Birth Photography - A New and Fascinating Venue of Photography begging for a Photobook

There's a new phenomonon that's going on now where moms and dads desire a full photographic chronicle of their experience giving birth.  We're not talking an iPhone pulled out after the baby arrives.  We're not talking about a disposable camera pulled out of the pocket to get the first shots of the baby.  No, we're talking labor pains, squinting, mom in pain, dad helpless, other children looking on, facial expressions and the miracle of childbirth.  Now, I know what you are saying, "Do I really want to see myself in pain?"  Well, that's for you to answer.

It got me thinking about quite the amazing photobooks that these shots would produce.  But it's amazing how birth has changed over the years.  Ask a grandmother today about her experience giving birth and she'll tell you that her husband wasn't allowed in the room.  Ask a mother today and she'll tell you dad was there in his scrubs!  But a photographer?  Here's a quote from the Denver Post explaining a bit more:

Birth was once considered a behind-closed-doors affair. 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 and a greater desire to capture all of life's moments (and often share them on Facebook).

Birth photographers have set up shop across the country, from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City to Cincinnati. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers — a group started by a Texas photographer who was bombarded with inquires from women in other states seeking a birth photographer near them — has roughly 400 members.

Birth photography is one thing but what about one of life's worst tragedies of giving birth to a still born baby? Darren Rowse over at Digital Photography School has an interesting post but somewhat controversial about photographers and pain. See the tweet below to read the post.

"Using Photography to Make a Heartfelt Difference" ow.ly/bzhgz via @problogger What do you think of this idea? Great? Creepy?

— Cool Photo Books (@CoolPhotoBooks) June 14, 2012

I'm still not sure about all this but perhaps a video might convince you.  Enjoy.  The baby comes out at 2:48 but it's very tastefully done!


This is a shortened version of an unassisted homebirth that I photographed recently. If you hire me to do your birth photography you can expect to receive something similar, but longer and with different music. If you are interested in having me photograph your birth please visit me at: www.dfwbirthphotographer.com


All images copyright Lynsey Stone

*This slideshow used with permission http://youtu.be/Levzbvq5xoA

Photo used from Morguefile.com