Birth Photographer - Question for STMs

kimba1976 · August 2014

I really, really want to hire a photographer to capture this birth. Like, I've been researching photographers for weeks. We didn't hire one with my daughter because it was a very high risk delivery, which we knew going in, and my doctor told us in advance that a photographer would be strictly prohibited. So I didn't bother looking for someone. I don't have the same complications with this pregnancy, so there's a chance a photographer might be allowed in the OR. But even if not, I have found a birth photographer who does amazing work and tells the birth story beautifully, even without photos of the actual birth. Problem is, she's expensive.

For any moms who've used a birth photographer before, do you think it was worth it? Did you find the photographer's presence intrusive? I'm not bashful after having been through delivery once, but I was an emotional wreck. I'm not sure I want that captured, but I really regret not having more pictures from my daughter's birth day.

Also, we don't have any family in the area, so it will be just me and my husband at the hospital and he can't be trusted to take decent pictures.

KShaykin · August 2014

There are some really good resources here: https://birthphotographers.com/. Just be sure you check the references on the photographer you hire, don't just look at their work and say you like it. I didn't want a photographer present at my first birth, because I was high risk like you, and wanted it to be an intimate moment between my husband, our new child and me, but I know some people who have used them and had great experiences. Furthermore, I know some people who felt they were too intrusive. You just need to interview in advance to get a feeling for their style and personality.

mlee116 · August 2014

Ok, I didn't have a photographer so I can't really speak from experience, but I would totally do it.

One of my biggest regrets with DS was that we got so caught up in the moment that we only have a few pictures of his birth day. They were just taken with a cheap digital camera by my mom who barely knew how to use it. I looked like hell and I'm almost topless because I was nursing, so they are not pretty, but those pictures mean the world to me. I wish all the time I had more and better quality photos from one of the most important days of my life. I also wouldn't worry about them capturing you being emotional, that's just part of the experience and what makes birth photography so beautiful.

I would interview the photographers and ask them how intrusive they are. My FB friend started doing birth photography and from what she has said on her professional page, she stays as much out the way as she can and will work around what the client needs/wants.

kimba1976 · August 2014

KShaykin said:

There are some really good resources here: https://birthphotographers.com/. Just be sure you check the references on the photographer you hire, don't just look at their work and say you like it. I didn't want a photographer present at my first birth, because I was high risk like you, and wanted it to be an intimate moment between my husband, our new child and me, but I know some people who have used them and had great experiences. Furthermore, I know some people who felt they were too intrusive. You just need to interview in advance to get a feeling for their style and personality.

Thanks for sharing this website. I just checked out the first page where they have the image of the year competition and the photographer I want to hire was the first place winner!

soulcupcake · August 2014

I briefly considered it with my youngest, and am thinking about it this time. I'm planning another homebirth, and I have very fast births so I can only hope she can make it in time to actually photograph the before/after process.

I love birth photography, and have considered offering those services myself when I decide to pick it up again.

byrne15 · August 2014

I reallllly wanted a birth photographer, but my hospital only allows one other person in the OR. My husband was allowed to take pics (he has like no camera experience). They also told me that we could hand the camera off to the anesthesiologist too if we wanted a mom/dad shot.

Crystal7perry · August 2014

One of my best friends is a professional photographer and offered to do DS's birth for free. I was very skeptical about it and was unsure of what my comfort level would be but I couldn't pass up a $200/he photographer. I am so happy I didn't. The pictures are incredible, I cry every time I look at them, and I was concentrating so much on what was going on that I honestly barely even noticed she was there. She even took some x-rated shots but again, I didn't know when she was taking them and to have them... Well they are some of the most breath taking images my husband and I will ever see. Very few moments on earth are as joyous as a new child and they don't happen frequently. I say splurge if you have your heart set on it.

Annya26 · August 2014

I say if you can afford it, or make it work, go for it - 100%.

The photos and slideshow from my son's birth are one of Mylar cherished possessions. I am forever grateful to my friend (also a pro photographer) for taking them for me.

I didn't find it distracting at all having her there. I would imagine anyone who was experienced and good at their job would keep a very low profile.

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