Choosing the right birth photographer
Choosing the right birth photographer is an important part of preparing for your birth experience. Your birth photographer will be present during one of the most emotional and intimate moments of your life, so finding someone you trust, feel comfortable with, and connect with emotionally is essential.
Professional birth photography is about more than simply taking photos — it is about documenting your story with sensitivity, professionalism, and respect.
How to Choose the Right Birth Photographer in South Africa
When searching for a birth photographer in South Africa, asking the right questions can help you find the ideal person to capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories.
What to Look for in a Professional Birth Photographer
Every birth photographer has a different style, personality, and level of experience. Before making your decision, spend time reviewing portfolios, reading reviews, and understanding how each photographer approaches the birth space.
We asked former member Leonie Jordaan, founder of Soulburst Photography and a retired SABPA member, to share her advice:
“When looking at a potential photographer’s website, you will find that one or more of them resonates with you and your needs. Trust your gut when evaluating their work and style.”
A strong connection with your photographer is especially important because birth is deeply personal and unpredictable.
Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Birth Photographer
Before booking your birth photographer, it is important to ask practical questions about their experience, availability, and preparation.
Tracey Baard, a registered SABPA member, recommends asking the following:
Tracey Baard, also a registered SABPA member, adds the following questions to your checklist when meeting a potential photographer:
Is the Photographer Familiar With Your Hospital or Birth Centre?
Every hospital and birth environment has different rules and procedures regarding photography during labour and delivery.
An experienced birth photographer should understand:
- hospital protocols,
- medical staff boundaries,
- and how to work respectfully within the birth space.
Are They Located Near Your Birth Location?
Because labour can begin unexpectedly, choosing a photographer located reasonably close to your hospital or birth centre can help ensure they arrive in time.
Do They Have a Backup Photographer?
Birth is unpredictable, so it is important to ask whether your photographer has:
- a backup photographer,
- emergency contingency plans,
- and reliable support systems in place.
This provides peace of mind should unexpected situations arise.
Can They Be On-Call for Your Birth?
Birth photographers need flexibility and availability around your due date.
Ask whether they are prepared to:
- leave at short notice,
- remain on-call,
- and manage unpredictable labour timelines.
Is Your Doctor or Care Provider Comfortable With Photography?
Some hospitals, doctors, and healthcare providers have specific policies regarding photographers in delivery rooms or theatres.
Discuss birth photography with your doctor or midwife ahead of time to ensure everyone is comfortable and aligned.
Why Reviews and Recommendations Matter
When choosing a birth photographer, personal recommendations and reviews can be incredibly valuable.
“It’s important to look at reviews too. A word-of-mouth recommendation can be incredibly helpful.” – Tracey Baard
Reading reviews from other parents can give insight into:
- professionalism,
- communication,
- reliability,
- bedside manner,
- and overall client experience.
How to Feel Comfortable With Your Birth Photographer
Because birth is such an intimate and emotional experience, feeling safe and comfortable with your birth photographer is incredibly important.
Many professional birth photographers build relationships with clients before labour begins to help create trust, reduce anxiety, and ensure parents feel fully supported during the birth experience.
Tracey Baard explains:
“I always try and meet up with clients over a casual cup of rooibos or a Zoom call to discuss their birth plan.”
Meeting beforehand gives parents the opportunity to:
- discuss concerns,
- explain their birth preferences,
- ask questions,
- and become familiar with the photographer’s personality and approach.
Tracey also emphasises the importance of helping clients feel emotionally prepared and supported throughout the process.
Building Trust Before Birth
Some photographers offer maternity sessions or prenatal meetings to help establish rapport before labour begins.
Adette Ferreira shares:
“Through jokes, personal stories, and loads of support, I help clients feel at ease. We all work wonderfully together as a team.”
Birth photographers often become calming, supportive presences within the birth space, helping families feel more relaxed during an emotional and unpredictable experience.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before hiring a birth photographer, consider asking:
- How do you help clients feel comfortable?
- Do you offer pre-birth consultations?
- Have you photographed births at my hospital before?
- What is your approach during labour?
- How do you handle privacy and sensitive moments?
Choosing someone you trust emotionally is just as important as choosing someone with technical skill and experience.
Why Choose a SABPA Registered Birth Photographer?
Hiring a SABPA-registered birth photographer offers additional reassurance that your photographer understands the unique demands of the birth environment.
Adette Ferreira explains:
“Your photographer must understand the SABPA Code of Conduct and adhere to it.”
Registered SABPA photographers are committed to professional standards, ethical conduct, and respectful collaboration within medical and birth settings.
All three professional photographers emphasized the importance of choosing a SABPA-registered photographer.
“Your photographer must understand the SABPA Code of Conduct and adhere to it.” – Adette Ferreira
“Hiring a registered photographer ensures they’ve undergone training, understand medical room protocols, and know how to collaborate with healthcare professionals. This guarantees the best possible outcome in any situation.” – Leonie Jordaan
Professional Training and Birth Space Experience
Leonie Jordaan adds:
“Hiring a registered photographer ensures they’ve undergone training, understand medical room protocols, and know how to collaborate with healthcare professionals.”
This experience is especially important in sensitive birth situations where discretion, professionalism, and adaptability are essential.
Advice From Professional Birth Photographers
We also asked our SABPA photographers to share some of their personal philosophies and golden rules when working in the birth space.
“Rather 10 Hours Early Than 10 Minutes Late”
“My golden rule is, rather 10 hours early than 10 minutes late!” – Tracey Baard
Helping Mothers Feel Safe and Comfortable
“As a birth photographer, I am passionate about what I do! It’s important that my clients feel safe, understood, and confident their privacy is respected.” – Adette Ferreira
Reducing Anxiety Through Reassurance
“After taking a few shots, I like to show the client one or two. For a mother in labour, surrendering control can create anxiety. Showing them they look great and that I’m capturing the important moments helps bring a sense of calm.” – Leonie Jordaan
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Birth Photographer
Choosing the right birth photographer in South Africa is about finding someone who combines technical skill, emotional sensitivity, professionalism, and experience within the birth environment.
By asking thoughtful questions, reviewing portfolios, and choosing a trusted professional, you can ensure your birth story is documented beautifully and respectfully.
If you are looking for a professional birth photographer, consider choosing a registered SABPA member who understands the unique responsibility of documenting birth safely and ethically.