Most people wouldn’t think twice about hiring a professional photographer to document one of the most important days in their life… Their wedding. So why then, do people make a stink face when I tell them about birth photography? So many people ask me why I would want to take pictures of “that“. The answer is simple, it is one of the most beautiful things that exists in this world. Some would disagree, I imagine, but I would guess those people haven’t had the chance to watch the beautiful soul they created take their first breath, flash their perfect first smile or had that same little one pull so hard on their heart stings that the air slipped out of their lungs. So, now I ask…why on earth would you NOT want to have these moments documented?
The day that my son made his way into my arms, I couldn’t help but feel like there were bigger plans for me- my life had true purpose. It was by far the BEST day of my life and so important for so many reasons… He is now 16 months old, and I barely remember any of his actual birth. Had I known about birth photography I would have done it, no questions asked. Maybe this is because I have a fierce passion for documenting life but I believe, on some level, everyone has the desire to document their lives, and remember the moments that make them who they are. Everyone wants to remember but sometimes little moments slip away without warning. Having photos to tell the story is such a special gift, one that the people I have attended births for tell me is the greatest gift of all. So what is so foreign about idea of Birth photography that makes people so uncomfortable? I believe it has to do with the fear that surrounds birth in our society, and my hope is that when people see the photos I create from births, they become less fearful and more excited. Birth is strength, life, joy, beauty and wonder. Every family deserves to see it that way.
If you’re still not convinced that it is worth the investment, here are my top 6 reasons to hire a birth photographer:
1. They Respect Birth and Take it Seriously
You might think having an extra person there will be distracting, confusing or downright annoying, which probably would be the case if you don’t hire a professional. A real professional should be able to blend into the background when necessary. The people you choose in your birth environment should be people that love and respect the process and beauty of birth. A professional birth photographer takes birth seriously, and has decided to make sacrifices to be a part of the birthing community and do what they love. Much like a midwife or doctor, they are committed to being there- which means they will be on call for you 24/7 and will have a good back up plan just in case.
2. They Have the Right Equipment and Know How to Use it
Yes, your iPhone takes great photos and I’m sure you’ve got a ton of followers on instagram but try taking a photo with your iPhone in a tiny room with only one candle to light your subject. I dare you. Photographing a birth can be extremely challenging, from the lighting to the size of the room to the speed at which everything happens. A professional birth photographer is able to create stunning images in even the least desirable conditions at a seconds notice. With birth there is no do-over, so hiring someone who knows what they are doing is a must.
3. Dad Should be in the Photos
Even though it is all about you… it should be a tiny bit about them. Plus there is nothing sexier than a man who is fully involved in the birth of his baby. So, with that being said, Dad should definitely be in the photos- Not taking them. For a lot of men, the birth of their baby is the moment that fatherhood becomes real. You’re going to want to remember the look on your partners face the moment he holds your baby for the first time. And so will your baby.
4. All the Little Details
If you’re like me, you’ll forget almost everything from the experience. Hiring a birth photographer will ensure that every little detail that you don’t want to forget will be creatively captured with purpose. From the brightness of their eyes to the tiny wrinkles in their skin. Things that you are likely to miss because you are so busy taking in the perfection of the person you grew inside your body.
5. Privacy
This is a big one for a lot of people. They think that if they hire a birth photographer, immediately following the birth there will be intimate moments posted all over the internet for anyone to see. While I believe it is beneficial for women to share their experiences of birth with others, what and how much is shared is entirely up to you. If that means you want nothing shared, a real professional will respect that.
6. Healing from Birth Trauma
The right people in your birthing circle and being well informed will provide the best possible chance of the birth you desire, but no birth ever goes 100% according to plan. Sometimes things happen that are truly out of your control, and the beauty of the experience can be overshadowed when you don’t have the birth you hoped for. Having beautiful artistic photos of the experience can remind you of the good and help process the feelings of upset.
If this still hasn’t opened your mind to hiring a birth photographer for your next birth, perhaps these will:
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