Birth Photography is amazing, miraculous, rewarding, exhausting, spontaneous, unexpected, and so much more. Every birth is unique, and so is every family. Each birth story I have been blessed to shoot has been exhilarating and beautiful, and I couldn't be more honored to be chosen to share such a special time in these families' lives.
A lot of people ask me what goes into shooting a birth. Do I just show up and snap some photos and then go home? Absolutely not. It starts off with getting to know you: the parents-to-be. We need to be sure we are a good fit for each other, because shooting a birth isn't like shooting portraits in the park on a sunny day. As your Birth Photographer, you will need to trust me enough to invite me into your hospital room, perhaps even your your home, for this amazing event. That trust is important to me, and every client knows that I won't ever photograph a part of their birth that they aren't comfortable with.
I love to catch all the special moments that make each birth story unique: the way Dad helps Mom get through her contractions, the minutes between contractions when Mom catches up on sleep or messages family on Facebook, the emotional interactions as Mom's body does what it needs to as it gets ready to give birth. If you get up to walk around, I go with you. If you sit on a birthing ball, I'm there to capture the look of concentration on your face as you center yourself. Even if Mom and Dad are both relaxing during a moment of peace, I stay alert, ready to catch whatever might come next.
And then, it's time to capture the most important moment: the miracle of birth! The first few glimpses of your new baby as he discovers the world on the outside. The looks of wonder and relief on your faces when your little girl is placed into your arms for the first time. The powerful instant when you fall in love with the screaming bundle of joy that you've imagined for nine months and who turns out to be even more beautiful than you thought. I am lucky enough to witness, and photograph, it all.
It's always an extraordinary experience. From being on call and ready to go at a moment's notice, to waiting with families during labor, to the chaos of pushing (or sometimes a c-section birth, which is just as special and amazing), and to the arrival of new life, and finally to editing photos to tell the perfect story, it's all extraordinary. And it's what I do for each and every birth client. It's hard, and leaves me exhausted, and sometimes makes it difficult to get anything else done when I need to be on call, but I honestly wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world.
*Images courtesy of Nadia Hurtt with Nadia Hurtt Photography.
If you are interested in Birth Photography, and if it is right for you, please call for a free, no obligation consultation. I also offer my clients flexible payment plan options and Birth Coverage as a shower registry item. Contact me today to learn more! Nadia Hurtt Photography: (843) 617-7357, info@nadiahurttphotography.com. You can also view my Birth Photography Portfolio here.
