Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

So you’re pregnant and excited to document the milestone of your upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience?

Tips for a successful birth photography experience

My Top Tips for Parents-to-be:

• Ask your OB/GYN for permission for a photographer to attend the birth
• Decide what type of moments you want most documented (and how comfortable you are with more graphic imagery)
• Decide who will be in the room with you (your partner, a doula, other family members, etc.)
• Share any relevant pregnancy/birth history with your photographer
• Keep your photographer posted the last month of your pregnancy with updates after each of your (weekly) check-ups
• Give your partner the photographer’s contact info to call AND text them for when the big day comes
• Once in the hospital, try to relax and focus on the birth process while the photographer works on documenting all the special moments
• Have special one-of-a-kind photos to look back on and share with your child in the future

So you’re new to birth photography and excited to document an upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience as a photographer?

My Top Tips for Birth Photographers:

• Pack a go-bag with snacks, possible overnight supplies (toothbrush, blanket, etc.), camera gear, extra cards and batteries as well as all the charging cables (consider a power strip as well to share the delivery room’s outlet)
• Have phone nearby at all times and on alert the closer the due date comes
• Have at least half a tank of gas at all times
• Have a plan for childcare coverage when on-call (if needed)
• Wear comfortable clothes (including bringing extra layers) in case the hospital room is cold
• When arriving at the hospital, introduce self to on-call staff and family
• Act as a “fly on the wall” taking photos but also be an extra pair of hands if needed
• Focus on connection and emotion
• Shoot wide-angle to establish the scene as well as close-up to get expressions and details
• Document the action and the waiting
• Stay until baby is born and placed on mom’s chest