Birth Photography

pinktorridora

Anyone else considering this? There is a really good birth photographer in my area, and I'm pretty much decided I want her. Chime in if you have personal experience with a birth photographer, or if you can offer any good info for those of us who are considering it.

MaritimeMama3

I'm a photographer, but I've never done birth photography. I've always wondered, how do they do it?? They're obviously "on call," but what if you labour for 24 hours?

MrsAB1316

I have a couple of friends who are birth photographers. Lol. Unfortunately, the one near me is due 2 months ahead of me and will be on maternity leave. I do plan on having one for this birth. I wish I had with my first.

pinktorridora

@MaritimeMama3‌ the photographer's site says her package comes with up to 8 hours of coverage. I suppose you wouldn't call until you are progressing? And it says she charges for extra hours, so there is that in case things slow down after they arrive. @MrsAB1316‌ glad to hear you wish you had one with your first. I can't imagine anyone regrets having one, right?

ELauren88

I just had my mom in there with us. Since you can't take any pictures while medical procedures are happening (the birth itself, stitching, etc) she was able to get shots of everything important (labor moments, first look, umbilical cord cutting, weighing, first feeding, etc).
Plus, I enjoyed that more than a stranger taking such intimate photos. Could be just me, though.

foreverMorgan

My birth photographer is my DH. He does a great job and it gives him something to do instead of annoying me.

crector421

A friend of mine does it and the first thing I did was hire her! She does gorgeous work!

cschissell

I want birth photography so bad, but it definitely isn't in our budget right now and probably won't be by July either.  It is so beautiful though.

barrigara

I did some birth photography for a friend and it was a great experience to be able to capture those special moments for her and her husband.  As a friend, I was happy to be with her for as long as it took - even taking the day off my real job.  

I personally would be happy with just a few shots that my DH can easily take.  I think I'd prefer as few non-medical people in the room with me as possible.

lizb7

I didn't even know this was a thing, I dont think my DH would go for it. I just want pics of DH cutting cords and doc holding them up.

MrsAB1316

Theusualmischief said:

While I would love it, I doubt DH would be comfortable with it AT ALL.  Also, what do you do with those photos later?  No one in either of our families would feel comfortable looking at the photos.  (Well except MIL, but I was shocked when she didn't ask to attend the birth of DS...)

Well, birth photography isn't necessarily a photo of your crotch with the baby crowning. It's all the moments leading up to it and beyond. It's the last hours of you and your husband as a family of 2 (or 3, or 4, or however you fit in). It's the documentation of how hard you worked and how much love you have for someone upon seeing them for the first time. The birth photos I've seen tell an incredible story and will be such a keepsake down the road. And, I've even seen some beautiful c section birth photos in hospitals that allow it.

Chasity08

I had considered birth photography, but there is a max of 2 people in the room for the C-section, and I really want my Mom to be in there with DH and I. I think it goes back to when I was 18 having DD, and I really wanted my Mom there but couldn't because that hospital only allowed 1 person at a time. It's bothered me ever since. So DH and Mom it is!

BUT, I am getting a package from this photographer that I found and love that includes a maternity session, a hospital session (where she comes up a day or two after birth prior to discharge) and a newborn session...for $500. Includes 30-35 images per session on a disc or as a digital file and image release. That is seriously such a steal. She is still building her portfolio, but she does great work. I'm a photographer myself, so I'm super picky, but I just love the choices she makes in post processing. She is totally my style, and I'm so so so excited that I found her. I just put my deposit down yesterday

momtomy8

I had a birth photographer for my last baby and I loved having those pictures she captured between my husband and I. I am hiring her again for this baby's birth and can't wait!!