THE MAGIC OF BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY
My love of birth stories and pregnancy began when my mother was pregnant with my siblings. Being able to watch her body bloom was so incredibly amazing to me; that the human body could literally create life. I was lucky enough to see my mother labour at home, riding the waves that were bringing her baby into the world with deep breaths.
I was given the gift of seeing her baby feeding, and seeing how powerful her feminine energy was. I remember the smell of newborn babies, this earthy goodness that I have now soaked in with my own babes.
Fast forward to being present at the precious moment my best friend birthed her first born. The total awe of watching this new soul be welcomed earth-side was forever seared into my memory. I was hugging my besties mum and sobbing. Wow.
WHY IS DOCUMENTING A BIRTHDAY IMPORTANT?
My first birth was a whirlwind and I was lucky enough to have my own mum there taking photos for me, as a stand in birth photographer. This helped me piece a lot of what happened back together, and helped me process the birth!
I liken professional birth photos similar to wedding photos. Usually, prior to a wedding there is lots of preparation and a photographer is usually one of the elements that the most thought is put into. Why? Because the photos are going to be a time capsule of that day. It is the same with birth. The magic and emotion during labour, birth and those fresh newborn moments are something that is able to be relived again through photos.
Being able to provide a storyboard of the most transformative day of someones live is something I am so passionate about. Birth AND birth photography needs to be normalised. All types of birth need to be normalised and all types of birthing people need to be seen. I want to help shed the fear and taboo around birth one image at a time, while showing that not all birthing people identify as female, or feminine.
I wish to see a more inclusive birth space, by helping create one. Birth photography needs to be representative of BIPOC, trans and gender fluid people, so all birthing people can see reflections of who they are in the world. Birth photography is such an important documentation of how life is created, and brought into the world, why not celebrate it?!
Harriet Hartigan
you need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star
— Friedrich Nietzsche
in giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves
— Jon Kabat- Zinn
Why hire a birth photographer?
I liken birth photography similar to getting your wedding photographed. Your wedding day is special, is an important moment in your life that you want documented so you can look back over it and remember every little detail. Why wouldn't you want the same thing for the day your babe comes earthside? This is the day that everything changes. For me, the person before each of my babies were born is PBA (pre baby Aimee) and having the instance where my world shifted on its axis is so sentimental to me! You grew this baby, you birthed this baby like a warrior, and birth photography is a testament to your incredible strength.
HOW LONG DO YOU STAY AFTER THE BIRTH?
Usually 1-2 hours depending on the birth and what has taken place. The calm after the birth is beautiful and getting those fresh moments is so special
Do you take photos of everything? even down there?!
Yes and no. Prior to the birth, at one of our many meetings, we will sit down and work out a shot list. If you want images of the baby crowning, amazing, if you don't want any shots of the birthing part but rather the small moments and emotions, that's totally a ok! I am a part of your birthing team, so your preferences and comfort is important to me.
what happens if you can't make it?
In the very unlikely, though not impossible, event that I am covering another birth or unwell, I will arrange a backup photographer. I have a list to pull from and they will capture your birth but I will still edit the gallery.
Will having a photographer there interrupt the intimacy of birth?
Nope. I have never experienced or felt as though my presences has impeded the tender loving moments between birthing people and their lovers. In fact, it's the opposite. Having someone else there to capture all those moments allows your birthing support to focus entirely on you and the babe.
Light... how do you deal?
Light is an important part of photography, and if there isn't any light I will need to make some. Usually the midwives are amazing and will shine a torch, however, if you're birthing in an entirely dark space cameras have their limitations. I always suggest having fairy lights, a diffuser or lamp on (low wattage) to help.
Do I need to tell the hospital or midwives I am having a birth photographer?
Yes, absolutely. Usually, I will pass on my details and reach out to introduce myself so we aren't meeting on the day of the birth. Birth photography is still rather new, and many medical professionals worry that having a photographer means I will get in the way. I will never get in the way, I respect the job your birth team needs to do.
Are you vaccinated?
Yes.