BUSTED!
Labor and Delivery photography is one of the most intimate and emotional forms of photography, but there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding it. Whether you're an expectant parent considering hiring a Labor and Delivery photographer or just curious about the process, it's essential to separate fact from fiction.
So lets bust some Labor and Delivery photography myths that may be holding you back from capturing one of the most important days of your life. Let's set the record straight and help you feel confident and informed about choosing birth photography for your special moment without the fog.
Wait what?!
01.
Too Invasive
The Myth: Many people believe that having a photographer at the birth will feel intrusive, and they worry about the photographer being in the way during such an intimate moment.
The Truth: Labor and Delivery photographers are highly skilled at being unobtrusive and respectful of the space. Our job is to capture the raw emotions and powerful moments without drawing attention to ourselves. We are trained to be silent observers, blending into the background so that you and your birthing team can focus on the experience.
Working with your comfort in mind, always communicating with you beforehand about your wishes and expectations. If you prefer certain moments to be private or have specific instructions on when to take a step back, I will respect that.
02.
Too much $
The Myth: "I can't afford a photographer; it's just too expensive!" This is one of the most common misconceptions that I hear. Many expectant parents assume that birth photography is out of their price range, thinking it's a luxury that only celebrities or the ultra-wealthy can afford.
The Truth: While birth photography is an investment, it’s also an experience that provides priceless memories. We offer a variety of flexible payment plans and packages to suit various budgets. Additionally, consider the fact that birth photography is a one-time, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the most significant moment of your life—your baby’s birth. It's not just a photoshoot; it’s a visual documentation of a deeply personal experience.
Also, think about the long-term value of having these images to look back on. They will become family treasures, and the emotional value far outweighs the financial cost. Birth photos will allow you to relive those first moments of meeting your child, the raw emotions of the experience, and the joy you felt, not to mention they will become treasured memories for your children to see one day.
03.
Too Graphic
The Myth: Some people worry that the photos will be too graphic, focusing on the medical aspects or showing intense imagery of the birth process that might make them or their family members uncomfortable.
The Truth: We focus on telling the story of the birth with grace, dignity, and artistry. While labor is undeniably intense, we are experienced to capture moments that are full of emotion—your first glance at your baby, your partner’s reaction, the joy and relief of finally holding your child.
The medical details—such as the actual delivery or close-up shots—are not the focus unless explicitly requested by the parents. Birth photography is about telling a beautiful, empowering story, not highlighting any discomfort or "graphic" details. We will always work with you to understand your comfort level and will capture the moment in a way that feels respectful to you.
If you're worried about the level of intimacy, be sure to discuss this with us beforehand. We will work to ensure that you’re happy with what’s captured and will respect any boundaries you have regarding the types of shots you prefer.
04.
Not for me
The Myth: Many people think it is only for natural births, or that it's only for those who choose home births or water births. This myth might cause families with other birth plans—such as those opting for epidurals or cesarean sections—to think birth photography is not for them.
The Truth: We are skilled at capturing all types of births, whether it’s a natural home birth, a hospital birth with an epidural, or even a scheduled C-section. Every birth is unique and beautiful, and birth photographers are trained to document the emotional essence of your experience, no matter the method of delivery.
Labor is beautiful and empowering, no matter how it unfolds. The joy, relief, and love that come with meeting your baby for the first time are universal feelings. We can capture these emotions in any birth scenario, preserving the memories for you and your family to cherish forever.
"I'll Just have a friend/family be the photographer."
A friend or family member may be able to snap a few photos, but they won’t be able to provide the same level of expertise, quality, or sensitivity as a professional photographer. We will bring not only technical skills but also experience and intuition in navigating the complex emotions and sensitive nature of the birth environment.
Understanding how to capture the most meaningful moments without disrupting the flow of labor is our priority. We know how to work with natural light, composition, and the fast-paced nature of birth to create high-quality images that will last a lifetime. While still allowing your loved ones to focus on supporting you rather than being distracted by trying to take pictures.
If your friend or family member takes photos, there’s a chance they may miss important moments or feel overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation. We can focus entirely on documenting the experience, ensuring you get the best images possible.
Labor and Delivery photography is a powerful, emotional way to capture the essence of one of the most important moments in life. While there are many myths surrounding it, the truth is that we are experienced professionals who respect your wishes, work unobtrusively, and provide high-quality, meaningful images that you will treasure forever.
If you’ve been considering us but have hesitated because of these myths, we hope this post has given you the confidence to move forward. Birth is beautiful, no matter how it happens, and you deserve to have those moments documented in a way that you can look back on for years to come.
We’re here to help you through every step of the process! By dispelling these myths, we hope that more families will feel empowered to consider labor and delivery photography as a way to document their unique and powerful birth stories. If you’re still unsure or have more questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to help you capture the beauty of your birth experience!
