When I explain that I am freelancing as a birth photographer and that I am present with families when they give birth to their child, people often are very intrigued and asked me why?… Why am I passionate about this? Why would anyone want such photographs? What are the reasons that pushes a family to hire someone to photograph the birth of their child?
There are no short answers to these questions but here are some of the reasons (if you need any) on why hire a birth photographer:
Reclaim your birth story
After giving birth, it is very common between friends to tell each other about our deliveries. Often, we realize that the chronology is not very clear. Indeed, giving birth means letting go of your body, your expectations and also your watch…
Having a birth photographer allows you to find the chronology of your story. It goes beyond capturing the moment of the baby’s arrival and encompasses various stages, such as labor, delivery, the first cry, the first meeting between parents and the newborn, and the initial bonding moments.
It seems like nothing like that but regaining possession of your birth story is fundamental. Whether you experienced your birth in a gentle way, whether you felt lost or in full control, it allows you to tell this wonderful moment, even share small pieces or relive the whole day with your loved ones if you wish.
High-quality photos
While some people may like a well-lit birthing environment, it does vary among indivuduals and many birthing person find that low light conditions provides them with a sense of privacy and intimacy.
Working in low light situations is not easy even with a good DSLR camera. The capabilities in low light are not the same as a full frame professional-grade equipment quality camera. It also takes a lot of time and practice to take pictures in near dark situations or the awful hospital lighting.
Recover from childbirths
A birth does not always (if ever) happen as we had imagined. There are stories of childbirth that leave more wounds than others. This is why offering the services of a birth photographer can sometimes be therapeutic. It allows you to turn the page on your previous birth(s) and see yourself as you are, vulnerable, with your flaws and your power. You’ll have these photographs the rest of your lives and they can often allow you to become aware of your inner power.
To live the moment fully
During labour and childbirth, your partner will only be focused on yourself.
No need to worry about camera settings, to rely on a family member to take photos, about whether to choose between acupressure point or taking a picture. Your partner will focused and be present with you and for you ! On the other hand, my job, as photographer will be to take care of capturing every moment of this powerful and transformative moments.
To see again and again the love in your eyes and those of your partner
Yes, a childbirth is overflowing with oxytocin (the hormone of love). Mom makes it, it stimulates her contractions and … your partner is full of them too! It is often during childbirth that the partner becomes aware that he is becoming a parent.
It is also when your partner becomes aware of the power and beauty of bringing a little one earthside. This love and emotions give beautiful images and it is these kinds of photographs you will want to look at together and realized what you have achieved together!
To preserve the most real, precious and authentic photographs you will ever have.
Birth is incredibly intense, you go through ups and downs, from pain to euphoria, roars, tears until the end and the meeting with your child. You and your partner are so focused on what’s going on that you don’t even notice the photographer there. And it is when the magic happens: you are yourself in all your vulnerability, sensitivity, emotions and energy. No pose, no good or bad profile, just the life unfolding before my eyes that I capture for you ensuring that you can cherish these memories for a lifetime.
Birth photography is documenting the day and the moment you meet the tiniest (& probably the biggest too) love of your life and no matter how this baby comes to you, is a moment like no other…
It’s important that the decision to hire a birth photographer is a personal one.
If you feel like you would like a photographer to accompany you during your delivery. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me for a chat 🙂
