Birth Photography…the real deal.
Capturing the Moment: My Journey in being a Birth Photographer
Birth has always fascinated me—not just as a life event, but as a profound and emotional moment worth preserving. When I was about seven years old, I witnessed my cousin’s birth during a home delivery. My aunt labored quietly in the other room while her two-year-old and the rest of us kids played nearby. About thirty minutes before the birth, we all instinctively tiptoed into the room. It’s as if we knew something magical was about to happen. That calm, sacred moment has stayed with me ever since. Birth Photographer just makes sense.
I’ve been drawn to the idea of birth photography—wondering if it’s a path I’d like to add to my creative offerings. But the big question… How do you plan for something as spontaneous and unpredictable as birth? When we hired a doula for my oldest son’s birth, she didn’t arrive until after he was born—but fortunately, she still managed to capture some beautiful images. That experience reminded me how precious these memories are, even if they come in the chaos.
Natural births, especially the first, often happen in the early hours of the morning, and cesareans are a whole other rhythm and energy entirely. I realized that being a birth photographer would mean being on call, staying flexible, and being present in someone else’s most powerful moments in life.
I offered birth photography to several friends who were expecting to try my hand at it.. Eventually, the timing aligned. After returning from a spring break trip, one friend let me know she’d be induced a day later and It was on!
The anticipation was real—and worth it. I captured hundreds of photos and video clips, documenting everything from the quiet moments to the emotional first meeting.
In the end, I created a piece for this beautiful family of four that helped freeze a day often remembered in fragments. It was a fun project with an added soundtrack to help tell the story!
There are many things to consider when looking for someone to provide birth photography.
1. Being On-Call
Yes—being a birth photographer absolutely means being on-call, often for a window of 2-3 weeks around the client’s due date. You’ll need to keep your phone on 24/7, have a go-bag ready, and stay within a reasonable travel radius. Some photographers even limit other shoots during that time.
2. Communication is Everything
Clients usually keep you in the loop starting at early labor. Texts or calls keep you updated, and when they’re headed to the hospital or things are intensifying at home, that’s typically when you go. Some photographers arrive at 5–6 cm dilation, but it really depends on the birth plan and how fast labor is progressing.
3. Sleep is Optional 😅
Many natural births, especially first births, happen in the early hours. Being flexible, rested, and okay with middle-of-the-night dashes is part of the deal. It’s intense, but rewarding.
4. Have a Backup
Because babies come when they want, it’s common practice to have another trusted photographer on backup—just in case you’re sick, out of town, or stuck at another shoot.
5. It’s Not Just Photography—It’s Sacred
Having witnessed birth, I know this: it’s not just about pictures, it’s about trust, intimacy, and emotion. You’re being invited into someone’s most vulnerable, powerful moment. That emotional depth is what makes birth photography so meaningful—and challenging.
I’m so excited to continue exploring this sacred work. If you have an interest in capturing the birth of your first baby or your last, please reach out.
I would love to provide the birth photography service for you!