FAQ
What is birth photography?
Birth photography is more than just taking a picture of your baby entering the world. It's also my goal to capture every emotion that comes along with it.
How does birth photography work?
This type of photography is a lot different than any other type of session. It's not something we can talk about and schedule ahead of time. Baby comes whenever baby wants to come. That's why, from week 37 and on I am on call to you! No matter the time or day- I make sure my calendar is built around you to be there for you.
How do you know when to come to the birth?
Notify me as soon as you think labor may be starting. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, I would much rather know than not. Also, it doesn’t matter if it’s day or night!
When you first let me know we’ll talk about what you’re feeling and experiencing and make a plan if I should meet you asap or if we should wait till after you get examined by a doctor or a midwife. I try to get there as close to active labor as possible which is typically around 5-6 cm dilated and contractions about 5 minutes apart lasting about a minute and patterned this way for over an hour.
But every mama is different and labor doesn't look the same for everyone. So we'll navigate through it together and figure out when's the best time for me to arrive.
How will you being in the room affect my labor and mood?
I walk into your room with the intention of being like a “fly on the wall.” Or in other words, I want to be as unnoticeable as possible. Of course if you do want to talk and have conversations, I am ready for that too!
If at any point things become hectic or you just want me to leave all you need to do is say so. I will give you plenty of time to yourself while still capturing those passing moments.
What happens if baby comes too fast and you don't arrive on time?
I will still come to your birth even if things are moving a lot quicker than anticipated. I will try my very best to still capture all the golden moments of you, your baby and your family postpartum.
Once I get there I will focus on capturing all the details of you, your family and the room you're in.
Do I need to pay in full? Can I pay in payments?
I do offer payment plans. I want you to be able to capture such a special time without burning a big hole in your pocket. The earlier on in your pregnancy that you book me, the more we can stretch out your payments. Your final payment will be determined by what session or package you are booking. Of course you can always pay in full if you prefer as well.
How does being "On Call" work?
For every birth you're given a due date and once you hit 37 weeks I go "on call" until your bundle of joy makes their grand entrance. For me "on call" looks like having my phone with me at all times and as loud as it can be so I never miss a call or a text from you. I structure my life in a way where I can always head over to you. This goes hand in hand with needing good communication.
Do we meet you before my birth?
Yes! This is such a vulnerable time that you're allowing me to be apart of. I 100% am planning on meeting in person or through a zoom call with you! This would be the time we can talk about real life expectations or any questions either of us might have for each other.
How long do you stay at my birth?
I'm prepared to stay with you for 3 hours or 30 hours! If baby arrives really quickly I try to stay at least two to three hours after the birth or after baby's exam to capture all the precious postpartum moments and all of baby's little firsts.
The price you pay is not a small fee, so I am prepared to be with you for the long haul.
What if there is an emergency and I have to transfer or have a c-section?
If the surgical staff and doctors will allow me to be in the operating room with you, then 100% I will be there. If they do not, I’ll ask both you and your support person if you're okay with me sending in my camera with you.
If there’s the unfortunate event of you needing to be transferred I will follow you! Again, as long as I am able to.
Do you use flash?
Yes and no. Each birth is different and so is the lighting situations. My goal is to not use flash and to be able to capture the ambiance of the room for what it really is. The benefit of the flash that I use is that I will use it sparingly and when it does go off, it'll bounce off of the ceiling. It will NOT be pointed directly at you or anyone else in the room.
You will always have the option to decline me using flash. Please know that again, depending on the environment, you may receive fewer images, more black and white images or images with a bit more grain to them.
How long does it take to receive the photos after our session?
Generally four to six weeks- although I am pretty good at delivering them to you sooner! I always communicate with you if I think I'll be able to deliver them sooner/later than the date quoted.