The Beauty of Birth Photography: Capturing the Raw, Real, and Transformative Experience

Birth is one of the most profound experiences of a lifetime. It is raw, emotional, and deeply transformative. As a birth photographer, I have the honor of documenting these sacred moments—the strength of a mother, the unwavering support of a partner, and the breathtaking first breaths of a newborn.

The Commitment to Your Story

Birth is unpredictable, which is why I remain on call for four weeks surrounding your due date. Whether your birth takes place at home, in a hospital, or a birth center, I am ready to join you as soon as you enter active labor. My role is to be a quiet, steady presence, documenting every part of your journey with authenticity and artistry.

My recent births have been 14 and 16-hour experiences, and I stayed every moment—never putting my camera down, never stepping away. I stay 1.5 hours after birth to capture the first skin-to-skin moments, the tiny hands grasping fingers, the first latch, and the overwhelming emotions of meeting your baby for the first time.

The Power of Birth Photography

Unlike any other type of photography, birth photography tells a story that is as raw as it is beautiful. It captures:

• Strength – The unimaginable power of a birthing person as they navigate labor.
• Connection – The deep love and support between parents, family, and birth teams.
• Emotion – The tears, the laughter, the overwhelming relief and joy of birth.
• The First Moments – Those precious, fleeting moments as a baby enters the world and is held in loving arms for the first time.

At-Home and Hospital Births: Honoring Every Journey

Every birth is unique. Some families choose the familiarity and intimacy of a home birth, while others feel most comfortable in a hospital or birth center setting. Regardless of the location, my goal is the same: to honor your experience in a way that feels true to you. Whether it’s the warm, candlelit stillness of a home birth or the quiet hum of a hospital room, your story deserves to be preserved.

Why Invest in Birth Photography?

Birth is a blur. The details fade so quickly, but photographs hold them in time. These images become a legacy—a reminder of the strength, the love, and the beginning of a new chapter. They are for you, for your child, and for generations to come.

Choosing a birth photographer is choosing to honor your experience. It’s choosing to say, “This moment matters.”

If you’re considering birth photography and want to learn more about how I can document your journey, I’d love to connect. Let’s celebrate the power, the beauty, and the miracle of birth together. Inquire here.

” You only get to birth your baby one time. It is one of the biggest moments of your life and I feel that is worth being photographed whether you are having a homebirth or a hospital birth. Makenna was incredible throughout my whole labour and birth experience. I felt so comfortable the whole time; I know a lot of people I mentioned having a birth photographer to were like “wasn’t that awkward/uncomfortable?” but it really wasn’t at all. She was like a fly on the wall, she captured every moment, at times I hardly noticed she was there. She is so sweet, supportive, and passionate about what she does. My husband and I were over the moon when we got the photos back, I get emotional every time I look through them. Not only am I happy I have these photos for us to look back on, but now I have the most beautiful keepsake for my daughter too. If you are considering a birth photographer, Makenna is absolutely your girl.” -A.R.