Birth Photography: A Father’s Perspective

Birth Story

August 13, 2019

birth

fresh 48 and newborn

maternity

follow @nicolebertrandphotography

My blog is where I can show you more than just a single Instagram-worthy snapshot, but tell the entire story of a session from start to finish. Enjoy!

Maternity

Birth

Fresh 48

more categories

Hi I'm Nicole

Newborn

You might remember Bruce from my last blog post—he and his wife Alyssa had a touching story that’s worth the read if you haven’t read it already! He’s a wonderful husband and father, and was an amazing birth partner for his wife on the night of their son Killian’s birth. When I met Bruce he was so honest and open and kind. I knew if I was ever going to get a husband’s honest perspective on birth photography, I would have my best shot with Bruce! So after a few weeks had gone by after the birth of Killian, I reached out to Bruce to see if he would be willing to answer a few questions for me. He of course said yes, as I knew he would (even with his hands full with a new baby!). Here is Bruce’s perspective and words of advice for all you dads who may be on the fence about birth photography.

Who had the idea to hire a birth photographer, you or your wife? If it was your wife, what did you think when she first mentioned it to you? It was Alyssa’s idea, and I was all for it! She had shown me other photos from couples who had them professionally done, and I thought they were very well done and in good taste.

Did you have any reservations prior to the birth about having a birth photographer there? If so, what were they? I didn’t have any reservations at all, but then again, I’m a very open person.

Now that you have been through it and have your birth story gallery, what is your perspective on birth photography? Would you do it again? My perspective on birth photography is nothing but positive. I felt like you were extremely professional, gave us plenty of space, and were still able to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments that we will cherish forever. I would absolutely do it again (although I’m pretty sure we are probably done for good, haha!) without question. We had some moments on film because of her mom, but I feel the photos really brought out the true essence of the moment. Huge fan of the black and white photos, and the overall angles and editing were brilliant.

What advice would you give to other dads who might be on the fence about birth photography? My advice to other dads would be this: This is literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and if you have the chance to capture it on film, to look back and cherish it for years to come, why wouldn’t you? The photographs we have of that night contain every single emotion on the spectrum, from unexplainable pain to unbridled joy, and I love them all. (Also, maybe get in a few extra sets of sit-ups before the due date ?.)

  1. Stacie says:

    I really loved this. I think it’s so interesting to see a father’s perspective on birth and the idea of birth photography. I LOVE that he was all for doing it. You’ll never get those moments back.

  2. Terri Steffes says:

    Those photos are so powerful. The one of the dad who is overwhelmed by the birth, priceless. Amazing photos.

  3. Cristina Petrini says:

    This photo shoot is touching, beautiful. The story of a magical moment from the less discussed point of view: the male one.

    • Nicole Bertrand says:

      Thank you Cristina! I always hear from my clients that their one barrier is their spouse. I was hoping that this blog might be a way to win him over!

  4. kumamonjeng says:

    What a bunch of great photos and well captured the dad’s emotion and happiness. Now I see the tear of happiness here. Truly amazing and touching.

  5. Sue Tanya says:

    You are so talented. You really do a great job in capturing the moment and emotions in your pictures. I would love to work with you one day.

  6. Heather says:

    Your photos make me wish I had hired a professional to document our births. What a beautiful way to look back.

  7. Catherine says:

    I think this was wonderful to see it from the father’s perspective. Thanks for sharing! The images are so beautiful and real…love it!

  8. eli says:

    Oh wow these are some very intense photos that really capture the emotion and feeling of the moment. These are some great shots indeed.

  9. hanna smith says:

    Oh my goodness! The pure, raw emotion in these photos is heartwarming!

  10. Arya says:

    Thank you for sharing this with us.

  11. catherine santiago jose says:

    Wow, this is so beautiful and thank you for sharing your wonderful experiences during that birth photography session. I know its not easy but I am so proud of you because you are doing it for your love with your wife and with your baby. Congratulations!

  12. Liz Cochico says:

    Good to see the father’s perspective as well. I wish we had this when I gave birth to my kids.

  13. Candy Rachelle says:

    Birth photography is the most special kind of photography for me. It has all the emotions before and after.

  14. gervin khan says:

    This is such a beautiful, a heartfelt and amazing story. It is not easy to be in that position but I am so proud to this dad that even if he is afraid and nervous he still choose to support his wife on this process.

  15. Chad says:

    I am speechless! To have birth photos from a father’s perspective is so beautiful, wow…

  16. Garf says:

    These are pretty photos. For someone like me who wants to be a mother and experience all the things that go with pregnancy, birth photography is a great way to document the milestone.

    • Nicole Bertrand says:

      It is such a great way to document the milestone…especially since things will go by soooo fast and you’ll have a difficult time remembering all the details!

  17. Danjay Reyes says:

    I haven’t seen a birth photography featured in a blog for the world to read and to see. Bravo!

  18. These photos are so powerful! What an amazing experience to capture.

  19. I’ve always found birth photography to be beautiful. It’s the moment parents meet their little one.

  20. Such beautiful photos you have captured here and what a story too! I have always seen the photos from a mother’s perspective, but this is eye-opening seeing it from a father’s perspective

  21. My mummy had a water birth too and wishes she had a birth photographer there. However she remembers it vividly and it was a great experience being in the pool with candles -it was afterwards that was slightly traumatic – all the blood!! 😉 x

  22. Wow such amazing and wonderful photos. So nice for all to see and have an idea of birth.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

charlotte mom guide

Charlotte Mom Guide

Join my tribe of Charlotte moms and get studio news, promotions and event information!