BIRTH STORY FAQs

THE PROCESS

1. Get in Touch

If you're considering me as your birth photographer and have already looked through my website, you can book if you are ready, or inquire if you are still browsing. I will contact you within a few hours so that we can chat (over text/phone call/video chat) and see if we are a good fit! I'll answer any questions you have about working with me, you can get to know more about me, and we can go over payment plans, your preferences, vision, and expectations for this birth.

2. Make it Official

Once you're ready to book your birth story, please be sure to read through the description on the booking page. Find your due date on the calendar and select any time slot available. Fill out some basic information (name, email, phone #) and select add-ons (if any). Lastly, read and sign the contract, fill out the questionnaire, and pay the retainer. 

3. Pre-Birth Meeting

We'll meet in person or over video chat to talk more in depth about your birth wishes, desired experience, and go over your questionnaire answers. My goal during this meeting is to connect, make sure we're on the same page, and discuss how I'll be there for you during your birth. We'll talk about staying in close communication and what you do or don't want to be captured at your birth.

4. Birth Day!

When labor begins, we will be in very close communication. Once it's time for me to join you in the active labor phase, I'll be there thoughtfully documenting your birth story. I'll stay up to two hours after the birth of your little one to capture those special first moments together, and you will receive your full gallery within 4-6 weeks!

 


what is a birth story / birth photography?

Birth photography is a beautiful way to document one of the most life-changing moments of your journey—bringing your baby into the world. My role is to quietly and respectfully capture the raw, emotional, and powerful moments of labor, birth, meeting and bonding with your baby. These images tell the story of your strength and love with the care and dedication of your birth team. Your birth story will include coverage from active labor until about 2 hours after birth.

what exactly will you be photographing at the birth?

You get to choose! I will tailor it to your preference. Some moms want everything captured, full nudity, the crowning, the placenta, breastfeeding, all of it. Some moms don't want that at all and prefer a modest approach. During our consultation I will go over specific details of what you DO and DON'T want captured, it's your call, and I will fully respect it.

Your photos are always edited in private and are never accessed or viewed by anyone other than myself.

what if i go into labor early or late?

Babies have their own timeline, and I fully expect that! My commitment to my birth clients is to be on call for them, from 38 weeks, until their baby is born.  This means, I’m available 24/7 to come to your birth, at any time. My life revolves around being on call for your birth. I also work with a backup photographer in case of an emergency, so you’re always covered. 

what if i have a fast labor and you miss the birth? what if you're sick or have an emergency?

I always, always emphasize the importance of communication with my birth clients! Letting me know as soon as you notice the first signs of labor helps me gauge the best time to arrive at your birth space. No matter the time of day, no matter whether you're worried it's a false alarm, call me! If things move quickly, don’t worry—I will still be there to capture the moments as they unfold. A fast birth is still a beautiful and powerful part of your story, and I’ll document it with the same care and attention.

If the birth happens before I arrive, I will immediately begin capturing the tender first moments once I join you. Skin-to-skin, bonding, and all the fresh newborn details. You will still receive a full gallery of images that tell the story of your baby’s arrival. If needed, I can come back within a few days or weeks to document even more of those early moments, ensuring your story is fully documented.

A reputable birth photographer will always have a backup.  If I know I won't be able to make it to your birth, I’d call my backup photographer to take my place. I would still be the one editing your images and delivering your gallery to you. 

what if things get too intense?

I'm a birth photographer and I've given birth multiple times myself. Every woman responds differently to birth and that's ok! I promise you can't do or say anything that will startle me. Birth is intense and wonderful. All your emotions and reactions to it are fully welcomed.

what if my labor is very long?

Birth is unpredictable, and I’m there for the journey no matter how long it takes. I know what I signed up for as a birth photographer and I am fully aware births can be 3 hours or 36+ hours. I never want you to feel concerned or worried about whether you are inconveniencing your birth team by having a long labor. We will be there for you through it all. I arrive when you are in active labor and stay up to 2 hours postpartum to capture those first bonding moments. If labor is exceptionally long, I may step out for short breaks, but I’ll always be present for the key moments to ensure your birth story is thoroughly documented.

why should i hire a birth photographer? could i just have someone take photos on my phone?

A dedicated birth photographer allows you, your partner, and anyone else in your birth space to be fully present in the moment while quietly capturing the intricate details and profound emotions that make up your story. While phones do take great photos nowadays, they have limitations in low light settings and do not stand up to the quality that a professional camera offers. A birth photographer brings knowledge, experience, and artistic vision to capture your story.

I have been to many births, experienced birth stories of all kinds, and I know how to navigate through the birth space. I am fully aware of the privilege it is to be invited into such an intimate experience, the important role I have, and the respect I owe to you. My experience and artistic vision allow me to document your labor and birth in a way that beautifully tells the full story. The details, the action, the love. The intensity and the lulls. Composition of an image and expertise in working with extremely low light all play a part in how your birth is depicted.

My passion for and understanding of birth go well beyond my work as a photographer, and I believe this makes me a valuable addition to your birth team. The process of birth captivates me on a deep level, and I am constantly seeking to expand my understanding of it. With my confidence and knowledge in birth, I am able to feel completely comfortable and present in your birth space to document your story.

how do you handle low light environments?

Most moms prefer a dark room for labor and birth. This is why, as a birth photographer, it is important to have a camera that works well in low light situations. We can talk about your preference of utilizing flash, or not, during a dark labor and birth. The flash I use is designed to be bounced off the ceiling and never pointed towards you. The light is emitted for only a fraction of a second and I have yet to have a mom be bothered by it! Flash offers clean, cohesive, and sharp images. Without the use of flash, we will embrace the darker, grainy images to tell your story.

will my birth photos be shared publicly?

I am devoted to documenting and sharing empowering birth images that have the power to inspire, challenge cultural perceptions, and show the beauty of birth. That being said, your birth story is deeply personal, and I fully respect your privacy. I will never share images without your permission. If you’re comfortable, I do ask permission to share some images. You can choose which images (if any) to inspire and empower other mothers. 

will the images be flattering?

Although you may not feel your best, bringing a new life into the world is one of the most incredible things a woman can do and I will do everything I can to capture you beautifully.  These photos aren't staged, or glamorous, but I am intentional about composing my shots so they capture your best. The raw beauty of these photos will give you feelings of sheer happiness.

what if i have a c-section?

Every birth story deserves to be documented. If your hospital allows a birth photographer in the operating room, I will be right there with you, capturing the emotions, your baby’s first moments, and your first skin-to-skin experience. If photography isn’t permitted in the OR, I’ll document everything leading up to surgery and the moments after birth when you meet your baby. 

can we meet before my birth?

Absolutely! I prefer to meet all my clients in person before the big day. This gives us the chance to talk about your vision and desired birth experience and ask me any questions about adding a birth photographer to your team. Book now or inquire and let's find a day to talk more!

when can i expect to receive my photos?

In 4-6 weeks

do you offer payment plans?

Of course! Every birth is worthy of being documented. I offer fully customizable payment plans, just reach out and we will make it work. I do require a $400 deposit to be paid in order for me to be on-call for you and attend your birth. The remainder can be paid however you'd like, but I will not begin the editing process nor deliver any images until full payment is received. Turnaround time is 4-6 weeks after payment is made in full.

do you offer both color and black-and-white images?

Yes! I include a mix of both in your final gallery. Some moments just feel more timeless in black and white, and I love using both to tell your story beautifully.