Birth Photography FAQ
Why should I hire a birth photographer?
There are multiple reasons to hire a professional birth photographer. You and your support system can focus on YOU and your baby. You don't have to sacrifice one of your support persons to make sure you get the shots you want. Hiring a birth photographer also means that all of your support people can be in the shots with you if you'd like. They're a part of your story and having me there lets them be documented in the story instead of being behind the camera.
How long have you been photographing births?
I started photographing births in 2015 and since then I have photographed almost 20 births.
What is needed to book your services?
I require a signed contract and a retainer of $300 (which is put towards your total balance). Contract and retainer are all done online.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Once the retainer is paid, the remaining balance may be split up into payments of your choosing. My only requirement is that your total is 80% paid off by the time you reach 37 weeks and total must be paid in full before I begin editing any photos.
How far will you travel for a birth?
Short answer is this depends on the mom and her previous labors (if applies). I have traveled as far as 60 miles for a birth so far. This is something that we will discuss in your free consultation.
What if I go into labor before 37 weeks?
I understand that labor isn't something that can be planned nor does every baby come after 37 weeks. I will do everything in my power to come to your birth if it happens before 37 weeks. If you have a history of going into labor early, please note that in our meeting so I can plan accordingly on my end.
What if I go into labor in the middle of the night? Will you still come photograph my birth?
Yes! I know birth happens at all hours of the day. Whenever you feel that you are in labor, call me. Once I am "on call", my phone is on, charged, and sound set to the loudest setting possible 24/7.
Do you have a backup photographer?
I do. I have a fantastic back up name Ashley Fouts. She's also a professional photographer with experience in births and low lighting situations.
If I have to have a cesarean section and you are not allowed in the OR, what happens then?
If you have an emergency or unplanned c-section and medical staff will not allow me to come into the OR or shoot through the OR window (if available), I will come back within 48 hours and offer a Fresh 48 session. If you are having a scheduled c-section, be sure to talk to your OB and express your desire to have your photographer in there. Early communication, I have found, is very key to the staff allowing a photographer in the OR.
When should I call you to let you know I'm in labor?
During the last few weeks of your pregnancy I do ask that you periodically give me updates via text. Once contractions start or water breaks, I ask that you call or text me then. Depending on your history, dilation, and other variables, I may leave then or wait till you have progressed more.
What if my labor is long? Will you stay? Do you charge more for long labors?
I will stay as long as needed! Depending on your birthing location, I may leave to grab food, take a walk, or even run home and take a nap. But I never leave for good and I never charge more for longer labors. We don't control how long our labors are and I will never put a laboring mom on a "time limit".
How long do you stay after I give birth?
I stay 1-3 hours once baby has arrived.
I'm not sure I want my photos posted. Will you post my photos anyway?
No! Your privacy and wishes are very important to me. What you do or do not want posted is something we can discuss during your consultation. Many of my clients prefer that I send them photos to approve or deny before I post them online. If you do not want any photos posted, I will respect that decision.
How many photos will I get? Will they be in black & white or color?
This greatly may depend on how long of a labor you have. Regardless though, I never set a cap on how many images you will receive. You will receive almost every image in color and many times I will offer a black & white version of those photos as well.
Read my Code of Ethics by clicking here