23/04/2016
Starting a conversation close to my heart over on my other page :D
It is heartbreaking for the parents when, for whatever reason, the birth photographer isn't allowed into theatre to capture the baby at first sight. I speak on behalf of all professional birth photographers when I say this;
We respect the duty of care, specific hospital & theatre policies, the hygiene concerns, the space limitations, the liability to professionals, mother and child safety, and the NEEDS of the woman. We hold the mother's wishes in our hearts whenever we step into the hospital environment, and do all we can to balance everything around this. Please consider that it is not us as photographers who suffer adversely from this exclusion, but the rest of the birth team and in particular the mother and father.
Who would dream of asking a Groom to photograph his own expression as he first saw his Bride at the end of the aisle, or have the Celebrant be ready with the camera to capture the first kiss after announcing them Husband and Wife?
Professional birth photography honours everyone by allowing them to fulfil their own duties for the mother and child. Additionally, if the Birth Team members are lucky enough to see the collection of images after the birth, they will see how the story captured honours them and the special role they played on the day, giving the parents an opportunity to reflect upon and articulate their gratitude.
I am an Accredited Professional Photographer through the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. I hold $20 million Public Liability Insurance and a police clearance. I abide by a strict Code of Practice. I have attended and documented over twice the number of births required to qualify as a Midwife. I’m aligned with everyone’s objectives within the birth space. I’m not afraid of blood, I will not get in your way, I won’t document medical procedures or photograph staff without their permission. I’m extremely good at capturing that single shot and disappearing back into the distance, or in fact documenting from a distance. It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s about the mother and the child.
I dream of one day being able to offer any woman undertaking an elective CS the gift of professional photography of their baby's arrival. It’s only fair that all women, irrespective of their chosen method of delivery, will have the same access to such a wonderful and valuable service.