Birth photography has the magic to transform the birth journey into more than just a cherished life memory. It creates the visual story of your baby's birth from the tiniest detail to the sheer emotion shared between the family to the moment that baby and parents fall in love at first sight. I’ve never met a person who has regretted hiring a photographer for their birth. It’s a moment in time that you just can’t recreate.
Anderson family eagerly awaits the arrival of their grandson
I did my first birth story for one of my best friends. I met Olivia when we both worked retail and I instantly knew I needed her as my friend. Her effervescent personality and genuine giggle are hints of the wonderful woman she is. Her husband Garrett (who stands over 6 feet tall) is her perfect match. The Andersons are the kind of people you always feel so blessed to know. From unwavering support through a break up to opening their home up for me to do laundry; their kindness and friendship is true and inspiring.
When Olivia asked me if I'd be comfortable photographing the birth of their first child I had absolutely no hesitation. I didn't have to think my answer over one bit. I had always had thoughts of how amazing it would be to work as a birth professional- midwives, doulas, etc. - and it was exciting to think I'd witness this incredible process in person. I was so honored that Olivia and Garrett would choose me to capture such a personal and intimate part of their life that the fact that I had never seen a woman give birth was the last thing I thought about.
This was to be my first Birth story. It was also going to be the first time I witnessed, in person, the birth of a baby. As the months passed we recorded her pregnancy with many photo sessions. First came pregnancy announcements. Second was a gender reveal session. At the end of it all we did traditional maternity photos and then surprised her husband with a pregnancy boudoir book! As Olivia approached her due date the expected nerves started to rush me. It was a mix of excitement, the fear of taking on something new and the small fear of the unknown (having never seen a birth).
Olivia kept me up to date after each doctor’s visit and one day after one I called to check in with her. She was 2cm dilated and I was slightly panicked because I had left my camera at work that day and wouldn't be able to get it until 6:30am the next morning. She reassured me, her doctor thought she'd have a due date baby which was a week away. So I went about my evening normally, got things ready for work the next morning and headed to bed.
One of the main traits of birth photography is how unpredictable birth is. Each birth is unique in its own way. In true fashion the morning after leaving my camera at work, December 31st 2015 at 4:30am, I receive a text from Olivia that her water had just broke. Amongst the excitement came panic, what if I didn't get my camera in time? Since I couldn't get it until 6:30 I got up, showered and ate. I corresponded with Olivia until I retrieved my camera which provided immediate nerve relief and worked half a day until she was at 5cm dilated.
I arrived at the hospital at 1pm and started the birth story process by documenting the building and signage. When I entered the hospital room Olivia was bent over the top of the bed, facing the wall and Garrett was standing by her side. It was intense how my mind went to work. Adrenaline stomped out any doubts I had and I found a spot in the room that was out of the way but perfect to capture all that was unfolding. It was my sole goal to be a fly on the wall. To make as little sound, stay out of the way and go as unnoticed as possible.
I stayed in this mode until Olivia received her epidural. After re-entering the room the atmosphere had shifted and both expecting mom and dad initiated conversation. I didn't put my camera down; I didn't want to miss anything! As the time to push approached I confirmed my placement with nurses and doctors, making sure I'd have a good line of sight but also being out of the way. That's when things got incredibly real.
It's Important as a birth photographer to remember your place in a birthing room. Being out of the way of medical professionals is above all. Being new to birth photography, I hadn't anticipated that meaning I'd have a front row view of "the show". The first 20 minutes of pushing hit me like a head high. Whether it was all of the energy and adrenaline in the room, the fact that I hadn't eaten very much that day, or both I still can't say. But I had to focus solely on my camera and not passing out!
Suddenly, baby was crowning and my head rush turned into focus. The raw emotion from mom and dad to be and both grandmas threw my senses into over drive. The thrill in the room was intoxicating, the love was striking. With Garrett by her side, Olivia delivered a beautiful baby boy at 8:26pm. Samson Hunter Anderson blessed his parents with his healthy entrance into this world and he blessed me with the honor of capturing his story.
I don't think anything can prepare you for photographing your first birth. There is nothing else in the photographer profession like it. It's a miracle, to witness love manifest in the creation of a new life coming into the world. The electricity in the room is indescribable. I had no way to prepare myself for falling in love with every aspect of birth photography. Leaving the hospital that morning I felt called, for the first time in my life, to do something.
My passion for birth photography makes me unique. While I still love to shoot portraiture it’s been an easy decision to make birth my specialty. My first birth story hooked me in a way I will never be able to escape. I hope that my incredible passion and professionalism bring the blessing of a birth story to many more families because every time a client chooses me to create the visual story of their baby’s birth I feel honored and blessed.
