Why Doulas May Offer Birth Photography, and What You'll Capture
Have you considered offering Birth Photography as an add-on to your doula service?
This is for you. If you are considering adding birth photography as an add-on to your doula offerings, did you know that you can learn image composition, how to find the light, and some true tricks of the trade from an experienced Ottawa birth photographer? I’m Elle, a local birth photographer who has documented over 170 births in our area (AKA Breathe In Photography), and I offer birth photography workshops for doulas a few times a year.
Join me for the next one, and until then, here are a few reasons why your clients may choose birth photography.
He was born on the stairs right into Dad’s hands - A birth photographer will take care of that photo.
When you have a birth photographer at your birth you can be fully present in your experience - you can catch your baby! With the nature of birth photography - that photo isn’t one I’ll share here - but know that those moments were caught on camera (both video and stills).
Birth photographers see what you don’t (but you will when you get your photos)…
This birth began in the afternoon and carried on into the evening as the sun was setting which made for some magical moments as baby came Earthside.
I was actually right across the room with a longer lens to capture this series of images (and video). The sun shone through and filled the room with the most beautiful light and magic.
While your children support you - a birth photographer will capture the connection and love
Birth is wild, raw, beautiful and unpredictable and having a birth photographer present means you can labour and enjoy the support of your children.
I offer Birth Photography Workshop for doulas a few times a year! If you are part of a doula collective, I can arrange a private workshop for your co-op.
The way the older siblings supported their mom during labour was heartwarming. They held her hands, stroked her forehead, gave her food and moved in and out of the room to take breaks. The deeper mom fell into labour, the quieter they got.
When you have a birth photographer present - know that these images will be taken care of so you can look back at them and see the beauty that your children created while you laboured. Often parents don’t remember these details, but the photos will show you what happened.
A birth photographer can capture the details that matter to you.
I arrived at this birth and the house was quiet (for a moment) with the anticipation of what was coming. There was rustling and cooking happening in the kitchen, the kids were playing and doing puzzles and the main family room had this beautiful display of birth affirmation around a birthing “nest”.
I spent some time capturing the little details like the light moving through the plants at the entrance, some decor that I knew meant a lot to mom, their son’s hands figuring out the puzzle and the affirmations all over the floor. With experience, a birth photographer knows when there’s time to capture these little details before the scene changes.
I spent some time upstairs with Mom, caught up a bit (we are friends too) and captured more photos upstairs.
She then moved downstairs to the nest and this photo happened while I stood on the landing.
A beautiful, powerful woman surrounded by love and the energy of her blessingway while she births her baby. This is the good stuff.
I will capture the whole story - because there’s a lot going on that you won’t notice.
Often families will get their photos back and say “Oh! I’m so happy you caught that - I had no idea that was going on!”. Birth photos can fill in the gaps of your birth story.
You will be able to see what was happening while you had your baby. You’ll be able to see the puzzles, the food, the snacks, the little stories that happened in other rooms. There is video footage of their daughter dancing with that lobster you see in this photo below - and it’s gold! (It will be in their birth video which I will share soon).
It can be fun to have your kids and partners tell you their experience of baby’s arrival too - and the photos will help them do that!
Birth Photographers are there to get images of all the firsts…
First cries, the first time they open their eyes, first breath - all of it. I work with both photos and film and we will have discussed before your birth what you most want to be captured if you choose video.
One of my favourite images from this birth is not one many would expect - it’s the one of Mom having JUST lied down after moving from the stairs to the bed. Baby is on her chest and the midwives surround her. This is the raw stuff of birth that I love to capture. I can feel her relief as she finally rested.
Soon after baby latched to have his first taste of colostrum.
You won’t have to rush to find your camera - because I’ve got you!
This was their third child and their Aunt had the honour of cutting the umbilical cord. No one needed to ask - a birth photographer is there to capture these details - even the quiet chaos post birth. Angles aren’t always perfect - but the moments will be sealed in images that you (and your whole family) can look back on year after year.
I love how big sister has got her hand gently on her newborn brother’s head.
This is birth photography.
And if you're a doula thinking about learning how to offer this to your own clients — I'd love to teach you.
I run a small, hands-on Birth Photography Workshop for Doulas a few times a year in Val-des-Monts, Quebec, 45 minutes from Ottawa. We work with whatever camera you have, including your phone. You'll leave with a real understanding of light, composition, and how to move through a birth space with a camera.
If you're part of a doula collective, I can also arrange a private workshop for your group.
