You've been asked to photograph a birth. What an honor! What a huge responsibility!!! You've never had a child of your own and if you did you were at the other end of the action. How in the world can you prepare for this??

   Maybe I can help. A photographic expert I am not. I have been fortunate enough to have photographed several births at the Center, and may be able to pass a few hints on to you.

   For starters, is there film in the camera? Sounds pretty elementary but believe it or not, I have heard of quite a few people who have snapped away thinking they were getting beautiful shots, only to later discover the camera was empty. A flash is also a necessity. If using a camera with automatic flash, make sure your batteries are fresh. One roll of film may be enough, but I suggest at least two rolls. Labor is often a VERY long process, and if you are present for the entire labor you may use up a lot of film in the early stages and find yourself with little or no film when you need it most. With digital cameras, make sure you have enough memory for all the pictures you may take.

   I mentioned the flash. The birthroom lights are kept low so a flash will be necessary. Don't worry about bothering the birthing mother by taking flash photos. Labor is very intense for the mother, and most moms I have spoken to don't even notice the flash. Talk to the mom beforehand and find out what kind of photos she has in mind. Some women are uncomfortable about photos taken during the actual birth, while others want you to photograph EVERYTHING. Do only what the birth parents are comfortable with. Don't be afraid of getting "close shots". The best birth photos I see are those where the photographer has been a part of the action.

   Look around the room for good shots also. If there are other family members present, you have an excellent opportunity to capture some incredible feelings on film. The faces of siblings during one of mom's more intense contractions, a supportive look to mom from dad, the tear in the new aunt or grandparent-to-be's eye, the midwife offering support, the nurse rubbing a back. These are all priceless memories that will mean so much to the family long after the excitement of the birth is over.

Insurance for Photgraphic Success
1. Bring more film (or memory for a digital camera) than you think you will ever need.
2. Fill your camera and flash equipment with new batteries and bring along an extra set.
3. Bring along an extra camera - if yours jams, you've lost the moment forever.

Reprinted with permission from Woman to Woman the newsletter of the Reading Birth & Woman's Center

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