Wait… Can You REALLY Be a Doula AND Take Amazing Birth Photos?

There's a common misconception floating around in the birth world: that doulas can't possibly provide emotional, physical support and take photographs at the same time.

I'm here to tell you that's simply not true!!

Firstly, you know your client, you know their story, and you also know how birth unfolds.

That kind of familiarity gives you a tremendous advantage over a photographer who’s witnessing their first—or even their third—birth.

You’re not just a fly on the wall with a camera.

You know what matters.

You know what moments will mean something later.

You already hold space, and you already hold their story.

Adding a camera just gives you another tool to reflect it back.

This isn’t theoretical. I’ve done it. I do it.

I support my clients through contractions—unless their partner is doing that in the moment, in which case I step away and use my 1-2-3 method (something I teach in the course) to get a variety of photos quickly. Then I go right back to holding a hand or applying counterpressure.

It’s not chaotic or disruptive. It’s fluid.

Honestly, think about it, most of the time moms stay in the same position for a while.

And let’s be real—how many angles can you shoot of someone laboring in the tub or curled over a birth ball before you’ve got it covered? I’ve been at births as just the photographer where I’ve sat quietly for long stretches, waiting for something to shift.

The idea that you’d be doing nonstop photography for 12 hours straight just isn’t how it actually goes.

Most families—mine included—care most about the moments right after the baby is born. Labor photos are powerful and beautiful, yes, but when I look back at my own birth albums or when I deliver galleries to clients, I know what brings tears.

It’s the baby’s face.

It’s the moment mom says, "I did it."

It’s the way the partner looks at them both, completely undone.

I take most of my photos between contractions, when there’s quiet, connection, softness. I pay attention to what matters.

And after the baby arrives? That’s when parents want it all.

The baby’s features.

The counting of fingers and toes.

The phone calls and happy sobs.

The way they immediately start comparing this little one to their first.

The baby exam is always a favorite. In the hospital, there are so many great opportunities to photograph the partner at the warmer. At homebirths, that first newborn exam often happens on the family bed, with siblings watching close by and midwives narrating every check.

You are already in the room. You are already trusted. You already know what to look for. All you need is the camera—and the confidence.

And what’s the worst that could happen? You’re taking a photo and your client needs hip squeezes? Put the camera down and squeeze. I do that all the time.

You are more than capable. Let’s stop pretending this is either/or.

It’s both—and when done with intention, it’s beautiful.

YOU CAN DO IT!