Birth photography - FAQ

why would i want to hire a professional birth photographer?

If photographic documentation of your birthing experience isn't important to you and you'd frankly just rather not ever see pictures of yourself in sweating in labor, or of your baby covered in vernix and blood fresh from the womb, then having a birth photographer probably won't make sense for you and that is completely okay (in that case, you may consider a fresh48 session instead).

But in my opinion, here is the top reasons to consider hiring a professional who can be counted on to consistently get GOOD photos of your birth:

First, you will be able to see what I get to see: how strong and capable and downright amazing you are when you are bringing a baby into the world. This is one of the finest moments of your entire life, one of the more life-altering events you'll ever experience-(right up there with your wedding day. I want you to be able to see and remember your capability - revealed when you gave birth - at those moments when you doubt yourself.

Those photos will make you feel all sorts of things every time you look at them; You'll be bowled over with love and awe over this incredible human being. You'll also have help remembering what went on in your labor and birth and then be better able to write about or process it.

10 REASONS TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER

"I was just planning to have my husband/partner take photos on his camera phone. why can't he (or my doula or midwife or nurse) take pictures?"

You partner's job is to be with you, holding your hand, supporting you through contractions, moping your forehead with a cool cloth, and otherwise being just 100% present to the miracle unfolding right in front of you. Though he may be able to remember to photo-document a few parts of the birth process, it just divides his attention a bit to have to do that. And chances are that he really won't even think to take many photos at all, because that's not nearly as interesting to him as are you and the work you are doing in that moment.

Your doula or a nurse might be willing to snap a few shots, too, but it will never be and should never be their first priority, as they cannot aid you in the moments when you need them most if they are also trying to take a picture! and you never know whether that midwife or nurse will know how to operate your camera or compose an image that can even begin to communicate the weight and value of the birth experience.

Conversely, an experienced birth photographer specializes in telling that story through pictures and has no other job to do that would distract her from it. Unlike your average doula or nurse or husband, I have camera equipment and professional training that enable to me to shoot even in tricky environments and lighting situations.

There are wonderful doulas out there who are also great photographers and attempt to do both jobs in a sort of 2-for-1 deal. some of them may do that really well, but when I have tried to imagine doing both, I just can't. I think it takes two different brain modes to do the two separate jobs. I couldn't let you lean on me through a difficult contraction AND take a beautiful image of you leaning on your doula (myself) during a difficult contraction. Seems like the moments you most need your doula are the same moments you'd also most want a great photograph.

I'd like to see more of your work than what I see on your website. Why don't you blog/post/show more birth photography?

Birth photography is one of the most intimate forms of photography I can imagine. And because I respect that deeply, I'm always a bit limited in how much I post in such public spaces as facebook or on my website (you'll read more about that later in this FAQ section). However, I do have permission from some past clients to show their entire birth story to potential clients through a more private avenue. If you are considering birth photography for yourself, but first want to see a examples of an entire set or two of birth photography images, please ask!