Birth Stories Q&A
Why would I want to photograph the birth of my baby?
Well, it's simple! Birthing a child is Real, Raw and Emotional! The birth of a baby is the most rawest of humanity and the love that one has for another. Is the most difficult and empowering moment in a mothers life, it deserves to be captured and preserved for life long memories.
The look on your husbands face as he meets his precious child for the first time is priceless.
Why do I need to hire a professional birth photographer?
Not anyone can jump in a delivery room and start clicking away. It takes lots of experience, professional equipment and the knowledge to be able to work in any given situation. Delivery rooms are super small and crammed to begin with, then we have to make sure we can get the shots we need without being in the way of the medical staff. The lighting in a delivery room is also very unpredictable and one needs to be able to adjust quickly and efficiently so we don't miss any little detail of this wondrous moment in time. As your birth photographer I will document your beautiful story with the highest quality professional images that you will be able to cherish for years to come.
What exactly do you photograph?
One of the most asked questions is "will you take pictures of EVERYTHING??". And my answer is - I'll take pictures of whatever YOU want me to capture! Everyone is different and has their own preferences. I shoot mostly from the top of the hospital bed or side table. I tend to be very modest with my photographs - little to no nudity. Sometimes I do take those images - when requested - but mostly they are kept private for your personal viewing. I try and find creative ways to show what is happening without showing the 'whole shebang', if you know what I mean. If you want everything captured, I will capture everything (as long as your place of birth allows). If you desire to be more modest, we will discuss the particulars at our consult and I will respect your wishes. Nothing graphic is ever shared on social media and you have full rights to decide what can be shared or not.
Are you really on call 24/7?
Yup! Thats part of the job! I go on call for my clients at 38 weeks and stay on call until you deliver. Being on call means my phone is always at arms reach, with the ringer turned up and I am no further than an hour outside my home. Day or night, it doesn’t matter. On call is 24/7 access.
When I go into labor, when should I call you?
Please call as soon as you are admitted for active labor. I like to call it the point of no return, where they will not send you home because it really is time. This gives me a good heads up to prepare childcare and to eat or get some coffee in my system to prepare for a long evening. Once you are in active labor, have your husband, or a designated family member, keep in touch with me with updates and I will come right over as soon as you are at the perfect spot in your labor ( about 5 cm) for documenting.
Why is birth photography so expensive?
Birth photographers commit weeks of time to living on call. That means I do not leave more than 30 minutes out of town, I have alternate plans for my own children and my phone is on me all day and night, and I often even miss important family events, such as birthdays and holidays, all to ensure that I do not miss your babies entrance into this world. I do offer payment plans at no additional charge.
We are ready to hire you! What comes next?
The need to contact me to set up a consultation and date. The earlier the better, as I only schedule ONE Birth Story a month. To ensure that I never miss a birth, I do not book births around a wedding or any other once in a lifetime event, which is also why I recommended booking as early as possible into your second trimester. Birth Stories are booked on a first come, first serve basis. It's best to get in touch early if you can! But there are often last minute spots available, so don't fret if you've found me late in your pregnancy! I always meet with expectant parents so that you can get to know me better and ensure you and your husband are comfortable inviting me to be a part of such an intimate experience. We will discuss all of the details at that meeting, and I can answer any questions you might have.