I'm (approximately) six months pregnant right now. I'm almost halfway through my second wedding season of shooting while pregnant, and it occurred to me the other day that there's not that much written out there for nervous brides who have hired a photographer who is (or could become) pregnant.

The Big Question

Should I hire a female wedding photographer if they could get pregnant?

Any, and I mean ANY woman who works can become pregnant, so even if your photographer isn't planning on having kids, a surprise might just be right around the corner. Does this make you nervous? It probably makes them a little nervous too!

But hiring a male photographer instead won't ensure they'll 100%-without-a-doubt be there. The not-so-big secret is that any photographer can be a potential victim of fate. What if they get sick? What if their child is hospitalized? What if their parent dies? With any photographer you interview, examine their cancellation policy, and talk with them about what they'd do in the event of an emergency.

Pregnancy is actually (in my opinion) one of the more predictable and reliable things that can happen to your wedding photographer. But go with your gut. Really. If you simply feel that you don't want to rely on someone who's pregnant, then by all means, do what makes you feel at ease.

Of course, if you're totally over the moon for them and they have a good emergency policy, then you just might have hit the jackpot!

My Approach

As a pregnant photographer, doing my best at being pregnant is also a part of doing my best on your wedding day.

Firstly, I do my best to be in good physical shape. After my first baby, I did everything I could to get back into regular exercise and good eating habits. Hooray for jogging strollers! Even at six months now, I'm running three to four times a week, and doing aerobics to boot. As I get bigger, I plan to alter my regimen towards less intensive, but just as frequent exercise to accommodate the extra stress on my joints. Photography (at least the way I do it) requires a lot from me physically, and so will childbirth, so why not prepare for both marathons at once?

Secondly, I rest. Pregnancy can really beat your body up; not many people tell you about the strange sensations you'll have, or how tired you'll feel. It sounds silly, but I also make sure I take a nap or lie down for a half-hour or so every day. I rely on friends and family members to help me make sure I'm well-rested and get to bed on time before a big wedding.

Thirdly, I cut back. In order for me to do my job properly and take care of the coming little one, I have to say "no" more often. I'd love to be superwoman (really, who wouldn't), but I have to be realistic: my energy level is being redirected to creating new life, so of course I'll have to take it a little easier on the commitments.

On Your Big Day

The hardest thing about being a wedding photographer is that you're pretty much always "on." So, I have three major things I do on a long day of shooting:

Key #1: Snack Snack Snack
Key #2: Stay Hydrated
Key #3: Strategic Bathroom Breaks

Granted, I've only been through pregnancy one-and-a-half times now, but focusing on these three things helps me keep my energy up and lets me stay focused on what's important--the beautiful bride and gorgeous groom. A bite of a granola bar here, sips of water when I can, and using quiet and in-between times for a needed trip to the restroom.

My Back-Up Plan

I have a list of emergency shooters for the last-minute unthinkable thing. I hire assistants for the weddings that I know will be large, long, and physically arduous. Other photographers in my personal network know that I'm pregnant. My family is alert and aware of my obligations. My doctor knows my vocation and keeps tabs on my health for me. It's a lot of work to set this up, but it's only fair to my clients, and to myself!

The Final Word for Brides

As I said before, do go with your gut on this issue. But also take a lesson from it: no matter what photographer you choose, make sure you go over their cancellation policy and what their procedures are in the event of a personal emergency--for them or for you! It's not pleasant to think about either you or your photographer having some sort of emergency, but you'll be happier and feel more at ease leading up to and on your special day.

A Note For Photographers

My advice to other photographers is this: you know your body, your shooting style, and your business plan. Make decisions based on accurate knowledge of all three, and with the guidance of your doctor. Pregnancy is not a terminal illness; it's a temporary but significant and unpredictable condition that will require you to alter your normal way of doing things.

So, examine your cancellation policy (please tell me you have one). As with any other medical condition, create a safe and satisfactory back-up plan for you and your clients according to your worst-case-scenario. Your clients will thank you for ensuring that there's someone there to photograph their one-time event, just like your body will thank you for all the preparation and caring towards its one-time event!

The worst thing you can do is nothing, and pretend like pregnancy doesn't matter. It does, but it's no reason to go into a mental tailspin. Your clients may react unpredictably to your news, but don't let that phase you. Pregnancy and birth, like marriage, are life-changing events, so cherish them both accordingly!