Baby on the way? Curious about birth photography?
Look - I’ll start out by saying it’s not for everyone - and that’s okay! The birth of a child is a time filled with raw emotion, strength, and love. Some people might choose to have a photographer present to capture documentary images of their child’s birth, and this is a deeply personal decision - so today, I thought I’d share a bit about what birth photography is, what it involves, and why you might consider it if you’re expecting your wee one!
What is birth photography?
Birth photography is the art of documenting the process of childbirth in a way that is respectful, unobtrusive, and deeply meaningful. It’s about capturing the moments leading up to the birth, the labour itself, and those first precious moments with your new baby. Birth photography tells the full story of your baby’s arrival into the world.
Birth photography is often done in a documentary style, meaning that it’s focused on capturing real, unposed moments as they happen. The goal is to document the day in a way that is honest and true to your experience. This style of photography is all about preserving the emotions, the connections, and the small details that make your birth story unique. And one of the most important aspects of birth photography is that it is done with the utmost discretion and respect for your privacy, understanding your comfort levels and boundaries, and ensuring that the moments that matter most to you are captured in photos - while your photographer remains as unobtrusive as possible.
Why you should consider birth photography.
Having a professional photographer present at the birth of your baby allows you to have a visual record of this incredible day, capturing moments that you might otherwise forget in the chaos. Every birth is so so different, and birth photography allows you to document your unique story in a way that reflects your experience - whether it’s a home birth, a hospital birth, or a C-section.
And in another way, for many parents, birth photography becomes a tool for healing and reflection. Looking back at the photos allows you to process the experience and appreciate the journey you went through to bring your baby into the world. It can also be empowering, reminding you of the incredible strength you demonstrated during the birth - even if some of it was a bit of a blur.
So - what does birth photography involve?
Pre-birth consultation: Well before your due date, you’ll have a consultation with your birth photographer to discuss your birth plan, your expectations, and any specific moments you want to be captured. This is also the time to establish boundaries and discuss any aspects of the birth you prefer not to be photographed.
On-call availability: Birth is unpredictable, and things can kick off at anytime! I make sure I’m on-call and available for a period leading up to and after your due date.
Capturing the experience: During the birth, I’ll document everything from the early stages of labour to the moment you first hold your baby. There’ll be photos of the environment, the interactions between you and your support team, and the emotions that fill the room. The focus is on telling the complete story of your baby’s arrival.
Post-birth moments: After the birth, I like to document those first precious moments with your baby. This might include your first feeding, skin-to-skin contact, introducing your baby to siblings, and any other moments you’d like captured.
Birth photography is about more than just taking photos; it’s about preserving the incredible journey of bringing a new life into the world. It’s a deeply personal choice, and one that can result in a powerful and lasting record of one of the biggest moments in your life. If it’s something you’re considering, get in touch, and I can take you through the process. However keep in mind due to the commitment and type of work involved I only take a very limited number of birth photography jobs each year.
As birth photography is deeply personal I don't have any images to share with you this time but keep an eye out for my next blog, I promise lots of gorgeous photos in that one!
