In May this year, I had the amazing privilege of photographing my first birth. It was such an amazing experience to document the journey Ali & John made before becoming parents together for the first time. For them, this moment was life changing. To be there to watch their precious baby boy Ethan be born and welcomed into their world was nothing short of amazing!
I think that birth photography can be misunderstood – for the simple reason that some people do not understand how beautifully it can be captured and portrayed. I asked Ali if she would answer some questions about her experience, in the hope we could demystify some of the myths and help to show how beautiful birth photography can be …
1. What was your initial reaction when you first heard about and considered birth photography?
I was initially very hesitant about birth photography. There were two things really: 1. Allowing someone else, other than my partner, to see me naked and the unflattering visuals of birth. 2. Not having control of the content. 2. How did you overcome these? I watched a presentation of a birth that a colleague of Sharon’s produced and it was very intimate and tasteful. I spoke to Sharon with my concerns. I asked heaps of questions, and I was satisfied with Sharon’s answers.I thought it might be helpful to include some of the questions Ali asked me, along with my responses to her:
- A labour can be a long time. Would you be there for all of it?
No. My plan would be to head in to the hospital once your labour is established. (Ali was induced. For women that are not being induced, I would normally head in to the hospital when they do. For a home birth – we would discuss when you would like me to arrive, as it may vary from client to client).
- Would we have control over content? If I do not like a part of it, it could be removed?
Absolutely. I would give you a CD with all of the images (after the normal culling/selection process that takes place with any session). I would then put together a tasteful slideshow that I would like to publish on my photography blog (that would only contain some of the images I take). There would be no nudity or anything that would make you or my blog readers feel awkward or uncomfortable. I would also show you the slideshow before publishing it so that you could make sure you were totally comfortable with it before publishing it. (Clients will always retain the choice as to whether or not their birth photography images are published on my blog/website etc).
- Most women I have spoken to say they end up being naked for the labour – how would you envisage this working?
You will see from the slideshow, most of the photographs are about the interaction and the finer details. With camera technique (selected in camera cropping/angles/ depth of field), one can still capture the emotion and story while respecting mum’s right and need to labour and birth in the way that suits her best. Any images that did contain nudity that could not be discreetly and respectfully edited (cropped etc), I would only include on the CD I gave you. They would not be included in the slideshow.
3. What made you decide to go ahead with it?
The opportunity to capture some of the moments of the birth experience.4. How would you describe the experience of being photographed during your labour and birth?
You think you will be embarrassed by the thought of others seeing you naked, but I did not care at all. I was preoccupied with focussing on birthing my child to care what others were doing. Sharon was very discreet and did not get in the way at all. She kept my husband company whilst I was out of it! For the most part (apart from when John and I were chatting) I sat quietly in the delivery room – allowing each moment to inspire me. This day was about Ali, John and their precious baby. There was no fanfare, no camera flashes, no posing or instruction from me. I simply wanted to be there – to capture all of the details that lead up to Ethan’s birth, his miraculous entry into the world and those amazing “first moments” once he had arrived safely into Ali’s loving arms.5. How would John describe the experience – from a husband’s and father’s perspective?
It allowed John to relax, support me and fully take in the birth experience as he did not have to concern himself with capturing the moment and stand outside of it. He was in the experience. The hospital where we went to said that they could get the midwife to take pictures. However, the midwives are quite busy (for obvious reasons!) and your photos will just be point and shoot and not have the creative and emotional touch that Sharon produces.Some of my favourite images from Ethan’s birth are the images that include John. The glimpses of love and care he gave Ali as she battled through her contractions – when he held her hand; kissed her face. The birth experience definitely involves the Dad, and I am grateful John could be in the experience as Ali has said.
6. What was your reaction to seeing the images and slideshow for the first time?
I cried and cried. It was absolutely beautiful and very moving!!! As I was out of it with pain relief, I felt I missed parts of the experience so the slideshow filled in the gaps.I think most mothers would say that there are aspects of their births that are a little hazy. I know that this is true for me. I think, at the time, we concentrate on just getting through it (which is totally understandable). I am so grateful that those gaps have been filled for Ali. She was simply amazing during her labour and Ethan’s birth – and I am very glad she can look back and see this for herself.
7. What has been the reaction of your family and friends?
a) When you told them you were going to have your birth photographed?
I think a bit “ugghh, why would you do that?” I think they thought it would be graphic.b) After having Ethan and sharing the images and slideshow with them?
They think it is beautiful and they appreciate being able to join in sharing the moment of Ethan’s birth. Many cried!8. Would you recommend birth photography to other expecting parents?
Absolutely!!!!! It is a moment that will never be repeated and I am extremely grateful that I can go back to the moment whenever I like.I can remember saying to Ali when we were first discussing birth photography, that I thought she would appreciate the photographs and slideshow once she was on the other side of the birth. Being her first baby – she had no idea at the time what labour or birth was going to be like for her. All her focus and energy was on preparing for the birth and getting through it – and rightfully so. I am so happy for her that she said yes and found the experience so rewarding.
As a photographer – there is nothing I love more than capturing memories that my clients can cherish for a lifetime. There are a few life-changing moments that we experience in our lives – birthing a baby and welcoming him or her into your world would have to be one of the most cherished and amazing life-changing moments there are.
I will always be grateful to Ali, John and Ethan for letting me be there to capture their life changing moment. The trust they placed in me is something I will always be thankful for.
Here is a link to the slideshow of Ethan’s birth, for those that may not have seen it: http://vimeo.com/23405809
Here are some of the images from that amazing day:
If you or anyone you know is interested in discussing birth photography – please feel free to contact me. I would love to chat with you. My email address is admin@memoriesbysharonmallin.com.au, or you can contact me via my website – click here.
