Surprise Gender Home Birth | Birth Photography | Saint Marys GA

December 02, 2015 • Leave a Comment

I was asked to photograph this birth before this momma was even pregnant. A good friend of mine asked if I would photograph her next baby's birth that she knew she wanted to have at home (ok, she insisted I would be the one to photograph the birth, and of course I couldn't say no).

This would be my first time photographing a birth and it was exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. I wanted to make sure I captured the essence of each moment throughout the labor, delivery and postpartum baby snuggles and tell the story of this baby's birth. I don't consider myself a photojournalist, so I took a workshop to help me see photography in a more documentary way (I normally shoot a session with direction from me in addition to capturing candid moments). I used my Project 52 to practice taking more documentary type images and shooting in less than ideal situations like nighttime indoors without a flash or fancy lighting because you can't predict when baby will arrive! (And of course baby arrived late at night!)

This birth was so very special for so many reasons. Not only my personal connection, but baby's gender was a surprise and we weren't sure if Dad would be home for the labor and birth (and thankfully he was!). Momma had a long hard labor but she showed me how strong and amazing women's bodies truly are. I definitely cried going through the images afterward!

Here's a sampling of some of my favorites that help tell this sweet baby boy's birth story. Thank you C Family for allowing me to be a part of this special day and trusting me to document it!

(This is just a sprinkling of images, if you are friend/family and want to see the full story, ask Mom to see her slideshow!)

Home Birth Photography | Baby #3Copyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Home Birth Photography | Baby #3Copyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Home Birth Photography | Baby #3Copyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Home Birth Photography | Baby #3Copyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Home Birth Photography | Baby #3Copyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography