Birth Photography Guide
As a birth photographer, I’ve witnessed just how meaningful and emotional this day is for families. It’s something you can’t fully plan or recreate – which is exactly why it’s worth documenting. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering having your birth photographed.
Why Should I Hire a Birth Photographer?
Birth is one of the most intimate and life-changing moments you’ll ever experience. In the midst of it, your focus is exactly where it should be – on bringing your baby into the world. A birth photographer quietly preserves the moments unfolding around you: the way your partner supports you, the anticipation in the room, and the overwhelming love when you finally meet your baby. These images allow you to look back and see your story fully – the strength, the emotion, and the beauty of a day that passes so quickly but means everything.
When Should I Hire a Birth Photographer?
Most people book as soon as they know it’s important to them – often this is in the second trimester (between 13–28 weeks).
What Is the Process of Hiring a Birth Photographer?
Typically you find a photographer you feel emotionally safe with. Birth photography is vulnerable and you should have someone by your side, on your team, and there for you in whatever capacity makes you feel most at ease.
When Do I Call My Photographer?
Truthfully, we want to be in the loop as soon as you feel you are in active labor. Give us updates of when you are heading to the hospital and when you know how dilated you are. We typically make our way to you when you are around 6 cm, but whenever possible, we need to know things are moving before that so we can be prepared for you!
What Contacts Does Your Photographer Need?
- Your partner or support person’s phone number
- Possibly your doula or midwife (if applicable)
- A backup contact in case you’re unreachable
This ensures we can stay updated if things move quickly!
What Will Be Photographed?
You get to choose what will be photographed during your birth. We want to know if there’s anything you don’t want photographed – think of what level of coverage feels right for you. (ex: do you want crowning and delivery). All photos are up to you on what level of intimacy you want! We can keep it to story telling of the little moments and focus more on the peripherals of the experience, or we can get more intimate and capture the raw details of your birth. You are in control of this.
What Should I Pack for My Baby’s Photos?
Here are just a few ideas!
- Ultra sound/pregnancy test
- Baby’s first outfit
- Anything made that has their initials on it
- A swaddle
- A customized name announcement (if you have one)
- Anything personalized (initials, blanket, etc.)
Keep it minimal – birth photography is about real moments, not props. Any of the above are welcome, not required, and likely the majority of the photos we will take will be of you and baby anyway!
Other Things to Know
Make sure to let the hospital know you have a photographer coming! Often times, you have to sign something stating that you won’t photograph staff or share photos online. Get to know their policy before hiring so that you know if you are allowed to have a photographer!
Communicate your birth plan to your photographer with Plan A and Plan B. While we will roll with absolutely any curve ball, this is helpful for us to know what your birth could look like.
If it’s more work to loop us in, no worries, but we LOVE updates. Letting us know how your appointments are going leading up to your birth and bringing us along for your story is what we love about our job. We want to champion you through your whole pregnancy experience!
No matter how your story unfolds, it’s one worth holding onto. I hope this guide helped you feel more prepared and at peace as you approach it. If birth photography is something you’re considering, I would be honored to capture these moments for you.
XO, Rachel
