Why birth photography is the new must-have for parents!

“Birth was once considered a behind-closed-doors affair — a messy, painful and fearsome event where neither mothers nor babies looked their best. Then, expectant fathers entered the picture, snapping photos or taking videos with shaky hands. Now, there is both a surge of interest in the experience of childbirth — not just as a means to a baby but also as a moment to be relished 
in its own right — and a greater desire to capture all of life’s moments.” (New  York Times; June 16, 2012)

Our attitude toward the birthing process is changing. It is seen less as a process to be endured, and more as an experience to celebrate and document. Across Canada, more and more couples are hiring
birth  photographers to record the incredible experience of bringing a child into the  world. But in the age of high quality iPhone photos, the question is raised -  why hire a birth photographer? Hiring a birth photographer means your  partner is free to be at your side every step of the way. The precious
moments  you want to remember will be professionally captured for you while you  experience them as they happen. Meeting your little one for the first time is an  experience to be savoured, enjoyed, and remembered: a birth photographer lets  you live the excitement of meeting your little one for the first time, secure in  the knowledge that the laughter and tears that accompany the first
moments of  life will be captured and immortalized. Best of all, you and your partner will  both be in the picture! Depending on when and where your little one enters  the world, photographing a birth can be challenging. An experienced,  professional photographer will be able to adapt to any issue that might arise, from cramped conditions and poor lighting to last-minute changes to your birth 
plan. When hiring a birth photographer it’s important you are comfortable with all aspects of their contract and business practices. They should have a backup plan in case of illness, carry professional insurance and clearly outline their fees and what those fees include. A professional birth photographer will want to  know everything from where you plan to give birth and who will be there, to your  comfort level in terms of nudity and what types of images you are looking forward to the most. Your birth photographer will share with you one of the  most powerful, personal experiences life has to offer, so it's vital both you and your partner feel comfortable with the photographer you choose. Take your time and try to meet with at least two photographers so you can compare their work and approach. Ask to see a complete set of images from at least one birth, not just a “best of” portfolio.

Once your little one is born, it can feel as  though time is speeding by. You're riding a high of excitement and you will want  to remember all those precious moments for years to come. A birth
photographer  works with you to create images that will be an important part of  your family’s  history and something you can share with your friends and family.

Written By Calla Evans
www.bornbycallaevansphotography.com