Been asked to photograph birth and first breath of newborn baby

I've done a few newborn photo shoots, but all when the baby was at least a few days old. I've been asked to be in the room to photograph the actual birth and first breath. Anyone done this before and can share some tips with me? Specifically how close are you able to get and what lens did you use for the job? Did you charge anything different for being there for the birth process? Which means technically your on call. Thanks for the advise.

It's not really a photo shoot more like snapshots. I like to have more control over settings and subjects. Good luck!!

Nope, haven't done that, but some things come to mind.

The room will likely have subdued lighting; at best normal lighting, which is pretty dim. You'll want fast glass. And you'll bump your ISO up pretty far. If your camera is not suitable for low ISO you might consider renting something current that will perform well.

You won't want to be getting in the way; I'd suggest something like a 20-70 f/2.8 lens so you have some zoom capability, but can also back out for when you can jump in for a close-up of the baby.

Don't forget to get mom and baby together, and dad and baby, too. Those could be sweet shots. Yes, these would be technically "snapshots" but I'd consider them "event photography" and approach accordingly.

What an honor! I think this says a lot about not only your trusted expertise as a photographer, but also about you as a person. You have been accepted to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event.

I am not qualified to give you any photography advice. I will say that you should ask the nurses and/or doctor where it would be permissible for you to stand and how far you can move around without getting in the way. The doctor may not want shots taken of him, or of anything that he/she does during the labor process. Unfortunately, in the litigious society that we live in, liability and especially the documentation of it, may be a concern. I would ask permission, just to be sure.

Good luck and congratulations on what I am sure will be a wonderful experience!

garyrhook wrote: Nope, haven't done that, but some things come to mind.

The room will likely have subdued lighting; at best normal lighting, which is pretty dim. You'll want fast glass. And you'll bump your ISO up pretty far. If your camera is not suitable for low ISO you might consider renting something current that will perform well.

You won't want to be getting in the way; I'd suggest something like a 20-70 f/2.8 lens so you have some zoom capability, but can also back out for when you can jump in for a close-up of the baby.

Don't forget to get mom and baby together, and dad and baby, too. Those could be sweet shots. Yes, these would be technically "snapshots" but I'd consider them "event photography" and approach accordingly.

I was thinking nearly the same, 24-70mm would be the best lens IMO with ISO bumped up.

What an exciting opportunity. I'll have to admit that I haven't had a shoot like this before. All of the suggestions I've read are good ones. One note about permission. Get a model release from the mother, father and have them sign a release for the new "minor" participant as parents. Ask the doctors and nurses if they mind appearing in the pictures and get releases from them if possible. If they don't want to appear in the shots go with the longer lenses. I'd reach for a 70-200mm with a 12mm extension tube for really close-ups. Practice with this first to get the feel for it. Also, reach for a wide angle lens if you are allowed to get in closer. Breath deep and go for the art of it. The long lens with the extension tubes are a great way to get close in shots of mom's hard work, dad's concern and baby's appearance without getting in the way. Ask the doctors to help by not covering up everything. You may need the parents to consult with the doctors before the event so that everyone knows what's happening. Be a fly on the wall. Find out if extra precautions need to be taken with the camera cleaning before the event. Set your ISO high enough to shoot with long lenses but not so high that you get noise. Think about renting a second camera for additional lenses. Set both in advance. Hope that helps.

Dave426 wrote: What an exciting opportunity. I'll have to admit that I haven't had a shoot like this before. All of the suggestions I've read are good ones. One note about permission. Get a model release from the mother, father and have them sign a release for the new "minor" participant as parents. Ask the doctors and nurses if they mind appearing in the pictures and get releases from them if possible. If they don't want to appear in the shots go with the longer lenses. I'd reach for a 70-200mm with a 12mm extension tube for really close-ups. Practice with this first to get the feel for it. Also, reach for a wide angle lens if you are allowed to get in closer. Breath deep and go for the art of it. The long lens with the extension tubes are a great way to get close in shots of mom's hard work, dad's concern and baby's appearance without getting in the way. Ask the doctors to help by not covering up everything. You may need the parents to consult with the doctors before the event so that everyone knows what's happening. Be a fly on the wall. Find out if extra precautions need to be taken with the camera cleaning before the event. Set your ISO high enough to shoot with long lenses but not so high that you get noise. Think about renting a second camera for additional lenses. Set both in advance. Hope that helps.