why should i have a birth photographer?

We remember and celebrate birthdays every year of our life. It’s an important day, but that day is not only the birth of a child. It’s also the birth of a mother, a father, or a big sibling. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, and we often let it go by without honoring it the way we should. Weddings, high school graduation, even gender-reveal parties often get recorded more than birth. I’ve never heard anyone say, “I wish I didn’t have these pictures to remind me of my baby’s birth.” But I have heard many people say, “I wish I could remember that day more vividly.”

what are some benefits of having a birth photographer?

Those who are at the birth can be completely present without thinking about taking pictures along the way. Your partner or support team can focus on being with you rather than hiding behind a phone snapping quick photos. My husband and doula both took a handful of pictures at my first birth, but unfortunately this meant they weren’t in any of them. They were a big part of that day for me, and I wish I had someone there dedicated to solely documenting all of the details of who was present.

what if My partner or i aren’t comfortable with someone else in the room?

As a mother of two I understand the reservation in allowing someone into your birth space and sharing such intimate moments. This is why I will meet with you personally to get familiar with one other, learn more about your birth plan and support team, photography preferences, and to answer any questions you might have. I will be your friend (a very quiet, barely noticeable friend) who is there to support and honor you, rather than a stranger you cannot trust.

what types of birth will you attend?

Whether you are planning on having your baby at a hospital, the birth center, or at home, I will be there. My fee is the same for all types of birth. In the case of a c-section, whether it is scheduled or not, you can discuss with your doctor about having me in the OR. They are much more willing to allow a photographer in there if they know in advance. You are your own advocate, so explain what it would mean to you to have a photographer there.

when should i book you?

I will only take limited births since it requires me to have a clear schedule for a month while on call, so I recommend contacting me as soon as you think you're interested to check my availability! Once you've decided you want to hire me, you'll need to pay the initial non-refundable on-call fee to hold your tentative date. The rest of the fees are due by your 36th week of pregnancy. Booking me early also means that you can make payments and are more likely able to fit birth photography into your budget.

will my photos be shared online?

It is completely up to you whether your photos are shared or kept private. Some clients choose certain photos to keep for themselves and allow me to share others. While sharing client images helps others inquiring my services to see my work, I understand if you want to keep modesty or family privacy in mind. Others also benefit from seeing birth photos as a way of encouragement. Some men and women have not witnessed birth in a real, honest way due to the way society portrays birth from a fearful and extreme perspective. If you choose to share your images, they can serve as a testimony to your strength that others can find in themselves too.