I have been photographing births for a long time. I started almost 14 years ago in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was October 8th, 2009 when I got that very first call. That mama really wanted her birthing day documented and I was super excited and honoured to document her experience. However, the hospital was not very inviting. They thought it was super weird that anyone would want such an experience documented this way. And they vocalized that, a lot!
In fact, for years following, a lot of people gave me shock-face when they would hear that I was a birth photographer. And I get it. I think they immediately imagine images of legs spread, baby crowning, mother screaming, dad dizzy, and just intense pain that you would rather not remember. Buuuuut, of course we know now that it’s not about that! And honestly, the shear power birth stories hold have been an absolute gamer changer for parents everywhere!
It was around 2013/2014 when things changed. Birth and breastfeeding became a hot topic on social media. Women became more empowered as they became more knowledgeable on these topics because everyone started sharing their experiences. That’s when things really took off. That’s when we actually saw the birth of a new industry (pun totally intended). Birth photography became normal and was no longer uncommon. Those shock-faces started to subside because it became obvious that having your birthing day documented was so worth it so many reasons.
The day and/or night you give birth is such a whirlwind that the memories are often blurry. Being able to watch and relive your birthing day in such detail with pictures and videos is such an incredible gift. A lot happens, you just can’t possibly take it all in. And if you’re the one giving birth you often can’t even physically see what’s happening. As a result, a lot of beautiful details get forgotten or unnoticed or unseen.
Your birthing space is so sacred and the connections happening in your space are so real, and raw, and genuine. The way your partner looks at you, the way your child holds your hand to support you, the way you react when your baby is born and placed on your chest, the way your new baby gazes up at you with wonder and love. And of course, as the one giving birth, you can’t even physically see your baby being born. And most of the time you miss the baby’s first exam where they measure and weigh them. The list of important moments goes on and on. A birth photographer will capture those moments forever.
It also goes without saying that hiring a professional birth photographer means you are going to get beautiful images no matter the lighting situation, no matter how unflattering you feel, no matter how fast-paced things can get. You won’t have to worry about a thing. Everything is being captured for you in such a beautifully artistic way that it allows both parents to be fully present for the experience. And this way your partner is in the pictures too.
It can also be healing. Some people don’t have the experience they expected which can be challenging on both parents in so many ways. Some of those parents have expressed to me that at first they felt mad and upset about the way things went, but when they saw their birth story they saw their experience from a different angle. Both metaphorically and literally. And those terrible feeling they had went away. Instead they felt proud, empowered, and they were able to accept and heal. I just love that so much! The best part is, with so many people sharing their birth stories publicly or at least with their inner circle, they help others feel relief too.
It allows others to see and emotionally feel the experience which has been such a gift for so many families who live apart. And in some cases, partners just cannot be there for the arrival of their babies. So many important people just can’t be there to partake in the experience with you that you may wish to share it with. To be able to share beautiful photos and videos and the sound of baby’s first cry with your loved ones, it’s truly priceless.
Birth is no longer seen as something to hide, but instead celebrate, and even share. There is absolutely nothing shameful about birth. Everyone here on earth was born. It’s literally the most incredibly special thing to witness. The experience is like nothing else. I have documented over 150 births and with every single one I still feel the same overwhelming feelings as I did when I first started. It’s extremely emotional and magical. It’s truly an honour to capture this moment in time for people.
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