Photographs show first incredible moments of life

Seconds later she threw on her clothes and dashed to the hospital, praying she’d get to the delivery room in time for the birth of Natasha’s first baby.

But rather than a midwife, relative or even a close friend, Julie is a photographer paid to capture the most intimate moments imaginable – before, during and after a baby is born.

While many say they want to forget the pain of childbirth, Julie is among the UK’s growing number of birth photographers being called in by mums and dads who want to relive every moment of labour.

Julie, said: “Birth photography is extremely controversial, it’s like Marmite.

“When I tell people what I do, it does get a lot of mixed reactions and I’ve had a lot of negativity.

“Some people immediately say they would never be photographed giving birth and think it’s really gory. Others say it’s an invasion of privacy for a photographer to be in the room at such a private and special time.

There are people who have a more open mind though and absolutely love it. They can see how documenting such a momentous event gives parents the chance to relive the most special time of their lives for years to come.”

That is exactly the reason Natasha’s husband Tom suggested calling in Julie’s expertise.

Having experienced fatherhood in a previous relationship, he wanted to make sure not a moment of the birth of their son Alfie would be forgotten.

Natasha explained: “People document their weddings and pregnancies, but why not document giving birth too?

“It is after all the key moment of the process of bringing a baby into the world.”

Julie, from Ashurst, arrived at the New Forest Birth Centre on December 13 just as Natasha was in the birthing pool delivering Alfie.

Camera loaded, Julie captured everything from the baby emerging to the cord being cut and Alfie’s first cuddle with his parents.

The photography trend which is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, came from the US where birth photographers are as popular as wedding photographers.

Julie, said: “Many people think the photographs are going to be gory, but I say open your mind because it’s really not what you think.

“Birth is something that has happened for eternity – and rather than it be something to be disgusted by, it should be celebrated.

“My job is to capture what is going on yes, but also to capture the emotions in the room. The pictures are tasteful and precious.”

Julie, who has photographed babies arriving into the world for nearly three years, has an 11-year-old son Archie and was inspired by her own birth.

Now a healthy schoolboy, he was born with a hole in his heart and had open heart surgery aged three, which made Julie wish she had a better recollection of his arrival.

“My favourite photo for eternity is one my husband took on his phone when my son was born. It takes me back to that moment, looking into his eyes when he was born. Looking back, I really wish birth photography was around then.”

Julie, who was a midwifery assistant before she embarked on a career as a maternity and newborn photographer, realised there was a gap in the market for birth photography – and that her skills were perfectly suited.

“About 15 years ago I used to assist with deliveries and even back then, with my photographic mind, I used to think that this could be something and that was a long time before the popularity of One Born Every Minute.

“As my newborn photography became more popular, I started to notice birth photography was taking off in the states and that really got my interest so I started to ask a few people here and it took off.

“My experience helps because every birth is different and no birth plan ever goes to plan so I have to prepare for the unexpected.

“You can get a call and within half an hour you need to be where you need to be – or it can be a very slow process of course.

“You have to be very organised and I can literally be on call for a month because some people may deliver early or late so I can only take on a very limited number a year.”

Julie charges upwards of £800 for a shoot with a customised slideshow to music and the option for printed photo books and albums.

The photographs are typically in black and white, but parents can also opt for colour versions.

Julie also provides an option to make different books - those for personal viewings and edited versions the parents are willing to share with family and friends.

“Of course there has to be a lot of trust. It has to be meticulously planned in advance with in depth consultations about what the parents want so everything is clear.

“I treat it like a story. It is about documenting the time, the place, the environment, the emotions, the expressions on people’s faces.”

Natasha and Tom were overwhelmed by their images.

The 27-year-old mum-of-one from Southampton, said: “When I look at them I feel so overcome with emotion.

“When you are giving birth it’s a whirlwind. You can’t take anything in at all so to look back at the photographs helps you remember it. To be able to see Tom’s expressions and seeing Alfie’s very first moments again is just amazing. I love how it is just so real too. I went into labour in the early hours of the morning, so I was literally out of bed, no make up and hair pulled back. I looked a mess but I love how the photos were so natural. It was life and very realistic.

“The photograph that captures me holding our son while daddy is behind me giving me a kiss, that’s my ultimate favourite. I cry happy tears when I see it. It’s just so special.”

For Julie that moment makes her job worthwhile.

“Seeing the moment a mum looks at her baby, it’s that overwhelming feeling.

“It is quite surreal when you watch birth.

“I find it fascinating and it elevates your spirit. It’s the pinnacle moment in a woman’s life, which nothing on earth can beat. It’s not a pleasurable experience. At the time you’re scared, you don’t know what’s going on or how it’s going to feel, you just want the baby out but looking back it’s completely wonderful and I’m so happy to be part of it again and again.”