Is Birth Photography Right for You?
We are used to seeing the pretty pictures of newborn babies. And who doesn’t love that?… But how did that perfect, tiny, sleeping angel get here?
In conversations with Erika after her birth, she told me that when she looks back at the photos she feels so empowered. She also said, that these photos mean more to her than photos of her wedding day!
I had the honor of photographing Erika’s second birth. And she was AMAZING! All natural. I was so in awe of her strength. Her husband, normally a guy who loves to crack jokes and be super silly, was calm and present with her. He was attentive to support her in anyway he could, and offered words of encouragement.
I asked Erika some questions to help expecting mamas who might be interested or curious about having me photograph their birth. :)
Why did you want to have a photographer at your birth?
I decided that I wanted to have a birth photographer during my first pregnancy. we had documented so much of our journey as a couple already and I couldn’t imagine leaving this out. I knew that I wouldn’t be alone during my delivery, that medical staff would be present, so the idea of one more person being present didn’t bother me at all. I had seen so many romantic photos of labor and delivery on the others blogs and the power and beauty behind those images was something that stuck with me long after looking at them. The photos made me empowered and excited to give birth, not scared.
Why did you choose Sarah to be your birth photographer?
Sarah came recommended to us as a wedding photographer. I was struggling to find someone with her style. I was looking for someone who could capture candid moments that I might have otherwise missed. It was important that our photographer be someone who could quickly scan the room and see the beauty in the rawness of the moments, without everything being posed. Sarah’s style delivered. So it was an easy decision to have her also capture our birth, as those moments can’t be posed and the images rely on the photographers ability to capture candid moments that depict the emotions in that moment. It was also pretty special to have her be there for another one of the major moments in our family journey, as she’s been there for our engagement, wedding, maternity and family photos.
Would you do anything differently?
Absolutely nothing. It was such an amazing experience!
What was your biggest worry before birth, about having a photographer at your birth?
My biggest worry was having the photographer miss the delivery!
As I rushed into the room at 3:30am or something like that, Erika said “Sarah, Hurry!!!” This baby was coming fast! :) Unlike most events and photoshoots, birth can only be planned so much (basically not at all). Erika’s husband kept in close contact with me, he let me know that they were expected to head to the hospital over night, and so before I went to bed I set out all my clothes and my camera bag. And I kept my phone volume on high. I was so excited it was hard to sleep. And before the sun came up I was driving to the hospital!
Erika had told me that I should get a photographer for my first birth, a year later. And I thought about it! But I didn’t know what to expect, and wasn’t even sure who to ask. But looking back I really wish I took her advice!!! These are the only photos I have of the experience. And let me TELL you, this is NOT the full story, haha!
Let’s Talk!
If you are curious about having a birth photographer, or a photographer take some photos of that magical time following birth, we can discuss everything. No matter what your plan is, hospital or home birth, I would love to be there in that space with you.
I really hope to empower women with my photography, to capture a side of ourselves that we don’t yet know in the same way, as we will when we are giving birth. Birth is magical, wet, messy, natural, …beautiful. It is more real than anything, yet even when we see it with our own eyes or experience it personally, it is so hard to comprehend. There is so much mystery these days around birth, I want to normalize birth, breastfeeding, the body, and the human experience.
xo
Sarah