I’m sitting in a super bowl party with my good friend Alex and this strange yet exciting idea was born. I’m not sure who said it first but by the end of the night, plans were being made for me to photograph her birth. Yes, you heard that right. I was going to be in there with my camera photographing labor and delivery! I was nervous, excited, a ball of emotions. I had never seen a birth, never have been pregnant, never photographed anything that even came close to what we were planning. Well, the plans went it motion. I waited as baby continued to grow and as the date drew closer, my bags were packed, equipment ready to go and cell phone turned all the way up during the night. Then it happened. Mid afternoon on a Friday, I am pulling into my driveway and my phone rings. It’s Alex! “So, Ann…. my water broke, heading to the hospital but no rush on getting here.” “Alex, I’ll grab my bags and I’m on my way!” I arrived at the hospital and became familiar with the nurses and staff, reviewed the photography rules and made myself at home in the room. Ready to photograph. Ready to wait. Ready to be ready.
I experienced a few things that made me fall in love with this genre of photography. First – I heard a baby’s heart beat. Since I’ve never had children myself, I never realized the power and awe that comes from hearing an unborn baby’s heartbeat. My eyes stung with the tears of excitement and awe. I couldn’t thank Alex enough for hiring ME to be apart of such a miraculous day.
So, we waited and waited and waited. Then 0 to 60 in .2 seconds. Ready to deliver a baby! Baby L came and my finger went click crazy!
People ask WHY would someone want a photographer in the room?!?! Think about this.
I get to photograph the firsts.
I capture the first time mom/dad see’s their precious new miracle…. the first touch…… the first kiss…… the first text message saying, “THEY’RE HERE!”
The raw emotions of it all. It is one of the most beautiful things that I have every been a part of.
Modesty? Not a problem. Before the birth we discuss how much you want photographed and how much you don’t. 🙂
Birth galleries are extremely intimate; SO, what you’re about to see if only a glimpse. Nothing graphic is posted on this blog so don’t worry!
Having a birth photographer is a GREAT investment. You don’t have to worry about blurry pictures, awkward and distracting flashes or who has the camera. You husband can be by your side, holding your hand every step of the way instead of trying to get pictures.
I left the hospital around 2 am and return around 7 am to capture baby L’s big sister and grandparents meeting her for the first time. After all was said and done and I went home (actually I went home to photograph a different newborn session and then a bridal session that evening!) and I was able to reflect on what all had happen…. I made a decision. Birth photography was something I wanted to pursue. There is NOTHING like giving a birth gallery to a mom and seeing her reaction. Those precious first moments, captured for her to relive, enjoy, see how strong she was, relive her miracle.
Thank you Alex for letting ME be a part of such an amazing experience. You have changed my photography life and I am forever grateful.
Enjoy.
