Today we are chatting with birth photographer Tavia Redburn and we get real technical about what you need and what you need to know before shooting your first birth session! In this episode Tavia talks about how she got interested in photography and the experiences that led her to becoming a birth photographer. She teaches beginners the technical aspects of the craft and encourages them to practice as much as possible for better results.

Theres this phrase that says, you’re only an expert on something if you can explain it to a 5 year old and today, that is me, I may as well be a 5 year old with how little I know about birth photography and Tavia explains it as an expert and in a very pragmatic way that I know many of you will appreciate! She also host the From better half to boss podcast which is focused on the business side of photography but if you like Tavia’s teaching style here today, be sure to check out her podcast as well!

The Big Ideas

Learn to use the tools you have.
Capture special moments.
Control camera settings to capture vision.
Capture moments authentically.
Look for small details.
Communicate expectations clearly.
Embrace the grain in low light.
Control light with flash.

Timestamps

00:05:17 Learn to use ingredients available.
00:10:05 Photograph Anything and Everything.
00:17:51 Adding a family member through birth.
00:24:20 Control your camera for best results.
00:25:11 Capture moments as they happen.
00:31:20 Capture meaningful moments.
00:40:25 Communicate non-negotiables upfront.
00:47:47 Embrace the grain in birth photography.
00:50:05 Control your light with flash.

Resources:

Learn to use the tools you have.

When it comes to photography, it can be easy to get caught up in the idea that the latest and greatest camera will automatically make you a better photographer. Unfortunately, as many of us have experienced, this isn't always the case. Tavia Redburn, a birth photographer, experienced this firsthand when she purchased a DSLR camera in 2009. She quickly realized that her photos were actually worse with the nicer camera than with her point and shoot camera. She learned that the key to taking great photos is not necessarily the camera, but rather learning how to use the tools and ingredients you have available to you.

This lesson is applicable to more than just photography. Whether you're a student, an athlete, or an artist, it's important to learn how to use the tools you have in order to make the most of them. For example, if you're a student, you may have access to a lot of resources such as textbooks and online tutorials. It's important to take the time to learn how to use these resources in order to get the most out of them. Similarly, if you're an athlete, you may have access to a gym and a personal trainer. By taking the time to learn how to use the equipment and the advice of your trainer, you can become a better athlete.

The same goes for art. Whether you're a painter, a sculptor, or a musician, it's important to take the time to learn how to use the tools and materials you have. For example, if you're a painter, it's important to learn about different brushstrokes, color mixing, and composition. If you're a musician, it's important to learn about different musical scales and chords. By taking the time to learn how to use the tools and materials you have, you can become a better artist.

In conclusion, it's important to remember that the tools and materials we have available to us are only as good as our ability to use them. Whether you're a photographer, a student, an athlete, or an artist, it's important to take the time to learn how to use the tools you have in order to make the most of them.

Capture special moments.

This is especially true when it comes to capturing special moments. Whether it's a wedding, a birth, or a family reunion, having the skill and knowledge to use the tools you have to capture these moments is invaluable. This was certainly the case for the podcast guest, who spent months learning how to use her camera in order to capture the images she envisioned.

It's also important to remember that learning to use the tools you have is only the first step. Once you have the skill, you must also have the passion and persistence to use it. It's easy to get discouraged when things don't go as planned, but it's important to keep pushing forward and learning.

Finally, it's important to remember that the moments we capture with our cameras are priceless. They are memories that will be cherished for years to come, and they are worth the effort and investment it takes to capture them. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur, taking the time to learn the tools and techniques of photography will help you make the most of the moments you capture.

Add a new family member.

Birth photography is a unique genre of photography that captures the moment a new family member arrives. It is a special moment that is often filled with emotion, and it is a moment that deserves to be documented and remembered for years to come. Birth photography is not just about capturing the baby, but also about capturing the mother's experience of becoming a mother. It is an intentional focus on the mother's journey and the joy of welcoming a new family member.

When I think back to my first experiences with birth photography, I remember the challenges I faced. Lighting, where to stand, who would be there, and so many other variables were all unknowns. But I also remember the moment when the mother saw her baby for the first time. Every mother has a different reaction, and it is a moment that is so unique and special that it is impossible to capture without a photo.

The biggest challenge that I faced when I first started birth photography was nailing focus. Births happen quickly and unexpectedly, and you never know where the baby will be placed or how quickly they will arrive. It takes practice and experience to be able to anticipate these moments and capture them in focus. Additionally, it takes practice to be able to tell the story of the birth in a way that is meaningful and impactful.

Birth photography is an incredible way to document the arrival of a new family member. It captures the emotion of the moment and allows us to look back and cherish it for years to come. It is important to remember that it takes time and practice to perfect the art of birth photography, but the results are always worth it. With the right tools and techniques, you can create beautiful images that will be cherished for years to come.

Control camera settings to capture vision.

One key technique for capturing the perfect birth photo is controlling camera settings. Camera settings are the building blocks of photography and are essential for capturing the vision you have in your head. Knowing how to use the right settings for the right situation can make all the difference in the quality of your photos.

When it comes to birth photography, it is important to think about the three main phases of labor – labor, the I-did-it moment, and the postpartum period. Each phase requires different camera settings in order to capture the emotion and tell the story of the birth. During labor, the photographer should focus on capturing the whole room, the small details, and the perspectives from higher and lower angles. This will help to create a sense of atmosphere and show the emotion that is present in the room. The I-did-it moment is the moment of birth and should be captured with a wide angle lens to capture the entire event. The postpartum period is when the family meets the baby for the first time, and the photographer should focus on capturing the emotion of the moment and the details of the baby.

When it comes to capturing the emotion of the moment, it is important to pay attention to the small details. If the family has gone through IVF or has experienced a loss before this birth, the photographer should be aware of the emotions that may come up and capture them in their photos. They should also be aware of any special items that the family may bring to honor the baby that was lost. This will help to create a more personalized birth story that will be cherished for years to come.

In conclusion, controlling camera settings is an essential part of capturing the perfect birth photo. By paying attention to the three phases of labor, the emotions of the moment, and the details of the birth, the photographer can create beautiful images that will be cherished for years to come.

Capture moments authentically.

Capturing moments authentically is a skill that requires practice and dedication. To do this, a photographer must be mindful of the emotions of the moment, the details that make it unique, and the camera settings that will bring out the best in the image. The key is to be present in the moment and to be prepared to capture the beauty, joy, and love that comes with birth.

When it comes to birth photography, the photographer must be mindful of the three phases of labor. During the first phase, the mother is in the early stages of labor. During the second phase, the mother is in active labor and the baby is about to be born. During the third phase, the baby is born and the mother and father are celebrating the birth of their new baby. Each phase has its own unique set of emotions and details that the photographer must capture in order to create an authentic image.

The emotions of the moment are also important to capture. The photographer must be able to read the room and capture the feelings of joy, love, and excitement that come with the birth of a baby. It is important to capture the details of the birth, such as the doctor handing the baby off to the parents, the midwife helping the mother, and the expressions of joy on the faces of the family.

Finally, the photographer must be mindful of camera settings. This includes the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focal point. The aperture should be wide open to allow for more light to enter the camera, the shutter speed should be fast enough to freeze the moment, the ISO should be low to reduce noise, and the focal point should be on the subject to ensure that the image is in focus.

By understanding the three phases of labor, the emotions of the moment, and the details of the birth, the photographer can create beautiful images that will be cherished for years to come. With practice and dedication, a photographer can capture moments authentically and create images that will last a lifetime.

Look for small details.

One of the most important aspects of birth photography is to look for small details. A photographer must be a fly on the wall, capturing the moments as they happen without intruding on the process. This means looking for the small moments that make the birth unique. A mother’s expression of joy when the baby is born, the way the family looks at each other, the details of the room, and the emotions of the moment. All of these details can be captured in a single photo and tell the story of the birth in a powerful way.

The photographer must also understand the three phases of labor. Early labor, active labor, and the pushing phase. Early labor is the longest phase and is usually the most boring for the photographer. During this time, the photographer should be relaxed and present, but not taking photos. This allows the mother to take a break from the intensity of labor and allows the photographer to be ready for when things start to get serious.

Once active labor begins, the photographer should be ready to capture the moments as they happen. This is the time when the mother is in the most pain and the family is the most emotional. It is important to capture these moments authentically and without intruding on the process. The photographer should also be aware of the family’s wishes. Some families may want the raw, emotional moments captured while others may want the more portrait-style images.

Finally, the photographer should be prepared to stay two hours after the baby is born. This is the time for the family to bond and for the photographer to capture the joy and emotion of the moment. This is also the time for the photographer to capture the small details that make the birth unique. The mother’s expression of joy, the family’s reaction to the baby, and the details of the room. All of these details can be captured in a single photo and tell the story of the birth in a powerful way.

Communicate expectations clearly.

However, the process of capturing these moments can be a difficult one, especially when the photographer is on call. Being on call means that the photographer must be available at any time to take pictures of a birth. This can be a challenge, as the photographer must make plans in their personal life while also being ready and available to take pictures at any time.

The key to successfully managing being on call is to communicate expectations clearly. It is important for the photographer to let their clients know what their availability is and when they can and cannot be available. This way, the client has an understanding of the photographer’s availability and can plan accordingly. Additionally, the photographer should explain the importance of using a flash and how it can help to create flattering images in difficult lighting situations. By providing this information up front, the photographer can ensure that their clients are comfortable with the process and understand what to expect.

Finally, the photographer should also explain how they handle emergency situations. By letting the client know that they have backups who are trained and trusted to take photos in their absence, the client can feel confident that their photos will be taken care of, even if the photographer is not available.

By communicating expectations clearly, a photographer can ensure that their clients understand the process and feel comfortable with the photographer’s availability. This will help to create a trusting relationship between the photographer and the client and ensure that the photos taken are of the highest quality.

Embrace the grain in low light.

One of the most challenging aspects of photography is shooting in low light. Low light photography requires a photographer to use a higher ISO, which can lead to grainy photos. Tavia, a birth photographer, explains that embracing the grain is the best way to get the desired results in low light.

Tavia explains that the best way to master low light photography is to practice with a speed light at home. This is the most similar to a hospital or home birth environment because it is indoors and only has window light. Practicing with a speed light will help a photographer understand what different angles and heights look like when bounced off the wall.

In addition to using a speed light, Tavia suggests slightly overexposing the photos when using a high ISO. This will help reduce the grain and make the photos look less grainy. She also encourages photographers to embrace the grain, as this is an unavoidable aspect of birth photography.

In conclusion, low light photography can be a challenge for photographers. However, by using a speed light and slightly overexposing the photos, photographers can get the desired results in low light. Understanding how to use the exposure triangle and embracing the grain are key to getting the best results in low light photography.

Control light with flash.

One of the key takeaways from the podcast was the importance of light and being able to control it. This is especially true when it comes to birth photography. Birth photography is a one and done thing, so capturing the right moments is key. Being able to control the light is essential to getting the desired results.

Using a speed light is a great way to control the light when shooting in low light. A speed light is a small flash that can be attached to a camera and used to provide additional light to the subject. By using a speed light, photographers can get the desired results in low light without having to worry about the available light.

In addition to using a speed light, photographers should also slightly overexpose the photos when shooting in low light. This will help to ensure that the photos have enough light and that the colors are vibrant. Overexposing the photos will also help to reduce the amount of grain in the photos, which can be an issue when shooting in low light.

Understanding the exposure triangle is also key to getting the best results in low light photography. The exposure triangle consists of the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Each of these settings can be adjusted to get the desired results in low light. By understanding how these settings work and how they interact with each other, photographers can get the desired results in low light.

Finally, embracing the grain is also key to getting the best results in low light photography. Grain is an unavoidable part of low light photography, but it can be used to create a unique look for the photos. By embracing the grain, photographers can create photos that have a unique look and feel.

Overall, understanding how to control light and embrace the grain are key to getting the best results in low light photography. By using a speed light and slightly overexposing the photos, photographers can get the desired results in low light. Understanding the exposure triangle and embracing the grain are also key to getting the best results in low light photography.