What to bring to the hospital?

hoanpham · 03-11-2011, 03:37 AM

I suggest whatever with macro capability like the sigma 17-70 OS, flash+flashgel, radio trigger for off-camera. Second body with 50f1.4 @f1.4 for isolation of subject. You may not have time to change lenses. It's not the gears that control your mind then.

Then shoot everything - use what you have with you: macro (fingers, toes, compare with your hand), normal/regular photos, bokeh, low light, flash blending, flash as main light etc.

You can also wait until you have some privacy too ;-)
Enjoy the moments and good luck.

TaoMaas · 03-11-2011, 09:08 AM

Is this event about the pictures or the moment? I would take a small P&S, catch what photos I could during the delivery, then enjoy the moment. You won't need pictures to remind you of this event. You'll have a child for that purpose. Please...don't make photography more important than being completely in-the-moment for your child's birth.

reeftool · 03-13-2011, 08:37 AM

When my last daughter was born, I brought my Spotmatic and 55/2 Tak. I didn't use flash as the delivery room was very well lit. The shots came out pretty good. All of my shots were in the minutes right after my daughter was born as the Dr. was attending to my wife and the nurses were doing their stuff with the baby, getting weight, footprints, and cleaning her up. etc. I needed to be out of the way for a minute or two and that's when I got my shots. Seeing your children born is a wonderful thing. As TaoMaas said, don't let the camera get in the way.

sewebster · 03-17-2011, 10:45 PM

We're also expecting in a few weeks. I plan on bringing my camera... camera is even on a list of "stuff to bring" we were given. I'm not really sure how much it will be used though. My guess is that I'll get a few shots after the birth.

MRRiley · 03-18-2011, 04:22 AM

Just make sure, while you are concentrating on not forgetting your camera gear, that you don't forget to bring your wife along too...

TaoMaas · 03-18-2011, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by sewebster

We're also expecting in a few weeks. I plan on bringing my camera... camera is even on a list of "stuff to bring" we were given. I'm not really sure how much it will be used though. My guess is that I'll get a few shots after the birth.

By all means, take pictures! I did. Just don't lose your perspective about what's most important on that day.

TaoMaas · 03-18-2011, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by MRRiley

Just make sure, while you are concentrating on not forgetting your camera gear, that you don't forget to bring your wife along too...

I have a friend who was trying to shoot video of the delivery of his first child. Midway through it all, his wife motioned for him to come close to her. She grabbed him by the shirt, jerked him down within a few inches of her face, and screamed, "We are NEVER doing this again!" LOL

magkelly · 03-18-2011, 08:01 AM

Don't actually. Newborn eyes are very sensitive. That's too harsh at first. Seriously, take one or two quick snap shots and wait for the baby to get a bit older before subjecting him or her to a full on photo session. A baby's first week or two can be overwhelming in terms of external stimuli and putting a flash and camera in a new baby's face too often isn't a great thing for the baby.

It's just come out of a snug womb remember? Left all that dark, nice space, and now it's seeing and hearing a lot more than Mom's heartbeat for the very first time. About the LAST thing a baby needs to experience at first is camera sounds and even more bright lights. On top of the birth that's a lot of stress, a photo shoot.

Originally posted by luke0622

I don't know if I would take a flash

MRRiley · 03-18-2011, 08:07 AM

Have to agree about the flash. Skip it and boost your ISO. No one is liable to complain if the shots of the baby are a little noisy.... and you will have a less stressed out baby.

geauxpez · 03-18-2011, 06:42 PM

Originally posted by TaoMaas

I have a friend who was trying to shoot video of the delivery of his first child. Midway through it all, his wife motioned for him to come close to her. She grabbed him by the shirt, jerked him down within a few inches of her face, and screamed, "We are NEVER doing this again!" LOL

Easy at our hospital -- photos and video of the delivery were not allowed. Probably for legal reasons...or because papa would be in the way.

The OP's soft-box thoughts reminded me that I was in our den unpacking the umbrellas and lightstands (ala Strobist) that had just arrived on my doorstep when my wife walked in the room and said, "um, honey...I'm not sure, but I think my water broke". Needless to say it was a couple of weeks before that stuff was picked up again. She was 4-weeks early by the way. #1 advice -- PACK NOW! (c:

When my daughter was born 3 years ago, I brought my K10D and 50/1.4 (my only DSLR and my fastest lens) and shot with available light. It was good enough to take a few snaps while we were being sleep-deprived and generally overwhelmed by our new life.

With the red, blotchy skin & so forth, I found a B&W treatment looked nice.

Have fun & congrats in advance!

**Rondec** · 03-21-2011, 04:32 AM

Originally posted by MRRiley

Have to agree about the flash. Skip it and boost your ISO. No one is liable to complain if the shots of the baby are a little noisy.... and you will have a less stressed out baby.

People say this about flash, but my wife and I have three kids and none have them have been particularly bothered by the flash, anymore than they would be by fluorescent lights. Of course, I only use bounce flash, nothing direct...

Timing is everything. A dad needs to be there for his wife during the labor portion, but there is plenty of time afterward to take lots of photos. My wife was on facebook within a few hours posting photos.

As to those who recommend using a point and shoot, I am not sure how well that works in a darkened hospital room without a flash.

Deiberson · 03-21-2011, 07:56 AM

This turned into an interesting thread. She's due in less than 2 weeks. I'm still thinking of making a a white box that is big enough to lay a baby into for a quick shot. I'm not talking about minutes after the baby is born...but maybe the same day?
I have no idea how unrealistic this is. Its our first.

Otherwise....I'll just be bring my K-X and a speedlight and bounce the flash.

Ira · 03-22-2011, 03:40 AM

Can I discuss a fun project for you, that has nothing to do with the delivery?

I forget what stage of pregnancy it's at, but they do a test where she has to drink a ton of water before the doctor's visit and isn't allowed to pee.

So a camcorder sitting on your lap in the waiting room...pointing up at your lady as she writhes in agony because she's dying to pee...is PRICELESS.

It's my favorite footage!!!

cats_five · 03-22-2011, 06:25 AM

Cruel, cruel, cruel. Surprised she didn't slap you one round the face.

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-22-2011, 11:27 AM

Mike hit the right response "Your wife". But I would suggest taking a single lens kit lens would do, and packing that plus one body and spare batteries in a bag literally tied to your wif's prepacked bag. Predictability in the last 2 weeks is zero. Just have it ready at the door so you can grab it on the way out

03-18-2011, 04:22 AM	#20
MRRiley Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sterling, VA, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,275	your wife... Just make sure, while you are concentrating on not forgetting your camera gear, that you don't forget to bring your wife along too...

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Architecture The first Calgary Hospital	casil403	Post Your Photos!	5	03-05-2010 03:08 PM
People Hospital	noahpurdy	Photo Critique	4	12-10-2009 11:42 AM
Abandoned Psyciatric Hospital	columbus	Post Your Photos!	27	05-18-2009 02:50 PM
Loughborough's Disused Hospital	Isaac314	Post Your Photos!	9	10-13-2008 10:34 AM
Going camping. Should I bring my AF-360fgz? Macro lens? What should I bring?	igowerf	Photographic Technique	11	08-17-2007 07:48 AM

03-11-2011, 03:37 AM	#16
hoanpham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Strand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,366	I suggest whatever with macro capability like the sigma 17-70 OS, flash+flashgel, radio trigger for off-camera. Second body with 50f1.4 @f1.4 for isolation of subject. You may not have time to change lenses. It's not the gears that control your mind then. Then shoot everything - use what you have with you: macro (fingers, toes, compare with your hand), normal/regular photos, bokeh, low light, flash blending, flash as main light etc. You can also wait until you have some privacy too ;-) Enjoy the moments and good luck.

03-11-2011, 09:08 AM	#17
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	Is this event about the pictures or the moment? I would take a small P&S, catch what photos I could during the delivery, then enjoy the moment. You won't need pictures to remind you of this event. You'll have a child for that purpose. Please...don't make photography more important than being completely in-the-moment for your child's birth.

03-13-2011, 08:37 AM	#18
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,552	When my last daughter was born, I brought my Spotmatic and 55/2 Tak. I didn't use flash as the delivery room was very well lit. The shots came out pretty good. All of my shots were in the minutes right after my daughter was born as the Dr. was attending to my wife and the nurses were doing their stuff with the baby, getting weight, footprints, and cleaning her up. etc. I needed to be out of the way for a minute or two and that's when I got my shots. Seeing your children born is a wonderful thing. As TaoMaas said, don't let the camera get in the way.

03-17-2011, 10:45 PM	#19
sewebster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 544	We're also expecting in a few weeks. I plan on bringing my camera... camera is even on a list of "stuff to bring" we were given. I'm not really sure how much it will be used though. My guess is that I'll get a few shots after the birth.

03-18-2011, 06:12 AM	#21
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	Originally posted by sewebster We're also expecting in a few weeks. I plan on bringing my camera... camera is even on a list of "stuff to bring" we were given. I'm not really sure how much it will be used though. My guess is that I'll get a few shots after the birth. By all means, take pictures! I did. Just don't lose your perspective about what's most important on that day.

03-18-2011, 06:14 AM	#22
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	Originally posted by MRRiley Just make sure, while you are concentrating on not forgetting your camera gear, that you don't forget to bring your wife along too... I have a friend who was trying to shoot video of the delivery of his first child. Midway through it all, his wife motioned for him to come close to her. She grabbed him by the shirt, jerked him down within a few inches of her face, and screamed, "We are NEVER doing this again!" LOL

03-18-2011, 08:01 AM	#23
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	Don't actually. Newborn eyes are very sensitive. That's too harsh at first. Seriously, take one or two quick snap shots and wait for the baby to get a bit older before subjecting him or her to a full on photo session. A baby's first week or two can be overwhelming in terms of external stimuli and putting a flash and camera in a new baby's face too often isn't a great thing for the baby. It's just come out of a snug womb remember? Left all that dark, nice space, and now it's seeing and hearing a lot more than Mom's heartbeat for the very first time. About the LAST thing a baby needs to experience at first is camera sounds and even more bright lights. On top of the birth that's a lot of stress, a photo shoot. Originally posted by luke0622 I don't know if I would take a flash

03-18-2011, 08:07 AM	#24
MRRiley Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sterling, VA, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,275	Have to agree about the flash. Skip it and boost your ISO. No one is liable to complain if the shots of the baby are a little noisy.... and you will have a less stressed out baby.

03-18-2011, 06:42 PM	#25
geauxpez Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,196	Originally posted by TaoMaas I have a friend who was trying to shoot video of the delivery of his first child. Midway through it all, his wife motioned for him to come close to her. She grabbed him by the shirt, jerked him down within a few inches of her face, and screamed, "We are NEVER doing this again!" LOL Easy at our hospital -- photos and video of the delivery were not allowed. Probably for legal reasons...or because papa would be in the way. The OP's soft-box thoughts reminded me that I was in our den unpacking the umbrellas and lightstands (ala Strobist) that had just arrived on my doorstep when my wife walked in the room and said, "um, honey...I'm not sure, but I think my water broke". Needless to say it was a couple of weeks before that stuff was picked up again. She was 4-weeks early by the way. #1 advice -- PACK NOW! (c: When my daughter was born 3 years ago, I brought my K10D and 50/1.4 (my only DSLR and my fastest lens) and shot with available light. It was good enough to take a few snaps while we were being sleep-deprived and generally overwhelmed by our new life. With the red, blotchy skin & so forth, I found a B&W treatment looked nice. Have fun & congrats in advance!

03-21-2011, 04:32 AM	#26
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	Originally posted by MRRiley Have to agree about the flash. Skip it and boost your ISO. No one is liable to complain if the shots of the baby are a little noisy.... and you will have a less stressed out baby. People say this about flash, but my wife and I have three kids and none have them have been particularly bothered by the flash, anymore than they would be by fluorescent lights. Of course, I only use bounce flash, nothing direct... Timing is everything. A dad needs to be there for his wife during the labor portion, but there is plenty of time afterward to take lots of photos. My wife was on facebook within a few hours posting photos. As to those who recommend using a point and shoot, I am not sure how well that works in a darkened hospital room without a flash.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

03-21-2011, 07:56 AM	#27
Deiberson Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 734 Original Poster	This turned into an interesting thread. She's due in less than 2 weeks. I'm still thinking of making a a white box that is big enough to lay a baby into for a quick shot. I'm not talking about minutes after the baby is born...but maybe the same day? I have no idea how unrealistic this is. Its our first. Otherwise....I'll just be bring my K-X and a speedlight and bounce the flash.

03-22-2011, 03:40 AM	#28
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Can I discuss a fun project for you, that has nothing to do with the delivery? I forget what stage of pregnancy it's at, but they do a test where she has to drink a ton of water before the doctor's visit and isn't allowed to pee. So a camcorder sitting on your lap in the waiting room...pointing up at your lady as she writhes in agony because she's dying to pee...is PRICELESS. It's my favorite footage!!!

03-22-2011, 06:25 AM	#29
cats_five Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fife, Scotland Posts: 835	Cruel, cruel, cruel. Surprised she didn't slap you one round the face.

03-22-2011, 11:27 AM	#30
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Mike hit the right response "Your wife". But I would suggest taking a single lens kit lens would do, and packing that plus one body and spare batteries in a bag literally tied to your wif's prepacked bag. Predictability in the last 2 weeks is zero. Just have it ready at the door so you can grab it on the way out