BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY - Q & A
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?
As early as you can. The number of births that I take on per year is limited. Therefore, I encourage you to get in touch with me so that we can discuss my availability. The retainer fee must be paid to secure your due date, with the remaining balance due at our 37 week consultation. I am happy to offer an interest free payment plan to help spread the cost if needed. I also offer a birth registry, which is sort of like a baby registry but for you birth photography suspense. Please get in touch with me to discuss more details.
DO I NEED TO GET PERMISSION FROM MY HOSPITAL OR MIDWIFE?
Absolutely, yes. This is very important and it is your responsibility to make sure that your chosen hospital/birth center will allow me to be present. I am more than happy to meet with them prior to your birth to discuss any concerns that they may have, please feel free to give them my information.
WHAT IF I HAVE A C-SECTION?
Even if your hospital has a policy against allowing photographers into the birthing room, I can still come to the hospital and document your story before and after the birth.
WHAT IF I GIVE BIRTH PREMATURELY?
If you go into labor before you are 38 weeks, I will do my very best to get to you as soon as possible. If I am unable to get to you in time to document your birth, I will aim to be with you within the 48 hours for a fresh 48 session.
WHAT IF MY LABOR IS LONG, WILL YOU BE THERE THE ENTIRE TIME?
I am in it for the long haul! I may step out for a bit or to get some rest if your labor is long, but I will be there to shoot your birth. If I am unable to attend your birth due to illness and I cannot find a back-up, you will receive a full refund of your deposit. If I miss your birth due to a faster than usual delivery, meaning I arrive within one hourafter I'm called and you've already given birth, I will not be able to refund you. I will continue the session as planned.
WILL MY IMAGES BE GRAPHIC?
You decide what type of pictures you are comfortable having taken at your birth. I have a vision, but it will not conflict with yours, only enhance it. During our initial consultation to book your birth photography, we will discuss your vision for your birth session and answer any questions you may have about the process. I will not shoot any types of images that you feel uncomfortable with and I will work to make sure we capture the little things to remember the day as well.
DO YOU HAVE TO SHARE OUR IMAGES IN YOUR PORTFOLIO OR ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
No. The pictures that are chosen for my portfolio are cropped for modesty and discretion. Remember this is your birth and your memories. I'm here to serve you. I will usually have pictures from your birth that you will feel comfortable posting on my blog/website, with your approval of course. If any labor or birth pictures are posted, you will have full approval first. Many do, however, share their birth stories with family and friends.
WHAT ABOUT PICTURES AFTER OUR BABY HAS ARRIVED?
Not everyone wants to photograph their birth, yet they want to capture those fleeting first moments after the birth: baths, diaper changes by Dad, Grandparents welcome, nursing pictures, or just the sweet newborn moments that disappear all too quickly. A fresh 48 session takes place 24-48 hrs after your birth and can be shot at the hospital, birth center, or your home. I can follow you home from the hospital or birth center. You pick the first moments you want to remember. This is not a newborn session which captures stylized pictures of you and your newborn. Those are beautiful keepsakes, but this is about telling the story of those first glowing days of your babymoon and postpartum journey.
ARE YOU THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR ME?
This may strike you as an odd question to add to this Q&A, but I may not be right for you and that is okay. There are other birth photographers out there, just like there are other doulas, midwives and doctors for you to choose from. Please examine my portfolio, read my blog and meet with me to have your questions answered. As your photographer, I am going to be part of your birth team and ultimately part of your birth story. Choose your birth team carefully. This is one of the most incredible days of your life and as much time as we all spend researching car seats and cribs, those present during your birthing time are so important for you to feel good about. Congratulations on your upcoming birth!
DOS and DON’TS
when hiring your BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER
Don’t : wait too long to find one
most birth photographers only take a limited number of birth clients per month to ensure their clients receive their full support and time so if there is a particular one that you want to work with, reach out as soon as you can.
Don’t: hire them blindly
Ask to see sample photos so you can determine if their ART lines up with your vision. Make sure you check out their website and read reviews and ask your friends about their experiences
Don’t: have too many expectations of what will be captured
Every birth story is unique and it is YOURS. Your photographer will know how to find the beauty and art in all situations.
Don’t: just choose the cheapest photographer
Although looking for the cheapest deal is appealing, you will want to make sure you choose a photographer with experience, has knowledge of the birth process, and understands and respects your medical birth team. T his moment only happens ONCE and there are NO REDOS... hire someone that you are confident will tell your birth story perfectly and reflects who you are!
DO: meet your prospects
you want people you trust and someone you are confident will provide an energy that vibes with yours in your birth space.
DO: ask them about their gear and if they carry a back up camera in case of emergencies.
DO: ask if they have a payment plan
most birth photographers understand the financial commitment that comes with hiring a birth photographer and often can offer up a payment schedule prior to labour with final payment due around 36 weeks.
DO: inform your care provider
Let your birth team know that you have hired a photographer to be present at your birth.
