Birth Photography :-)

PinkPony

Im looking into birth photography, as i have developed as a photographer i have noticed that i get the most out of shooting children/babies and often get better results, not saying that i don't enjoy other types of photography. I'm just wondering how anyone might get started in birth photography since the hospitals in Ireland only allow one person in the room, so its home births, how am i going to find a women who wants a home birth and also wants someone to photograph the most intimate event of her life.?
I understand that i would have to be discrete, practically invisible. Also feel i would have to get to know the women before she gives birth, have some trust built.
Anyone know of anyone who is interested, please let me know.

endacl

Professionally? Sounds like you'd have to charge an awful lot given the extended 'getting to know you' time.

As a hobby? Eeeeuuuuuwwwwww! :eek:

PinkPony

endacl wrote: »

Professionally? Sounds like you'd have to charge an awful lot given the extended 'getting to know you' time.

As a hobby? Eeeeuuuuuwwwwww! :eek:

Good point, how much could i, would i charge :-/ ? Or do what all photgraphers hate and not charge until a proven record is established.

endacl

PinkPony wrote: »

Good point, how much could i, would i charge :-/ ? Or do what all photgraphers hate and not charge until a proven record is established.

How long is a piece of string?

If you're not charging, you'd be giving up an aaaaaawful lot of your time just to establish a relationship with a small pool of parents. What do you do with this relationship once the event is over? As a 'job' it strikes me as a mad idea, especially as there are so many other photography avenues available. As a project, not my thing, but I'm sure there are prospective parents out there who might be into it...

Not charge? If you're competent, charge. Those who work for free will never be idle. Value your time and experience.

OldGoat

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation - https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

This organisation arrange for photographers to shoot family images of parents with their stillborn or deceased children, to provide a visual memory of a very brief moment.
It's a tough ask for any photographer to do. I thought about doing this long and hard but ultimately I bottled it, I'd not be capable of remaining detached enough to concentrate on shooting the photographs. However it might be something you would consider volunteering for if you think that your skills are good enough to provide a little solace at a painful time.

pixbyjohn

OldGoat wrote: »

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation - https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

This organisation arrange for photographers to shoot family images of parents with their stillborn or deceased children, to provide a visual memory of a very brief moment.
It's a tough ask for any photographer to do. I thought about doing this long and hard but ultimately I bottled it, I'd not be capable of remaining detached enough to concentrate on shooting the photographs. However it might be something you would consider volunteering for if you think that your skills are good enough to provide a little solace at a painful time.

You have to pay a fee to join this group which I find strange and I think it may be run by an american group

mystic86

pixbyjohn wrote: »

You have to pay a fee to join this group which I find strange and I think it may be run by an american group

one off fee of less than 9 euro, and they give their reasons here (basically someone has to pay for the website, etc etc):
https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/reason-for-application-fee/

flyingsnail

May be of interest to you op

Fstoppers article


Four Birth Photographers Who Capture the Glory of Motherhood

https://fstoppers.com/documentary/four-birth-photographers-who-capture-glory-motherhood-129108

sunny2004

OldGoat wrote: »

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation - https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

This organisation arrange for photographers to shoot family images of parents with their stillborn or deceased children, to provide a visual memory of a very brief moment.
It's a tough ask for any photographer to do. I thought about doing this long and hard but ultimately I bottled it, I'd not be capable of remaining detached enough to concentrate on shooting the photographs. However it might be something you would consider volunteering for if you think that your skills are good enough to provide a little solace at a painful time.

I have 2 close friends who have worked with this organisation, its a truly amazing organisation. Both of them has stopped working with them as they couldn't handle it emotionally, Like you, I considered it and decided I couldn't do it.. Here is a link that sums it up, and my RESPECT to those that can do it.

https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/parent-newsletters/angie/

frances07

Hi
There's an Irish homebirth group on facebook- Home Birth Community of Ireland- You can't advertise a service directly on the page- but they have a file with home birth related business that you could ask to be added to.
I had a friend who gave birth in hospital recently and she had a doula who took some amazing photos! Such amazing thing to capture!

pullandbang

pixbyjohn wrote: »

You have to pay a fee to join this group which I find strange and I think it may be run by an american group

The Irish organisation is run parallel but seperately to HQ in the US. We have our own volunteers, coordinators and even our own Bank Account for donations. The volunteer photographers pay about €20 per year to be part of it - and we're always looking for more, especially in the Dublin area and especially in the summer months with people on holidays.