What IS Birth Photography?

I feel like birth photography is a newer thing. Or, at least, it’s been gaining popularity in recent years. Since I started photographing births last year, I have definitely noticed that it’s not super clear what birth photography IS or how your birth photographer will fit into your “space” during labor and delivery.

A couple of weeks back, I found myself sitting across the table from an expectant mother. She found out that I was a birth photographer, and we had a great conversation about how I work and my philosophies around my presence in your birth space.

Here’s a little peek (read: brain dump) at my side of that conversation regarding they “why”…

Our first family photo care of my doula… I really wish I had photos of the events leading up to this point, but I will cherish this one forever!

One of my biggest regrets around the births of my two kids is that I don’t have more photos. I was so doped up on medications, and SOO exhausted, that I barely remember anything about what happened those days. Plus, I had other things on my mind as I was definitely NOT paying attention to my surroundings and my support people. I have no idea how my husband looked as he was supporting me through contractions, or the expression on his face when he saw our kids for the first time. I didn’t get to see how strong and powerful I looked as I was being taken on a wild ride by my own body. I have one photo that my doula took of us after my daughter was born. And I treasure that photo. I just wish that I had more.

And here’s what I said about the “how”…

As a birth photographer, my goal is to be a fly on the wall. I’m not going to be pushing people out of the way to get “the shot”. I’m going to be documenting what’s going on with you, and around you. I’m going to deliver images that will tell the story of the entire day, from the beginning stages of labor, to your little one getting his or her first bath. I try to interact as little (or as much!) as a mama wants. Some mamas have several support people in the room, and they don’t need anything from me except photos. Other mama’s maybe have one person, and when that one person needs to leave to get food or use the restroom, it makes both parties feel better knowing that there is someone else in the room with them. I will be where you want me to be, and won’t be where you don’t want me to be. I talk to my mamas beforehand about if they want that shot, or if they’d rather I stay by their heads during the actual delivery. Sometimes during labor, you just need a little peace… I’m happy to take a quick lunch break and allow you some solitude. Which is why it’s so important to find a photographer that you feel comfortable with and able to communicate with clearly.

If you’re interested in speaking more about having me photograph your upcoming labor and delivery, please reach out! I only take a limited number of births each year (due to the on-call necessities) so let’s chat and get your due date on my calendar!