Interview with Martha from Martha Grace Photography
Why do you do what you do?
In 2011 I had my first baby. His birth was hard. I felt really unprepared, out of control, and fear took over the whole experience. I remember one of the midwives asking me where my camera was and that she would take a few photos for me. I told her not to, but she insisted, and to this day I’m so glad that she did. I was so focused on getting through the pain that I had little recollection of all the beautiful moments in between - The way my husband’s hands gently cradled my belly or how I buried my face into his chest and closed my eyes when there was a break between surges. She captured my strength as I pushed my baby into this world, and the sheer joy and relief as I pulled him up and into my arms. These are transformative, life changing moments that you can never re-do. Even though most of the photos she took were blurry, I still cherish them dearly.
These are the moments I love to capture for clients, letting them see the magic of their own story through the photographs I take, to feel the love and emotion of that moment again and again. Being invited into these incredibly intimate spaces to document such a sacred time life is an absolute honour. I’ll admit that I am a bit of an empath, and will laugh through their joy and cry alongside them too. I just care deeply about my clients and their experience, and respect each and every space that I have the privilege to hold.
What do you love the most about your work?
I love that I get to show women how incredibly powerful they are. Birth stories are full of raw human emotions, life changing transformations, healing, and unconditional love. Documenting these stories allows women to see their power during some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments of their life. This is why I get up at 2am, this is why I stay for 6 or 12 or 24 hours supporting and honouring the needs of the labouring woman. Birth work is soul work and I want every woman to have lasting memories of their transformation, their healing, and their power. I want them to see their bodies for what they truly are: divine bearers of life.
What has been your greatest challenge with your work?
The greatest challenge has probably been getting used to the on call life. Being on call means I don’t travel more than 30 minutes from my home, I try not to book any personal appointments (it’s probably not ideal to turn up to your birth with half a haircut!), I carry my camera bag everywhere, and keep my phone on me at all times. Sometimes I miss out on my own children’s events, sometimes I have to leave mid dinner time or just as I’m hopping into bed. Birth is also unpredictable, so when I leave my family to attend a birth I don’t know when I’ll be back home. I might be there for 4 hours or 10 or 30. It’s definitely an adjustment that I needed to get used to but I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else. And when I have a client giving me a great big blubbery hug because they are so grateful that I was there to capture the best day of their life – well all the sacrifices are absolutely worth it!
What's your best advice to a first time birther?
Being mentally prepared for birth is just as important as being physically prepared. Work through any fears you may have beforehand, surround yourself with people who trust, support, and believe in you. Read positive birth stories and don’t allow others to place their own fears onto you. You can’t always plan for birth but you can educate yourself and knowledge is power! You will feel more in control of your birth if you know your options. Trust your body, surrender to the intensity of birth, and don’t forget to get loved up with your partner – oxytocin is a powerful and wonderful hormone!
Martha is an award-winning, professional birth photographer. Every journey into Motherhood is unique, sacred, and deserving of celebration. Regardless of how your journey unfolds, Martha will be there to show you the beauty of it all. For more information visit www.marthagracebirthphotography.com.au.