Sony Artisan Nancy Borowick stands out as a storyteller who captures the profound complexities of life. Her latest project The Loss Mother's Stone, which is set to be exhibited next weekend, delves into the sensitive topic of stillbirth and the resilience of mothers who have experienced this loss. Borowick will also be discussing the project during a photo walk on June 14, where she’ll be joined by some of the mothers featured in the photo project. We sat down with Borowick in advance to learn more about the project and how she utilizes her craft to navigate personal trauma while shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of maternal health. Keep reading to learn more.
Photos by Nancy Borowick. Sony Alpha 1.
From Personal Trauma To Public Awareness
The genesis of this project is rooted in Borowick's own experience with postpartum depression following a traumatic birth experience with her son, a healthy baby boy. Seeking a therapeutic outlet, she turned to photography to make sense of her journey. An unexpected response to a Facebook post led her to focus on stillbirth – a subject that, while difficult, demanded attention and understanding.
Borowick's project began with stories from mothers who had endured the devastating loss of a child before birth. Through intimate interviews and powerful portraits, Borowick highlights not only the grief and unanswered questions, but also the ways these women honor their children’s memories and find strength to move forward.
Photos by Nancy Borowick. Sony Alpha 1.
A Unique Approach To Storytelling
Adopting a methodical approach, Borowick emphasizes the importance of building trust with her subjects. Before capturing any images, she conducts pre-interviews to understand their stories deeply. “I had this vision of making empowering, powerful, beautiful, strong, complicated portraits of these mothers,” she explains. “I wanted to best represent the life experiences that have colored every decision they've made and what they've been through. I felt like to do that, I really needed time with them. That’s why I decided to do the pre-interviews.” This groundwork informs her photography, enabling her to create portraits that reflect the mothers' resilience and complexity.
Photos by Nancy Borowick. Sony Alpha 1.
Borowick’s project transcends traditional photojournalism. She incorporates a variety of media – portraits, reportage, video, and audio – to craft a multifaceted narrative. This approach not only challenges her creatively but also expands the project's impact, opening conversations about preventable stillbirth and empowering women to advocate for their healthcare.
“This was new for me,” she says, “because I typically am more of a reportage, observational photographer. My training is in photojournalism, but this was a departure from that technique. I wanted to challenge myself to make meaningful portraits that were not just surface level.”
The Power Of Sony Gear
For this deeply personal project, Borowick relies on the versatility and quality of Sony cameras. She primarily uses the Sony Alpha 1 for stills, appreciating its precision and reliability. For video interviews, the Sony Alpha 7S III is her go-to choice, offering unparalleled performance in capturing honest and intimate moments. Her preference for prime lenses, particularly the Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master and Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master, allows her to maintain the natural light and authenticity essential to her work. “I’m a sucker for primes,” she says. “The glass is just so beautiful and delicate and sharp.”
Behind-the-scenes of Sony Artisan Nancy Borowick and her Sony setup for the project.
She continues, “This is all I need, it’s really a great setup. I travel light, I don’t want or need to have this big kit of gear. Especially in this intimate environment where we’re talking about something traumatic and complicated. You want to be subtle. You want to be quiet. You want the gear that’s going to do what you need it to do in the way that you need it to, but without taking away from the intimacy of the moment – which is why I love Sony.”
A Public Exhibition To Inspire Conversation
Borowick’s exhibition, part of Photoville in New York City, aims to reach audiences beyond the photography community. By making these stories accessible, she hopes to foster dialogue on maternal health and the ways society can better support those who've experienced stillbirth.
Photos by Nancy Borowick. Sony Alpha 1.
Attendees of Photoville will also have the unique opportunity to engage with Borowick and some of the mothers featured in the project during a Sony-sponsored photo walk on June 14. This interactive element encourages open discussion and a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape surrounding stillbirth.
Continuing The Conversation
Nancy Borowick’s project is ongoing, with the potential to grow into a community of shared experiences and support. Her dedication to capturing these stories underscores the power of photography as a tool for healing and advocacy. This project exemplifies how photography can illuminate challenging topics, inspire change and connect us all through shared human experiences.
Photos by Nancy Borowick. Sony Alpha 1.
Learn more about The Loss Mother's Stone HERE, and check out this recent NPR piece on the project.
Learn more about the Exhibition HERE, and the Photo Walk HERE.
See more of Nancy Borowick's work on her Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @nancyborowick.
