I’ll start with: Why I Love Photographing Birth Stories

I photographed my first birth a little over 3 years ago now, and it has to be one of the most powerful and emotional forms of storytelling I’ve ever been part of. It’s raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal. Being invited into such a life-changing moment is a privilege I never take for granted. To the women and their families who have invited me into their homes and birthing spaces: thank you always.

Birth is unpredictable, intense, and deeply beautiful. It’s not just about the baby arriving—it’s about the strength of the women birthing, the team around them, the love and support in the room, and the awe of that very first meeting with your baby. What I’d give to experience that moment over and over again. My goal as a birth photographer is to document all of those details for you, and for your family, creating a collection of images that will forever remind you of this incredible experience, transporting you back in time with a photograph.

If you’re wondering whether birth photography is right for you, here are some of the key reasons I think it’s worth considering:

1. The Moments You Don’t See

When you’re in the midst of labour, you’re entirely focused on the process of bringing your baby into the world. You might not notice the way your partner is holding your hand, the tear in their eye as they watch you, or the quiet encouragement of your midwife or doula. A birth photographer captures these moments so you can see the full picture later. The small but significant details that surround your experience are often some of the most meaningful parts.

2. Celebrating Your Strength

Labour and birth are incredible physical and emotional feats. While you’re in the thick of it, you might not realize just how strong you are, but trust me—it shows. From the determination in your eyes to the raw emotion on your face, these moments are a testament to your strength and resilience. Seeing yourself through someone else’s lens can be incredibly empowering. These images remind you of what you’re capable of and how deeply connected you were to your body and your baby during that time. I found this particularly helpful in the early days of getting through the ‘baby blues’.

3. Capturing the Firsts

There’s nothing quite like those first moments. The first cry, the first time you see your baby’s face, the way they instinctively snuggle into your chest—these are the kinds of memories that stay with you forever, but they can feel like a blur in the intensity of the moment. As your birth photographer, I make sure those “firsts” are documented. From their tiny fingers and toes to the love on your face as you hold them, these moments become timeless treasures.

4. Taking the Pressure Off Your Partner

Your partner or birth partner plays a vital role during labor. They’re there to support you, hold your hand, and share in the experience. Asking them to juggle those responsibilities with taking photos can be overwhelming and distracting. When you hire a professional birth photographer, your partner can focus entirely on being there for you, knowing that every special moment is being documented. It allows them to stay present and experience the birth alongside you.

5. A Legacy for Your Family

Birth photography isn’t just for you—it’s a way to preserve your family’s story for generations to come. One day, your child will look at these photos and see the love, strength, and connection that surrounded their arrival into the world. These images become part of your family’s history. They’re a tangible reminder of how it all began, filled with emotion and meaning.

What It’s Like to Work with Me

I know first hand that birth is an incredibly intimate experience, and it’s important that you feel completely comfortable with the people that you invite into your birth space and also the person you choose to capture it. My approach will always be quiet, respectful, and unobtrusive; I’m there to document, not disrupt.

Before your due date, we’ll meet (in person or virtually) to chat about your preferences. This is your experience, so I’ll tailor my work to fit your comfort level. Whether you want every detail of labour captured or just the first few moments after your baby is born, we’ll create a plan together. A maternity session is included within your package, so we will plan your session for some time in your third trimester. This is also a great time to chat and catch up about how your pregnancy is going, whether your birth plans have changed, or smooth out any details.

On the day, I’ll be on call and ready to join you when you need me. I’ll stay in the background, blending in with the birth team. My goal is to capture the natural, real moments as they happen.

How to Book Your Birth Photography

If you feel ready to make the steps towards documenting your birth story, booking with me is simple:

1. Reach Out: Send me an enquiry here. Let me know your due date, where you plan to give birth (home, hospital, or birth centre), and any initial thoughts or questions you have.

2. Let’s Chat: I’ll arrange a consultation with you to discuss your plans and preferences in more detail. This is a great time to get to know each other and make sure I’m the right fit for you.

3. Secure Your Spot: Once you’re happy, I’ll send over the forms to reserve your space in my diary. I take on a limited number of births to ensure I’m available, so booking early is a good idea.

4. On-Call Period: Starting at 38 weeks, I’ll be on call 24/7, ready to join you when labour begins. I’ll stay in close communication so you know exactly when to call me to come to your birth.

5. Your Birth Story: After the birth, I’ll carefully hand edit and deliver your private gallery to your inbox, and a collection of fine art prints through your letterbox.

Let’s Document This Incredible Chapter Together

Birth photography is about so much more than photos—it’s about celebrating the strength, love, and connection that come with bringing new life into the world. These moments deserve to be remembered, and I’d be honored to help you preserve them.

If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch, and let’s create something truly special together.

I can offer Birth Story Packages to those within 1.5hrs of TA3 and I work mostly at home births, Bracken MLU/labour ward at Musgrove hospital, Taunton, and RD&E hospital, Exeter.

Hannah x