Hi! I’m Elizabeth Mei.

I go by Liz, unless we are speaking Japanese, then I prefer Mei because Liz in Japanese sounds like “squirrel” and I’m not a fan. I’m so glad you’re here, let’s get to know each other!

I’ve always been fascinated by birth. My grandma is a retired midwife and I saw my first birth at age 14 (despite trying to convince my mom at age five). The room was peaceful (even with the Super Bowl on haha!), full of family, and unexpectedly wonderful. But it wasn’t until I was at my best friend’s birth ten years later taking photos that I thought “I want to do this.”

Taiyo is Japanese for the sun. Just like the sun, babies bring light and joy and once they’re born, our lives shift and begin to revolve around them. Just as the sun rises, babies are always being born. But each story and experience is unique. No matter where or how it takes place, a baby’s birth is a sacred occasion. Your birth story matters. It’s a transformative, life-changing experience and it deserves to be documented.

I have three kids of my own and all of their births were vastly different. One was at a birth center, one was at a hospital, and one was born in the car! While I don’t exactly recommend the car, I do believe that parents should be able to choose where they give birth. So whether it’s at the hospital, birth center, or at home, I will be there.

I want to create photos that make you nostalgic for your current stage of life while you’re still living it. The kind of photos you look at and not only remember your baby’s tiny toes but also the sheer joy of welcoming them into the world, the hard work it took, and the people who supported you along the way. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, let’s chat!