Birth Photography: FAQs

Photo Credit: Santa Cruz Birth Photography

Whenever I present the idea of birth photography to expecting couples, I am generally faced with a room full of puzzled looks and lots and lots of questions. The idea of someone taking pictures of you at your most vulnerable moments often takes some time to warm up to and understandably so. My hope is that this post, which answers some of the most frequently asked questions regarding birth photography will help to demystify the practice of birth photography and encourage you to take a second look at something that is absolutely beautiful.

A big thanks to Paige Driscoll of Santa Cruz Birth Photography for taking the time to answer these questions and share some of her incredible birth photography work! (You can read more about Paige and her work at the bottom of the page)

All Photos By: Santa Cruz Birth Photography

Will I really want pictures of me all sweaty and in pain?

Birth is a beautiful and spectacular experience, no matter how the mother may appear at times. When I document births, I capture the true rawness and beauty as it unfolds, and being sweaty and in pain is a natural part of that. My clients are often in awe of the photos, as they admittedly would not have remembered those little details that I was able to capture for them.

Why not wait until after the baby is born to take pictures?

Labor is almost like an out of body experience, so a lot of moments are a complete blur once it’s over. The opportunity to capture your baby’s entrance into the world only happens once. It is amazing to look back at the process and see the very first moments of your baby's life, documented as it happened.

What happens if I have a cesarean?

Some hospitals will let birth photographers in the operating room, if it is not an emergency situation. If I am not permitted into the O.R., your labor or events leading up to the C-section are photographed, as well your time in recovery. I feel that C-sections are just as special as vaginal births and should absolutely be documented as well.

Will hospitals let photographers in the room during labor and birth?

Each hospital has its own policies regarding who is allowed to be present at births. It is up to the client to check with their doctor or midwife about their policy. Thankfully, I have never been denied presence in a birthing room and have never been asked to leave.

Is it really worth the price?

In my opinion it is priceless, as these are moments that simply cannot be recreated. I have had clients that were originally unsure about having a birth photographer, but ultimately they’ve told me how thankful they are that they hired me. While it may initially feel a little expensive, you must remember that birth photographers are on call 24 hours a day. Our own personal family events, vacations, and other plans are often put on hold to attend a birth. Some of us have children and must find childcare at a moment’s notice. Also, births are naturally unpredictable and can last more than 24 hours, so birth photographers must be very flexible with their time. As compared to a (much higher paid) wedding photographer, hiring a birth photographer feels like a bargain, especially when you consider the significance of the events they will be preserving for you.

Why not have my husband/partner/relative take pictures for me?

Because birth is such an awe-inspiring and special experience, it is mutually beneficial for you and your loved ones to be focused on living in the moment. It is very difficult for a partner to be fully present and supportive, or to appear in the photos themselves, while taking on the burden of documenting the birth behind a camera. In addition, the quality of the photos taken by a professional birth photographer is not comparable to those taken by an amateur.

Won't I feel uncomfortable with a photographer in the room taking pictures of me?

No, in fact you might not even notice your birth photographer in the room most of the time. A good photographer is respectful of your space and birth plan. They will not intrude or interrupt your birth process and will always be as discreet as possible.

Mom is very private, how does the photographer respect her privacy and still capture labor and birth?

A few weeks before delivery, I meet with my clients and go over their birth plan. I only photograph what she consents to, and we discuss any boundaries she might prefer. Not all birth stories have to be graphic, and I am very sensitive to what my clients want (or do not want) in their photos. Some clients like crowning shots, while other want me up by their head for delivery. It is completely up to the client and what they are comfortable with - my job is to carry out their vision in my photos.

Is it distracting for mom? For the doctors/midwives/nurses?

No, a professional birth photographer is experienced and knows when to stay completely out of the way and when to make their presence known. I am very discreet and respectful of my clients' wishes. Making sure my clients are comfortable with my presence and not being a distraction is my number one priority.

How can I make sure that I get the pictures that I want and avoid the pictures that I don't want?

All of these issues are covered when we meet to sign the contract and get to know each other better. Nothing will be ever captured that my client is not comfortable with, and I pride myself in my ability to deliver personalized touches to each of my client’s photos.

A little about Paige...

I feel extremely lucky to have been married to my best friend for almost 10 years. We always knew that we wanted a large family, and I am now a mom to 4 boys and I am currently pregnant with my fifth child. My own personal birth experiences have been immensely rewarding, and photography has been a creative hobby of mine for years. When a friend asked me to photograph her birth, my two passions merged and I immediately fell in love with birth photography. It is an honor to have the privilege to document births, and I am thankful every day to be present at such sacred events. I currently photograph births in Santa Cruz, San Jose, and all over the greater Bay Area. I also offer maternity, newborn, and family photo sessions. You can view my work and find my rates and contact information at my website.

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