Meet Colleen Murtha | Birth & Motherhood Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Colleen Murtha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colleen, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I genuinely hope my work is making a meaningful impact, both in my community and beyond. As a birth photographer, I know the images I capture evoke powerful emotions—sometimes positive, sometimes challenging. Someone once told me, “People aren’t used to seeing women in their power; it makes them uncomfortable.” That truth resonates deeply with me. As a society, we’ve censored some of the most beautiful and natural aspects of being a woman. Birth is universal; it’s how we all enter this world. Documenting and celebrating such a transformative experience feels like an enormous privilege and responsibility.

My goal isn’t just to help families process and celebrate their unique birth stories—it’s to educate, empower, and uplift women. I want them to know their options, trust their bodies, and embrace their incredible strength. Birth is a superpower, and it deserves to be honored as such.

A large part of my work also focuses on breaking down misconceptions about home birth. About 90% of my clients are home birthers, and through my lens, I’ve been able to challenge outdated stigmas surrounding this choice. Just 20 years ago, when my mom chose to have a home birth, people treated us like we were some kind of fringe, hippie anomaly. Today, as more birth workers highlight the safety and intimacy of home birth, we’re seeing families reclaim this option—sometimes for the first time in generations.

I also love showcasing the unwavering dedication of midwives. Their labor of love for their clients is awe-inspiring, and I’m honored to document the bond they create. My work not only tells the story of individual families but also helps foster a broader understanding and respect for the birth community. Together, we’re reshaping the narrative around birth and celebrating the power of women in a way the world desperately needs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer based in Columbus, with a passion for documenting women stepping into their power. Whether it’s motherhood, family, maternity, newborn moments, or my absolute favorite—birth—my work centers around capturing the raw, authentic beauty of life. Birth is unlike anything else; it’s unscripted, intimate, and transformative. I thrive on walking into a room and not knowing what will unfold, trusting the story to reveal itself as I document it. Honestly, I think I have the best job in the world!

I absolutely love getting to know my clients and learning about their birth desires. I am not just a fly on the wall—I become a part of the birth team. My role is to be the eyes of the birther, helping them relive their experience through my lens. The biggest feedback I hear from clients is, “You are so much more than a birth photographer.” That means everything to me because my goal isn’t just to take pictures; it’s to preserve a family’s story in a way that feels personal, powerful, and unforgettable.

In the past few years, I’ve won International Birth Awards I never thought possible. I’ve also made Top 20 Birth Photographer of the Year for the past two years. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and emotion I’ve poured into my craft and with my clients.

I wholeheartedly believe I’m where I am today because God put me here. My passion for home birth began when I was 10 years old, witnessing my sister’s birth in my mother’s bedroom. That moment left an indelible mark on me, sparking a lifelong fascination with the beauty and strength of birth. Pairing this passion with my love for connecting and photography has given me a unique ability to tell stories in an artistic, emotional way that deeply resonates with people.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting a business during the height of COVID, while caring for three young children, was far from easy. There was so much to learn—not just about photography, but about balancing life, work, and the unpredictable nature of birth. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that birth unfolds exactly as it needs to. My role is to go with the flow, trusting the process and letting go of perfectionism. I’ve also learned it’s okay to ask for help and rely on others—especially in a field as emotionally charged as birth work.

What I want the world to know is this: birth is one of the most profound, powerful moments in a woman’s life. It’s beautiful, raw, and doesn’t need to be overly controlled. We need to step back, be in awe, and respect the power and beauty of this experience. My mission is to document and celebrate that journey for families—to honor their stories and remind them of the strength and power within.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start by showing them around my absolute favorite part of Columbus—Clintonville! It’s where I grew up and where I still live, so it holds a special place in my heart. We’d stroll down High Street, popping in and out of vintage shops and bookstores, stopping by Tiger Tree for some unique finds, and grabbing a bite at Dough Mama—their breakfast ham sandwich is unbeatable! We’d also grab coffee at Two Tigers and maybe swing by the Rock Shop to browse. If it’s a Saturday, we can’t miss the Farmers Market with all the local farmers offering fresh, delicious produce. And for the ultimate treat, we’d head over to Destination Donuts—hands down the best donuts in town!

Next, I’d take them to Whetstone Park to visit the Park of Roses. The flowers are stunning, and there’s a creek nearby, perfect for kids (or adults!) to skip rocks, catch minnows, or just enjoy the water.

If it’s Sunday, the Columbus Museum of Art is a must. Not only is it free, but the kids’ area is a lot of fun, so everyone can enjoy it.

For dinner, NorthStar Café in Clintonville is a must-try, followed by a scoop of Jeni’s Ice Cream next door. Afterward, we could catch a Crew game if you up for losing your voice and watching the best soccer team win.

A trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Clay Cafe in Grandview, where you can paint your own pottery. And top it off with a drink from St. James Travern.

That sounds like the best trip to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t do what I do without my husband. He’s my best friend, my on-call partner, and biggest cheerleader, always supporting me through the chaos and unpredictability of this work. My kids also inspire the love I have for birth—this passion wouldn’t exist without them.

I am forever grateful to the women who came before me and instilled in me a love for art and birth. My mom, Jennifer; my aunt Julie; my cousin Julie Anne; and my siblings have been unwavering in their support, and I’m forever thankful for their encouragement.

A huge shoutout also goes to the incredible birth community here in Columbus. They truly feel like family—always checking in, providing a sounding board for my emotions, and lifting each other up in this work. I love working along side these women! Specifically, Amy Knisley of Well Rounded Midwifery deserves recognition for believing in me when I doubted myself. Her confidence and encouragement were instrumental in giving me the courage to pursue this path.

I couldn’t have done this work without all their love and support! Thank you!

Website: https://www.colleenmurthaphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleenmurthaphotography/

Image Credits
All Credit belong to Colleen Murtha Photography