the fluidity and weightlessness of water that mirrors human grace and emotion in a way nothing else can. It adds an ethereal, dreamlike quality to my storytelling, allowing me to create images that feel both timeless and otherworldly.

Ultimately, my storytelling is driven by a desire to preserve not just what we see, but what we feel—moments that speak to the soul and celebrate the beauty of life in all its forms.

Thank you so much! Winning the New York Photography Awards is an incredible honor and means the world to me. It’s a moment of immense pride and validation for the hard work, passion, and creativity that we pour into every project. This recognition is not just about the images we create; it’s about the stories we tell and the emotions we strive to capture.

For me personally, this award is a testament to the journey I’ve taken—from starting with a camera in the delivery room to creating art that empowers women and celebrates life’s most intimate moments. It’s a reminder that following your passion and staying authentic to your vision can lead to something truly meaningful.

For my team, this distinction reinforces the value of collaboration and dedication. Every detail, every decision, and every bit of energy we invest contributes to the final result, and it’s incredible to see that recognized on such a prestigious stage.

Ultimately, this award inspires us to keep pushing boundaries, refining our craft, and connecting with the people who trust us to tell their stories. It’s a celebration of not just one achievement but of the people and the moments that make what we do so fulfilling.

The winning work I submitted to the New York Photography Awards is incredibly special to me because it encapsulates everything I strive for in my photography—emotion, artistry, and storytelling. The picture, titled "Submerged", was made to celebrate the strength, grace, and beauty of women in motherhood, captured in a way that feels both timeless and unique.

The weightlessness of water became a metaphor for the transformative journey of pregnancy—floating between vulnerability and strength, stillness and motion. The ethereal lighting, and the serene expression of the mother-to-be created an image that felt almost otherworldly, yet deeply personal.

I chose to enter this picture because it represents the heart of my work: empowering women and preserving the fleeting, profound moments of their lives. The technical challenges—working underwater, balancing natural and artificial light, and achieving the right composition—pushed me creatively and brought out the best in my team. It was also a project that resonated deeply with my clients, as it reflected their stories and emotions in a way that felt authentic and meaningful.

Submitting this work was not just about showcasing a single image or series, but about sharing the deeper message behind it—the beauty of human connection, the power of storytelling, and the art of seeing the extraordinary in everyday life. Winning this award affirms that this vision resonates far beyond my studio, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Winning an award like the New York Photography Awards has been a transformative milestone in my career. It’s not just about the recognition—it’s about the opportunities, validation, and inspiration that come with it. Here’s how it has helped me grow:

1. Credibility and Recognition: Being recognized on such a prestigious platform solidifies my reputation as a professional in the industry. It shows potential clients and collaborators that my work meets an international standard of excellence. It has also opened doors to partnerships and projects that might not have been possible otherwise, as people see the award as a mark of quality and trust.

2. Increased Visibility: Winning brought my work into the spotlight, both locally and internationally. It attracted a broader audience, from clients to industry professionals, who now see and appreciate my unique approach to storytelling. This visibility has helped grow my client base, especially with people looking for a photographer who blends artistry with deep emotional connection.

3. Creative Validation: On a personal level, it’s incredibly motivating to have my vision and creativity recognized on such a scale. It’s a reminder to trust my instincts and continue pushing boundaries in my work. It also validates the unique blend of midwifery and photography that defines my style, encouraging me to explore new ways to tell meaningful stories.

4. New Opportunities: The award has sparked invitations to speak at events, collaborate with other creatives, and even mentor aspiring photographers. These experiences not only expand my career but also deepen my impact on the industry.

5. Inspiration to Grow: Winning is not the finish line—it’s a stepping stone. It has inspired me to explore even more ambitious projects, refine my techniques, and continue evolving as an artist. It’s a constant reminder to strive for excellence, not just for recognition, but to honor the stories of the incredible women and families I photograph.

This award has been a defining moment, not just for my career, but for my journey as a storyteller. It’s a gift that keeps inspiring me to dream bigger and connect deeper.

Two photographers who have deeply inspired me are Delphine Denans and Natasha Ince. Both bring an extraordinary blend of artistry, emotion, and technical skill to their work, and they’ve each shaped the way I approach my own photography.

Delphine Denans: Her ability to create ethereal, dreamlike underwater portraits is unmatched. Her work captures the strength and beauty of women in a way that feels almost timeless, yet completely personal. I admire her attention to detail, her mastery of light, and the way she brings a sense of grace to every image. Her photography reminds me that creating art isn’t just about the technical side—it’s about evoking emotion and telling a story.

Natasha Ince: Natasha’s work is bold, empowering, and utterly captivating. She has an incredible ability to highlight the individuality and confidence of her subjects, especially women, in a way that feels both striking and intimate. Her use of color, texture, and composition is nothing short of masterful. What I find most inspiring about her is her fearless approach to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to her artistic voice.

Both photographers inspire me to elevate my craft, find new ways to connect with my subjects, and never stop exploring the artistry behind every frame.

The best piece of advice I received when starting out was:

"Find your voice, and trust it. Trends come and go, but your vision is what makes your work unique."

This came from a mentor who emphasized that while technical skills and knowledge are important, the real magic lies in creating something that feels authentically yours. They encouraged me not to worry about trying to please everyone or fit into a specific mold, but instead to focus on what makes my perspective and style special.

That advice shaped how I approach photography—and life. It gave me the confidence to blend my experience as a midwife with my work as a photographer, to create art that tells deeply personal stories, and to follow my instincts when it comes to creativity. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day, reminding me that authenticity and passion are the heart of meaningful work.

Find your own style, because that’s what will make your work unique. Step out of your comfort zone to grow—every challenge is an opportunity to learn. And remember, it’s not always about perfect technique. Sometimes, it’s about capturing the perfect moment, the emotion, the story that makes an image unforgettable.

Stay true to yourself and your vision. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re stepping stones to growth. Success isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about creating something meaningful and building connections through your art. And most importantly, trust the process. Every shot, every challenge, and every moment of inspiration is part of your unique journey.

Stay curious, stay humble, and never stop seeking inspiration. Knowledge and creativity are endless, but only if you remain open to them. That’s how I continue to evolve, not just as a photographer, but as a person.

I’d love to end the interview by sharing something close to my heart:

Photography, to me, is more than just an art—it’s a way of preserving the moments that define us. Whether it’s the raw beauty of childbirth, the quiet strength of a mother-to-be, or the bold confidence of a woman embracing herself, my goal is to create images that tell stories, evoke emotions, and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. I believe that beauty lies not in perfection, but in authenticity, and that’s what I strive to capture in every frame.

I also want to emphasize how grateful I am for the people who trust me to tell their stories. Every client, every session, and every moment inspires me to grow and push boundaries creatively. To anyone considering a journey in photography or hiring a photographer: embrace the magic of your story—it’s worth capturing.