Home Birth Photography

I recently fell in love with home birth photography and am now working on a documentary photography/book project on this topic.  My mother wanted a water birth for me and I have always had an interest in the home birth concept, but after meeting a number of fabulous and brilliant women (through my maternity portraits) who were doing the home birth thing I’ve been thoroughly convinced that it’s a great way to go! I shot my first home birth and was amazed by how calm I felt and natural it all seemed to me- I was worried it would be too intense for me, and it WAS intense, but I really loved being a part of this most intimate and exciting time in a family’s life. Probably for the same reasons I love shooting weddings… I just love documenting people going through intense emotional things!

I’m happy to give references if you like. I don’t use flash, and basically I’m unobtrusive, like a fly on the wall– shooting in an artistic documentary style– and trust me, when you’re in the middle of labor you will hardly even be aware of anyone/anything outside of your own body– much less my presence. I have great lenses and can shoot in pretty poorly lit interiors. Being out of the way is my first priority- I’m always capturing the action from a distance that you’re comfortable with, and if a midwife needs me to grab a towel, I will stop what I’m doing and grab the towel! If at any point you want me to stop or if you decide at the last minute not to have me come to the birth, I will of course graciously accept this and wish you all the best!

To give you an idea of the sort of coverage you can expect from me, here is a set of photos from Alice and Jorge’s birthing of baby Buster– shot over approximately 24 hours in a windowless east village apartment.  PLEASE NOTE, ALL images here are shown with the permission of the subjects.  I do not show birth pics unless it’s part of our agreement.

I arrived when Alice was in early labor, and I documented the entire process as her contractions got closer together and finally we were joined by the midwife. She and Jorge were so excited that the day had arrived.

Contractions became more uncomfortable… but she was doing great.  After contractions were timing a certain distance apart, Alice decided to call in the midwife.

This dog was SO well-behaved… he was worried, it was very sweet..

So good to see her smile!

Looking up at Mama… first moments.

This daddy was very excited to meet his son.

Time to stretch!

In grandma’s arms… look at those eyes!

First breastfeeding… so sweet.

And here they are in my studio about a month later!

Having a photographer on call for your labor is tricky- (it can happen anytime within weeks of your due date generally, and can last for upwards of 24 hours)- but doable.  In exchange for your participation in my book project (home birth stills) I will happily shoot for free and give you access to the photos I shoot– a high res archival disc of images will be yours with rights to print, and of course I’d let you know when the final book is available.  If you prefer to have your birth process documented WITHOUT being involved in my book or portfolios of course I am available for hire as well.  Get in touch with me if you’re interested in meeting to discuss your upcoming birth!   I have availability to shoot home births more in winter months (October through April roughly), as wedding bookings may prevent me from being able to commit to many due dates in the late spring and summer months. I can reschedule most anything else that I may have going on when you call me to come over because you’ve gone into labor, but I can’t reschedule a wedding! If you want to try me for a summer due date anyway I’m happy to come and shoot if I am available when you call but I can’t promise that I’d be able to come…