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