Birth photography is an amazing way for parents to document the intimate, powerful, and emotional moments surrounding the arrival of their new baby. Maternity and newborn photography is already massively popular in the UK, and birth photography has become a growing trend. In this blog, I am looking at what birth photography entails, and what to consider if you’re considering employing a birth photographer.

Although birth photography wasn’t common when I had my children, my husband captured photos during the delivery of all three, and they’re memories I hold close to my heart. The image below is of my daughter, just seconds after she was born. I have no memory of this moment, which makes this photo even more precious. I love the way my hands instinctively reach up for her, and the smile on the midwife's face—it tells such a beautiful story. While the colour version is a bit graphic (hence the black-and-white!), every detail in this image means the world to me.
 

Newborn

What is Birth Photography?

Birth photography involves a professional photographer being on hand to capture the moments before, during, and after a baby is born. Unlike posed newborn sessions, birth photography is candid and documentary-style, often taking place in hospitals, birth centres, or at home for those having a home birth. The goal is to tell the story of your baby’s birth, from labour to those first moments of life, creating a timeless record for your family to treasure.

What Does a Birth Photographer Do?

A birth photographer is on call for when labour begins, often arriving during the early stages to document the entire process. Their role is to capture not only the birth itself, but the events leading up to it and of course, those wonderful first bonding moments when baby if first born.

I am not one myself, but I know that birth photographers will work discretely, respecting the privacy of parents and medical staff and ensuring they don't get in the way or disrupt the flow of labour and delivery. A professional birth photographer's experience and understanding of the birth process allows them to anticipate key moments, all while maintaining sensitivity to the intimate nature of the event.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Birth Photographer

If you’re considering booking a birth photographer, there are several things to bear in mind:

1. Choose the Right Photographer for You: It’s important to book a photographer who not only has experience with birth photography but, as it’s such a personal event, you feel comfortable with and who understands the birthing process. 

2. On-Call Availability: Labour can start at any time, day or night, so your photographer must be available at short notice. Most birth photographers include an on-call period around your due date, typically starting at 38 weeks, and remain ready for a call at any moment.

3. Hospital or Birth Centre Policies: It’s important to check with your hospital/birth centre whether they allow birth photographers. Some UK hospitals could have restrictions in place, particularly in surgical environments like C-sections. Having this conversation in advance will avoid any last-minute disappointments.

4. Your Comfort Level: Birth is a deeply personal experience, and it’s important to consider how you will feel about having someone there to photograph it. Speak openly with your photographer about your needs, letting them know any specific requests or boundaries you’d like them to respect.

5. Privacy and Sensitivity: Birth photography captures raw emotions and intimate moments. A professional birth photographer will work with discretion and sensitivity, ensuring the process feels respectful. Discuss with your photographer how the resulting images will be used – for example, would you be happy if they are shared publicly or would you prefer them to be kept private.

Why Consider Birth Photography?

The day your baby is born is one of the most transformative days of your life, and while the details may become a blur in all the excitement and exhaustion, birth photography will help preserve those moments forever. From the second you first hold your baby to the joy in your partner’s eyes, these are memories well worth treasuring.

Many families who invest in birth photography see it as an extension of their newborn and family photography sessions. It completes the story, providing a more comprehensive record of their child’s arrival into the world.

In summary, birth photography is becoming more popular for families wanting to document the amazing process of welcoming their baby into the world. If you’re thinking about documenting your baby’s birth, take time to research local birth photographers, ask plenty of questions, and make sure you feel completely at ease with the person you invite into this amazing, intimate and life-changing experience.

Lorraine Jardim LBIPP QGPP

Ellie J Photography

Newborn Photographer Coventry