The First Birth I Photographed & What I Learned
The first birth I ever photographed was my cousin’s, at the same birth center where I had my daughter. Walking into that space again—this time with a camera in hand—felt surreal. Witnessing the strength of a mother and the miracle of birth through the lens gave me a whole new perspective.
One of the first lessons I learned was that low light is tricky. Birth spaces are often dim, designed for calm and comfort rather than bright, clinical lighting. I quickly realized that I needed to adjust my camera settings and embrace the grain to truly capture the warmth and intimacy of the moment.
Another thing that became clear was that birth takes time. I had to settle in, be patient, and let the story unfold naturally. There were long stretches of quiet in between contractions, moments where I put my camera down and simply observed, waiting for the right shots. I learned to give space when necessary, respecting the laboring mother’s need for focus and presence.
But birth isn’t just slow and quiet—it’s also intense and unpredictable. The moment of birth is a rush of movement, emotion, and energy, and I had to be positioned and prepared. There was no time to fumble with settings or second-guess myself. When baby made his debut, I was in awe—not just of the sheer power of birth, but of how photography could capture it all: the strength, the raw emotion, the love.
Through this experience, I also realized that the details tell the story. The way her husband held her hand, the look of exhaustion and determination on her face, the first grasp of tiny fingers—these small moments carried so much weight. They weren’t just pictures; they were memories that would be cherished forever.
When it was all over, I was emotional in a way I didn’t expect. And in that moment, I knew: this is what I want to do. Capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments, preserving the beauty and strength of birth—it’s not just a job; it’s a calling.
That first birth taught me so much, and I know I’ll keep learning with every birth I photograph. But this fact has been solidified in my mind: birth is amazing, and I am honored to document it.
