Is birth photography worth the money?
I’ve been obsessed with birth photography since 2016, so it can be difficult for me to remember that not everyone is familiar with it as I am!
I’ve been a birth photographer for several years, and here’s what I’ve come to realize:
Birth is incredible.
We are taught in movies and sex-ed classes that birth is painful, frightening, and a gross part of life. But that’s simply not true!
Birth is absolutely beautiful, and I photograph the beauty. That doesn’t mean it’s effortless; birth takes energy and work, and it’s so worth it. But birth is beautiful.
Each birth is unique.
Birth is never predictable, and no two birth stories are alike. I document what makes your birth so unique and I get to show you later. Laboring mamas are so in the zone that they often miss the incredible details of birth.
You never know what will happen!
My purpose as a birth photographer is to offer all-inclusive photography so my clients can relax and enjoy their birth, and then view their photos to see how truly incredible it was. My mamas are often surprised at the things that went on while they were in labor land.
Hiring someone to photograph your birth is a big thing.
An intimate thing. I get it; it’s a huge decision.
So let me answer some questions moms ask me:
What if you miss my birth?
The chances of that are incredibly low, and I haven’t missed one yet. I take a limited number of births a month to avoid overlap. If I absolutely can’t make it, I have a backup who will cover for me. We also discuss your birth history in detail at your birth consultation and discuss when to call when you’re in labor.
What is a birth photography package?
Here are my current offerings for birth photography:
A complimentary one-on-one consultation so we can get to know each other before your birth.
My services on-call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week starting at 38 weeks.
Unlimited time at your birth, from active labor until your sweet baby is born.
A slideshow and/or digital images of your birth.
I also offer doula, videography, maternity and newborn photography in other packages - we can design a package that works well for you.
Are the photos graphic?
You choose how graphic your photos are. If you want a crowing photo, I can do that. If you would prefer I photograph from the side during crowning, I’m happy to do that. The photos are taken to meet your comfort level! If you want photos of everything, I’ll make sure you get them. If you’d prefer to keep things a little more covered or out of focus, I can do that too.
Will my photos end up online?
Only if you want them to. I only share photos with the express permission of my client. If you’d prefer to keep your photos all to yourself, that’s exactly what we’ll do.
Birth photography is expensive!
I know, that’s why we didn’t get a birth photographer for two out of three births. I wish I’d thought to ask for a payment plan because we would have totally hired a photographer. Birth photography is definitely an investment!
I will stay at your birth for however long you’re in active labor through 2 hours after birth. I’ve been at births for 3 hours or up to 35 hours! Birth is unpredictable and I do not put a limit on the time I spend photographing your birth.
Also, birth photography is so similar to your wedding photography. You plan like crazy for your wedding day, and then it’s over in just a few hours. With birth photography, you have priceless photos to relive those special moments! I have so many moms who tell me (after they’ve given birth) that there were so many things they forgot about, or didn’t know happened.
Maybe I should just have my husband or mother take photos?
Your mom and your husband are so emotionally involved in the day, they will likely forget they have a camera in their hand! Additionally, they aren’t trained for the job like a certified birth photographer is. A birth photographer is solely there to take photos, that is my job!
My friend is a wedding photographer, and she’s offered to take photos of my birth.
You’ll want a photographer who is familiar with birth and photographing birth. There are so many unknowns when it comes to birth, and if the photographer is not prepared for the graphic nature of birth, it may be detrimental to the photos.
I know what to look for and I’m ready to capture emotion. I’m ready for changing light conditions and I know standard practices with many hospitals and midwives.
I also know when it’s appropriate to take photos, and when it’s not. I understand labor enough to capture the moments you want without disturbing you in labor or after birth.
I don’t want a stranger in the room.
I won’t be a stranger for long! We will meet at LEAST once before your birth, usually twice. I offer free birth consultations so you can meet me before you hire me. It’s crucial you feel comfortable with those in your birth space!
If you have any other questions at all about birth photography, book that free consultation with me! We can sit down and talk about your concerns, answer any questions, or just chat about birth photography. 🤰🏼💜
I hope this helped you learn more about birth photography!
Talk soon,
