Why Hire a Birth Photographer?
Your baby’s birth is a once in a lifetime event. Whether you are becoming a mother for the first time, or all over again, it is a moment that changes everything forever. Birth photography captures the beauty of birth and helps to tell your story in a photojournalistic style – meaning things are captured as they happen – without interference. Often, mothers remark that they didn’t even notice me there for most of their labour. The greatest benefit of investing in birth photography is that your story is captured in beautiful professional photographs, and your partner can be free to concentrate on supporting you rather than having to play photographer!
It’s so important to be able to look back and see the loving support given to you by your partner or support person, the moment your baby enters the world and takes his or her first breath, the look on your face as you see your baby for the very first time. First cuddle, first breastfeed, and the looks on your family members faces as they meet your new little one. With birth photography, these moments are captured forever.
I gave birth to my son in 2012 at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, NSW. My own birth experience has taught me so much about birth. As Mums, we so quickly have to shift into our new role as parent that it can be difficult to fully process our birth experiences and faster than we can blink, the memories have blurred, faded and slipped away. Birth photography captures the story of your birth, beginning to end, good or bad. Under the best of circumstances, birth photography brings that experience to life forever. I also believe that under the most challenging of circumstances, birth photography can help a mother to heal and find beauty in how their story unfolded.
Birth photography is not for everyone, but for those parents who do choose to document their birth in photos and who appreciate the art, beauty, and storytelling of birth photography – these images will be their most cherished. The ones they run to rescue from a fire. The ones that survive generations. The ones that bring tears to their eyes. Every. Single. Time.
Birth Collections start from $1,490. If you would like to request a copy of the pricing guide, please get in touch by phone or email.
Luke James
It was such a familiar sight, walking into the birthing suite to see my friends faces. This was their 3rd baby and was such an honour to have documented each of their children’s births.
Ryder
On Wednesday 21 August 2019, baby Ryder was welcomed into the world by his loving parents Skye & Luke, along with big sisters Layla and Mia.
Naomi
As the sun popped it’s glorious head above the horizon last Saturday at 5am, we welcomed little Naomi Sophia Dawn to the world. Naomi Sophia Dawn was born at 5am on Remembrance Day 2017. She was born at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital, and weighed 3.5kgs and measured 53cm. There were some tense moments during Naomi’s delivery and the support that Darren gave to his beautiful bride brought me to tears. In his very own words, “Vanessa was a champion; giving everything, when she had nothing left, so proud of her.”. A huge congratulations to Darren, Vanessa and big sister Judah.
Alfred’s Home Birth
I first met the Davidson family almost exactly 1 year ago through a mutual friend and client. Isabel had contacted me to capture her young family amongst the beautiful chaos of “home”; where she had birthed both her children, Lachlan and Luella. It was the perfect place to start documenting their wonderfully unique and inspiring story for the generations to come. A few short months later, Isabel contacted me again excited to tell me she was expecting baby number 3, and wanted me to document her home birth. Of course, I was beyond thrilled. At 4:45am on the 26th July, I received a phone call from an apologetic Isabel who felt terrible for waking me up so early. It was the phone call I had been waiting so long for, and as I launched out of bed and threw my clothes on (back to front, upside down, inside out), I was thanking God that it wasn’t rush hour and the roads would be wide open and empty. At 6am, I arrived at the Davidson house along with Isabel’s 3 midwives. Her lovingly devoted husband was boiling pots of water for the birth pool and we sat down to platters of […]
The Birth of Sonny Jay
I first met Lauren and Joel at Papa’s Bagel Bar in the heart of Newcastle, they were keen to find out more about birth photography – and I was only to happy to answer all their questions. My first impression of Lauren was that she was vivacious, strong, and especially excited about the new little person that was being created, and the home that her and Joel were busy planning. Thankfully, they both had time to squeeze in a bagel with me before their next appointment with the architect – it was lovely to hear about their first born, Max, and how excited he’d be to find out he was going to be a big brother. Thank you Lauren and Joel, for inviting me into your birth space to document the arrival of little Sonny. Your strength and courage blew me away. Your boys are super blessed to be able to call you Mum and Dad.
Stevie’s Home Birth
On 12 January 2017, Stevie Jade arrived earth side, peacefully delivered into the calm waters her mother had prepared. I remember blinking back tears as I captured that sweet baby girls every new breath – watching her mum and dad exhausted (yet proud) of doing it their way.
Megan’s Home Birth
This was my first home birth, and with the very last rays of sunshine streaming through the windows, one of my most memorable captures to date.
The Birth of Grace
I first met Danielle + Nathan at a little cafe in town when they were just 4 months pregnant. As new parents, they were both excited and filled with questions about birth photography and how it all worked. They knew they were having a baby girl, and knew they wanted to capture every moment of her entry into this world. All those ‘first’ few moments, documented forever. Her first cry, first cuddle, first nappy change, first weigh and measure, first outfit… Little Grace was 10 days overdue, quite happy to stay tucked inside mum’s womb where it was nice and warm. Much to everyone’s delight however, she was born at 9.01pm on a cold winter’s night into the arms of her adoring parents. What a beautiful birth! Congratulations Danni + Nathan, Grace is a very lucky girl to have parents like you.
Meirah’s Birth
I received a call at exactly 2:00am last Saturday morning with the exciting news that Hetal’s contractions had started. I’d spent the previous day shooting an event and had only just fallen to sleep a short time beforehand. The funny thing was, I was dreaming about being at the hospital with this beautiful couple, telling the midwife in charge that if I had the chance, I would photograph births every single day, for the rest of my life. I jumped out of bed, dressed, and grabbed my camera gear. I couldn’t fathom how wonderfully this first time mum would brave the next 5 hours of labour, and how unwavering her husband’s love and support was for his wife. Little Meirah was born by caesarian early hours of Sunday morning, and placed into the arms of her adoring parents. Welcome to the world sweet baby Meirah.
Hello Marcus
I’d like you to meet Marcus… his birth story is one that I always want to remember – for so many reasons. His beautiful mum Marnie brought him into the world by VBAC. Her courage and determination to deliver Marcus the way she intended, was an extraordinary testiment to her character and strength. So much so, the phrase “I am woman, hear me roar” came to mind many times during his delivery. It’s days like this that confirm my calling as a birth photographer. When I first arrived at John Hunter Hospital to meet Marnie and her mum, we headed straight for the cafeteria. Marnie had been labouring quietly all morning, but now, it was time for cake! I knew straight away that this birth was going to be memorable. Marnie’s husband Glenn was on the other side of the world, but his perfectly timed phone call from the middle of the ocean brought us all to tears. With the support of her lovely midwives Jodean & Kate, we welcomed baby Marcus into the world. Congratulations Marnie & Glenn, it was such an honour to be present at the introduction of your first born son.
Hello Judah
It’s not every day that I get to photograph a birth, so when Vanessa & Darren invited me to document baby Judah’s arrival, I was so excited I ended up on their door step at the first signs of labour… 33 hours too early. I’m glad though, because not only did I get to witness excitement and anticipation, I witnessed a husband’s unfailing and untiring love for his beautiful bride. I can’t put into words what I experienced during this birth photography session, it was both magical and unforgettable. Congratulations Vanessa & Darren on your powerful story of love, faith, and strength while welcoming your baby daughter into the world.
The Birth of Alexis
When I met Lauren & Jordan for the very first time it was at their engagement party, little did I know that 4 years later I would be photographing the birth of their baby girl.
Maya
On 2 June 2014, I was invited to document the birth of baby Maya. Her entry into the world was my very first birth. I was a bundle of nerves and excitement when arriving at John Hunter Hospital, and within 10 minutes of walking into the room, little Maya had arrived to everyone’s delight. I can’t thank you enough Louise + Keiran for inviting me into your birth space.