I can see and hear people now, "who in their right minds wants photos of that?"
Quite honestly either you love the idea of a birth photographer or you don't.
I, at one point, was someone who didn't like the idea. I mean I didn't even want anyone aside from my husband in the room with me when I gave birth to my firstborn. I thought I'd remember, I mean I had a phone and so did my husband. I was wrong, but I didn't realize it until it was too late. Let's be honest here, you only get to meet your baby for the very first time once!
You wouldn't think not to hire a photographer for your wedding, whether it was a big wedding or you eloped. Phones just don't do that chapter in your life any justice. Don't get me wrong I realize people do that all the time, but if you're someone who wants that moment documented, you hire the damn photographer.
Trust me when I say birth is no different. Those memories fade so quickly and you don't realize it until they're gone. As a momma myself, and having friends who are mothers, we all say the same thing. Some memories are as clear as day, others just aren't there. That's a majority of the reason so many people are hiring birth photographer now, but I'm about to break down a few reasons why it's beneficial to hire a birth photographer.
Your significant other can focus solely on you.
While childbirth is primarily experienced by the birthing parent, it's also a deeply transformative experience for partners. However, partners often find themselves torn between being fully present for their loved one and capturing the moment with their phone or camera. By hiring a birth photographer, partners can fully immerse themselves in the experience, knowing that every precious moment is being expertly documented. This allows them to be fully present to support their partner while still having those beautiful images to cherish.
Birth photographers are professionals when it comes to bad and dark lighting situations
Now, don't get me wrong both iPhone and Samsung, hell even Google and other phone companies, have come lengths when it comes to photos taken in the dark. They just don't have the same capabilities as a professional camera or the skills of a photographer.
Most births, more than likely, will be happening in the middle of the night or very early morning hours. Under very dark circumstances, or in a hospital setting under terribly harsh spotlight cause boy, oh boy, do those doctors just LOVE those lights. Phones tend to not track the exposure needed for those conditions and either over expose (blown out/white out) or under expose (extremely dark). Finding out that happened during your birth would be devastating. Again, there are no "do overs" with birth.
Thankfully when you hire a birth photographer, we are well trained in these lighting situations with high-level gear to help handle these difficult and harsh decisions. Even in the middle of the night, in an extremely dark room, you can expect well exposed and high quality images.
Professionalism in the birth space
Even if it's your first birth, it most certainly is not mine or whoever you hired.
As a birth photographer, we understand how sacred that space is. How important it is for you to feel safe in your moment. You don't just want anybody in that room. You want someone who can handle that energy in the best and most professional way.
We know how to interact with your birth team, whether that be nurses and a doctor, or your midwife. We know where to be and when, and how to act in each moment. We know how important it is to read the energy of the room and your birth to have the appropriate mindset and vibe. We are professionals who know how to handle our camera, and your birth space.
Postpartum Healing
This particular point is tough, because not everyone has rough postpartum period or birth. Although personally, I know those who do/did (myself included) have a rough time coping. Whether it be from a difficult labor or unexpected complications during birth, or postpartum in general, even if it's just the "baby blues" from those pesky hormones. Hiring a birth photographer can play a crucial role in the healing process. By capturing the journey from labor to delivery, a birth photographer provides a visual narrative that validates the mother's experience. These photos serve as a powerful reminder of their strength and resilience, helping them process and heal from any trauma associated with childbirth. Additionally, seeing the love and support of their partner and loved ones captured in the images can be incredibly healing, reaffirming their sense of community and belonging during this vulnerable time. In essence, birth photography becomes not only a celebration of new life but also a tool for postpartum healing and empowerment.
Birth is BEAUTIFUL
I'm going to be honest here, not everyone sees birth as a beautiful experience that deserves documenting. A lot call it gross, or insensitive to photograph. This is why when you see support persons taking pictures with their phone it is normally directly after baby is here and has been wiped clean by the nurse or midwife. While that is absolutely a beautiful moment, I'm telling you the whole story leading to that moment is just as beautiful. The raw intensity of labor transforms into a powerful expression of strength, courage, and love. Every contraction, every moment of anticipation, and every triumphant cry as a new life enters the world is a testament to the incredible miracle of birth.. By capturing these moments with sensitivity and artistry, a birth photographer helps individuals see the beauty and wonder in the birthing process, fostering a deeper appreciation for the journey they are embarking on. In doing so, birth photography becomes not only a means of preserving memories but also a transformative tool for embracing the beauty of childbirth in all its forms.
