The birth of your baby is by far one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Of course, you will want to take pictures to capture the event. Whether you take pictures throughout labor and birth or wait until baby arrives to start shooting, you will want to get the best shots possible.
Getting great pictures requires some thought and planning. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to take pictures. I’m living proof of that theory. Out of four babies, we only managed to get a picture of one with the midwife shortly after the birth. We don’t have this for any of the others.
Thinking back on my births, the one with the great pictures was also the one with the very helpful nurse. She took over the camera from my husband. She then took a few great shots of the three of us and took the picture of the midwife holding our daughter. Obviously, this is rare. Nurses are very busy people and can’t always take the time to record the first moments of your baby’s life.
For that duty, consider another family member. Couples are inviting other family members into the birthing room more now than in years past. If your birth will include any other family or friends, consider giving the camera to one of them. Your partner will be too busy supporting you and marveling at the new baby to concentrate on getting great pictures.
If you do have someone photographing your birth, spend some time discussing the subject prior to labor. Be sure your photographer understands what you want and don’t want. If you want a picture of the baby’s head emerging, be sure to mention it. If you want to wait until after the baby is born, be sure to mention this too. When the person taking the pictures understands what you want, you are more likely to have the album you imagine.
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