Photographing a birth

Thanks, everyone. I feel better about the idea now.
 
I had the unexpected opportunity to photograph my nephew's birth. It was pretty intense and I was hesitant, but everyone (including his mother) seemed to think I ought to be catching the event. Most people think that it's gross. I would include myself before the experience.

Now, however, I would have to agree that there's absolutely nothing more powerful to witness. All at once it will stop being gross and start being incredible.

I think if your wife is willing, you should absolutely take the opportunity. Just remember that she's going to be under a ton of stress and a lot of pain. It'll be best to be a fly on the wall. Take a mediocre picture if it means helping her be a little more comfortable. Between the two of you, even technically mediocre pictures will be just as powerful in the eyes of those to whom they really matter.
 
Hmmm, how to comment? I am a woman who has had 2 children so I know in the heat of the moment it isn't pornographic. Childbirth is a miracle and something to be treasured forever. That being said....I do not EVER want my mother to whip out pictures of me coming out of her woman zone! Never ever! But to each their own, if you and your wife want these shots then do it. Later in life when you want to show them to your children ask first. Who knows this little baby may end up being an OB or labor and delivery nurse and find irony in the photos.
 
I had the unexpected opportunity to photograph my nephew's birth. It was pretty intense and I was hesitant, but everyone (including his mother) seemed to think I ought to be catching the event. Most people think that it's gross. I would include myself before the experience.

Now, however, I would have to agree that there's absolutely nothing more powerful to witness. All at once it will stop being gross and start being incredible.

I think if your wife is willing, you should absolutely take the opportunity. Just remember that she's going to be under a ton of stress and a lot of pain. It'll be best to be a fly on the wall. Take a mediocre picture if it means helping her be a little more comfortable. Between the two of you, even technically mediocre pictures will be just as powerful in the eyes of those to whom they really matter.

Thanks for the comment. The way it gets clinical is hard to explain to people who haven't been through it.

Hmmm, how to comment? I am a woman who has had 2 children so I know in the heat of the moment it isn't pornographic. Childbirth is a miracle and something to be treasured forever. That being said....I do not EVER want my mother to whip out pictures of me coming out of her woman zone! Never ever! But to each their own, if you and your wife want these shots then do it. Later in life when you want to show them to your children ask first. Who knows this little baby may end up being an OB or labor and delivery nurse and find irony in the photos.

Thanks, and who knows-maybe we'll never look at them again, but my wife indicated to me that she would like to have a different vantage point than looking at her big belly while life happens...
 
Here is my two pennies worth. It is such a fantastic and once in a lifetime moment so rarely documented that as you are both willing and will of course be understanding to each other it seems too good an opportunity to let go. However, be prepared to find that the child will not in any way enjoy or consider the pictures tasteful. In my opinion these pictures will be a treasure for you and your wife only. But treasure they will be. Good luck!


luggage suitcases & Tie Pins
 
Don't worry about the nut kicking - from my knowledge most labouring women aren't capable of kicking (or.. kneeing) too high so you are probably safe ;)

On the kid front, from a personable standpoint I would in fact love seeing images like that. Well, let me rephrase, there are some parts of the image I could live my whole life without feeling like I am missing out on but truly, it is quite a monumental moment in ones life (obviously). I am a biomedical student and keenerish enough to purchase a nursing textbook specially on the subject for a class I won't be taking so I might be a bit biased. If you feel deeplly about that though I have seen plenty of iamges of babies being held by the doctor/midwife right after being delivered in all their squalling, slimey goodness - which is pretty awesome in my opinion. :)

Then again, with all of the goods you might want to without any more er.. 'sensitive' images from the kid for a while - wouldn't want them to take them for show-in-tell in grade 1 and have the teacher having to soundboard plenty of questions they weren't expecting! :lol:

Once again congrats!
 
I have shot births before, never had issues about being there. As stated above just stay out of the way.
There are varying opinions about how "graphic" to get, but that will be totally up to you and your wife. Only once did I get complete "full view" shots, but they were going to be used as an educational tool.
Usually I will get the babies head after it is out and at an angle from the mother's head. With the way the mother is draped that is usually the best veiw.
One thing to consider is the shot of you cutting the cord. Everyone I have done makes that shot a priority. Because it is one of the only shots where the father is actively involved.
The true shot is the first shot of the baby on the mothers stomach right after delivery. Be sure to get the baby and mom's expresion together. Also get a shot of the doc holding the baby, and at a later date give him/her a copy. Most OB docs really enjoy getting those shots.
Congrats to you and your wife. As stated above remember the most important thing is for you to be there regardless of whether you get any shots or not.

Couple more thoughts...right after birth the baby will be taken aside for cleaning and warming and assessment ( measurements etc...) these are also desired shots. This will be a busy moment and your wife may want you with her. If there is someone else who can photo you might want to consider letting them do it for you.
 
I have shot births before, never had issues about being there. As stated above just stay out of the way.
There are varying opinions about how "graphic" to get, but that will be totally up to you and your wife. Only once did I get complete "full view" shots, but they were going to be used as an educational tool.
Usually I will get the babies head after it is out and at an angle from the mother's head. With the way the mother is draped that is usually the best veiw.
One thing to consider is the shot of you cutting the cord. Everyone I have done makes that shot a priority. Because it is one of the only shots where the father is actively involved.
The true shot is the first shot of the baby on the mothers stomach right after delivery. Be sure to get the baby and mom's expresion together. Also get a shot of the doc holding the baby, and at a later date give him/her a copy. Most OB docs really enjoy getting those shots.
Congrats to you and your wife. As stated above remember the most important thing is for you to be there regardless of whether you get any shots or not.

Couple more thoughts...right after birth the baby will be taken aside for cleaning and warming and assessment ( measurements etc...) these are also desired shots. This will be a busy moment and your wife may want you with her. If there is someone else who can photo you might want to consider letting them do it for you.

Awesome! You've given me much to think about and work on...
 
lmao! I don't know who would think of those shots as pornographic but, hell who knows there are some freaky peeps out there!

Let us know what shots you decide on, umm but without posting the actual shots, lol!

My first son my sister actually got a shot of him being pulled out (vaginal birth) and now 12 years later if I look at it, i cringe alittle because of the "gore" factor but it is kind of cool to see somethiing like that later on. Definitely not something I will ever show my son or anyone else, but I do still have that shot. I will add that I was upset that she took that shot, back then it was all film and I wasn't thrilled that someone somewhere had seen me and all my naughty bits, lol.

As stated above, a head shot from mom's view would be another good one. Maybe have her lay back on the bed now and practice where you should stand to get the best shots?
 

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