Birth is beautiful
Birth photography is more than the crowning shots it calls to mind. In fact, I've never actually seen any of my client's bits! I'd venture to say that most people are not thrilled with the idea of a stranger holding a camera between their legs. My role as a photographer is to capture raw birth experiences with skill. I am able to capture angles which protect modesty, play with light, and showcase the bonds between the birthing person and their support team. There are many powerful moments to be captured throughout labor, such as your partner's gentle touch, your eyes shut tight during an intense sensation, or laughter between contractions. I capture the intensity, emotion, love, and strength that goes into birth and I guarantee your photos will be gorgeous. These will be the most important photos of your damn life.
Your partner should be present
I hear many people say, "my partner will just capture some photos on their phone when baby is coming out" and I respond, haaaave you seen the candid photos your spouse takes? Jokes aside, You deserve a labor partner who is fully present and your partner deserves to be fully present during the birth of their child.
When active labor begins, YOU MAY REQUIRE MORE PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE FROM YOUR PARTNER. HIP SQUEEZES ARE AN INCREDIBLE pain management tool, AND BELIEVE ME, YOUR PARTNER IS GOING TO NEED BOTH HANDS to perform them. Their focus will be offering you sips of water, laying a cool cloth against your forehead, and making sure you've eaten. BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADEPT AT CATCHING THOSE QUIET MOMENTS OF REST WHEN LOVED ONES ARE WHISPERING ENCOURAGING WORDS, AND OFFERING GENTLE TOUCH.
birthing partners do not experience the adrenaline and hormone dump that people in labor do. As you're running the marathon that is labor, you may find that your partner appears to be even more exhausted than you are! Don't bet on the groggy partner seeing their person in discomfort to take the most important photos of your life.
Birth is a major Life event
We hire photographers to document major milestones in our lives; engagements, weddings, pregnancy. These photos become priceless heirlooms that are displayed in our homes, bound into books, and eventually passed down to our children. Birth brings partners closer, solidifies family bonds, and transforms each parent in untold ways. This is the singular most important life event and your story deserves to be told by a professional.
photos can aid in healing
RISING CESAREAN RATES, OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE, & A DISPROPORTIONATE MORTALITY RATE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR ARE JUST SOME OF THE factors contributing to BIRTH TRAUMA. Every birth is unique as is every person's experience. For some, even a seemingly straight forward birth may leave the birthing person with emotional and physical trauma to unpack. Photos can be a therapeutic tool for working through your birth.
You may not remember Clearly
There is a reason that deep labor is referred to as "la la land" and that's because You're a little out of it. Contractions come closer together and more INTENSELY, adrenaline and other hormones are dumping into your system by the bucket, and you're likely running off very little sleep. All of this can make for very fuzzy RECOLLECTIONS of labor. For every birth story retelling there is a midwife out there thinking, "that's not quite the way it happened". Birth photographers arrive when you're in active labor (about 6cm) and capture everything from the small details of the birth space to all the intimate moments leading up to the grand finale. If you're lucky, you'll find one who takes a video of your babe's first cries and captures the precious golden hours after birth.
Your photos can educate & empower
Birth has been radically changed for the past several generations and The birthing industry has profited greatly from it. The birth space has become over medicalized and the birthing person has been viewed as a passive witness to their own story. Your photos will tell the story of your power, your consent, & your partnership with those you hand select to be on your team. These photos have the potential to normalize birth and educate others including your own children. One day, when they are preparing to bring their babies into the world, they may look to your photos for guidance and courage.
