Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Roberts.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been interested in photography—from documenting a trip to Holland as a child, to photographing high school events and sports for the yearbook, and taking my high school’s first-ever photography class—I had found my calling.
As the years went on, my opportunities for photography varied, but my love for it never waned. It grew even more as I became a mother and documenting my babies became paramount. My husband was always supportive and encouraged me to get our first DSLR when my second son was born.
I started photographing others just for fun, experimenting with my new camera. I loved taking pictures of my friends and their children, capturing sweet faces and big expressions. I began to wonder what it would be like to do it as a job.
Fast forward to after my third child was born—my best friend was training to be a doula, something I had never heard of and knew nothing about. She shared everything she was learning and was so passionate about birth and about helping others understand their options so they could have the best experience possible during one of life’s most amazing events.
That seed was planted in my mind, and over the year I learned more and more. Then, when I went to visit one of my sisters who was close to giving birth, her doctor decided to move up her c-section to the day we arrived. Suddenly I had the thought to ask if I could take pictures of the birth. She and her husband agreed—and that decision was pivotal in my trajectory as a photographer.
Documenting the birth of my nephew brought on so many emotions—primarily love and awe—and awakened a deep desire for more. I became insatiable in seeking out other opportunities to document birth. I shared my newfound passion with my best friend, and we became a dynamic duo at many births—she as the doula and I as the photographer.
Since then, I’ve decided to train as a doula to complete the circle. I had already found myself helping others during labor—in between taking photos, I would give counter pressure, offer words of encouragement and praise, and cheer when the baby made his or her appearance. I realized I had been a doula all along, supporting and celebrating these women and families; all I lacked was formal training. That training opened my eyes even more to the beauty of birth, the importance of supporting women and their partners, and what it means to assist in the empowerment of women in fulfilling their divine role as mothers.
I’ve now supported and photographed more than twenty families and individuals, both as my own clients and as a backup doula or photographer. It’s been such an honor to be part of each of their stories.
Not only do I photograph births, but I also do regular family and motherhood portrait sessions. Every aspect of documenting and supporting families holds deep value to me and is worth my time and energy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Living life on call is one of the hardest parts of being a doula and birth photographer. It means sacrificing sleep, missing family milestones, and constantly balancing the needs of your loved ones with the deep commitment you’ve made to your clients. Once a contract is signed and a deposit is accepted, you’re all in—no matter what life throws your way.
Our family manages with one vehicle, which adds an extra layer of coordination to birth work. Since my husband works from home most of the time, it usually runs smoothly—unless a birth coincides with school pickup or another family commitment. I lean heavily on my village—friends and neighbors who have come to the rescue countless times. I’ve also chosen to grow my business slowly and intentionally, recognizing that raising babies while living the on-call life requires flexibility and grace.
As a doula, you advocate for your client’s preferences and birth plan—sometimes in ways that may conflict with hospital procedures. Promoting evidence-based care isn’t always welcomed in every setting, and occasionally that can create tension. It’s emotionally challenging when the birth space feels anything but peaceful, especially when your role is to foster calm for your client. At the same time, you work to build trust and mutual respect with medical professionals, helping bridge understanding and reduce bias toward doulas.
One of the greatest challenges of birth work is navigating the unexpected. When emergencies arise—when the wellbeing of the mother or baby is at risk, or when a birth takes a sudden turn—you hold space for families in their most vulnerable moments. Supporting a mother as her birth unfolds differently than she hoped can be deeply emotional and, at times, heavy to carry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a birth photographer and videographer and doula based in Utah County, and I specialize in documenting the raw, sacred, and emotional moments surrounding pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. I’m most known for capturing stories in an authentic, connected way—images that make you feel something, not just remember what it looked like.
My work is deeply personal because it grew out of my own journey as a mother. I’ve always loved photography—ever since I was a kid with a camera in hand on a trip to Holland, to photographing high school events and learning in my school’s first-ever photography class. As my family grew, my love for documenting everyday moments became even stronger. Then, when I photographed my sister’s birth for the first time, something clicked—I realized how powerful and meaningful birth stories are, and that documenting them was what I was meant to do.
Over time, I found myself doing more than just taking photos. I was offering support, encouragement, and comfort to the women I worked with. That naturally led me to train as a doula, and now I get to serve families in a way that combines both my creative and nurturing sides.
Being on call for births while raising four kids isn’t always easy—it means late nights, unpredictable schedules, and relying on a village of friends and neighbors—but it’s deeply fulfilling. Each birth, each family session, feels like a sacred honor to witness and preserve.
What sets me apart is the balance I bring: I’m both a documentarian and a support person. I understand birth from both a technical and emotional standpoint. I know when to quietly step back and when to step in with words of encouragement or hands of support. My goal is always to create a peaceful environment and to capture images that honor the strength, beauty, and divinity of motherhood.
I’m proud of the trust families place in me—being invited into one of life’s most intimate and transformative moments is not something I take lightly. And I’m proud of how I’ve built my business slowly and intentionally, in a way that honors my family, my values, and the women I serve.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love supporting and helping where and when I can, especially during difficult financial times. I accept trades, payment plans and HSA and FSA payment options.
You can find my work at www.eternallyphoto.com
I can be reached on Instagram (@eternallymotherhood) or Facebook (@eternallyphoto) and email sarah@eternallymotherhoodphotography.com
Pricing:
- birth photography $1350
- Birth film $1350
- Birth photos and film $1900
- Doula Services $1700
- Portrait photography starts at $275
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eternallymotherhoodphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternallymotherhood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eternallyphoto
