Perfect Chance Photography

“Not long ago you asked your friends what fear they had about booking a shoot for their birth…I didn’t respond at first because all your feedback was so positive I didn’t want to get others to batter my opinion or put in the only negative comment on the wall….but I see you as a friend you have been there for me through some of the best times of my life *and captured themso as a friend I would like to be honest with you!

Anyhow, not long ago you “pinned” a pic from your personal page…it’s a black and white photo of a woman kneeling while the baby is coming out of her and her partner is helping the baby out…the woman looks in awful distress….anyhow every time I look at that pic I am horrified! That pic right there is the reason why I would never book a birth photography session…I know most women say its empowering to watch a birth…but I just simply have NEVER thought that. It’s bloody, gross, and I am not the one to picture myself getting pictures of my pain and agony….Even when pregnant I opted for a silent birth (you might have heard of it) …it’s a method most scientologist use when laboring…the main point is to avoid extra sensory stimulation…your allowed to grunt and moan…if needed but you are to avoid all communication if possible…I never had any of the nurses cue me when to push, or my partner to tell me “it’s almost out” and in a way I am thankful for that.  I also avoided hearing the labor horror stories most people have when I was pregnant. My rule was “if it wasn’t prefect and an amazingly wonderful story…I don’t want to hear it”, so most people looked at me funny or snared and opted to not tell me their experience with labor.

In short I guess I want labor to be happy memory regardless. Seeing photos of women screaming during labor does not leave a positive imprint in me. And I would be horrified to see picture of myself in that state…. All in all those are the type of pictures I would show my hormonal teenage daughter… to put the fear in here that labor isn’t easy and hopefully that will work as birth control for her…(lol! jk….) No but seriously, for most people labor is a horror story; thankfully mine wasn’t, but what where the odds of that?”

I received the message above this morning in my inbox from a dear friend of mine. After addressing her concerns via private message; I realized there are probably a bunch of moms (and dad’s) out there with the exact same opinion/views as her. So I figured this would be a great time to address these concerns!

When I receive an inquiry about booking a birth photography session, whether it is via email, Facebook or a phone call, I immediately schedule a face-to-face “pre-birth consultation”. During this meeting I get to know my mommies and I also have them fill out a “Birth Photo Preference” sheet, letting me know EXACTLY what type of photos they are looking for.  These photos can range from, “during labor as well as birth”,  “from the waist up only (during birth)” as well as “of absolutely anything and everything” – I also leave a notes section where they can be more specific with me in regards to the type of photos they are looking for/ not looking for.

This also goes for photos that are posted on Facebook and my blog; it’s completely up to the mom which photos are shared, moms also have the option to have no photos shared at all.

I realize that birth photography is not for everyone, but I do hope that when you come across my business card or brochure at your local midwife or obgyn office that you keep an open mind. These photos can be of anything and everything that YOU want. Don’t let these precious moments pass you by because you saw one or two photos on my page (or someone else’s page) that turned you off.  Every birth is different and every person is different!  I will respect your wishes as a photographer and  as a friend!

Most importantly I want to be there for you to capture all of those special moments, and the definiton of “special moment” is diffrent for everyone.  Those moments might be of you and your birth partner holding hands, they might be of the baby coming out into this world, or those moments right after your sweet baby is born.  What ever is special to you is what I will focus on for YOUR birth session <3

If you have any questions or concerns please, please, please don’t be afraid to contact me in regards to them!