Raw emotion

Technological advances allowing photographers to shoot in poorly lit environments have helped propel this special niche. Birth photographers witness joy and love in its purest expression, but they also need to be prepared to face death and grief. Sophia Hawkes surveyed four photographers to reveal the special skills required to succeed, as well as how to create your own signature style.

Brisbane-based photographer, Selena Rollason has captured over 150 births during the eight years she’s been working in the area. She highlights what’s at the heart of the genre. “Childbirth is one of the most beautiful, yet most intimate moments in a couple’s life – and a photographer needs to appreciate how much of an honour it is to be invited behind those closed doors.” Respect is your gift, and message. Your epithet. “At the end of the day, it’s a privilege to be invited (and allowed) into the birth suite, and it’s critical that photographers respect their place in the birth space,” Rollason says.

Sarah Widnyana, who’s based in Sydney, is also aware of the rare privilege it is to photograph births. “We are invited into the most vulnerable and sacred spaces for a family,” she says. Adelaide birth photographer, Victoria Berekmeri has her eyes wide open to this. “You need a particular affinity for working with women at their most vulnerable, and knowing how to hold the birth space for a woman, no matter how she chooses to deliver her child,” she says.

Capturing babies as they open their eyes to a world outside of their mother is