With an ever increasing interest in birth photography, you may have noticed how many photographers are now offering this service. Although it is still a genre in its infancy, it is becoming more and more popular. There has been a definate spike in the amount of couples wanting to have the arrival of the new baby captured, but there has also been a new wave of photographers looking to try out their hand at birth photography. How does a mother to be know what to look for when researching her photographer?
There are few factors to consider. Labour and delivery is such an intimate and special time, so being comfortable with who is going to be involved in your labour would be a priority. Meeting with your chosen photographer will enable you to work out if they have the personality that you will find suitable in your anticipated birthing environment.
Experience- Although this is a fairly new area for photography, it stands to reason that if the photographer has done this a few times,then they know how to capture your moments as well as how to handle a variety of situations that may occur during the course of your labour. It is only through experience that a photographer learns how to anticipate where they should be in the room at any given time without being in the way of the medical team…. whether that be the midwives at a homebirth or the staff at a birthing centre or hospital setting. Add to that any other qualifying points, motherhood, midwives, doulas and mothercraft nurses can also bring extra experience to the room. This is by no means a necessary to being an excellent birth photographer, but that experience certainly comes in handy when in a birth room.
By observing how your potential birth photographer handles your pre birth consultation you will get a very good idea of how they will be in the birth room. Think about what they are saying or asking you? How do you feel with that person when they are talking? Do they seem confident and calm about your birth or do they seem to have forgotten that this is a birth? These are all things to consider when researching.
Price is also always going to be a factor in your decision making. This will vary widely and it will certainly be something to consider. When you are asking for quotes, be sure to take in the photographers level of experience, and if that person seems the right fit for you. What is offered in their packages? Does that appeal to you?
Does the photographer have a backup in the event of her being unable to make it due to extreme circumstances, such as a personal family issue, or her own health not being well enough to attend your delivery. The photographer would obviously never want to put you or your brand new baby at risk by attending your delivery infectious with some nasty virus. What is the contingency plan in this case?
There are many fabulous photographers out there who specialise in this field no matter where you live. Get to know them, find the right one for you and you will have many treasured moments captured forever to enjoy.
Jill xo
Spikey Hedgehog Photography 