Many parents overlook the importance of professionally photographing their child’s birth. It is your job as a photographer to show them the value of your service. Many parents have a misconception that such an important day will live forever in their memory. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. As children age, memories fade, and the parents will begin to question the once-important details of their child’s birth story. They may think: “What was my labor room number? What was the color of that little hat they put on my baby? What was the name of the nurse who helped me so much?” Perhaps the parents were originally too afraid to capture such a personal journey on film. Do not let these parents make a present choice that will end in future regret. Their child’s birth is a joyous occasion that can be permanently memorialized through professional photography. Capture the legacy of their child’s birth by ensuring you focus on every aspect, because even the smallest details are important. Your work as a photographer allows parents to experience birth together while you preserve memories. Reassure parents that they determine who sees the photos, where they are displayed, and which photos are for their eyes alone. Although nobody can escape the reality of time passing, we can look back on treasured photos and reminisce on the best days of our life.
10 moments that parents need their photographer to capture:
1. Labor Room
Entering this room is the start of it all. Today is the day that the parents have been waiting for. All of their dreams are suddenly becoming real. This shot, although it may seem unimportant on the day of capture, will work as an anchor to help the parents mentally travel back to the day that their lives changed forever.
(Nikon D800 35mm Lens; ISO 640, F2.2, 1/100s)
2. The Awaiting Bassinet/Warmer
It sits empty yet is brimming full of hope. The focal point that anchors mom during the hardest points of the birthing journey. Soon her baby will be in this bassinet and she and baby can begin their journey through life together.
(Nikon D800 24-70mm Lens; ISO 800, F3.5, 1/100s)
3. The Last Belly Photo
The final photo of mom’s belly. As the nights become long while feeding her newborn, mom will want to look back and remember the days of baby kicks and hiccups in her belly. This photo marks the end of one journey and the beginning of the next.
(Nikon D800 35mm Lens; ISO 640, F2.2, 1/100s)
4. The Early Stages
A bizarre combination of chaos and structure as everyone prepares for baby to arrive. The beauty of the journey is contrasted by the sterility of the environment. As a photographer, you can highlight the beauty of the moment , despite the abundance of medical equipment.
(Nikon D800 35mm Lens; ISO 640, F2.8, 1/160s)
5. The Apex
The end of labor is intense and often goes very quickly. These are the moments where memories are easily lost because of the high-pressure environment (medication plays a role in this, too). As the photographer, you are removed from the chaos, so you have the opportunity to capture these moments. The mom can later go back and see the strength she possesses and how she brought her baby into the world.
(Nikon D800 24-70mm Lens; ISO 800, F2.8, 1/125s)
6. The First Moment Together
Mom is finally meeting her baby. A connection formed through those kicks, somersaults, and hiccups months ago, but now it is solidified. This is her baby who is hearing mom’s heartbeat on the outside for the first time.
(Nikon D800 24-70 Lens; ISO 800, F3.2, 1/100s)
7. Baby in the Bassinet
The contrapositive to the empty bassinet: what was empty is now full. These photos also give attention to the baby without background distraction. The mom will want photos of just baby for displaying in the nursery and for family. The simple beauty of a newborn baby.
(Nikon D800 24-70mm Lens; ISO 800, F3.5, 1/100s)
8. The Support System
The people who supported mom through the labor process will forever hold a dear place in her heart. However, names and faces can be forgotten over time. As the photographer, your job is to capture these people on film so that they can be memorialized forever. Don’t leave the mom wondering who held her hand during the hardest moments of her labor.
(Nikon D800 35mm Lens; ISO 400, F2, 1/100s)
9. Partner/Friends Holding Baby
Love comes from everywhere when a new baby arrives. Capture this phenomena by photographing the partner and friends who hold the new bundle for the first time. So tiny, fresh and fragile. Soaking up every detail of the sweetness of this beautiful life that has stolen their heart.
(Nikon D800 24-70 Lens; ISO 800, F5, 1/100s)
10. The First Family Photo
The brand-new family. Pure joy fills the room as they embrace each other in love. This is the perfect opportunity for a photographer to capture photos for a birth announcement. The new family will want to share their joy with the world.
(Nikon D800 35mm Lens; ISO 400, F2, 1/100s)
So let’s start with what I am passionate about besides feeling completely at ease behind the camera:
My children: I have three! My daughter, the eldest at 23, was a preemie and the smallest of all three by far! She is living in her first home, and enjoying everything life has to offer. My middle son is 20, just got back from his first deployment, moved into his first apartment, and will be stationed in Texas for the duration of his contract.Then, there is my youngest at 7 years old: always talking, always in front of my camera, and always tugging Mom’s heart strings.
I do volunteer for an organization taking photos of babies in the NICU and it takes me all over the state of Wisconsin and into Minnesota. These babies are precious tiny ones who are vulnerable. One day, I am hoping NICU sessions will be available to do in La Crosse.
Birth and newborn photography is very special and unique. As a trained Doula, I have extensive experience with the birthing process but that doesn’t even begin to describe the euphoria I feel when attending a birth.
And lastly, that very first sip of flavored coffee always provides me with a “satisfaction” feeling . I feel my body completely relax. That’s why I like to meet my clients for their pre-consultation at a coffee shop.
I do enjoy getting to know other photographers and follow their work. Feel free to follow along at www.jennigphotography.com or on Facebook: Jenni G Photography LLC