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Congrats! We're also expecting our first and, although I don't want the birth itself photographed, I just though I'd mention something our Hypnobirthing instructor said in class last night -- apparently every "extra" person you have around during the birth, aside from your birthing team (which is partner, doula/other support person, and medical providers) adds at least an extra hour to your labor. She said that in her experience, it's usually even more than that. So if you're not 100% comfortable with the photographers, you really might want to reconsider having them there.

I know this wouldn't get you pictures of the quality you want, but maybe your hubby could set up a camera on a tripod someplace safe, focus it in, and then use a remote or timer to get pics? At least you'd have some photos but wouldn't have to worry about the extra people.

I had a home birth & spent a lot of time debating whether or not I wanted a birth photographer...most likely my SIL there. We had two midwives & a doula (who is also training to be a midwife) & my husband. At the end of the day I decided that having more people around would get in the way of me "relaxing" and just being comfortable. I set up cameras & asked the midwives & doula to snap pictures (especially during important moments). They all did a wonderful job of capturing those moments for us, so I was happy & edited the pictures myself a few months ago. I don't regret not having a birth photographer. I think having more people there would have also made my husband uncomfortable although he kept telling me we could so whatever we wanted. Maybe play it by ear? I told my SIL I didn't know what I would end up wanting so we would just let her know when things got going & she was totally cool with that.

Are you photographing any births between now and your EDD? If so, maybe your friend can go along with you so she doesn't feel uncomfortable attending yours without her husband. Otherwise, stick to your instincts, less people is good, but you DO want those photos...

I think I would look for someone else that could do it, but have my 2 friends on stand by & just play it by ear. I really wanted birth photography for P's birth but ended up not having it & really really regretted it. For months it upset me that I didn't have it. I remembered my birth well enough to write a pretty detailed birth story, but I was also really out of it when I hit transition so it's all kind of a blur too.

I do like @emg86 idea of maybe setting up some camera's and just having your team snap pics periodically. That might work. Idk how that didn't happen at our birth but I seriously only have ONE shot of me taken on DH's phone and it's horrible quality.

Plus, you can always start out with your friends there & then ask them to leave if you're needing space.. Something tells me you probably wouldn't even notice them though. I know by the end I wasn't all that aware of who was/wasn't around. lol

I think this is a completely personal decision. I had a hospital birth and did not want anyone other than DH and necessary personnel. Birth, and the time after it are so precious and special. I did not feel the need to capture it on film or share it with anyone. While we don't have any photos of the birth in progress, we have some that DH took within a an hour of delivery after the medical team had cleared out and those photos and the memories I have are good enough for me. I definitely don't regret it.

@Vegmama: I didn't comment before because I wasn't sure that it would be helpful, but now that you've decided against it I thought I'd tell you that I think you made the right call! I am also a photographer and honestly one thing I've been really trying to do in my own life is PUT DOWN the camera and be more present in the moment without worrying so much about documentation. I think there is something very sacred about that first private moment that may be even more special because it will live on only in your memories.

When my closest friend gave birth there were a lot of people present. my girlfriend and I were essentially the baby mamas for her through the whole thing. So we had the three mamas, another close friend, the midwife, nurse, student nurse, doula and doula assistant. (we were at OHSU not a home birth.) Her l&d from start to finish was only 4 hours and she was so in the zone the entire time that our team never felt like a crowd. We only have pictures that we took on our phones which is sufficient but quality photos would be so nice. Especially I think for the mama giving birth because I think things are hard to remember when you're in that intense of a situation.

Labor is (usually) a long process so not all of the people are in your face all of the time. If you choose the right people and explain what you expect from them I think it's totally doable to have the additional two people. If she's a professional photographer they usually know how to quietly blend in and stay out of the way. One compromise is have them on call. So they aren't spending 12 hours with you but maybe drop in for half an hour of laboring, come back to capture the birth, make themselves scarce again and then a couple family photos when y'all are ready. I think it's worth it!