Why hire a birth photographer?

Birth photography is a fast growing niche and has become overwhelmingly popular with parents who are increasingly seeking out professional photographers for their births. Partners want to spend their time supporting the birth process and holding their babies, not taking pictures.

I can speak from personal experience when I say that relying on a relative or friend to take photos during your birth is taking a gamble. I only have a few images from my son’s birth, even though I encouraged everyone to take more. I regret that so much. The moment I became a mother was the most significant moment in my life. There’s nothing I want to remember more than that day!

When you think about it, hiring a birth photographer isn’t much different than hiring a wedding photographer. You can already anticipate that this will be one of the most important events in your life. It’s a day you never want to forget.

Birth photography is incredibly powerful – it incapsulates your most vulnerable, yet empowering moments as a parent. Your photographs will capture your partner supporting you through labor, your incredible determination, tears of joy and pain, the moment you first lay eyes on your baby, the cutting of the umbilical cord, the first feeding, siblings and other family members meeting your baby, and of course many many photos of your beautiful baby.

Meeting your child is the ultimate love story. There’s nobody in this world you’ll ever love more than your children. Professional birth photographers document your story so that you and your children can relive the experience again and again. There’s nothing more special than the joy and excitement which unfolds at the beginning of this new relationship with your baby.

As camera equipment increasingly improves, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to make extraordinary images, even in the darkest of conditions.

When and how do I book?

Booking your birth session early is highly recommended. I take a limited number of birth clients each year because I devote a significant amount of time and attention to my birth clients.

Before booking your birth photography session, we will sit together, review your birth plan and get acquainted. This is your opportunity to ask me any questions or discuss any concerns you have.

I realize that hiring the right birth photographer is an important decision and I respect you for carefully choosing who you’ll invite into the birth room.

After our initial in-person meeting and if you and your partner agree that we are the perfect fit, booking the session is quite simple. Your deposit of $500 secures your date in my calendar. For your convenience, I send the birth session agreement and model release at the same time. The remainder of your payment of $2000 is due 4 weeks before the expected due date.

How many images can I expect?

I deliver between 150 – 200 images and all of my birth packages include the high resolution photos, downloadable from your gallery. The most popular way to display birth images is in an album. Albums can be purchased after the birth or at a discounted rate as part of your birth package.

What to Expect during the birth?

The most important thing for me is to make sure my birth clients feel safe and comfortable. I do my best to remain as inconspicuous as possible and never use flash photography. I have invested in camera gear that is especially designed for low light photography situations so I can stay as unobtrusive as possible.

My presence in the room is regulated by the wishes of my you and the medical staff. Of course, my purpose is to chronical the birth each and every step of the way, but remain respectful of those wishes.

What happens if I have a quick labor?

Labor is unpredictable. Knowing in advance that there’s a possibility I won’t make it to the birth on time is important to consider. These are very rare occasions however, and can be prevented by staying in touch regularly. In the event I miss the birth, I come to the hospital as soon as possible and photograph the moments following the birth – after all, they are equally special and important.

When do you arrive once I’m in labor?

My general rule of thumb is to arrive at the hospital/birth center/home at the same time as you or when your midwife arrives – that means, you are generally in active labor by this point. My clients keep me updated regularly leading up to the birth, so it’s generally pretty clear when I should leave.

Are my images going to be shown publicly?

Your privacy is extremely important to me. I never share images from your birth unless I have your explicit permission to do so. (a model release) Additionally, you have the option to release only specific images.

As a birth photographer, I feel very strongly however that accurate portrayals of birth stories are a the best way to positively impact the public’s perception of birth. Transparency and education are an important goal for birth professionals and birth photographers because it boosts women’s confidence in themselves and eliminates the fear sometimes portrayed by the media.

However, potential birth clients need to see a wide variety of birth images to fully understand what to expect. Just as you are viewing the galleries in my portfolio, future clients will be eager to see your images there too!

How do we stay in contact during the course of my pregnancy?

I love hearing about all your pregnancy updates. Most of my clients send me a message after every appointment with their doctor of midwife beginning at 36 weeks. When you suspect labor is starting, checking in regularly with updates is the best way for us to ensure I get to the birth on time. There are never too many updates!

How long are you ‘on call’?

Upon booking your session, I am ‘on call’ for you from 39 to 41 weeks. This means I will not travel further than 2 hours from your pre-determined birth location. I am dedicated to being there for you!

Are we the right fit?

Let’s have a chat! I would love the opportunity to sit down with you and let you know what birth photography means to me and how it can make your birth the most life-changing experience you’ll ever have. (I’m not over exaggerating.) Go to the contact tab and reach out.

What happens during unexpected and emergency situations?

There may be instances where I am not allowed in the birth room. For example, some hospitals restrict photographers from entering the operating room during a C-section. In this case, I will use my discretion and photograph only where I am permitted and respect the medical staff’s wishes. However, it is important that you and your partner advocate for me to join you in the OR if that is your wish.

The Investment

Yes, it’s true that birth photography is an investment, but here are a couple of ways you can keep birth photography a priority.

• Add birth photography to your gift registry. Gift certificates are available for purchase by family and friends. Most clients can get up to 25% of the cost covered through their registry.
• Family and friends can support your wish for a birth photographer by clicking HERE.
• Payment plans are available! The great thing about a 9 month pregnancy is that it gives you a chance to spread out the cost over time.