FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

what does the payment process look like?

When you book, you are required to pay a deposit to reserve the date and time of your session. 

For photo sessions this is a $100 non-refundable deposit. For placenta services, this is a $50 non-refundable deposit.

You may pay in full, or make payments, but the full amount must be paid 24 hours before the session.

For Birth, Just Born, and Placenta services, you have until 36 weeks to pay the full amount. 

Payment Options

Cash

Check

E-Transfer (Zelle, Apple Pay)

Square

PayPal 

* Payments made through Square and PayPal are subject to a 4% fee 

For example, if you pay the $100 deposit through Square, you would pay $104 to incorporate the 4% fee. 

When is the best time to schedule my maternity session?

• Most clients schedule their photo session between 30 and 34 weeks. (I recommend not scheduling too close to your due date!)

• A maternity session can also be a pregnancy announcement or gender reveal session, or both! I’m happy to offer a discount if you would like to schedule multiple maternity sessions.

• The lighting for outdoor sessions is best during the 1-2 hours before sunset or during the 1-2 hours after sunrise.

• The lighting for indoor sessions varies depending on the location, but is typically best between 10am and 4pm.

• A maternity session may range from 30-60 minutes. If it's just you and your partner, the session may be a wrap after 30 minutes because there's only so many variations of photos you can do without being too repetitive. However, a session with siblings or a gender reveal with friends and family may need to use up the entire 60 minutes! Either way, rest assured you will get plenty of beautiful photos back! 

What is a maternity session like?

I totally understand getting your photos taken can be awkward. But the nice thing about a maternity session is that you can hold and caress your baby bump so you always have something to do with your hands! 

I will help guide you through the basic poses, like how to hold your belly, where to look, etc. I will also give you some actions and tips to help things feel more candid… and fun!

I typically offer suggestions of where I think the photos will look best, based on the lighting. But I always love when clients have input! If you have a favorite flower, color scheme or look that you like, let me know!

Feel free to bring any props you’d like to include. Some clients will bring an ultrasound photo, blanket, letterboard, chalkboard, special baby outfit, baby shoes, etc. (But don’t let this stress you out. Other clients don’t bring anything and the photos are still perfect! This is completely up to you!)

How much does a maternity session cost?

Click here for pricing

When do we get the photos back?

Maternity session galleries are sent within 1-2 weeks of the session. I try to work as quickly as possible so that you get the photos back well before your baby arrives!

Can I include my pet(s)?

• 100% YES! Furry family members are always welcome too! Consider bringing treats or an incentive for them to perform well for the photos. 

• The only thing that pets will impact is location options. (Some locations don’t allow pets.)

What do we wear?

View my Style Guide here - https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2bHxlfTk/hQhT8KVOBLDjaFx6UHuUWg/edit?utm_content=DAF2bHxlfTk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

When is the best time to schedule a LIFESTYLE Newborn Session? 

• Most clients schedule their photo session between 1-3 weeks after birth. (It all depends on how mom and baby recover, and when mom feels up for it!)

• I typically schedule about 1-week in advance so if you’d like the photos soon after birth, I recommend that you contact me soon after baby arrives so I can fit you in sooner.

• Photos will look best when near or facing a brightly lit windowI only use natural window light for my sessions. The lighting in your home will vary depending on the size and number of windows in your home, and the time of day. Typically the lighting will be best sometime between 10am and 4pm, and often certain rooms will be brightest depending on which direction they face. 

-Just Born Sessions-

Notify me AS SOON AS you go into labor and again once baby is born. I aim to be there roughly within an hour of you notifying me of baby's arrival (may be over an hour depending on the distance).

What is a newborn session like?

• I totally understand getting your photos taken can be awkward and stressful. Especially after just having a baby! But the nice thing about a newborn session is that you have the sweetest little baby to hold and interact with the whole time!

• I'll begin by asking about your vision for the photos, if you have any specific areas in or around your home you wanted photos to be taken. If you hadn't even thought about it, no worries! I can recommend some areas based on where the lighting looks best that will result in beautiful photos.

• I will help guide you through the basic poses, like how to hold the baby, where to look, etc. I will also give you some actions and tips if needed to help things feel more relaxed and candid. Honestly, all you need to do is hold and love on your precious new baby! Stare at them in admiration; their faces, their hands and little fingers, feet and toes. Cover them in kisses; their forehead, cheeks, the tip of their itty bitty nose, their hands and feet. Let their hand grasp onto your finger. 

How long will the session last?

Most newborn sessions are around 1 hour. Each session time will vary slightly because babies are unpredictable and I completely understand that! I’ve had three babies and each of them was very different. Some may sleep the whole time, others may need fed/changed/calmed, and I don’t ever want you to feel stressed or rushed! I’m also happy to snuggle a baby, or help entertain a toddler when needed.

I will always make sure we get a variety of images and that everyone is happy!

How much does it cost?

Click here for pricing

When do we get the photos back?

Newborn session galleries are sent within 2 weeks of the session. I try to work as quickly as possible so that you get the photos back while your baby is still fresh and new! 

How can we prepare for the session?

• The main thing you need to prepare is your home. I typically take photos in the nursery, master bedroom, living room, or wherever has the most window light. Some rooms are brighter in the morning or afternoon depending on which direction they face, so keep that in mind when selecting a time to schedule your session.

• Even if the window light isn’t ideal, my camera does really well in low light, so basically all you need to do is make sure your home looks how you want it to in the photos. However, if you aren't able to or don’t feel like cleaning or making the house photo ready, I can always try and crop to certain views, or find a little corner that has perfect natural light and make that space photo ready! Because that’s really all I need.

• Since I am primarily a “lifestyle photographer” (candid, documentary, etc), I don’t bring props or backdrops. But you are welcome to include anything you have! Some clients provide a special basket, bassinet, letterboard, accessories, quilt, etc. (But don’t let this stress you out. Other clients prefer just the baby and a swaddle blanket, and the photos are still perfect! This is completely up to you!)

Can I include extra people/pets?

YES! Siblings, grandparents, best friends, aunts, etc. All are welcome to have their photo taken with the baby at no extra cost. Just be aware of the 1 hour timeframe. Pets are always welcome too!

What do we wear?

• Your clothing should both reflect your personality and also be something you feel comfortable in! I always recommend a long dress, they photograph beautifully!

• Some clients prefer to be casual and wear jeans or leggings and a blouse, while others prefer a dress. If you can’t decide, wear both! We will have time for two different outfits if you’d like to change in the middle.

• My personal style preference for sessions is complementary pops of color and patterns in combination with pastels and/or neutral colors such as cream, peach, beige, sage, blues. But if you love bright colors or dark, moody contrast, then please just ignore me! Because the photos should be YOU! And that’s what I want to capture.

• For husband and kids if they are joining, complementary outfits photograph much nicer than everyone wearing white and khaki, in my opinion!

• For the baby…the options are endless! And we can do as many outfit changes as the baby allows. (Some hate to be changed and it makes them super angry. But others don’t mind at all!) Some ideas are: your favorite onesie (so you can see their cute legs and toes) , a trendy knotted onesie dress, swaddled in your favorite blanket, or my personal favorite: “natural” aka - just in a diaper or bloomers! If you are looking for cute newborn outfits, here are a few of my favorites: Lucy Lue Organics, Mebie Baby, and Lou Lou and Company.

Links for outfit inspiration:

Family outfit ideas for in home sessions

Family outfit ideas for in home sessions

For newborn outfits: 

Lou Lou & Co outfits & gowns

Mebie Baby

What is a Birth Story?

A birth story is the photographic documentation of your active labor, delivery and precious first moments after birth. It is your birth, told as a beautiful story of photographs. I am on call for my birth clients from 38 weeks on. During this time, we meet in person if possible, or schedule a video call to get to know one another and to discuss their birth plans. They keep me updated on changes and progressions as their due date approaches. As soon as labor begins, they call to inform me, and together, we discuss progression signs towards active labor that will inform when it's best for me to arrive to the birth space. I typically will make my way to the birth as soon as the midwife/doctor has checked my client and determined that they are 7 centimeters dilated for first time birthers and 5-6 centimeters dilated for experienced birthers, or a combination of more than one other signs of active labor. Every birthing person is different, so I stay in close communication with my clients throughout their birth experience. I consider myself an integral, loving and humble part of my client's birth team. Upon arrival, I document as much, or as little of the experience as my client requests, paying attention to both the small details and the large picture of the day. I stay and photograph until around 2 hours after baby is born, telling their birth story through honest, artful imagery. They receive a couple of "sneak peak" images within 72 hours after birth to use as welcome baby announcements for their family, friends and social media accounts. The full private online gallery of their edited birth story images will be received no later than 4-6 weeks after their birth. The images will not be watermarked and will come with full personal printing rights. 

Do you have birth photography training?

Yes! I am a Houston Birth Photographer who has trained under the fabulous birth photographers and teachers of the Birth Becomes You network. Monet and Jennifer taught me and my classmates everything they could about their many years of experience as birth photographers. Over the 3 month certification course, we studied how to hold space in the birth room as photographers, the progression of labor, hospital, cesarean & home ettiquete, camera and flash settings, inclusion in the birth space and our business practices, and so much more. The following quote from my class syllabus sums up their teaching style, and what I learned deeply from the course: “Being a great birth photographer is not just about knowing how to use your camera, understanding different lighting situations and capturing monumental moments artistically in a situation that is completely unpredictable. It is recognizing the sacredness of birth, understanding the birth process and being supportive and accepting of each mother’s individual choices. Every birth is unique and special, as that mother will only ever have one experience of bringing that baby into the world, this is why it is so important that we honor and respect her wishes and ensure that our presence is a positive one that she is grateful for”.  

Do you work with clients of all races, ethnicities, faiths and religious backgrounds?

YES! I love and accept the diversity of our world. I welcome MOTHERS and families of all races & ethnicities, and I welcome all faiths & religious backgrounds. 

Will you pose or change my position during my birth?

No, I will not ask you to change your position to get a better picture during your birth. Your birth is your sacred time and it’s completely up to you to decide which positions you want to be in. I may suggest opening a window or turning on a lamp as baby is being born, because the extra light will provide a crisper and more detailed image. My top priority is your comfort and I will balance that priority with your desire to get important images during your birth. 

How graphic are the photos?

It’s all dependent on your comfort level. I will capture as much or as little as you want. If you want photos of everything, I’ll make sure you get them. If you’d prefer to keep things more conservative or want a mix of both, I can do that too.

When should I book you?

As early as possible! In order to give each of my clients the attention they deserve, I can only accept a limited number of births per year. I generally work with only one or two families per month, so I encourage you to contact me as soon as you know you're expecting. Booking as early as possible also gives you more time to make payments.

I don’t want a stranger in the room...

With frequent check-ins throughout your pregnancy and if you choose to have the optional pre-birth meeting (usually an hour long) I can promise you we won’t be strangers! It is so important to me that you feel comfortable with the people in your birth space!  

However, I know that this service isn’t for everyone. I understand that this is a very private and intimate time for a new family and some wish to keep it to themselves. If this is you, you may be interested in a “Just Born” session, where I come join you as soon as you let me know baby has been born. 

That being said, as a mother, nothing compares to seeing your own labor and delivery from an outsiders perspective. Watching the story unfold, through every tiny detail that you may not have been able to notice or pay attention to, but your birth photographer did. My only regret is that I didn’t have a birth photographer for my births as well. 

When will you show up?

Ideally, I arrive sometime during your active labor. The most perfect timing is a few hours before your baby is born, for a total of 4-5 hours of coverage. Birth is SO unpredictable most of the time... so we do our best to gauge the right time for me to join you based on a variety of indicators. Usually it's best to go by how close together your contractions are, and how difficult they are for you to manage. Other factors that will weight in the decision if they are known are dilation, effacement, station, and if your membranes are ruptured or intact. 

What if you miss the birth?

Babies are unpredictable! Missed births happen, but they're rare. If I miss the birth because your labor was super fast, I still come to your place of birth to document as much of your story as I can. If there are too many missed moments to build a full gallery, I am happy to offer a Lifestyle Newborn/Fresh 48 session in hospital, at home or a Family session a few days later.

How soon will I see my images?

Immediately after your birth, I will deliver a handful of edited images for you to see and share right away, generally within 24 hours. You can expect to receive the full gallery within 2-3 weeks. 

Will my photos be seen by everyone online?

Only if you want them to! All of my clients state in their contract which photos I’m allowed to use for my portfolio and website whether it’s all, none, or some.

I can just have my spouse or a nurse take the pictures...

Birth is an experience for the whole family. Instead of putting your partner behind the camera, allow him to be present in the moment, and to be a part of the photos. 

A nurse may be able to snap a few quick low quality phone photos for you, but they are not able to simultaneously take photos and do their job. Nurses are busy! Doing their job to make sure you (and their other patients, if at a hospital) are taken care of certainly precedes taking photos. 

Instead, hire someone who’s sole responsibility is making sure the whole experience is beautifully captured and documented with thought and intention behind each photo. Photos of such a special and once-in-a-lifetime moment deserve to not be an afterthought. 

You’ll get to preserve the “I did it!” look on your face the moment you hold your baby in your arms, the look of joy on your partner’s face the moment he meets baby. I also include other family members’ reactions who are present as well. Photos of siblings meeting the new baby are memories you’ll never want to forget! 

But why is it SO expensive?

Birth is very unpredictable. Because of that, I am on call 24/7 from your 38 week mark until you deliver. This basically means that I put my life on hold until your baby arrives for potentially 4 weeks. I don’t plan any far away trips, or any other adventure that would make it more difficult for me to break away to come to you. Even if I am in the middle of a session, I will cut it short and reschedule to be by your side. 

In addition, I will stay at your birth for however long you’re in active labor through 2 hours after delivery. That means I could be there for 3 hours, or I could be there for 35 hours! Because of this unknown invested time, I have to charge accordingly.

How can I afford it?

It's certainly an investment, much like a wedding photographer. Some suggestions I have include: start saving early, ask for a payment plan that works for you, ask friends/family for donations or contributions towards a birth photographer on your baby registry.

What is the best part for you?

There are so many best parts. I love all the tiny details that make each birth so unique. I love using photographs to reflect back a mother's power and strength so she can remember it forever. All the emotions and support in the room. I love capturing all the beautiful moments that otherwise wouldn't be remembered clearly- because birth can be a big blur for everyone experiencing it.

How do you schedule your time to prepare for birth when it is so unpredictable?

Unpredictable is the name of the game. When you sign a contract and put down a deposit, you are guaranteeing that I will be on-call for you 24/7 starting at 38 weeks until the birth of your baby. This means phone on loud, next to me at all times, bags packed and ready to go. This includes leaving at 3am, leaving mid-family dinner, etc. The work isn't easy but it is incredibly rewarding and absolutely worth it.

What led you to birth photography?

I'm a natural minded mother who has had a medicated hospital birth followed by an unmedicated breech birth at The Willow Birth Center, but I support moms in a variety of birth settings! After having my first baby, evidence-based birth support has been a passion of mine! Birthing rights, physical autonomy, informed consent and helping women embrace their power. After having my second baby, that passion and fire inside of me grew even bigger. It was then, after the experience I had with the support of my midwife, did I feel the calling to become a midwife myself. I wanted to support and empower women to reclaim their births and not be sentenced to a c-section if their baby was breech. However, I am a stay at home mom to 2 littles who are my main priority and require an immense amount of time and attention and until I am able to fully commit to midwifery school, I've found myself in birth photography! Nearly nothing gives me greater joy than supporting families on this crazy journey through parenthood, birth and creating captivating and emotional art that will be your family’s heirlooms for generations. 

I'm worried my children won't cooperate!

Please don't stress! I understand children, they aren't always meant to sit still, they love to move! I typically get the "look at the camera and smile" images out of the way first while they are still shy. My sessions are very much relaxed and not overly posed or scripted. We play games and I give prompts to capture those genuine, authentic, playful, loving images.