Three Common Myths about Birth Photography
1. The camera will be a distraction.
Birth is a deeply intimate and spiritual process, and requires an atmosphere of peace and trust. My experience has taught me how to enter your birth space and move throughout the room without distracting you or your partner. I use my equipment thoughtfully and I shoot purposefully. I want each click of my camera to matter. I want you to be overwhelmed ONLY with the love of your partner, the strength of your own body, and the anticipation of meeting your baby. Clients have often told me afterwards that they hardly noticed my presence at all, and are amazed by the moments I was able to capture when looking through their birth gallery. I understand that it’s a risk to invite anyone into your birth space, but please know as a professional birth photographer, my number one goal is to document your story without disrupting the flow of it.
2. It’s all about THAT shot…
Hiring a Birth Photographer DOES NOT mean you’ve just signed up to have your vagina photographed! Birth Photography is so much more than just capturing the moment of birth. I love focusing on the connection you have with your partner. The raw vulnerability as you work your way through each contraction. Your strength as you reach transition and feel like you can’t possibly go on any longer, but like an absolute birthing goddess you do. And then all those delicious, brand new newborn details. If crowning shots aren’t your thing, I can get creative with angles to make sure there is no nudity. Some clients hire me to capture everything, while others prefer I take a more modest approach, focusing on the emotions and connections instead. I go through this with all my clients during the initial consultation so that we are on the same page and I can deliver a gallery that best fits what you’re looking for in a birth photographer. Every birth story is unique and every family is unique. I want to get to know you and your story, and honour it the best I can.
3. Birth Photography is overpriced.
I totally get it! When approaching the birth of a new baby, cost can be an important factor, especially if finances are tight. Many people assume that Birth Photography is similarly priced to a family or newborn session. But unlike these sessions, birth is unpredictable, we can’t plan a day and time to schedule in your birth session! This means I go on call for you and I’m ready to join you - day or night – be it at 37 weeks, on your due date, or even up to 42 weeks. Being on call definitely requires a lifestyle that’s different to most (think 5 weeks of lugging my camera bag everywhere, having my phone attached to me at all times, and no sneaky nighttime wines!) but it’s a sacrifice I love to make for my clients. Birth sessions are often much longer too, and whether you give birth in 6, 18, or 30 hours, I’ll be there with you for however long your labour takes. Having your birth photographed is an invaluable investment, and I offer flexible, interest-free payment plans. You could also ask friends and family for donations towards birth photography at your baby shower, instead of buying gifts (because really, how many pairs of cute shoes does your newborn actually need?!).
“When you first start to think about who you want to be in your intimate birth space, you might be put off by the idea of having a photographer as you assume the constant gaze may take you out of your primal energy needed to birth effectively. This was certainly not the case with Martha. When Martha arrived to my fast paced birth, the only time I knew she was there was when she first arrived as she gave me a reassuring hand on mine in between contractions to let me know she had made it in time. After that, she melted into the background until just after I caught my baby in the birth pool, had come out of my birth trance to be met by her telling me “You are a birthing goddess!”. Having the right people with the right energy is important in your birth space and I truly believe Martha contributed to the calmness I needed on the day.” – Kirsten W.
Martha has been a photographer for over 8 years and specialises in maternity, birth and newborn photography. To view more of her beautiful work please visit www.marthagracebirthphotography.com.au