Crad1998

I was asked by a business associate to photograph her baby delivery. After meeting with her husband and talking to a photography instructor I know, I did it. It went well I think . I have not looked or edited the photographs yet. I am wondering if anyone else has done this type of photography . I understand it can be quite profitable. One of the doctors at the hospital that day even offered to put my business cards in their ob packets for their patients. I declined the offer.

Gram27 Loc: Georgia

A friend of mine does delivery and newborn photography. She's very discreet about what she takes during the birthing. She also takes photos of preemies and stillborns as a courtesy. She's quite popular in the local hospitals.

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

I have done it twice. It is important to photograph the mother and the birth in a way that is not embarrassing to the mother. These pictures can be some of the most important photos that they will ever have. To be able to set down with your child at what ever age you choose and point a group of photos and say this is when you came into this world is really special. Some people see the value in that and some don't want anyone in the delivery room except the people that need to be. It is a truly special and personal event and must be treated as such.

Gram27 Loc: Georgia

Absolutely agree!

kskarma Loc: Topeka, KS

I have been present at the births of our kids...a long time ago...and then a few years back, our daughter asked me if I would be with them to document the birth of their baby... Of course I agreed.... I know my 'labor' was not anywhere as intensive as hers was...but still, for "Daddy" to be with her was pretty intense and tiring...but led to a super happy event as she delivered our fantastic grandson....! (NO bias here...!)

I can't add much to the previous postings, except to echo that being discreet, thoughtful, considerate and supportive are very important. In our case, we were all in the birthing room at the hospital for about a dozen hours....it goes without saying that this is about the most emotional time in a parent's life...so it's important that the mother be very comfortable with having an additional person in the room. In our case, being familiar with each other was not an issue, but were I to do this for anyone that I did not know well, I'd sure want to spend some time with them a week or so before the due-date...taking some pre-delivery photos, etc...but mainly just establishing the needed level of trust.

And yes, there is a demand for photographers to do this...it's difficult to find skilled photographers that are both up to the challenge...AND...who can have the flexibility in their schedule to drop everything for what might be a very long labor.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I just did my granddaughter's delivery. I went for all out and photographed the baby coming out of the birth canal as well as other more discrete pictures. The family can make the decision which pictures they share. The birth is very quick and it is what it is- there isn't any way to photograph the actual birth other than how it is happening. And there were lots of personnel around and the labor room was small so I was a bit impeded. And the lighting was not great. I used the Fuji X-T2 with the f2 35 mm lens and that performed well under the conditions. What I wish I had done was do video for the birth and stills for after- sigh. They were very happy with the pictures. I think it would be satisfying to do delivery pictures professionally.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

What a special set of photographs for a couple (and a child down the road) to have. Back 50 years ago, I twice photographed (in the coffin) grandparents who had passed and the family had NO photographs of them for remembrance. A different type of challenge to do respectfully, but photos do exist from the very second of the life cycle to the very end, to be cherished.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I have thought of doing this when I retire from medicine - a photographer who has actually delivered babies might be reassuring. I would not want to be asked to step in if their doc was late getting there, though! One problem, as mentioned, is being "on call" to rush off at a moments' notice.

Gatorcoach Loc: New Jersey

I was once asked to photograph a baby delivery and I replied "only if you let me photograph the conception". Haven't been asked again!

Say Cheese Loc: Eastern PA

I must say, that is something I would not want to do or could do. I give credit to those that can do it but the only picture I need to see is the newborn being held by the mother after the baby has been cleaned up. If I was there, the doctors would be helping me off of the floor.

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

I did this waaay back when birthing rooms were a new concept. And I hired a photographer for my own birth. Poor man. Anyway, they are my most treasured pictures and I have shared them when with my son. I am happy that I have a full recording of the birth itself. The other women whom I photographed have shared they appreciate the full story as well. One option I have seen done is to shoot the birth standing to the side of mother. You can see baby emerge while not a lot of mother. This all assumes supine position. Many mothers give birth moving around and there are ways to be a bit more discreet as well if that is the couple's desire. As a doula, I am also handy with supporting mom and dad. At this point in my life, I don't often do births anymore. But I miss them. What a special time and you get to be present when heaven opens.

Dana Loc: Southern Oklahoma

I have attended thousands of births as a labor and delivery nurse. I have also photographed a few for friends and family. I have been asked by hospitals and friends to do this professionally. An injury ended my nursing career several years ago. I'm still considering this. I will say that whether you are the nurse in the room or the photographer, it is such an honor to witness and share one of the happiest (usually), most exciting and emotional events most families will ever experience. My goal as a nurse and as a photographer was to give the family the best memories possible. I have had as many as 9 family members in a small delivery room for the birth because that's what Mom wanted. I have photographed very discreetly to capture only suggestions of what was going on at the critical moments. I have also captured very graphic and close up images of everything from crowning to delivery of the placenta, because that's what Mom wanted. As the photographer your goal is to remain mostly unnoticed both for candid shots and also not to intrude on this most special event. I agree meeting and getting comfortable beforehand is very important. If done correctly you can beautifully capture the most precious moments which can never be recreated for this family. It is not for everyone but this type of photography can be rewarding in many ways.

kskarma Loc: Topeka, KS

A terrific summary of this entire subject from someone who has been there many times. The last part of your posting should be very helpful for those who might be doing this at some time, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences...

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I was thinking video might be better. Especially if you shot 4K. You can easily extract 12 megapixel images from 4k video. So if I were doing this I'd probably invest in a gimbal to hold my DSLR steady and just shoot video. Maybe like you say, bring another camera for stills after the birth for higher res pictures, but with 4k video it probably wouldn't be necessary.

Dannj

Is this a relatively new "thing"?
I didn't know there was a demand.