Conservative Birth Photography

Picture a hypothetical situation with me for a second. You are mindlessly scrolling social media, when you happen upon a “baby” or “new mom” page. I’m sure this wouldn’t be overly surprising due to the fact that social media algorithms are uncanny at catching on to your interests. Because of this, babies are not an uncommon occurrence on your feed. Without a second thought you take the bait and open the page to see if it is something you want to follow… and BAM! The very first picture you see is a very, very close up shot of a vagina and a crowning baby.

Once the initial shock passes and you've had a chance to take a nervous look over your shoulder to be sure the stranger behind you didn't just get a passing glance at something they hadn't signed themselves up for that day, you can take a second and admire the photo for what it is - Incredible and amazing! While you would never shame a woman for wanting to capture that particular moment, you personally would never want that exact image taken of you and your body. In fact, after seeing the image you might even think that Birth Photography just isn't for you.

I realize this little scenario probably isn't something that has happened to you, but I’m here to tell ya, it very much happened to me. Even though I’ve been infatuated with the birth world for years, personally, I still didn't have any desire to be on full display during the birth of my child. However, the difficult journey and struggles that were supposed to prevent me from even getting pregnant (a story for another day), made one thing clear. I was pregnant and may never get this opportunity again, therefore, I'm going to make the most of my experience! So I planned my homebirth and hired a birth photographer.

My feelings had not changed regarding the type of images I wanted captured though. I wanted something not so “revealing”. So, shortly after finding my photographer, we sat down and discussed my options and comfort level. I informed her that anatomical images just weren't my personal vibe, no matter how amazing they could be. In the end, she completely captured everything I wanted and then some, and believe it or not, not a single vagina shot was taken. To this day those images are one of my most prized positions, especially at midnight when I need a good cry over how grown up my baby girl is already!

My husband and I meeting our daughter.
Photo taken by Whitney Majors Photo & Film

My birth photos changed my view of the birth photography industry. Birth Photography isn't just about the moment a child is physically leaving your body, it is so much more than that. It also focuses on the hard work beforehand, the shared intimate moments with you and your partner as you team up and take the challenge head on, together, just like you will in parenthood. It's the elation or relief on your face when you realize that you just did the damn thing. It’s the first glance at the child you've shared your body with for nine months, while continuously wondering which of you they look like. It’s that exact instant when a mom becomes mom and a dad becomes dad, or both are becoming parents all over again! It's the golden hour cuddles, and overall, it is a family meeting their newest member. Honestly, who wouldn't want to remember that?

“Love at First Sight”
Tayler Turnovec Photo

So while these images are going to be raw, intimate and probably slightly revealing at times, they really can be within your comfort zone. They are meant to freeze time and empower you, so please don't let any intense online images deter you from capturing such a beautiful moment. This branch of photography is something that I am truly passionate about. Every woman deserves to look back on such an incredible experience like birth, and feel those emotions all over again, or maybe just reminisce in a moment of pure feminine power. I would never want someone to shy away from birth photography because what they've seen doesn't feel authentic to them.

Pregnancy and birth are personal, so let's get a coffee, sit down, and discuss your concerns and what excites you surrounding birth. Feel free to tell me your “must have” and “absolutely not” images. I want to hear your goals and get on board with your vision, so I can quietly be a part of it.

“Surrogacy Journey”
Tayler Turnovec Photo

Yes, Birth Photography can be bold and extreme, but it doesn’t have to be! It can also be soft, loving and conservative. Let's find your comfort zone and make sure to capture a moment in time that you deserve to remember.

My Photography “Why”