Tips for taking photos in a delivery room?

I've accepted my most unusual request ever and could use extra tips. I've been asked to photograph a friend giving birth because I was the only photographer she felt comfortable asking but still wanted photos of the ordeal. The process is intended for natural birth but we are prepared for a C-section or other complications. The hospital has given me permission to do so.

I've heard and read that this is actually becoming more common but I'm quite clueless here and need tips of what to do and take pictures of.
- No flash
- Use a 35mm f.1.8G?
- Be as unobtrusive as humanly possible
Photos of...
- Staff pictures that allow so
- Family in the waiting room
- Family in the delivery room
- Pictures of the delivery?
- Pictures of baby


I've never done anything like this before, nor have I ever been inside a delivery room during a birth. I have no children of my own and have no idea what to expect and what not to take pictures of.

have you asked the mum what ideas she wants/has? be ready it could be a quick affair, no retakes. lol

Mostly the people listed above I'm probably just nervous more than anything. She really loves Pinterest to my knowledge and has come to my apartment every Friday evening for maternity progress photos for the past 30+ weeks.


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I'm still putting my jaw back in place at the idea of this, but since my jaw is not needed to type... I would talk to mom to get the explicit direction of what she wants photographed from the greatest of the yuck to the handing over of a freshly cleaned and polished baby.

Among other things, stunned the delivery room would allow this for legal reasons.

I wish you the best, I think?

I would refuse to do that. Maybe the Mom to be thinks she won't remember the ordeal, but believe me she will. As much as giving birth is a natural thing that is beautiful, I think it's a personal experience that should be left to the parents. I wouldn't mind taking the first picture of the newborn, but the birth giving itself I would leave undocumented. Just my personal opinion.

This is maybe one time I would say sorry but I can't do it. It's too personal for mum & dad

I took photos of my children being born and it is vert easy to do so without having to show any intimate shots. yes they come out all mucky and full of blood but my wife loves those photos and looks at them often. Other than very close friends and family (mostly females) no-one else has seen them.
I say do it!. Great memories to reflect on.
As for lens. I would think a 35mm prime is ideal if you can get close enough but maybe a 50mm would be better so you don't get in the way.
Best of luck - I think this is an awesome project.

Google the title of your thread, it will come up with a pintrest page with lots of ideas.

No selective desaturation... :nightmare:

In all seriousness though, I have seen a few of these shoots. Look for emotion. The face while bearing down, tender moments once the baby has arrived, tears of joy etc.

Good luck.