I have many friends that hired birth photographers to capture the intimate moments of their labor and delivery. In a lot of ways I regret we didn’t. Today we’re chatting with a birth photographer and three other mothers who hired one to tell us a bit more about it and share some tips.
Excited to introduce you to LA based birth photographer, Rebecca Coursey Rugh, who initially started her career as a fine artist but found herself drawn to birth photography after the birth of her first child, and the death of her mother. All of the stunning images in this feature are from births she’s been invited to photograph (with permission from the families photographed as well).
It was interesting to hear from her that most of the women she photographs are second time moms who wish they had documented their first birth. I feel that tinge of regret as well for all three of my births that weren’t professionally photographed.
FIRST, A FEW TIPS FROM A BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER
What is it that attracted you to birth photography? What do you enjoy about it?
After giving birth to my own children, I felt myself drawn to working with women in their child bearing years –I just didn’t know in what capacity. A few years later, after the sudden death of mother, I stumbled upon images of another woman’s birth, and suddenly I knew, in my bones, that this was something I needed to do –to me, this was the perfect melding of the art and science of birth itself.
My love of documenting births extends not just from a love of my own children, but from my own love affair with humanity. Birth, like death, is unequivocally universal. However, each family has their own individual way they were born; each woman has a story of how she became a mother. Birth can be as wild and fierce as it is soft and quiet; as predictable as it is unexpected –and because of this, its important as a culture, to hold space and revere each individual woman’s birth story.
TIPS FROM FRIENDS
Kris of Neve and Hawk
Jessica of Hej Doll
Surya of Tosan Knows Best
Why they hired a birth photographer
“Being a professional photographer myself not only do I value photographs, but higher quality photographs that will especially stand the test of time in this digital era. Sometimes I look back at old low-quality digital photos from years past and can’t help but feel let down by their quality. These photos will be a memory you cherish throughout your lifetime, so be sure you have good ones to start with!” – Jessica
“I have two other children who are older (10 & 7) and I wanted them present at the birth. We wanted gender to be a surprise and planned for my daughter (10) to announce the gender and my son (7) to cut the chord. I knew capturing the experience with my husband and my kids a part of it would be something incredibly special.” – Kris
“One of the most amazing parts of this whole process was having Rachelle’s prospective on it. She wrote the most beautiful things afterwards. I had a really rough postpartum and it was so amazing to have someone say, “you and your family are beautiful and you did well.” I guess for me birth photography was a way to feel seen. By myself more than anything.” – Surya
Some thoughts on modesty
“I am really comfortable with my body generally. I think maybe because I grew up with just my mom and sister in the house? Plus since we had a home birth, I was so comfortable with everyone there. There wasn’t any random new people coming in and out.” – Surya
“If I’m being blatantly honest in the heat of the moment I didn’t care about much. It’s easy to see what a photographers work looks like in their portfolio. Professional photographers are masters of getting the right angle whether it’s hiding strangers behind you at the park or being sure to not take photos of off-limits areas. You should talk with your photographer beforehand to be sure you are on the same page. These are your memories and you can be as specific as you’d like, but the most important factor is to choose someone you are at ease with.” – Jessica
“Honestly, I don’t have much modesty. HA! I view birth and our bodies as natural and don’t really mind it being captured in the raw” – Kris
It’s making me feel regretful about not hiring one. Did you? Would you? Here’s an online resource if you’re looking for one.
Also, Six Different Stories of How Women Feed Their Baby, and Surviving the First 3 Months PostPartum
Lastly, I love this:
“Let’s be real, there is a baby coming out of your vagina. I say own it, celebrate it. Your vagina is about to really impress you, might as well give her the spotlight she deserves.” – Surya
Thanks to Rebecca, Jessica, Surya, and Kris for sharing their beautiful stories of birth photography.
This is the first time I’ve heard of the birth photographer! It’s not for me ultimately, at this moment in time at least, but it was interesting to learn about what it entails.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com