Anyone who knows me, knows I’m obsessed with pictures.  I’m only an amateur but I’ve been attached to a camera for as long as I can remember.  Of course, for special occasions, I leave the picture taking to the professionals, including my wedding, special family events and sometimes vacation pictures.  The only thing I haven’t captured on film (or now, digitally) is the birth of my child.  To be honest, I haven’t heard about birth photography until recently.  That’s why, when I received an opportunity from Andrea of Mommy Gearest to get professional birth pictures done of the birth of my second son, I signed-up immediately. Below is my account of the experience and my thoughts on birth photography. You can read my full review and enter for a chance to win your own birth photography service, valued at $600, from Mommy Gearest here: http://www.mommygearest.com/2013/03/06/at-first-sight-birth-photography-review/

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When I initially signed up for birth photography, I naturally had some questions for the photographer, Amber from At First Sight Photography.  When I first met Amber, it was as if I’ve known her for ages.  Her smile is contagious and she has such a warm personality.  I immediately felt at ease knowing she would be in the labour room with my husband and I. I believe that this component is very important when considering your photographer.  You need to find someone that you like, trust and feel at ease with.  After all, you will be sharing one of the most intimate times of your life with them.

We went over the details of the day, what I should expect, when I should contact her, and if there was anything specific I wanted her to capture. For me capturing the first interaction between my older son and my newborn son was of great importance to me.

While I was immediately onboard with birth photography, my husband needed some convincing.  He wasn’t as comfortable having a “stranger” in the delivery room or having someone taking pictures of his wife’s private parts.  In order to ease my husband’s worries, Amber sent me a customer’s testimonial and a link to images taken by other birth photographers that show husbands supporting their wives during labour.  Also, seeing her portfolio of work allowed us to see the type of pictures we should expect (i.e. no “Hoo-ha” is shown).  This definitely helped us both feel comfortable with what we should expect. Continue reading →