“To witness the birth of a child is our best opportunity
to experience the meaning of the word miracle.”

If I could do it all over again, I would have had a photographer take photos of both of my sons births. At the time, I probably wouldn’t have wanted close-ups of my distorted face as I heaved and held my breath, pushing like a mad woman to “get this baby out!!!”

Looking back, it would have been so absolutely wonderful to have someone there just to take pictures. Candid snapshots of the process – to tell the amazing, miraculous story of how my beautiful boys came to be.

Hyla Gallo and her husband decided to hire birth photographer, Tunde Duncan of TNy Photography to capture the birth of their son, Gavin.

Here is an interview with both Hyla and Tunde:

1. What made you decide to hire a birth photographer?

I really wanted to be able to look back and re-live those precious moments. Everything happens so fast it’s hard to remember the exact emotions that were felt. I love the beauty and power labour brings to a woman and wanted to capture it forever. Sure my husband could have taken OK photographs but I wanted him there to fully support me and enjoy the labour and delivery with out being distracted by a camera. Hiring a photographer was the best decision I could have made. My photographs tell an amazing story that I will never forget!

2. How did it feel like having someone capture the most private moments of your experience on camera?

During my labour and delivery, I really didn’t notice there being a camera as I was just really focused on myself. Tunde was also very unobtrusive and almost seemed like another support person. When you’re in active labour I don’t think it really matters who’s in the room

3. Would you recommend to other moms or couples to hire a photographer for this special and private occasion?

I would without a doubt recommend other birthing couples to hire a photographer to capture this miraculous event. The moment They look back at their beautifully documented story they’ll know why. When my photographer showed me a sneak peak of my labour and sweet baby boy, I immediately felt the wonderful emotions that I had felt the day he was born! It was truly an incredible experience.

Images of the birth session and a slide show of Gavin’s Birth

What is the demand like for birth photographers?

Hiring a photographer for your baby’s birth is the latest trend, the demand is definitely there. Birth photography is becoming popular in Canada and it is a booming business in the United States. Hiring a birth photographer means dad can focus on supporting mom and enjoying the special moments with her.  Many years ago dad had to wait outside during a birth, then he was allowed in to snap some photos, and now mom want to hire a photographer to captures those very special moments in the birthing room. Couples may want very explicit images, or they might not want pictures taken showing all the glory details. To me, capturing the emotions are very important, and getting shots that are discreet and can be shared with family and friends.

What is your favorite thing about photographing births?

This was my very first birth session. My favorite moment was capturing of course the baby being born. Seeing the emotions on the mother’s face, the affection between the husband and his wife, how supportive and caring everybody was. Words cannot describe how truly wonderful these few hours were for me. It was amazing to be part of something so intimate, capturing those very special moments where a baby, a little miracle is being born. It is very emotional for both the mom and family and the photographer. I am excited to say that I will be offering birth session in 2013.