What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when birth photography is mentioned? Is it “ew, yuck!” or “I wish I had photos of my baby’s births“?
Several articles have been written recently on the topic of birth photography and unfortunately, not all in a good light. I have been photographing births for over a year now, and I can truly say I am passionate about birth photography.
I am also a proud member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers, a group of photographers just as passionate as I am about birth photography.
Birth is a sacred event…and those first moments of your baby’s life can never be relived…but with birth photography they can be remembered and remembered beautifully.
Before I photograph a birth I meet with my clients to get to know them a bit. As we chat I find out just what shots are important to them. For some moms, it’s their partner’s reaction…to some it’s the moments just after birth. Some moms and dads want ever detail captured.
At every birth I try to be the proverbial fly on the wall. I stay in the background.
I capture the moments.
The details.
The relationships.
Sure, dad can take some photos too…but not of himself at the birth.
Or what about the view from mom’s bed?
Or the moment she finally meets her little one for the first time?
Or the moments mom misses while the doctors look over her little one?
And c-sections? Those moments deserve to be captured as well.
Every birth is a miracle and I try to preserve a small part of that miracle for each family I work with.
Well said!
I think your photography is a beautiful record of the miraculous thing called birth. The photos you’ve taken show the real, pure emotion (and pain) of the people and I am sure are precious to them. The birth mothers must absolutely love seeing the ‘fly on the wall’ pics. Well done!
Joolz
Wow. You have an amazing talent in birth photography! Simply amazing and beautiful!
I am in tears, marveling at the goodness of God and your fantastic talent in capturing it all. Keep up the good work!
Made me cry this morning! I love birth too and love how you capture the moments but especially the relationships! LOVE the children coming up stairs, so sweet! You do great work!
Honestly, my first thought is, “That sounds expensive.”
The prices vary quite a bit depending on your area. As a birth photographer, however, I am on call 24 hours a day…there are no regular hours for birth photography and no overtime
It’s the passion for the beauty and wonder of birth that drives me though.
Oh, I’m sure the money is well-earned. I just can’t picture myself ever having that to spend. (And I’m a whole state away from you, so I doubt I’m in your service area, as it were.) But your quality of photos is definitely superior to what my amateur attempts will produce (much less my husband’s ‘how do I turn this camera on?’ level of ability).
Anna, I always hate the thought of the dad “missing out” because he’s worried about getting the shot.
I guess that depends on the dad. Some might find that focusing on the shot helps them focus more on the event; but some won’t.
Wow I teared up! These are such lovely photos, of amazing moments that these families can go back through over and over, the baby who is born is able to see the amazing miracle that was him/herself!
I love the idea and wish I could have afforded it. All 3 of my births were so different, all had moments I wish I could hold in my hand. I don’t know why anyone would have anything bad to say about it. It’s a personal choice, just like where you birth, how you birth, and the parenting choices you make after that. The world needs less judgement of others. There’s so much beauty if you take the time to look through others eyes.
I never would have thought I wanted birth photographs, but since we had them with Calvin, I now can’t imagine having a baby without them! It’s just part of the process now!! It is so amazing to look back and see the moments I forgot about, or didn’t get to witness firsthand. Thank you so much for your beautiful gift, and your willingness to share it!!
Wow, such beautiful shots! I wouldn’t worry to much about cost if I was getting to capture moments like this that I would have forever, and your right most dad’s in this case don’t get in the picture(or whomever is there with the mum). I love birth photography; birth, babies and photography three beautiful things. Keep up the good work.
Would you come to Yakima? I would love to have this if we get pregnant again. I always try to get my husband to take pictures and he’s great, but at my last birth there was only 1 photo and it was only so/so. I want him to be fully engaged with me and the baby without having to worry about it. So…would you come to Yakima? lol
You can really see your passion for birth photography in your pictures. Very touching.
I especially love the one of the little girl leading her little brothers up the stairs to see the new baby for the first time, and the expectant looks of anticipation on their faces is so priceless, and it’s something the Mom could never see from her bed! They are all beautiful moments, captured beautifully by you.
Nope couldn’t do it. Wouldn’t want it done for me. BUT these pictures are beautiful! and truly capture the moment.
But I still couldn’t do it.
Beautiful photography. What a gift you have!
I do love your photographs, but I would never want a photographer at a birth. Our doula took a few pictures and that was all I wanted. In some ways it just felt too personal, too sacred for photography. The few that were taken I found distracting–and perhaps that’s what it is for me–I don’t want to be taken from the moment by the camera.
Samantha- I totally understand that. At my births it’s been just me, Chuck and the midwife (or doctor). We did plan on having a photographer for Apollo’s birth, but he had other plans
I DO wish I had better photos of my babies at birth, though.
I love birth photography. These pictures are so beautiful they brought me to tears.
Having those precious memories captured is so powerful. My sister photographed our last birth and I’m so thankful for those memories and the emotion she was able to capture. I shared some of them here: http://cultivatedlives.blogspot.com/2011/10/greta-birth-story.html.
Heather, thank you. I am off to check out your photos.