Choosing Birth Photography
Kansas City Birth Photography
Birth Photography is fairly new to the photography scene. When people think about the times when they want to capture their memories for a lifetime, first on the list is wedding ✔ and newborn ✔. Birth photography is often overlooked. Why is that? I personally think it is because of the way birth has been portrayed. Birth is often painted as an experience that is shocking, scary, hidden, and not worthy of remembering. But if you are someone who has experienced birth firsthand you know that birth is not just the birth of a child but also the birth of a mother and is worthy of remembering. Birth is the most transformative event that you will experience in your lifetime. I challenge you to reevaluate your ideas about birth photography and instead think of it as the documentation of an important life event. So how do you find the right artist for you?
What should I look for in a birth photographer?
Like all photography, different styles will speak more clearly to different people. Do you prefer black and white images over color? Do you dig light and airy images or is moody more your thing? You may be drawn to raw intensely emotional images or maybe a softer and more artistic approach is more appealing to you. Would you rather have more modest images or do you wish to have every detail of your birth captured in all of its realness? Do you want full coverage of your birth journey or only a few important moments captured? There is no one way to do birth photography just as there is no one way to create any form of art. I recommend that you take the time to explore the different styles and options of birth photography and then find an artist that is right for you.
I love the idea of birth photography but I want to be sure my boundaries are respected!
Privacy is important! When it comes to birth photography privacy is an important topic and boundaries should be established upfront. Choose a photographer who respects both your wishes and the rules set in place by the birthing location you have chosen. If you are giving birth in a Hospital here in Kansas City, most of them will make you adhere to specific photography guidelines. They do not want staff photographed (some allow it with consent) and they will not allow you to cover actual medical procedures. Some hospitals are more flexible than others so be sure to ask about their policies when you do your hospital tour. I personally find that these practices are not an obstacle to creating really good birth photography and realize these rules are for safety and HIPPA. If you are having a home birth these concerns do not apply however, there are still some privacy concerns to consider. How much nudity are you comfortable both capturing and also sharing? Nobody labors in a snowsuit, so make sure you clearly define what you would like photographed. Consent is extremely important and should always be honored, obtained, and respected! Are you comfortable with your images being shared by your photographer after your birth? Personally, my policy is once a client has seen their photos ask if they are comfortable with their images being shared, and also if all images are okay to share or just some of them. I never share images until clients have had a chance to see the images and also share them first themselves. This is your birth after all and you should be the first to announce it!!! Hire an artist who is a professional and be sure they have the proper paperwork (contracts and photography release forms) to protect you and your privacy.
But do they have skills though?
I have been a professional photographer for 12 years now. I have photographed hundreds of weddings, portraits, and events over the years. I will say that of everything I have ever photographed birth hands down requires the most skill to capture. First, you need really good professional photography equipment. You are more often than not shooting moving objects in extremely low light conditions. If you are in a hospital not only are the lights used very diverse in temperature but at the time of delivery, there is often a giant overhead light that is brought out and aimed at the lower half of your body leaving you in two different lighting conditions at the same time! You need expert equipment to handle those situations. Not all cameras are created equally and if you do not have the proper equipment you could miss the birth completely. Once you have invested in great equipment you need enough knowledge to know how to use it. You have to be able to use your camera like it is an extension of your body. You need to be able to change your settings at a moment’s notice and know what settings are needed to capture a shot. I rarely use a flash when shooting births because the bright light can be distracting, so when I do need to use a flash I need to know how to dial it down as much as possible and shoot manually so that I can minimize distraction. A birth photographer should make you feel comfortable and at the same time blend into the background of your birth. Is their equipment quiet? Everyone you invite into your birth space has a responsibility to maintain the environment that you have created. If they are using old or less expensive cameras they may be loud… will the noise take you out of your zone?
What is the difference between a Birth Photographer and a Doula-tog?
If you would like full coverage of your birth or a beautiful video to go along with your images, please hire a birth photographer whose only responsibility at your birth is to document your birth!!! Birth photographers are amazing, talented, and worth every penny. Like your doula, they are also on-call for your birth. Like most Doula/Photographers or “doula-togs” my coverage of your birth is sort of an added bonus. I am your birth doula first and foremost. My main goal at your birth is to provide you with support. Many doulas offer a timeline of your birth for you after you have delivered, and as an artist who tells stories with images and not words, my way of sharing a timeline of your birth with you is with images. You receive your photos in about 2 weeks at your postpartum appointment. The response that I get from most parents is that they are surprised that I was able to capture so many images, joyful that I was able to capture special moments that they had forgotten, and grateful that they are able to share these precious moments with their loved ones. I offer your birth photos to you in both black and white and color and they are always fairly modest in nature unless we discuss your wish for less modest images in advance of your birth.
All birth is beautiful and worthy of documenting!
Birth photography is an absolute treasure. I love everything about capturing pure unfiltered emotions and sharing them with my clients. Please consider hiring a photographer for your birth, or a doula/photographer if you prefer less coverage or fewer people in your birthspace but still understand the importance of documenting this amazing life event.