What Does a Birth Photographer Do During Labor & Delivery? | Gilbert, AZ
As a birth photographer in Gilbert, Arizona, one of the most common questions parents ask when they’re expecting a baby is:
“What does a birth photographer actually do during labor and delivery?”
And that’s a totally valid question! I remember telling my husband we would have a birth photographer and he was not immediately a fan of the idea. You can do what I did and do it anyway, or keep reading for some insight into what I do in the delivery room to make sure everyone is comfortable (and doesn’t feel like there’s a camera in their face the whole time)!
The truth is, you will probably barely notice me! Birth photographers are professional photographers who specialize in documenting labor, delivery, and the first moments after birth in a respectful, unobtrusive way. There are so many staff members coming in and out of the room during labor and delivery, I fade into the background! I always say that you can talk to me if you want, but if you don’t, you won’t even know I'm there!
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what a birth photographer does before, during, and after labor and delivery, so you know what to expect.
What Is a Birth Photographer?
A birth photographer is a professional photographer who specializes in documenting labor, delivery, and the first moments after birth in a respectful, unobtrusive way.
Unlike posed newborn or maternity photography, birth photography is documentary-style. The goal is to capture real moments as they unfold — strength, connection, emotion, and the story of how your baby entered the world.
What a Birth Photographer Does Before Labor Begins
1. Prenatal Consultation & Planning
Before your due date, your birth photographer will:
Discuss your birth preferences
Talk about privacy boundaries
Review hospital, home birth, or birth center policies
Learn what moments matter most to you
This ensures your photographer understands your comfort level and vision.
2. On-Call Availability
Birth photographers are typically on call 24/7 around your due date — often starting at 37 weeks.
This means:
They keep their phone on at all times
They are ready to leave at any hour
They remain flexible in case labor progresses quickly
What a Birth Photographer Does During Labor
3. Arrives Quietly and Discreetly
When active labor is established, your photographer arrives quietly and blends into the background.
They:
Avoid interrupting medical staff
Do not direct or pose you
Respect moments that need privacy
Many parents say they forget the photographer is even there.
4. Documents the Full Labor Experience
During labor, a birth photographer captures:
Contractions and coping moments
Emotional support from partners or doulas
Medical details (when permitted)
Quiet moments of rest and anticipation
The strength and intensity of labor
These photos tell the full story, not just the ending.
5. Respects Hospital and Medical Guidelines
Professional birth photographers:
Follow all hospital or provider rules
Step back when requested
Never interfere with care
Adjust angles to stay unobtrusive
Their priority is safety and respect.
What a Birth Photographer Does During Delivery
6. Captures the Birth Itself (Within Your Comfort Level)
Depending on your preferences and hospital policies, a birth photographer may photograph:
The moment of crowning
The baby’s first breath
The first cry
The instant your baby is placed on your chest
If you prefer non-graphic images, your photographer will focus on faces, hands, emotions, and connection instead.
7. Documents Raw, Emotional First Moments
These moments happen fast — and are impossible to recreate:
First eye contact
Tears of relief
Partners cutting the cord
Immediate skin-to-skin contact
Birth photographers are trained to capture these moments without asking anyone to pause or pose.
What a Birth Photographer Does After Birth
8. Captures the “Golden Hour”
The first hour after birth is filled with emotion and connection. Your photographer may document:
First feeding
Weight and measurements
Family reactions
Quiet bonding moments
Dad holding baby for the first time
These images often become some of the most cherished.
9. Carefully Edits and Delivers Your Gallery
After your birth, your photographer:
Curates the best images
Edits them in a timeless, natural style
Delivers a private online gallery
Your photos tell a complete story — from labor to first moments together.
What a Birth Photographer Does Not Do
A professional birth photographer:
❌ Does not replace medical staff
❌ Does not give medical advice
❌ Does not share images without permission
❌ Does not photograph anything you’re uncomfortable with
Your comfort always comes first.
Why Parents Choose Birth Photography
Parents often say birth photography:
Helps them process their birth experience
Preserves moments they didn’t realize happened
Allows partners to stay fully present
Becomes a powerful part of their family story
Birth is unpredictable, but your memories don’t have to be.
Is Birth Photography Right for You?
If you value:
Authentic moments
Emotional storytelling
Preserving the strength of your birth experience
Then birth photography may be one of the most meaningful investments you make!
Looking for a Birth Photographer in Gilbert, Arizona?
If you’re expecting and planning your birth in Gilbert, AZ, I would love to document your story! Click here to reach out!
