Should You Hire a Birth Photographer: Pros vs Cons

Key Takeaways:

• Birth photography is designed to capture labor and delivery as it unfolds whether at home, a birth center, or the hospital. 
• If you are wanting undivided attention, tools and skills for tricky lighting, expertise or wanting tangible memories: a birth photographer may be for you. 
• If you are worried about invasiveness, cost, and would prefer more posed pictures then perhaps birth photography is not what you want. You may love the 2 week newborn or family picture route. 

What is Birth Photography?

Birth photography is a specialized genre within the field of professional photography. It focuses on documenting the entire journey of labor and delivery as it naturally unfolds. Unlike traditional maternity or newborn photography, which often portrays expectant mothers in staged settings or newborns in posed positions, birth photography shows the initial signs of active labor to the moment of birth and first cries of the newborn. Providing families with pictures of one of life’s most transformative experiences.

Why You May Want a Birth Photographer?

From the unforgettable and small moments captured, to the skills needed under fluorescent or low light situations, in this section we’re going to discuss why you would want your labor and delivery to be photographed.

Undivided Attention

While in the midst of labor, it’s easy for those in the room to get caught up in the excitement of delivery and forget to document the precious moments unfolding before them. While loved ones may try to snap a few photos of the baby’s first moments, their focus is divided, and they might miss key moments or get overwhelmed. That’s where a professional birth photographer comes in, freeing everyone to fully experience the moment while ensuring every little detail is beautifully preserved for one of the most important days of your life.

Knowledge Under Pressure

Birth is unpredictable, often diverging from the carefully laid birth plan we make. But with a skilled birth photographer, you can trust that your birth story will be captured no matter how it unfolds. Whether it’s a planned home birth or an unexpected turn of events in the operating room, a professional knows how to navigate any situation. They are on call during your final weeks and after your due date to be ready to help you no matter if it’s the middle of the night or mid day. 

Expertise

Creating beautiful photos in a birth setting can be challenging. Hospitals and birth centers aren’t very photo-friendly environments with very little natural light. And typically home births are done in the lowest of lighting. Even if a family member attempts to capture the moment, they may lack the equipment or expertise to do so effectively. A professional birth photographer, equipped with the right tools and skills, can ensure that clear and beautiful pictures emerge, regardless of the lighting or surroundings.

Capturing Intimate Moments

During labor, it’s easy to miss the small, intimate moments happening around you—the reassuring touch of your partner, the tears of joy. These fleeting important moments are what make your birth stories truly special, and having them documented allows you to relive them time and time again. 

Tangible Memories

Much like a wedding, giving birth is a momentous occasion worthy of celebration and remembrance. Unfortunately the time passes and memories fade, and you will forget little details. These photos serve as a tangible reminder of the incredible journey you’ve embarked on. 

Here is a little video describing what birth photography is and why you may be drawn to it.

6 Tips for Choosing a Potential Birth Photographer

If you are considering a birthing photographer here are a few tips for you that can help you choose one to document your birth journey.

1. Peruse their portfolio: are the pictures in the style that you would want; angles that you would be happy with; editing details?
2. Ask about their birth and photography philosophy: are they wanting to blend in with your  birth team, are they wanting to rush in and snap photos?
3. Ask about experience: just because they are a great wedding, maternity, or family photographer, doesn’t always mean they are an experienced birth photographer. Lighting is tricky whether at home or at a hospital, hours of the day are not typical when birth is involved. Having someone who has some experience can be helpful.
4. Ask about equipment: this may mean that you have to be a little more knowledgeable about equipment yourself, however, entry level equipment doesn’t work very well for something like birth. Ensuring that they have the necessary equipment will mean photos that capture the exact moment of your child’s birth are beautiful and possible. 
5. Ask about their backup plan: with the unpredictability surrounding birth and its timings, along with daily life, it will bring peace of mind if there is a backup in case of family emergencies or sickness.  
6. Meet with them; this is a huge one. Talk to and get comfortable with the person that could be getting very intimate and personal with you. If you feel uncomfortable then you may just need to meet with someone else who you can emotionally connect to. Set your expectations or what you would like pictures taken of so there are no worries on your delivery day. 

 If you are worried you can always look at the website International Association of Professional Birth Photographers. It can help you find a qualified and certified professional birth photographer in your area. 

If you are considering a certified doula, look at our article on 13 questions to ask a potential doula. 

Why You May Not Want a Birth Photographer? 

Now we’re going to switch gears and see what are reasons why you may not want to have a birth photographer.The top concerns given for why women wouldn’t want a birth photographer included invasiveness of privacy, the pictures, cost and the additional requirement of communication.

Invasiveness 

For many, the birth experience is one of the most intimate moments of their lives, and the idea of having a birth photographer present or a complete stranger during such a vulnerable time may feel invasive. The thought of someone capturing such personal moments may detract from the sense of privacy and intimacy that many individuals desire during labor and delivery. Also, not all women view birth as a sacred experience that they want to relive, for some it can be traumatic.

Cost

While the value of having professional photographs of your baby’s birth is undeniable, the reality is that professional photography services can be costly. Not everyone may have the financial means to afford a professional birth photographer, despite some photographers offering payment plans,especially when considering the numerous other expenses associated with welcoming a new baby into the family. Some hospitals even offer the service of taking a picture for a small fee. While others feel that after 24-48 hours or even taking a week or two later may work best for their family. 

Posed Pictures

While professional photographers are skilled at capturing shots, you may not prefer the more candid, spontaneous photographs that reflect the raw emotions of labor and delivery. You may want to have more posed photos when baby can be in cute clothes, or when you are feeling more refreshed. 

Communication

Coordinating with a birth photographer requires careful planning and communication, which can be challenging during an already hectic time. From discussing preferences and logistics to ensuring the photographer is on call for when labor begins, the additional planning involved may add stress to an already overwhelming experience for some expectant parents.

If you are still wanting some evidence of labor and delivery or newborn photos you could do the fresh 48 session. This is more of a documentary approach that is done within the first 48 hours after birth, that can still capture some of that precious newness of a baby without the rawness of labor. You can see an example here in this video. 

Curious about how to care for a newborn umbilical cord? We have an article that can help you!

Pros and Cons Summary

In summary I have highlighted the pros and the cons for birth photographers so that you can make a decision that is right for you. 

Pros:

• Unforgettable Memories Captured: Birth is one of those big moments in your life, and having a professional birth photographer ensures that precious moments are captured.
• Expertise in Any Situation: Birth can be unpredictable, but a skilled birth photographer can adapt as needed.
• Quality Photos in Any Setting: Home births or hospitals aren’t very photo-friendly environments, but a professional photographer has tools and skills to create stunning images regardless of the lighting or surroundings
• Documenting Intimate Moments: Labor is a deeply personal experience, filled with intimate moments between you, your partner, your birth team, and your family. A birth photographer can capture these fleeting moments. 
• Tangible Keepsake: Unlike fleeting memories, photographs provide a tangible record of your baby’s birth.

Cons:

• Privacy Concerns: Birth is very raw and real, and some may feel uncomfortable having a photographer present during such intimate moments.
• Cost: Professional photography services can be expensive, and not everyone may have the budget to hire a birth photographer.
• Intrusiveness: Some individuals may feel that having a photographer in the room adds an extra layer of intrusion.
• Preference for Posed Moments: You may not want the nitty gritty details. You may want more stylized cute sleepy newborn at 1-2 weeks old, or pictures where your whole family can be there, and you are a little more rested. 
• Additional Planning Required: Coordinating with a birth photographer requires additional planning and communication and one more to do on your list.

Final Thoughts

In weighing these pros and cons, it’s important to consider your own preferences, budget, and comfort level. Should you hire a birth photographer is a very personal question, and while a birth photographer can provide stunning images that preserve the magic of the birth of your baby, it’s ultimately a decision that should be made based on what feels right for you and your family.