Ask A Birth Photographer

We ask the same six questions we always ask. This week, TWO DOULAS talks to birth photographer Reagan Alexander.

Reagan Alexander has been documenting family life for more than five years. In additon to photography, she loves training for marathons and travelling the world. 

How would you describe your job in just one sentence?

Documenting a birth is so many things, but most of all it is an honour to be given the role of documenting a baby’s arrival.

What made you want to be a birth photographer? 

A fellow photographer friend was expecting her first child and we thought it would be amazing to document her birth. It was a beautiful experience to witness and to be able to capture for her and her partner that I was hooked, and I wanted to give that to other families.

How can expectant or new parents benefit from your services?

Having a birth photographer allows everyone to be in the moment and to give their full support to the mother, instead of worrying about taking pictures. A birth is also a fast-paced and emotional event – often with poor lighting or other challenging conditions. A professional photographer has the training, experience, and equipment to overcome those issues and can capture an entire birth story. Birth photography also gives the ability to relive and share those moments with friends and family for years to come. Plus, it is a wonderful gift to give your children!

What happens at your first meeting with a new or expectant parent? 

We usually have exchanged several emails before meeting in person or on a call. A meeting or a call is a great way to just get to know each other better so that we are more familiar when the moment arrives. We discuss their birth plans in more detail, who they intend to have present, and how they would most like for me to document their birth story. This includes what they feel comfortable with me photographing for them. This is a great time for parents to ask any further questions they may have about my role. I also advise expectant parents to discuss their desire for birth photography with their caregivers before we move forward with a booking.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your field?

I think the biggest misconception is that the labour images will be graphic or that they won’t be able to share them with others. I will shoot as much or as little of the birthing process as parents request. Even when parents have no restrictions, I still strive to make images that are framed and focused in a way that they can feel proud to share. Birth is beautiful!

What do you love most about working with new and expectant parents?

What’s not to love? There is so much excitement, anticipation, and joy in the birth of a child that it really is a gift to be invited in to share and document those moments for expectant parents.