What
is birth photography?
Birth
photography to me is a like a visual journal of the most memorable and
important day in your life. These are the moments that you so easily forget
even minutes after they happen, because your body was so busy working. The moments
when you first lay eyes on your baby. Your baby’s first breath and all of the
moments that follow. Birth photography is not a documentary of child birth or a
“behind the scenes” tour. It is a beautiful capture of emotions, life, and
love.
Do
you take pictures of the whole labor and birth?
I
arrive at the hospital, birth center, or home when you are in active labor
(usually around 4cm dialated) and I stay until about an hour after baby is
born. I take photos of the labor process, birth process, and first moments of
postpartum. During the birth will be determined by you. I can stand near the
mother’s head and photograph from that angle. Capturing what mom can’t see
because physically you can’t push and watch everything at the same time. I can
stand to the side of the mother. This would give of view of the doctors as well
as your partner. If there is any time you don’t want me present, just ask and
I’m happy to step away.
Will
you post the photos to the internet?
I will
post a sneak peek of modest, black & white images on my Facebook page
unless requested by you not to do so.
Will
we meet before the birth?
I
always suggest meeting in person before labor (36 weeks gestation or earlier) so that we
may talk face to face about any questions or concerns.
What
if I have a c-section?
C-section
moms are no different than vaginal moms in my opinion. So I treat you no
differently. Prior to surgery I ask that you contact your OR for details on
photography. In the event that I am not allowed, I photograph everything prior
to surgery and immediately following.
What
if you miss the birth?
In the
event that I were to miss a birth due to my unavailability, you are offered a
credit of the birth session. In the event that I miss a birth due to the fact
that you delivered faster than I could get to the hospital, I will be there to
capture everything following the birth as soon as I arrive. However, I will
reserve 10 days surrounding your due date!
When
should I book my birth session?
As
soon as you possibly can. The earlier in the pregnancy, the better.
Do
you offer discounts or take payments?
On
occasion, I may put birth sessions on sale. I also allow sessions to be paid in
TWO separate payments. All payments must be paid by the end of your session.
Do
you use a flash?
No. I
use in-camera abilities and techniques that allow me to shoot in darker places
without any special lighting.
How
many images will I get?
This
depends on the length of your labor and what things you do/don’t want me to
capture. The average birth gets 50-100 images.