Thinking about hiring a birth photographer but unsure if it’s really necessary? Here’s the truth: you’ll never regret having these moments captured — but you might regret not doing it.
Let’s be real...
Birth is raw. It’s messy. It’s unpredictable. It’s emotional. And it’s downright miraculous.
But in the middle of it all — the deep breathing, the hip squeezes, the finger nail marks left on your partner, the “where is the midwife?!” moment, and that unbelievable first cry — the one thing you won’t be doing is holding a camera.
And nor should your partner.
That’s where a birth photographer comes in. And not just any photographer, but someone who gets birth, honors your space, and knows how to capture the fleeting, powerful moments without ever getting in the way.
Still feeling unsure? Totally normal. Let's talk about it.
“But do I really need someone taking photos while I’m half-naked and roaring like a lion?”
First of all — you absolute goddess, yes.
You are not just giving birth. You are bringing forth life. And I promise you, when you look back at those photos, you’ll see strength, surrender, courage, and pure, earth-shaking love. You’ll see your baby’s first breath. The way your partner looked at you. The hands that held you.
You won’t be thinking, “Ugh, I wish I’d done my makeup.”
You’ll be thinking, “I did that.”
And honestly, there’s nothing like seeing yourself in that moment to truly appreciate what you just accomplished.
“Isn’t it going to feel weird having a stranger there?”
Totally fair question. But a good birth photographer? They’re not just a stranger with a camera.
They’re like your quiet birth ninja — moving silently around the room, respecting your space, and tuned in to the rhythm of your birth.
By the time your labour starts, we’ve already chatted, bonded over birth stories, probably had a cuppa together, and you know exactly who I am and how I work. My job is to melt into the background, so you can be fully present in the moment — not worrying about the camera clicking.
And bonus: no awkward poses, ever. This isn’t a maternity shoot. This is real, raw, documentary storytelling. You just do you.
“Is it worth the investment though?”
Let me ask you this: how many thousands of photos do you have of birthdays, holidays, and random Tuesday afternoons?
Now — how many photos do you have of the day your baby entered the world?
This day will only happen once. You don’t get a do-over. And while the memories might blur together (thanks, hormones and sleep deprivation), the photos last. They become heirlooms. Stories to share with your child. Reminders of your strength.
Also, I’m not just clicking a button. You’re investing in someone who understands the flow of labour, knows how to quietly document in low light, and can capture the feeling of a moment without saying a word. Looking through your gallery will help you re-live your whole birth story over and over again, and often helps piece the whole thing together in your mind as often you're in a whole other world during labour.
And if you’re budgeting for birth prep classes, the perfect swaddle set, or a fancy bassinet — trust me, photos of this day will matter even more in the years to come.
“Can’t my partner or doula just take a few photos?”
Sure, they can — but should they?
Your partner’s job is to be with you. To hold your hand. To be in the photos.
And your doula? She’s incredible, but she’s there for emotional and physical support. If she’s fiddling with a camera, she’s not fully supporting you. And you might end up with blurry shots of the floor and no images of the actual birth.
A dedicated birth photographer means every person in the room can be present in their role — and still have the story captured beautifully.
“But What if it doesn’t go as planned?”
Here’s the truth: it probably won’t. Birth has a way of writing its own story. But that’s exactly why having a photographer matters.
Whether your baby comes in a candle-lit living room birth pool, with the midwife just barely making it in time… or in an unexpected transfer to hospital — your story still deserves to be told.
I’ve captured all kinds of births, and each one is sacred. It’s not about the “perfect” plan. It’s about the real moments — however they unfold.
What past clients say:
“I am so pleased I had Frances photograph my birth! As a first time Mum, I wasn't sure what to expect with birth, but it means so much to me to be able to look at these photos now and see the power of this experience. I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the images Frances got... even the most action packed shots were composed artfully and intentionally. I hardly noticed her in the room during the birth at all, and was so SO happy to have her there for the 'Golden Hour' after birth, capturing mine and my husbands priceless reactions to meeting and getting to know our baby. It was so nice to not feel any pressure at all to take our photos and we could just be in the moment together. I promise you won't regret hiring her for your Birth! ” – Happy First Time Mumma
“My husband was on the fence, but after he saw the photos, he said it was the best decision we made. He even cried looking through our gallery that re-told our birth story so beautifully. Twice.” – Another converted birth photo Dad
So, is birth photography for you?
If you want to:
- Remember the moments you didn’t even know were happening,
- Honour the work your body did,
- See the love and support that surrounded you,
- And have timeless keepsakes to pass on to your child...
Then yes. Birth photography is 100% for you.
Here’s your next step…
👉 Let’s chat. If you’re even thinking about it, reach out. No pressure, no commitment — just a friendly convo to see if we’re a good fit.
Visit www.earthside.nz or message me on Instagram @earthsidephotography_nz to get started.
I take on a limited number of births each month so I can be fully present for each family — so don’t wait until you’re 39 weeks and suddenly panicking, okay?
Let’s make sure your birth story is remembered, beautifully.
