Birth Photography Shoot Checklist – Victoria Berekmeri, Adelaide Birth Photographer

I have set up an incredible collection of learning opportunities for anyone looking into photographing birth. Check them out here: www.birthphotographyworkshops.com For a comprehensive look at the Birth Photography Shoot Checklist – check out this book: The Business of Birth Photography Book

I thought I’d share my birth shoot checklist with you.  I have a few photographers following this blog along with my clients and other interested members. I’m spending a fair bit of time answering questions from aspiring birth photographers and intrigued individuals about what’s involved in my line of work. I think details like this are super useful because it not only gives other’s pursuing birth photography a starting point of what to shoot, but it also provides some insight into how involved the genre is. Being mindful of the process of birth, the intensity of emotions and natural sympathies that align, and then stitching it together with your own creative way of taking photographs is what makes birth photography a powerfully moving genre.

1. External Scene Setting – Hospital sign / Outside house.

1. Internal Placement – Ward sign / Birthing Room.

1. Abstract Story Telling – Relevant details and objects shot up close.

1. Obvious Story Telling – Placement of people within the room during labour.

1. Emotional Story Telling – Relationship connections during labour.

1. Personal Moments – Individual portraits as they are consumed in their own moments.

1. Labour Aid – birth ball, tens, hand grips.

1. Midwife / Doula / OBG – Document their important role / handwriting / monitoring.

1. Pain – The peak of contractions.

1. Relief – The trough of contractions.

1. Crowning – The presentation of baby and pushing.

1. The Catch – The baby’s entry.

1. First Breath.

1. Birth Euphoria – The parent’s joy.

1. Third Stage – Mother’s expressions are unique.

1. Placenta – Tree of life.

1. Cord Cutting.

1. Nursing – the first attempt latch.

1. Measurements – weight, length, head circumference.

1. Baby details – hands / feet / lips / nose / hair.

1. The look – Baby’s eyes locked onto camera / mum / dad.

1. Dad and Baby.

1. Mum and Baby.

1. Sibling / Support Person and Baby.

If you are interested in more birth photography tips, read more on Victoria’s blog for photographers – check out this post about How to Photograph a Hospital Birth! http://birthphotographyworkshops.com/2014/08/03/photographing-a-hospital-birth/

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