Why And How I Became A Birth Photographer | Murrieta Birth Photographer

I often get asked "Why/How did you becoming a birth photographer." Whether it's from a prospective client, a birth professional, a photography or business colleague or someone standing in line at the grocery store. It's one of those questions I love to answer, because my Why and How are to close to my heart.

I've had the honor and privilege to be a part of the military community since I was 18 years old. Being part of the military community, I was always around young woman having babies on their own. Their spouses were deployed and their families most of the time were unable to attend the birth of their child.

As a Key Volunteer for many military units and squadrons, I started by simply helping families out and by being their birth coach. This was nothing I trained to do, however being a part of the birth process and team was extremely rewarding and my love for helping others made it the perfect fit for me.

Most of my military friends knew I dabbled in photography as I often had my camera with us at many Military Family Day Events and Military Homecomings. Families started asking me to take photos after baby arrived so they could send them to their spouse and family members. I'm even old enough to say, I started with film!

Being able to document their successful birth was awesome but I had no real idea it was anything anyone would want that had their families present. Mind you, I didn't start actually photographing the entire birth story for many many years, until a close friend of mine had her child.

I didn't start actively offering birth photography until 2012. I never thought to actually market it because it was still just for friends and family until 2013 when I was referred to a birthing mama outside of the military families.

I've now been a part of 27 births - as of this post that is. No birth stories are ever the same, which makes my profession so exciting. I've had the pleasure of not coach and/or photographing military births, surrogant births, home births, hospital births and birthing center births. I'm also experienced and trained in the sensitive still-birth story. I've been published in Huffington Post, KidSpot and many other online publications for my birth and newborn photography.

My heart and soul goes into every birth story I photograph. The best part for me is being a part of the birth story, photographing a once in a life time event and knowing that my clients are receiving priceless images they will be able cherish and pass down for generations to come. I love hearing moms tell me that having me in their labor room was like having a bestfriend present to watching parents weep tears of joy as they see their birth story gallery for the first time.

My love for birth photography has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing birth professionals we have around! Southern California has an incredible association for birth professionals that I am apart of, which includes photographers, doulas, midwives, hypnobirth professionals. I am also a proud member of the International Association of Birth Photographers.

I've taken several birth classes, to include doula classes and hypnobirth classes to help myself prepare for my clients birth sessions. Because of my experience and birth training I can offer a calm soothing presence as I document the beautiful birth story for my clients.

If you or someone you know is interested in having their Birth Story Photographed, please reach out to me. I'd love to chat about your upcoming birth.

Much Love,
Heather J. Keys
Blossom and Bloom Photography