Business & Tech

Canton Photographer Captures Newborn's First Moments

Deanna Willis of DDW Photography is branching out into live birth photography.

This story was posted by Nicole Krawcke. It was reported and written by Julianne Pitcher. 

Not only does Deanna Willis of DDW Photography serve the Canton community’s photography needs through wedding, engagement, family, and high school senior sessions, but she also is beginning to offer something special to expecting mothers, live birth photography.   

“There are very few events in life as amazing as the birth of a new baby," Willis said. "One of my favorite things about photography is capturing raw emotions and moments captured in time. Birth photography will give me the privilege to capture the first cry, the first time mom and baby meet eye to eye, and dad’s first reactions.” 

While Willis has only done one live birth session so far, she has another session booked for the fall and is very excited to bring this new venture to DDW, she said.

“Having two boys of my own, I do not have many pictures of the first precious moments, and the few that I do have are not the best quality," Willis said. "I want to be able to give families the opportunity to have these moments forever captured.”

Lisa Barker hired Willis to capture the birth of her third child last June.

“I thought it would take a lot of pressure off me knowing there was going to be someone there to get the pictures, and good pictures at that,” Barker said.

Molly Bennett has booked Willis to do a live birth session in September, which she did not have done for her daughter.

“I don't have one single picture of myself, husband, and my daughter when she first was born, and still to this day, it bothers me so much," she said. "With so much going on that day, it will be such a relief to have someone there who knows exactly what kind of pictures I want.”

Although Willis finds live birth photography very rewarding and worthwhile, getting involved with this type of photography has not been as easy as she had hoped, she said.

“Some hospitals and doctors shy away from cameras in the regular delivery room, but the biggest issue is when the baby has to be delivered by c-section. When this happens, cameras are almost 100 percent frowned upon. Usually only mom and dad are allowed in the operating room,” said Willis.

This situation happened to Barker, she said.

“I was bummed, but I understood. She came in as soon as I got to my room and was allowed visitors. I wanted her in the room because I think the whole process is amazing,” Barker said.

Despite these difficulties, Willis thinks more expecting mothers are beginning to want to partake in live birth photography because the events of childbirth are often difficult to recall by memory, she said.  

“I truly believe that when you are caught in the moment, you can only remember so much. The images of birth photography are stronger than any memory could ever be,” Willis said.

Barker said, “As the patient, you don't get to see the whole thing, only feel it, and I wanted to see what I missed and have pictures to look back on.”

Willis hopes she will have the opportunity to shoot many more live birth sessions in the future as more people understand what this type of photography is all about, she said. 

“People tend to think it’s something totally different than it is, something from the Sci-Fi network, when in fact, it isn't," Willis said. "It’s a beautiful emotional experience that allows a family to have the images of one of the most amazing and defining moments in their life to look back on and treasure."

Barker has used the photos from her session for birth announcements, canvas art to hang from her walls, and invitations for her son’s upcoming first birthday party, she said.

“I love my pictures," Barker said. "After my son was born, my family was transferred out of town for my husband’s work. In the move, I lost my CD from the session and was devastated. However, Deanna managed to send me a link to all of my photos. I was so grateful.” 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here