When I tell people that I love birth and it’s my passion to photograph it, I usually get some questionable looks and am always asked the question, “Do you photograph the whole thing?” The answer is, “Absolutely, yes! I photograph the whole thing.
Although the media tends to make birth out to be loud, chaotic, messy, dirty, nasty, etc., the simple truth is that it’s not. Of course, that’s not to say it isn’t ever those things, but it certainly isn’t the overarching theme.
I have witnessed many births and birthed two children of my own, and what I can genuinely reveal about birth is that it’s:
sweet, tender, compassionate, quiet, thoughtful, intimate, painful, euphoric, inspirational, beautiful, monumental, edgy, courageous, difficult, long, quick, exciting, brave, honest, soulful, liberating, scary, renewing, intense, and empowering.
Why wouldn’t I want to photograph that? And yes, ‘the whole thing’. Because the truth is, there’s nothing more brilliant than the day you meet your child.
“Giving birth should be your greatest achievement not your greatest fear.”
Jane Weideman
Many of our societal norms are based around fear. I’m hoping that through the increasing popularity of birth photography, people will gain exposure to the truth of what birth really is, and therefore making it more likely that women approach birth with understanding and comfort rather than fear.
If you’re thinking about having your birth photographed, let’s begin by meeting in person and discussing your birth plan. I’m genuinely interested in your story and look forward to hearing about your birth goals.