My Experience
© 2020 Jennifer Anderson Birth Photography
One of my favorite experiences is being with clients as they labor at home. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does, everything feels familiar and comfortable. Pets often sense that something important is happening. I have many photos of pets watching their people go through labor. They really do know what’s going on—though cats usually care much less.
I started taking photos when I was a teenager. I expanded my skills by studying at The Photographic Center Northwest in Seattle, a non-profit focused on fine art photography. This school helped me find my style and taught me to see the world through a lens.
The most important skills I learned are composing a photo and using available light. When you want to keep the birthing person calm and peaceful, the room is usually dim. I’ve learned to take great photos even in low light. I also pay attention to the whole room so that I can capture not just the mother, but everything happening around her. During labor, the surroundings can be surprisingly beautiful and powerful.
The fusion of photography and birth
When I left my job as an RN in 2011 to start Birth Fusion, I saw that I could use my camera to tell stories that words often fail to express. The saying, “a picture says a 1000 words,” truly fits when it comes to birth. Many people ask how I manage to take photos while also supporting families during labor.
That’s a great question. A good doula helps the birth partner and family feel confident that everything is going well. Often, just being there and offering reassurance is enough. When everyone feels comfortable, and things are going smoothly, that’s when I start taking photos you’ll want to remember forever.
© 2020 Jennifer Anderson Birth Photography
Laboring at home often means moving through the same rooms where we live every day. It’s usually a time of watching and waiting, not constant action. In this case, the mother was surrounded by friends and family, moving through nearly every room and even the backyard. The support team’s watchful eyes and the birth partner’s help reminded her that she was safe.
You take pictures of THAT?
No, I don’t take those kinds of photos—unless you really want to see exactly what “that” looks like, which most people don’t. There’s so much more happening during a birth.
Couples hold each other, laugh, cry, and meet their new baby together. Birth photography is about all of these moments, not just “that.” I do my best to avoid graphic images and keep your photos modest so that you can share them with anyone in your family.
I only take photos when everyone feels comfortable, and things are going well. My style is photojournalistic, so I capture real, unposed moments during your birth. I don’t use flash, and my camera works well even in low light. With a silent shutter, you’ll hardly notice I’m taking pictures. I work quickly, so I can step away, snap a photo, and be back by your side before you know it.
© 2020 Jennifer Anderson Birth Photography
This is one of my favorite photos from my early work. Later, this new mother asked, “What possessed me to water my tomatoes in labor?” That question shows two beautiful things: they felt safe and comfortable enough at home to do something normal during labor, and they wouldn’t have remembered it if I hadn’t taken the photo.
© 2020 Jennifer Anderson Birth Photography
This baby was eager to wave “Hey” to the world before the rest of the body was even born. I can photograph the birth from many angles while maintaining your modesty and respect so that you can share the photos with anyone.
© 2020 Jennifer Anderson Birth Photography
This photo captures the “sweet spot” I mentioned earlier. The couple had just arrived at the hospital, and she was already 9cm. While the staff prepared for the birth, they found a quiet moment to appreciate each other and the changes they were experiencing. Many people think of late labor as loud and chaotic, but this photo reminded them that even in the busy moments, they were safe and drawing strength from each other.
What is included in your fees?
Optional Birth Photography Package - $750
My Birth Photography Package covers your whole birth experience, including the “Golden Hour” right after your baby is born. Along with all the special moments during birth, the Golden Hour brings precious, once-in-a-lifetime memories—your baby still wet on your chest, family meeting the baby for the first time, counting fingers and toes, skin-to-skin, and breastfeeding. I only offer birth photography as part of my doula services.
You’ll get a Dropbox link to your full gallery of color images within 8 to 12 weeks after your birth. The images are high-resolution, so you can print them in large sizes without losing quality. You’re free to use and share all your photos. If I want to use any images that show you on my website or in Birth Fusion’s materials, I’ll always ask for your permission first.
© 2020 Jennifer Anderson Birth Photography
© 2020 Jennifer Anderson Birth Photography
© 2020 Jennifer Anderson Birth Photography