This blog post is written by the lovely Marieke Gortemaker from Marieke Captures. Marieke is a photographer who specialises in maternity, birth and newborn photography. Marieke is based in Glasgow but serves the entire central belt of Scotland from Ayshire, Perth, all the way back to the borders. She is a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP). Here we catch up with Marieke and find out a little more about her passion for birth photography. Welcome Marieke!
Hello! On today’s Midwifery Musings, I want to talk a little more about birth photography. What it is, why it’s awesome and some of the reasons to consider hiring a birth photographer. Welcoming a little one into the world is a life changing moment that parents will cherish forever. Once you’ve found out about your pregnancy, it is likely that you
instantly started to think about how to prepare for the birth, what to get and what to
do. Sometimes the list can seem a little overwhelming, but I think hiring a birth photographer is something that should be considered! Here are five reasons why parents-to-be might want to consider having a birth photographer to capture the priceless moment of their child coming earth side.
1. To preserve unforgettable memories
Birth is a beautiful,, transformative experience and one that is filled with raw emotions, expressions and intimate moments. While at the same time there is so much happening at once. Minutes slowly get glued together and before you know it you will forget tangible
moments. A birth photographer is trained to capture these unique moments, preserving the
journey from the start of the birth to the very first breath. Many parents describe it as getting their timeline back of the birth. These kinds of photographs serve as a timeless keepsake, allowing parents to revisit the joy, the anticipation and most importantly the love that surrounded the birth of their child.
2. The inclusion of both your stories
Most of the time birth partners get tasked with documenting that birth. Not an easy task
when your partner is also supposed to be there to support you and to experience the
moment themselves as well. Although a family member or a friend might have a good camera themselves, they are usually emotionally invested, and perhaps won’t be able to continue taking photos for you when they are assisting you or when they are admiring your adorable newborn baby. It is easy for someone in the room that has a different role, to miss some of the most tender moments. If you have a professional photographer there, you don’t have to worry about any of this. A birth photographer is there to make a beautiful documentation of it all; the supportive gestures, shared glances, and the overwhelming joy of a new edition to the family. A birth photographer will capture your entire story with a trained artistic eye, without interfering.
3. A Birth Photographers expertise
The light and space can often be challenging during the birth from a photography perspective. A professional birth photographer knows their gear and is able to produce high quality images in any condition. They know how to handle low light situations while keeping a beautiful artistic eye in mind. Apart from light and space, a birth photographer also specialises in capturing the birth without being intrusive. They know the nuances of the birthing environment, know what moments to look out for and are able to be in your space respectfully.
4. An Empowering Experience
The presence of a birth photographer can contribute to an empowering birth experience. The photographs enable you to process the birth in your own time, and also celebrate the beauty of birth. Showing parents the love and strength that was present in the room.
5. Every birth is Unique
Every birth is a work of art, a masterpiece of love. Moments like this should be
celebrated, cherished and remembered. Birth is beautiful and powerful, no matter where it happens or what type of birth it is. There is still a lot of taboo around birth photography but it is such a beautiful event that should be celebrated more by everyone. By taking photographs, we also open up the conversation more surrounding birth. Most of us know the scary stories about birth, and we tend to forget how beautiful it also can be. It’s the start of a new life after all!
I love being a birth photographer and have been present to capture some truly incredible movements. Hopefully, I have taken away some doubts you may have but if you would
just like to know more or you have questions, feel free to get in touch. You can find me here;Â
www.mariekecaptures.com and for some beautiful birth photos and a little more about what I do you can follow me on instagram too! www.instagram.com/mariekecapturesbirth