Labor and Birth photography: I am seriously considering offering labor and birth photography, but I'm not sure where to start. I was blessed to capture the birth of my grand daughter...

Susieb721 Loc: Mid Michigan

I am seriously considering offering labor and birth photography, but I'm not sure where to start.

I was blessed to capture the birth of my grand daughter Aubree on June 8th, and then my grand son on July 4th. I know I still have some fine tuning but I think I'm on my way.

I'm curious if anyone here offers labor and birth photo sessions. If so, how do you determine when to be at the hospital? What seems like a fair investment for such a session? How would you handle situations such as a last minute C-section where hospital does not allow a photographer in the O.R. but you've been there for a length of time waiting and snapping general photos of instruments, monitors, etc...

Any thoughts?

Time to start pushing!

Everything is ready, come on lil Wyatt!

Unwrapping the cord from around his neck...twice

And he's heeeere!

And this is Miss Aubree

daddy's little girl

Richard K Loc: Toronto Canada

Susie they are very moving shots Brilliant thanks for sharing I feel like i was there

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

Interesting concept to go pro in this field. Certainly isn't a lot of competition at the moment.
I do have some questions though. Will the Hospital allow a non-related pro photographer in the delivery room and if they do will you be required to get a hospital id card and get vetted by their HR or volunteer department?
As to your question, I guess you'll get a phone call from your client as she goes into labor.

Susieb721 Loc: Mid Michigan

Richard K wrote:

Susie they are very moving shots Brilliant thanks for sharing I feel like i was there

Thank you, Richard. And I would like to be a part of bringing that emotion to many. What an amazing blessing, to capture the very moments of birth! I reallllly want to offer this service to others.

Susieb721 Loc: Mid Michigan

Frank T wrote:

Interesting concept to go pro in this field. Certainly isn't a lot of competition at the moment.
I do have some questions though. Will the Hospital allow a non-related pro photographer in the delivery room and if they do will you be required to get a hospital id card and get vetted by their HR or volunteer department?
As to your question, I guess you'll get a phone call from your client as she goes into labor.

I don't really know much about the logistics in pro photographer vs family member. But, I'm pretty sure most will allow it. As I mentioned, C-section would probably be a different story. I personally wouldn't mind being in for that, either, but not sure if hospitals would allow. Of course I'd have to stay to mama's head, on her side of the tent, but to capture the look on mama and/or daddy's face as they raise baby above the tent for the first view, would be amazing!

ronz Loc: Florida

There is a national group all over the US. Just google birth photography

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

Great job on these. I think you might have found your niche.

geraldjohnson

These photos are very good. comp and quality. There is a market for it. good luck

Susieb721 wrote:

I am seriously considering offering labor and birt... (show quote)

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

I tried it years ago and i gave it up for post birthing. I did a lot of "mother and child" setups. Brest feeding when done correctly is beautiful but when done sloppy is "porn" in my opinion.
Good luck.
Artcameraman

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Susieb721 wrote:

I am seriously considering offering labor and birt... (show quote)

Very interesting idea. Unlike wedding photography, you won't be fighting the competition. I see two possible routes: hospitals and doctors, and the families themselves.

If you could sign on as the "Delivery Photographer" with local hospitals, you would have a steady source of business. The same with doctors. Working directly with the hospital, they would want a percentage of your fee.

The most difficult would be to deal directly with the families. How would you advertise to them? As for the hospital, would they allow you into the delivery room?

This is a great idea, so please let us know how it works out.

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

I have a friend who has done some of these. I believe as far as being in the delivery room for a c-section, it may vary with hospitals and doctors. You would have to gown and mask up, wear shoe covers, and like you said, stay in a particular spot, but if I were you, I'd go through the family and have them ask permission from the MD and the hospital. The OB nurses would know if it is ever allowed..........all depends on the hospital's policies, and each have their own. However, in recent years, most hospitals have loosened restrictions on who is allowed in both the birthing rooms and the delivery rooms (OR) during deliveries.

photomom Loc: Southern CA

Great choice - beautiful photography - done a bunch - mostly c sections... the mom needs to clear it with the doctor and sometimes the hospital - i have found that as long as the dr. clears it - it's been ok - i have shot a few at the same hospital and have had different rules - i.e. being in the nursery as opposed to shooting from outside the window - the hospitals dont really want to push it (excuse the pun!!) meaning refer the idea, as it's still a liability ... it's about reaching out to the pregnant mommies ... maybe start with birthing classes and/or ob's ...... the births i've shot are some of my favorite photography moments ...

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

Susie,
I made some phone calls to friends I have at a major NYC Medical Center. They said that this isn't odd and that they've had pro photographers in the delivery room before.
They also said that it has to be cleared with the delivery team so the best course of action is to have the expectant mother speak with her doctor.
Good luck.
Frank

Susieb721 Loc: Mid Michigan

Wow, thank you, everyone for your kind input. I really feel like I need to research this a bit more diligently. Definitely burning within me to offer this.

Robin Anderson

I took pictures before and after the birth of my granddaughter...I still love the pictures. Close-up's are nice. I found it difficult to take pictures in a fairly dark room without a flash and the tripod I brought I thought was just awkward to use in that setting. My daughter-in-law's mother, sister, and my son were there for the birth. Her sister took a video, from a strategic viewpoint that allowed privacy. When seeing the video later I just cried...it was wonderful to hear the reactions and words of my son and daughter-in-law. Now they can play it so their daughter can see it...they are expecting again in August. I think both pictures and video are both treasured memories.