Birth photography is still a new concept for many people, and that comes with a lot of questions. Here are the answers to a few common ones to get you started.

WHAT IS birth photography?

Quite simply, birth photography is capturing the story of the day your baby is born. In the same way as we feel an urge to take pictures at other important occasions (birthdays, graduation, weddings), many people want to have their baby’s birth day photographed so they can remember it forever. We often focus on the journey you take, captured by the little touches, support, awesome power

What will you take pictures of? Do I have to have the actual moment of birth photographed?

 It’s a common misconception (and fear) that the focus in birth photography is on taking a picture of the actual moment when baby emerges. While many parents do love this shot, it’s usually not the focus, and many parents choose not to capture it at all! Think of wedding photos— You capture the getting ready, the emotions and excitement of this big thing that is about to occur and change, and all the overpowering love that surrounds the day. The actual I do moment is just a part of it.  

Favourite shots amoung clients are often of the first time they see baby, of their partner showing them love and support through labour, and moments of strength as you work to bring baby earthside.

Will you share my photos?

I only share photos that I have permission to share. For some families this means none at all, others may choose some to share and some to keep private and still others are joyed at sharing each detail of their birth. While I love the opportunity to showcase the strength that goes into birth and to normalize birth story photography, I will never share something that you are not 100% comfortable sharing.

When do you come?

I generally aim to join my clients once active labour has established. This allows you to stay relaxed as possible during early labour, which is great for getting that oxytocin production going. Once you are 5-6 cms dilated (or if not getting checks then contractions are approximately 3 minutes apart and one minute long), I will make my way to you to get all those gorgeous images of you working through contractions before baby makes their arrival. I’ll stay through the birth and up to two hours after baby’s arrival.

How long does it take you to get my photos back to me?

 I typically aim to have a few sneak peak photos back to you within 12-24 hours so that you can share them with friends and family and use them as an announcement if you’d like for social media. The rest of your photos will be given to you via an online gallery around baby’s one month birthday or sooner.

What happens if your camera fails?

 Any professional birth photographer should ALWAYS have a second backup camera body and multiple lenses so they can switch out with ease if they encounter any problems. I carry two full frame cameras, 3-4 lenses, a flash, and multiple memory cards and batteries so that I am always prepared while I am with you.

What if I’m most comfortable labouring in the dark? Will I get any photos?

 My first preference during a birth is almost always to use my flash. This means that you can keep your birth room dark, which encourages oxytocin, and I can still provide you with crisp, vibrant photos. My flash is designed to point to the ceiling or behind me, never in your direction, and at the lowest power needed. Most labouring people say afterwards that they didn’t even know I was using it. As a professional photographer, I am trained to shoot mindfully and carefully- you will never see constant flashing in the room.

If the flash does bother you, my camera is equipped to handle low light, and I can make adjustments to still capture your beautiful birth. These photos will show a less crisp but still very beautiful scene, and often feel very true to life to the private feeling you got when you were birthing. Photos without flash will typically show some ‘grain’ in them, however this isn’t a bad thing- many people prefer the real life look of this and it’s quite normal in documentary photography.

If I’m having a cesarean, is there any point in having a birth photographer?

 Of course! Birth is birth, and meeting your baby by caesarean is no less important or emotional than meeting them any other way. These moments are still once in a lifetime and especially with a caesarean birth, allow you to see a perspective that you probably did not get to see in your birthing room.

 Women’s Hospital typically now welcomes doulas and birth photographers into the operating room with open arms. We are still working with St Boniface hospital to help them see the importance of support in the operating room. If you are planning to birth at St B, please make sure you discuss this with your provider ahead of time. On the day of birth you will need permission from the anesthesiologist as well, but the are much more likely to get on board if your OB has already given the go ahead. If I’m not allowed into the operating room with you, I’ll follow you right through getting prepped, and as you head down the hallway to your birth. Then I’ll wait for you in the recovery room and be able to start shooting again as soon as you come back to get all those gorgeous getting-to-know-you details of your fresh babe.

How many photos do I get?

 A typical birth story includes 100 or more images. I hand edit each image and decide whether it would look better in black and white or in colour—and sometimes you will receive both. I will never remove perfectly good images to get your gallery down to 100 images- if your story is best told in 150, then 150 it is! If your gallery is less than 100 images (likely due to a very fast birth), then I will come back the next day to get some Fresh 48 photos for you to include in your gallery.

What should I wear?

Solid colours are usually best in birth photos, but the most important thing is to wear something you are comfortable in. Many birthers choose to wear a solid colour bralette or bikini top, sometimes with a robe overtop. A short cotton skirt can also feel comfortable in the birth space without being in the way. If during labour you decide you feel better stripping down but don’t want much nudity in your photos, I can get creative with angles to still give you some photos that can be comfortably shared. Some birthers find it important to double check what their partner is planning to wear- not everybody wants a Winnipeg Jets or bright orange t-shirt in their birth photos, and this isn’t usually the first thing on their minds when they dress in a hurry!