If hearing the words birth photography makes you cringe, you are not alone, I used to feel that way. I didn’t even know what it was or why anyone would want to capture such personal or full on nude photos to look back on later in life. That is until I actually properly saw birth photography for everything that it is and represents. It’s not just the process of birth itself but all the precious, sentimental and emotional moments leading up to it. Just type “birth photography” into Instagram and tell me it doesn’t give you all the heart eyes whether you're a parent or not.
Your baby’s birth is one of the most emotional & momentous occasions in your life! The more accurate question would be - Why wouldn't you hire a birth photographer? If you were getting married wouldn't you hire a photographer?
Here are some of the main points to get you off that fence you might be sitting on and take the plunge.
And if you decide to, I promise you. You won't regret it. Because nothing can compare to that moment when you and your baby meet for the first time...when two become three... when a family is born.
1. Memories
First of all I can’t think of anything better than pulling out photos of bringing my tiny babe into the world when I’m old and grey. His first cry, our first time locking eyes on one another, the way my partner looked at me when his whole world was just turned upside down in the most beautiful of ways (Literally - the MOST in awe I have ever seen him). My heart literally skips a beat just thinking about those moments. Sure, I have them embedded deep in my heart, but a photo has a way of taking us right back to that moment.
They say that the memories of these first few moments fade so quickly. And, sadly it is true. I can't clearly recall what happened for the first few hours after my son was born. Adrenaline, the gas and excitement clouds my memory but, my birth photos help to bring back those cloudy moments. Being new parents at that time we were so focused on a million different things- the health of me, the health of Thomas, the disbelief!
Photos aren’t always to be shared by the public eye either, they can be tucked away for our own precious memories.
2. Capture All The Details You Miss
There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that a birth photographer can capture. Before giving birth myself, I had no idea everything that is involved. Tender moments with your spouse at your most vulnerable time, the expression when you reach that mountain top moment of pushing, that first hold or like me, your Mum walking in and meeting your bundle for the first time and you, for the first time as a Mum yourself. Your photographer will capture all the moments big and small that you can relive all over again, especially the things you didn't see or know was happening.
3. So You Can Be Present
Labor is hard work, you know the whole process of pushing a baby out of your body kinda takes it out of you. It’s about all you can do to focus on your breathing and counting to 10 and all that, never mind worrying about who’s holding the camera and what photos they are getting.
Honestly, that didn't even cross my mind. I was so in the moment that I didn't even remember I was being photographed. I was focused on Tom, breathing and well, pushing out a "watermelon".
In part though, Virginia actually helped. I do remember her kind voice telling me that I was doing well and that it wouldn't be long. She said it right when I needed it, right when I needed to remember to stay focused.
4. So Your Spouse Can Focus on You
This! THIS IS THE BIG ONE. A lot of time our spouses are hiding behind cameras instead of being fully in the moment with us. Having Virginia meant Tom could just focus on me and let the memory catching be left to a professional. Tom did such a good job at focusing on me and the task at hand. I am so glad that there wasn't anything to distract from that.
7. Best Postpartum Gift
Well except for that new baby we just got to bring home, getting our birth photos back might have been the best gift I could have had postpartum. Especially when the reality of newborn life was setting in, sitting was painful and sleep deprivation just got real. Scrolling through our birth photos and all the feels came rushing back. Even the moments I didn't remember, like my drip falling out or the way tom looked at me as our son was lifted onto my chest.
Virginia captured moments I didn't get to see. When I was showering (being hosed down by my Mum) Tom took our son to the special care nursery. He held him and kissed his nose. I missed that but, thanks to her - I can relive it.
To Virginia; my beautiful birth photographer -
You honour and respect birth so much. You are intrigued by the magic and you viewswomen as powerful, capable, and worthy. I wasn’t exactly sure what the photos would look like, but I liked what I had seen of yours, how raw they were and I really liked your vibe.
When you came into the room I remember you dropping your things on the ground and snapping straight away. I remember you being surprised how far along I was. I remember looking at you and saying hello and thankyou for being there.
That was the only time I remember speaking with you until well after the baby was born apart from little words of encouragement you knew I needed. It was important to me, however, that your presence matched what I wanted for my birth experience. I never once felt that you were comparing my birth with anyone else’s (and I know you've seen, accompanied and assisted a lot) or judging me at all. You never really told me about your labours except to say that you had experienced and seen many different types and knew to expect the unexpected. You told me to trust my instincts. That was enough for me. I trusted you.
The photos that you gave me from that night completely take my breath away. I still, 12 months later look at them regularly, weekly even. They are my favourite thing. Your perspective behind the lens is shaped by your attitude toward birth. So, when I think back and feel ashamed about thinking I had reached my breaking point or I wonder how I’ll ever survive the endless days and nights of feeding, relatching, shooshing, settling and broken sleep, I can see my strength through your eyes. I am reminded of Tom's tenderness and touch while I was sure that I was at the energy less. I actually feel braver when I see what I accomplished. Thank- you.
Memories aren’t a rewind button in our mind of events and experiences. They are actually shaped and changed over time. That’s why two people who experienced the same event can remember it very differently. Virginia, you have given me such a gift. Your photos are helping me view my birth as empowering and rewarding.
The energy you brought into the room was calm, respecting and loving. You were the motherly figure I needed while I waited for my own mother to arrive. You were more than a photographer - you were a support, an encouraging face. You were warm and needed.
The gift you have given me is now a gift that I can pass on to my child. How beautiful to be able to peek in on your own birth! I also hope that in some ways I’m a better Mum for having seen myself from your perspective. The moments of my Mum seeing me for the first time as a Mum.
Everything we go through as women, the metamorphosis, the power, the change - you see and capture it all. I could never thank-you enough for what you have given me.
You are special to me and to my whole family.
I’m not here to tell you that you need a birth photographer on your team. I needed one. Only you can make the decision to allow someone into your most vulnerable day. For us, it was the best decision we made. Those memories that are foggy I can never get back, the adrenaline really does take over and in that moment its impossible to remember everything but, my photos tell the story of the moments I have forgotten and the moments I want to keep frozen in time. The first cuddle, the first feed, the first nappy and the way Tom saw me - as a Mum. Now that, is why I needed Virginia.
If you are Sydney based and want to check Virginia out you can here: https://www.naturalbeginnings.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/natural.beginnings.page/
She isn't just a Birth Photographer; in fact I am the first to hire her as just that. She is a knowledgeable doula, Mizan therapist and holistic health extraordinaire. You wont regret meeting her - she will leave a big impression in your life - I can guarantee that!
Until next time,
Carly xx
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