All About Birth Photography - FAQ
WHAT IS BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY?
Birth photography is the documentation of your labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum moments... but let’s be honest, it is so much more than that. It really is the preservation of the best day of your life. Your birth day is a day full of overwhelming love, a day full of anticipation and excitement, a day full of hard work and undeniable strength… and, unfortunately, a day where the details are often forgotten so quickly, becoming a blur. Birth Photography is a way of having these precious moments captured for you to look back on and remember. Remember the way your husband held your hand, rubbed your back, brushed the hair off your forehead. Remember how your precious baby looked the very second she was born. Remember her first cry. Remember the look on your husbands face in that exact moment when a new life joined yours. Birth Photography helps you never forget the most important day of your life.
Birth Gallery & Investment Info
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK WITH YOU?
Due to the unpredictable nature of birth, being a mom to my sweet little guy, and the work going towards my clients before AND after birth (meetings/editing large gallery’s) I am only able to schedule 2-3 births a month. Please keep this in mind when thinking about booking. It’s better to book as soon as possible, in order to ensure a spot on my calendar!
WHEN DO YOU ARRIVE AT MY BIRTH & HOW LONG DO YOU STAY?
I do my best to gauge the perfect time for me to come. Ideally, I like to come while you are in active labor, and usually determine when to head your way based on how close together/intense your contractions are, or 5-6cm dilated. Once I am there, I stay through the remainder of your labor, through your delivery, and up to 2 hours postpartum.
DO YOU TAKE PICTURES OF THE WHOLE LABOR & BIRTH?
YES! I will capture all of the details of your day; including labor, delivery, and after baby is born. I will take photos of as much as you want, and you have the ultimate decision on how intimate you want your photos to be. If you are uncomfortable with me shooting something, I will absolutely respect that! If you book me, this is something we will go over in more depth in the client questionnaire & model release!
WHAT IF MY MY BIRTH TAKES A REALLY LONG TIME?
I’m in it for the long haul! I don’t have any additional costs if your birth goes past a certain many hours. The last thing I want is for my clients to feel pressured because they will have to pay additional fee after a certain amount of hours. All packages include unlimited coverage. If your labor is going longer than anticipated, I do request taking a short break every few hours to check on my son, step out to nibble on some food, and stretch my legs (depending on your labor status)
WHAT IF I HAVE A SHORT LABOR? WILL I GET ANY OF MY MONEY BACK?
I do NOT refund any money for a shorter labor. When you book me for a birth session, your investment goes towards more than just my time capturing your birth. Each birth requires a similar amount of work with on call time, and the editing of your gallery/film, regardless of how long your labor lasts.
WHAT IF YOU MISS THE BIRTH?
I have personally never missed one of my clients births, but that being said, baby’s and births can be unpredictable! If you have a super fast labor, I do not refund any money, but I do still come as planned and photograph as much as possible of those special after birth moments. I will then come and do a Fresh 48 session the following day, or schedule a documentary session with you in order to build a full gallery to replace those missed birth moments. In the rare event that I am ill or I have an emergency, I have a few photographers that I trust that I can send as a backup.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH CESAREAN BIRTHS?
I love to capture all different types of birth, including c-sections! It is your responsibility to communicate with your care provider & to advocate to have me in the operating room if you wish. If it is an emergency situation, and there is no time for communication, and I am not allowed in the OR, if possible I will hand my camera to someone who will be there so that they can capture the birth as best as they can, and I will resume taking photos/footage as soon as baby and mom are stable.
WILL YOU BE INTERACTING WITH US AT ALL DURING LABOR?
It all depends. In the time leading up to your due date, we will be in frequent communication to establish a relationship so that it does not feel like you have a stranger in the room. I believe it is essential for you to have your perfect, peaceful birth space with the least amount of uncomfortable or negative influences as possible. That being said, I am perfectly content to stand back in the shadows, but there may be times that we will have more interaction. I follow your cues. If you are in the zone and in the throws of labor, I will be a fly on the wall so you can work and stay focused. If you are feeling good and up for talking, I would love to chat!
DO YOU USE FLASH DURING A BIRTH?
90% of the time, yes, I do use flash during births. I do not flash directly at my subjects. The light bounces off the walls and/or ceilings, so it won’t be harsh or super noticeable. Using flash during births, especially during low light births, help to create sharp, quality photos. Otherwise many photos would be grainy, and not as sharp or in focus.
WILL YOU POST MY BIRTH PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR YOUR WEBSITE/BLOG?
Only if you sign your model release. I love birth stories, and I never get tired of reading/seeing them unfold, through imagery or in real life. I think that something has been lost among women in modern culture, we don't talk about birth among our families and friends the way we once did. I love to show the beauty, power, and magic of my clients birth stories, in hope that it will empower other women. I want women to feel strong, confident, and capable when they're about to meet their babies, and sharing birth images may help to encourage that mentality.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS OR TAKE PAYMENTS?
Due to the great deal of responsibility, sacrifice, and commitment birth photography requires, I rarely offer discounts on my services. I do however offer payment plans so that I can make my services attainable for as many families as possible. A $400 retainer is due at the time of booking, and the remaining balance can be paid throughout your pregnancy. This is something we can discuss and customize depending on your needs. The full investment is due by 35 weeks, before I go on call for your birth.
HOW MANY PHOTOGRAPHS WILL I GET?
You will receive anywhere from 100-200 images in an online gallery, where you will be able to download them directly to your computer.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY PHOTOGRAPHS AND/OR FILM?
I will deliver 2-4 edited images for you to see and share within 24 hours. The full gallery/film takes time to edit due to the amount of content, everything will be delivered to you via online gallery links 4-6 weeks after your birth day.
DO YOU OFFER GIFT CERTIFICATES?
Yes of course! What a wonderful gift it would be to receive coverage from a professional photographer at your birth! Until I have an electronic system set up, please contact me for more information.
DO YOU OFFER SESSIONS BESIDES BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY?
I do! I offer lifestyle/documentary style sessions. I am extremely passionate about capturing life and moments as they happen, so I don’t do a lot of posing during my sessions. I offer lifestyle newborn, and documentary family/maternity sessions! You can view more information on these sessions here.