Speaking of picture-taking ...

[1972momma]

Has anyone had or is considering having a designated photographer at the birth?

I'm actually thinking of asking my husband's cousin ... he's a guy, which might ordinarily make me self-conscious, but he's young and very sweet and also happens to be a professional news photographer (and has traveled around the world and probably seen much crazier things than my vagina, lol!). I'm betting he would do it for free in exchange for being able to use some of the images from the birth, which I'd have to approve first, but, I'm cool with that.

ANYWAY -- would love to hear from those who have BTDT as well as those who are currently considering/planning it!

[Roxyrocks]

I was just thinking of this today I really want some good and special pictures even more cause we have hardly ANY of our our DS birth I dont even know where to start looking I googled it and pulled up all maternity pictures!

[k9sarchik]

I had my MIL take photos and I am so happy that I did! I say go for it!

Hey Roxy I happen to be in the Denver area and have photographed 2 deliveries. I did professional photography for a few years. If you are interested you can pm me.

[Pyrodjm]

The only condition I had for my mother attending the birth is that she have a job. I think photographer is the best one for her. She loves to photograph family events and it will keep her out of my hair a bit.

[Roxyrocks]

Laura I Pmed you

[sarahn4639]

my dad was my videographer a my mom and doula both grabbed cameras as able (mom was also in charge of dd) i would like to have professional pics for a future birth though.

[BakerALM]

When I last birthed at the hospital NO one else was admitted on the floor, no babes or mamas! So basically all the nurses were bored. One of the nurses offered to take photos, it was GREAT! I never thought that I would want photos that were that graphic but I LOVE them! It all just worked out perfectly.

This time I am trying to figure out who I want to be the designated photographer, I am thinking my SIL, who has no kids and probably can get out of work to come at short notice if she tells her boss in advance. But at the same time I don't want to feel like I need to preform for her or that she is watching or judging me. Having the nurse was perfect since I did not know her at all and did not ever have to see her again after. Lots to think about!

[Treeof3]

I had my best friend come with the express intent of being the photographer. She is an amateur photog anyways and takes really amazing pictures all on her own (as in without formal training). I also had felt the need to have a girlfriend present at that birth and that was the perfect match up. We also don't agree on methods of birth (she is a hospital pain free kinda gal) so it was awesome for me to share my experience with her and for her to comment after the fact (She said she couldn't tell I was in pain until I said "It burns!!" lol!).

This time I really don't want anyone else around except dh and my other 2 kids so I dunno what I will do bc I really DO want pictures again. I guess I will probably "cave" and ask her to come again. We'll see.

But a friend/mom with a designated job of picture taking is a great way for them to be involved without being able to freak out and intervene or anything!

[almadianna]

i am having a prof photographer at this birth.

[momto4kids]

We had my mom or doula take photos at our hospital births ~ when we switched to homebirthing we changed things around a bit. My mom was in charger of the other kids so what to do?? We asked my little sis to come along and take pictures. She did great for only being 16!! She was all over the place getting awesome shots at crazy angles.

Now that she is studying overseas for a year we joke about how there can be no more babes since she is not here to take pictures!

Dana

[Eresh]

I wish I'd had someone to take pictures of my DS's birth. We ended up with only 2. I thought asking a UC mama friend to take pictures but in the end decided I wanted just my DH and MW there. I think next time I will ask my friend to be there to help out and take pictures.

[annalaura]

my friend took some pictures and my husband filmed my son being born. i am really happy to have the pictures and the video of his birth. its really special to me..and its neat to be able to share it with friends/family who are interested. i havent watched it in months...maybe i'll do that today..hmmm

[Linzie2]

If you had or are having a pro photographer.....

How do they charge you? I know for weddings they charge by the hour, but labors are pretty unpredictable!!

What's the cost? (If you don't mind me asking )

[laurata]

I was going to have my neighbor friend come and be photographer and take care of the kids as needed, but we moved, and now she can't make it. She was a graphic arts/ photography neighbor in college. If my oldest dd is awake, she might take photos. But I am hoping the kids all sleep through, so no photos again this time.

[tinyshoes]

in 2003 I hired a prof. videographer (who happened to be a former midwife apprentice!)

last year I was doula at a birth where mom hired a prof. still photographer--the fee was $400, for a gillion digital photos. The photographer did come in the middle of the night (4 am?) and stayed 'til after the birth (for those newborn shots!)

I would love to hire a professional this time around, but it's too pricey. but between my mws and doula, I think there'll be ample--though possibly amature--video and photo.

It's much easier to have the pix and NOT look at them, than it is to wish that there were photos of this incredible moment.

[Gray's Mommy]

I hired a professional birth photographer. It was the BEST money I ever spent. Here is her website so you can see the quality of work & some of the moments a birth photo. can capture. We paid $250
www.dfwbirthphotographer.com

[dimibella]

Originally Posted by Gray's Mommy

I hired a professional birth photographer. It was the BEST money I ever spent. Here is her website so you can see the quality of work & some of the moments a birth photo. can capture. We paid $250
www.dfwbirthphotographer.com

I've heard great things about this mama and talked to her here a time or two. Infact I think I owe her a pm! I am hoping we will have the money to hire her but not really sure right now, this will most likely be our last child and we don't have any pics of any of our other births.

[holothuroidea]

I'm a little stumped on this one. I definitely want pictures. I'd love to have DH do it but he's pretty useless. He'd be asking me "Should I take a picture now?" and "What do you want me to take pictures of again?" LOL

My MIL will be there but she'd be all up in my face with the camera every 2 minutes, and my mom will be there too but her pictures are always blurry and dark (even ones taken in direct sunlight, she's famous for this). Maybe I can ask the midwife's attendant.

No way am I having a professional photographer. I feel like they always cheapen the experience. We missed the cocktail hour at my wedding because the photographer had to pose us a million times on the hottest day of the year, outside in a garden filled with bees and flowers that were drooping under the oppressive heat. Plus I don't need the stress of having strangers in my house.

[Gray's Mommy]

Originally Posted by holothuroidea

No way am I having a professional photographer. I feel like they always cheapen the experience.

When you have a professional birth photographer, you should never even notice that they are taking pictures. No flashes, no posing & definitely not in your face.