The Value of Birth Photography | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer + Doula

I’m coming up on 5 years photographing births and have been reflecting recently about the value of birth photography. It has been such a privilege to offer such a unique and important service to families in the Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here are a few reasons why I think birth photography is so valuable.

1. Your strength and beauty in labor. Labor images are so powerful. I love seeing my clients look back at images of especially intense moments and see how very strong and beautiful they were. To look back on how hard you worked for your baby is truly profound. See?

2. The care of your supporters. Your partner, doula, or other caregiver will do all kinds of big and little things to support you during your labor and delivery. Your birth photographs will honor these moments - and your support team will be in your photographs instead of being behind the camera. Here are some images of my incredible husband Peter, midwife Theresa Cramer, and doula Ginger Hollemans. Images taken by my birth photographer, Kristin Fowler.

3. The first moments with your brand new baby. There is nothing like the first look your baby gives you, the first time they latch, or the reaction on your loved one’s face when it hits them that the baby is finally here. Capturing the emotion of those fleeting moments is priceless.

4. It helps you process your birth story. Giving birth can be a blur - much like a wedding day. There is often so much going on and so many strong emotions. My clients are so grateful for images from their birth, regardless of how the story unfolds. Unplanned cesareans are a reality, as is the possibility of a NICU stay for the baby. Whether or not the birth was what was hoped for, images help families process their birth story in an important way.

I cannot express how glad I am to have hired a birth photographer for my own birth, and I get the warm fuzzies whenever a birthing person chooses to do the same for the birth of their baby. I have seen time and time again how important these images will be for them, and am grateful to offer this service!

My doula packages include professional birth images. Interested in having your birth photographed? Contact me to set up a free consultation.