Photographer shares raw and powerful images of childbirth
IN THE heart of South Wales, Jo Robertson embarks on a profound journey – one that captures the very essence of life, birth.
With her camera as a storyteller, Porthcawl birth photographer Jo unravels the magic of birth through her photography.
Her journey into the profession mirrors the serendipity that often shapes life’s most meaningful paths.
“I had never heard of birth photography and had no idea it was a thing,” she says with a chuckle.
Inspired by a Canadian counterpart, Jo embarked on a quest to introduce this unique art form to South Wales.
After starting as a photographer at 18 and with a photography degree under her belt, the mother-of-two returned to it in 2016 at the age of 40 after being made redundant from her admin job.
What she says is a scarcity of birth photographers in the UK has fuelled her determination.
“I purchased my equipment, and the next task was finding someone who would allow me to photograph their birth. This was not an easy task,” she recalls.
However, Jo found that willing participant, marking the inception of her passion project.
Lillian Craze Birth Photography, with its distinctive moniker, became Jo’s tribute to her own identity – a fusion of her middle name, Lillian, and her maiden name, Craze.
From the very beginning Jo was resolute about her artistic direction.
Her commitment to monochrome allows her to convey depth and emotion, creating a timeless and iconic documentary style.
“I believe that black and white can be much softer and kinder than colour and allows the viewer to imagine the colours,” she adds.
Recalling her first client, Jo’s eyes light up.
“The first time I photographed a birth was also the first time I had ever seen a baby being born,” she says.
The profound impact of that experience fuelled Jo’s desire to document more birth stories.
“This birth left me feeling truly touched and propelled my desire to be present and document more birth stories,” she shares.
“What drives me most is making sure I have moments captured for my clients so that they have something tangible to look back on,” Jo replies when asked about her passion for birth photography.
She delves into the unseen, the overlooked, and the easily forgotten moments – the glances between partners, the supportive gestures, and the expressions of strength during labour.
“There is nothing quite like seeing a woman’s strength during birth and then having the ability afterwards to show her,” she says.
Jo’s journey through birth photography is peppered with unique and touching stories.
“One particular birth that comes to mind is a surrogacy story,” she shares.
Her podcast showcases the experiences she has had, each birth leaving a distinctive imprint on her heart.
As the conversation flows, Jo sheds light on her experiences, documenting births in various settings – from the calm ambience of home births to the clinical surroundings of hospitals and the homely feeling of birth centres.
“I love documenting home births because the atmosphere is much calmer,” she shares.
Jo adapts her photography style to the unique essence of each environment, ensuring the authenticity of the birthing space is preserved.
“The moment I find particularly moving is always when the head is out but the rest of the body still needs to be born,” Jo reveals.
Describing this as an incredible inbetween moment, she emphasises its significance for both her and her clients.
“Sometimes baby’s eyes will open and look straight down my lens! After this moment it is all the expressions that come straight after – the ‘I did it’ moment and the tears of joy,” she adds, showcasing her ability to freeze time in the face of life’s most emotional junctures.
Respecting the sanctity of the birthing space is Jo’s top priority.
“These are my clients’ moments, not mine,” she says.
Having attended more than 80 births over the last seven and a half years, she underscores the importance of establishing a strong and trusting relationship with the families she works with.
“By the time they call me, it’s like they’re calling a friend,” she says, dispelling any notion of being a detached observer.
“As a birth photographer, I always say the most important piece of equipment I own is my eyes,” Jo says.
Beyond the technical aspects, she highlights the significance of a good professional camera, backup equipment, and a versatile lens.
Her photography technique revolves around capturing not just the stages of birth but the emotions, expressions, and intricate details that make each birthing story unique.
Jo’s approach to scheduling sessions reflects her commitment to providing a personalised experience for each client.
“I only take on a limited amount of birth stories per year,” she explains.
By limiting her bookings, Jo says she can ensure that every client receives her full attention.
Birth stories, accompanied by maternity sessions, create a holistic experience for expecting parents, fostering trust and connection.
“My perspective on birth, having been a photographer for seven and a half years, has taught me many things,” Jo reflects.
Trusting women’s instincts, advocating for freedom in birthing positions, and the profound impact of witnessing diverse birthing experiences have shaped her personal outlook.
“My images have helped them plan their own births,” she proudly shares, underscoring the educational aspect of her work.
Delving into Jo’s personal interests, we touch upon her admiration for David Lynch.
While acknowledging Lynch’s influence, she says her birth photography style is more rooted in the legacy of great documentary photographers.
Jo’s creativity extends beyond photography with the launch of The Birth Vault, an Etsy store providing birth images for birth workers.
Exhibitions and a potential book are on the horizon.
Starting The Adventures of a Birth Photographer podcast has been a pivotal experience for Jo.
The platform allows her to share her stories and valuable birth resources.
“I’ve been lucky enough to interview some superb guests,” she beams.
From fellow birth photographers to doulas and past clients, the podcast has become a means to reach a wider audience and advocate for the benefits of professional birth documentation.
Jo’s journey with Lillian Craze Birth Photography is not just a professional endeavour but a heartfelt commitment to celebrating the miracle of birth.
As her lens continues to weave narratives, Jo invites everyone to embrace the magic of birth, one click at a time.
For more information, visit lcrazebirthphotography.co.uk and Jo’s Etsy store can be found at www.etsy. com/shop/thebirthvault