Episode Title: The Business of Birth Photography
Guest: Rachel Utain-Evans, Rachel Utain-Evans Photography, Philadelphia, PA
We Discuss:
The realities of being a birth photographer, doula, and videographer—sometimes all at once
Why Rachel recommends doula training even for photographers
How she documents unpredictable, low-light births with minimal gear
Her approach to storytelling in films using short clips and ambient audio
The emotional labor of being on-call, witnessing trauma, and maintaining mental health
Her pricing strategy and why birth photography is more demanding than weddings
How to prepare if you’re thinking about entering this field
Why strong birth community networks matter and how she's mentoring others
Navigating hospitals, policies, and the OR as a supportive presence
The difference between fear-based and informed birth choices
TLDR:
If you’ve ever been curious about birth photography—or considered offering it yourself—this episode is a must-listen. Rachel Utain-Evans shares the logistics, emotional demands, technical decisions, and ethical considerations of documenting birth with compassion and professionalism. She’s photographed births in hospitals, homes, birth centers—even near-misses in ambulances. This conversation goes beyond photography—it’s about holding space, respecting boundaries, and honoring one of life’s biggest transitions.
Resources:
Learn more about Rachel’s work and mentoring: rachelutainevans.com
Follow Rachel on Instagram: @racheluephoto
Photographer to Watch: Juliette Fradin Photography
