Why should I hire a birth photographer?
So you’re reading this. Which means you’ve been wondering - should I have my birth photographed? You’ve seen birth images on instagram and read the story behind them that’s moved you to tears. You’ve found strength and nodded along in hearing and seeing the stories of other birthing woman.
You’ve even imagined what you might look like the moment you hold your baby in your arms. Or if this will be your second or third birth, you may have forgotten what your first was like entirely and deeply regret not having a photographer there.
Hiring a professional to photograph your birth can seem so strange and “unnecessary,” especially when everyone has a phone these days. But do you really want your partner fiddling with a phone when they should be supporting you in whatever way they can? Or as your child comes earth side? Of course not! You want them fully present.
Having me capture these moments for you frees up whoever is there to support you do just that.
What does the Total cost include?
A face-to-face meeting to get to know one another, chat all things pregnancy and baby, and narrow down what the day will look like from my point of view. We’ll go over things like what images and moments you absolutely do and do not want captured, when I should arrive where you are giving birth, and any questions you might have for me.
Documentary style coverage from active labor to 1 hour after the birth.
A sneak peek of images within the day
All your images from the day delivered in a personalized online gallery within 3 weeks
Why is Birth Photography expensive?
Yes, it isn’t cheap to hire a birth photographer. We’re on call for you 24/7 for up to 4 weeks surrounding your estimated due date and are bringing our not-so-cheap equipment into often very dimly lit spaces. And so while you’ll have to invest in having your birth photographed…I promise you…that investment will feel priceless once you have those images in your hands. Just like your wedding day, you can’t get your birthing day back.
What if something goes “wrong” during the birth?
We will discuss this during our meeting but unless otherwise specified, and if the situation allows, I will continue shooting. If something traumatic happens, those photos will be put into a separate folder in your gallery, in case you are not quite ready to see them when they are done. While hard to see, these photos may be very helpful during the healing process after a traumatic birth experience.
How many images can I expect to get?
Usually 175-200 edited images, depending on the length of your labor.
How much is it? and Do you offer payment plans?
your investment of birth photography is $1,400 and can be spread out over payments. $400 of the fee is due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance spread out over three additional payments. I’ll have your payment schedule laid out in your contract so you don’t have to overwork that pregnancy brain ;)
Is it really worth it? Will I feel exposed and judged?
As a photographer and mother who has gone through the process myself twice now, I can tell you that during the most intense parts of your birthing experience, you don’t notice anyone in the room. From my experience, this is what I know to be true:
You won’t find a day in your life full of more emotion. Wedding days are gorgeous but absolutely nothing matches the raw joy and pure relief of seeing your baby for the very first time. It’s an emotion that you’ll want to recollect all the days of your life, no matter how your birth story goes.
You will want to process the day (or night). Regardless if your birth goes exactly as you planned or miles in the opposite direction, you will want to process it. Maybe not right away, but eventually. You’ll struggle to remember moments, even as early as days after. And having a collection of images from your birth day can help you piece together the timeline so much.
You won’t feel watched. if anything, I hope to be a smiling face or an encouraging word should you want it. I’m there to document your birth story but know how to step back and out if necessary. My job - first and foremost - is to honor your birthing space.
You don’t need to perform. Birth photography isn’t just for the people who are doing water births in their living room while Enya plays. It’s also for mamas in hospitals, with or without epidurals, with or without inductions. The story of your birth matters. Because not only is a child born, a mother is born too.
What if I require a Cesarean birth?
it is your responsibility to communicate with your care provider and to advocate to have me in the operating room if you wish. If it is an emergency situation, there is no time for communication, and I am not allowed in the OR, if possible I will hand my backup camera to someone who will be there so that they can capture the birth as best as they can, and I will resume taking footage as soon as baby has been stabilized.
What if I schedule a Cesarean?
Again, it is your responsibility to communicate with your care provider & to make sure it is okay for me to be present in the operating room.
Are you going to post my photos on the internet?
All clients are offered the opportunity to receive a discount when a model release is signed, allowing me to share images in online spaces such as my blog, Instagram and Facebook profile. You will make any decisions regarding publicity and marketing permissions (i.e., what kind of images to share) during our client meeting, and of course reserve the right to change your mind at any point.