WHAT YOUR BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER WANTS YOU TO KNOW

As someone who has held the label of “birth nerd” for the past six years, I’ve learned that the title carries some assumptions…but we all know what happens when we assume. (need it spelled out more clearly? give it a google!)

A mother lays holding her newly born baby, skin to skin, on her chest, while her husband gently touches her shoulder and admires their child

The biggest stereotype that I’ve seen laid on birth workers is that we only support unmedicated, physiological births. And those births should take place outside the hospital. Yet, this assumption is as far from the truth as possible. In fact, I’d argue that if someone is calling themself a birth worker or doula, but they hold such rigid beliefs, then they have no place in the birth world.

Yes, many birth workers understand how the birth world, particularly in the United States, could be improved and de-medicalized. But wanting our maternal healthcare system to evolve to be more supportive of parents and physiological births does not mean we only support one type of birth.

The following are four truths I want you to know as your birth photographer:

1. There is no judgment.

Truly, my friend. I strongly believe that you are the only singular person who knows what you need to feel safe while birthing. If you need to be in a hospital, then I support you. Feel more comfortable at home? Then maybe that’s where you should be. Do you like the feeling of water flowing over you during contractions or do you need an epidural to help you relax? Whatever comfort strategies you choose to utilize, I’m there supporting you 100% judgment free.

2. I think you are incredible.

At this point, I’ve witnessed many births. And many types of births. And let me tell you, every single parent giving birth has left me in awe. Giving birth—short labor, long labor, medicated, unmedicated, surgical, any way you can imagine—is an epic experience that asks so much of someone and requires them to shed a previous version of themself. Immense strength is exercised in birth. The words, “Damn, you’re incredible,” will dance through my head as you prepare to welcome your baby.

A black and white, aerial view photograph of a mother laboring on her back in a tub. Her partner drapes his arms around her neck and a nurse holds a doppler to the belly

3. And beautiful.

Maybe once in the throws of labor or the birth process you won’t care, but it’s not unheard of for parents to be avoid being photographed because they don’t feel great about how they look. I understand this feeling. And still, I’ve yet to see anyone more beautiful than someone who is birthing a child. The beauty is transcendent, different from our day-to-day cultural concept of beauty. Even mussed hair, sweat, and grimaces, cannot stop pure, raw beauty from illuminating your birth space. I want you to have the gift of seeing this beauty in your birth story too.

A mother closes her eyes and exhales as she works through a labor contraction, her husband looks on

“I didn’t think about much through the pain, but it did cross my mind that I was not going to look very good in the pictures. However, when I received a few photos the morning after I gave birth I was in shock. She made me look and feel more beautiful, empowered, and feminine than I think I’ve ever felt in my life. The pictures tell the story of the birth of my son and I am so grateful to be able to go back to them to relive the best moment of my life.” - Lauren

4. I am here for you.

I may hold the role of photographer, but I am always a human first. I’m a compassionate human-being with the heart of a doula and I will be there for you. It is my joy to develop a relationship with my clients long before birth. I want to be a familiar and comforting presence while you welcome your baby. And, if needed, I will be a hand to hold, offer encouraging words, and hold space for your experience.

If you still have questions about birth photography or what it’s like to work with me, send me a note below and we’ll schedule your free phone consultation!

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Boyd | A Powerful Precipitous Birth | Charlottesville, VA

I connected with B. a few years ago when I had the pleasure of being her birth doula and photographer. You can imagine what an honor it was to be invited back into her birth space as she welcomed her second child.

While B. proved how incredible she was during her first birth (see for yourself here), she outdid herself bringing sweet Boyd into the world.

Boyd’s birth was what is known as a precipitous birth, meaning it was incredibly fast. So fast, in fact, that within NINE minutes of B. reaching Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, Boyd was born.

I walked into the hospital four minutes later.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only person to miss the birth. Boyd’s daddy was out of state for work when labor started. And while he started for home immediately, Boyd was quicker.

Walking into B.’s L&D room, I knew I was going to see a rock star. Despite the whirlwind experience, B was beaming. I remain in awe of her.

I photographed B. and Boyd’s golden hour together and Boyd’s phone introduction to his daddy.

Once B. and Boyd were settled at home, I visited them for a postpartum session so I could photograph him with his father and big sister.

Sometimes births play out differently than we expect, but every story remains worthy of documentation, even if it means spending a little extra time together later.