In the birth and photo world, there is on going discussion that revolves around "can a doula also be a birth photographer and fully serve her client?" Or even SHOULD a doula also a be a birth photographer.  As someone who does both, I have plenty of thoughts on it.  I also have real thoughts about this not being something that is for everyone, or for someone who is a beginner in either (especially both) fields. I believe we can grow and develop in birth work (and one day be confident in our professional offerings), but not a place to "practice". This work is too important, the memories too precious.

Its often said- no one can do both jobs 100%. Can someone do both, 100%. No, by definition of 100% they can't. Can someone do both effectivly, effeiciently, and with great quality and service. absolutely! 

So a little about me and how I view what I offer:

I think we get tripped on the concept of it being 2 jobs. Ive been just a doula at births. Ive been just a photographer at births. And Ive been a doula-tog (Doula-Photographer) at births. While its hard not to feel a bit insulted by the accusation that we can serve our clients 100%, I also realise, for someone who hasn't done both. Its probably hard to understand how it works. This is the thing- Ive never felt like I was doing two jobs. More of a hybrid service. I just been doing "me". And my brain honestly functions as much doula as photographer. No switching gears, hats, jobs whatever ya wanna call it. I also don't think its a place for beginners, so for more thoughts on that, read below!

Hybrid-

So yeah.... thats what I feel I do. Its its own service. Its own variety of support. Not reinventing the wheel, just doing what I do naturally. My doula style, as well as my photography style is highly observant. I watch, listen, and act as intuitivly as possible for both. I respond with either support or photography as I deem best for that moment, that contraction, that family's needs. I wear my camera behind me so my hands are always free in between shots. I support physically when needed and shoot when the moments come up. I aim to use your support person as much as their are comfortable as well. My clients are very interested in photography and seek it out. So its not something that I am bringing to their birth my own reasons. They also want me to able to get as many of the moments as possible. But they also know doula comes first. A woman getting through her birth successfully and supported always comes first. Does that mean a beautiful moment may not be photographed. Yes. This could happen during a bathroom break as well. Every single moment will not be captured. Even when I am only shooting.  Its birth. Its sacred, it sometimes needs privacy to unfold. Its sometimes needs silence. Some moments are so intense, the distraction of knowing someone is taking a picture can cause then difficultly in handling that contraction. Sometimes complications come up. I don't shoot those moments. Im supporting mama and family in these moments. Also allowing for teh caregiver to not feel uncomfortable or distracted in any way why they asses, or perform needed, emergency services.  So no- not all moments get shot. Sometimes on purpose.

I also can shoot one handed! (didn't know I was that talented eh?? LOL)  As I mentioned before, my clients want those photos. But sometimes I need to hold a leg, or a head while a mom pushes. I have gear for that! Hand strap that allows me to physically and emotionally support as well as shoot. I know it sounds complicated, but it really is as natural for me as breathing. As a doula I know things can happen and change fast. But a lot of times, after you've done this work for awihle, you can start reading the signs of things to come, and can get ready.

Sounds perfect!! Having both services in one person! 

Well...nothing is perfect. But its not a bad option for someone who doesn't want too many people there, or for the person who wants photography, and likes the comfort of having a doula there in case they need info or support. For the prenatal resources and assistance, and of course the birth story telling in photos. If there is a downside from my perspective- its just that Im not in the photos doing doula work. While I admit, I don't like having my picture taken- as a lover of documetnary photography, this is a downside. I focus on telling your families story and transformation.

Birth Photography is popular! Sounds like a perfect service to add to my birth business!!

I do feel strongly in respecting a family's birth though,  that we should be called into this work by passion, not just adding to be adding another tab in our "services" column or because its part of a growing fad/genre. Our heart, soul, and intentions are put into this work, and left behind often in the memories of the day. Not to say birth photography MUST be your passion in order to take photos at a birth, but I always think its important to ask ourselves WHY we do anything. What are our purposes behind adding a service. Building business is a good thing, but our intentions do effect our reasons and outcomes. And the big one- WHO are we shooting for?  Really... who?? Is it really to serve the clients, or to get the glory for the moment, or the kudos online when are cool image is shared? In the digital age we are in, there is a lot of glory and ego that can be attached to sharing photos online. And in our camera/photo obsessed culture, we get hung up on capturing "that moment". (ever see the discussion about being "in the moment" verses capturing the moment when your a guest at a wedding?? )  I am a big fan of encouraging people to grow in their skills and experience. I would never discourage someone who longs to be a birth photographer. But this isn't beginner territory. And part of why I feel honest discussions about it are important is that we live in a birth culture with ever growing restrictions on what options women have an whom they can bring with them in many birth environments. If you don't know much about birth- learn how to behave and what to expect and what behavior can hinder or be problematic at a birth. New to photography?? Practice OUTSIDE of birth, low light, fast movement, have back up gear for everything, learn to bounce flash OUTSIDE of birth. This is someone's birth.....one of the biggest days of their lives. A transformational event. (good or bad) As this genre grows so does its popularity, and that's awesome! But it comes with real responsibility. Even weddings can be re-set up in the worst circumstances, but can't. And unless weddings, where screw ups later often become jokes about the day, bad memories in birth stay with a woman and her family.  So please, before thinking about adding the service if your a birth worker, or jumping into the new "fad" if your a photographer, truly examine why you want to do this work, who its about, and what you need to do to be effective in this fragile world.

So laying it out there-

Pros-

* 1 person vs hiring 2 has benefits. Especially for hospital births where sometimes the amount of people allowed in your room is limited. Or in a small home where too many people may make things feel crowded. 

* Having a professional (professional vs doula w a camera.... 2 different things- a topic for another blog down the road) to capture your priceless and once in a lifetime moments allows your family and support people to focus solely on you, your new baby and be fully in the moment.  Let dad hold your hand, kiss your head, and just soak it all in. And let me capture those moments. Birth also happens fast and often in dark places. Not conditions that most consumer cameras do well in, and not the type of event an beginner photographer may have the knowledge or gear to capture effectively.

* Having a photographer who is also an experienced doula has the benefit of knowing you have that support. Just in case. Even if you hope you don't need it. But things can be unpredictable. And you never know. Im there for you before, during and after birth to help navigate your options, help you find your path and answer your questions as well photography the story. I stay with you till everyone is stable. I know Ive been glad to be there with mamas who have had unexpected outcomes. Glad to know I was able to help support them as more than just a photographer during challenging, scary, and sometimes heartbreaking times.

* Price- My prices structure is set up differently than if you were hiring 2 people. You can either view it as buy one get one discounted, or as a discount off both services. I don't charge fully for both, because as we discussed earlier, its not 2 full services. But its own hybrid service. But don't let that mislead you- you will still be getting top quality photography and support.

As much as I love what I do- its important to me that my clients feel supported and well served. If I started to see or learn that they felt let down in one area or the other. I would, with out hesitation make changes. But for now, seems to be working for everyone. One mama shared this in response to the questions I asked her about her time working with me.

From momma M- hospital birth of 3rd baby

Did you ever feel like I wasn't supporting you for a moment in order to get the "shot"? Nope. I was surprised to learn you got pictures.

Was it distracting to you, or did you feel extra "watched" because of it? Nope. I didn't notice pictures being taken at all.

Did it feel like I was trying to do 2 jobs, or just one all inclusive service? Definitely all one service. I felt completely supported the entire time. The pictures were like an extra perk.

What were the benefits? Amazing support and photos that still make me cry (happy tears) two weeks after delivery. A sense of security throughout the pregnancy and delivery.

What were the downfalls? I can't really think of any... Ummm.... One of the nurses ruined one of the shots?

Cons- I know I know- why even share cons- well its part of informed choice making! Which I am passionate about!

* You may feel its better to have someone who devoted to being the doula and being the photographer. Thats totally ok too! I'm a doula needing mama for my own births!! So I personally had both! Its totally a valid option too.

Example from my personal life- birth of my first child- the day I learned how powerful birth images are. I didn't even know the midwife assistant was taking these, and my 2nd birth, my circle of doulas- so glad I had a pic of this, its one of my fav memories!

* As your doula, I may end up being a big part of your birth story but won't be in any of my own photos! This may be a big con to you, or a minor con. Its not bothered my clients thus far- only me a little as my presence is part of your birth story.

*Sometimes a shot may be missed in the name of supporting you with doula skills. Even though Im not shooting every moment, or every contraction, its a possible outcome. That said- Ive never missed shooting the big moment. I do what I can to get things set up and ready. !!  ;)

 So why the long winded blog post? Simply to explain what I do, and that I don't like the diving lines that seem to be created by doulas, photographers and doula-togs. Or the assumptions that somehow we are serving our clients less by doing both. We serve with the same heart as those doing only one service. When I only do one service now, I always feel like something is missing. So when you hire me, you get me.

Hallie Dedrick- the Tampa Bay Doula-Tog! :)