Editor's Note: Today we're featuring a guest post by Emerald Doula and so-super-talented photographer Kallyn Boerner. Kallyn offers families the opportunity to turn their precious moments into forever memories. If you've ever asked yourself "Why should I hire a birth photographer?", Kallyn shares her thoughts on the value of this priceless service. 

The art of photography starts with patience. It is the capturing of the fleeting moments that happen in front of us while watching the dance of light and aligning of compositional elements that constructs a striking image.

When it comes to birth photography, the same philosophy applies. Most likely, you want to capture the moment the baby arrives earth side. However, it is my belief that the expressions worn by the ones who are seeing that baby are what make that image remarkable. In addition, I find it most rewarding when what is reflected back to that birthing person is their strength and amazingness!

When asked why having a photographer present to document her birth was important to her, Emerald Doulas dynamic Childbirth Educator and amazing Birth Doula MK Vance said:

"I had a friend take a few pictures during my first birth … Having photos helped me remember details I would have forgotten and helped me to process what happened, and ultimately to be amazed and proud and empowered. I still look back on them five years later and I'm sure I will forever. So, when I became pregnant with my second son, I knew I wanted to hire a professional to capture the whole thing … I love how it captures women's power and beauty in birth and of course, the creation of a new family.”

Birth photography should resemble your own birthing goals by making it whatever you want it to be. As with preferences, it doesn’t always mean that it will turn out that way, but having a discussion with the photographer ahead of time, similar to how you would with your doula, health care provider, etc., will ensure a like-minded and respectful approach. These conversations include: what's most important to you to have captured, what's least important, your modesty requests, family members present, special moments to anticipate (like a gender reveal), and anything else that the photographer should be aware of. 

Emerald Doula client, loving mother of two and incredibly talented photographer Lis Tyroler shares:

 “There is a photo of my husband holding me that fills my heart every single time I look at it. But the images that brings tears to my eyes are the ones of my eldest child meeting his baby brother. I don't even have words to describe how special they are to me.”

Giving yourselves the gift of these memories, forever preserves your journey together as a new family. 

Wondering which moments Kallyn recommends you should be sure to capture, no matter who's behind the camera?

• Any and all tenderness between the birthing person and their partner, support person or entire family.
• Stepping back and getting the scene, like when a doula and partner are supporting the birthing person during labor and there’s no one else in the room.
• Getting in close and getting the meaningful details of a newborn like fingers, toes, eyelashes, lips, ears and hair. 
• And always, always coming from a place of joy and curiosity!

Curious about a birth photography when your baby journeys Earthside? We're proud to work exclusively with Kallyn to offer the very best in family, maternity, birth and newborn photography. And! Clients of Emerald Doulas enjoy a special discount on photography sessions.