Birth photography is the art of documenting the series of moments telling the story of a baby’s transition from womb to the outer world and the physical and emotional journey into motherhood. No matter where you give birth, whether it is by cesarean, in a birth pool, on the floor, or in any other capacity, your story of bringing your baby into the world deserves to be honored. It will be one of the most empowering, intense, exciting, and emotionally charged days of your life, and of course it only happens once for each child.

Hiring a birth photographer means not relying on your memory to process your birth experience, or to relive those moments through the years. It means having tangible mementos to share the story with your children, to remember your remarkable strength, beauty, and power. It means savoring the details of the moment you became a mother for the first time, changed forever in an instant…or for the fourth time, surrounded by your family, full of awe and wonder. It means you and your partner can be present for everything, enjoying the full experience without worrying about photos or trying to file away moments in your mind for later.

Many families tell me their birth story photos and video are their most treasured possessions. Making the decision to hire a high quality, professional birth photographer is an investment, but much like wedding photography, it is one that you will never regret.

Your decision might come down to budget or style preference. Birth photography rates generally vary depending on experience, so be sure to choose someone who is not new to documenting birth stories. The style of birth photography varies from artist to artist. My visual style tends to focus on raw emotion and connection, strength, support, and beauty. I embrace the available light at each birth rather than using flash. My editing style utilizes shadows, contrast, and tones with intention to help tell the story of each unique birth journey. Another style consideration is shooting and composition style. I can shoot from modest angles and perspectives, or I can document crowning and emerging in full detail for you. Through our questionnaire and planning process I always ascertain what each client is looking for and I document in line with that preference.

Book your birth collection, pay the $500 retainer and decide on your payment plan, and fill out a questionnaire. In your third trimester, we’ll have a consult to go over your birth plan and wishes for birth photography. Beginning at 38 weeks, I go on call for you and you can reach me 24/7. My life during that time revolves around your birth. I don’t travel, and I am ready to leave with all my prepped gear and personal items at a moment’s notice. We will stay in close communication before and into early labor. I will head to your birth location when you are in active labor, and I will continue documenting your story until an hour or two after baby is born. Then I leave you to rest with your new baby, and I head home to work my magic editing your photos and video over the following weeks. I will deliver them 2-6 weeks after your birth, depending on your collection. If you have also booked a newborn session, we will connect via text for that once you get settled in with baby.

It is exceedingly rare for me to miss a birth, and I document plenty of quick labors. However, it is always a possibility as birth timing can be unpredictable. The most important way to ensure that I arrive on time is for us to keep in close communication leading up to labor. If you have a history of fast labor, it will be especially important that I head to your birth early on in labor. If your labor does move so fast that I arrive soon after baby is born, I will document your story upon arrival and can also offer a newborn session or additional products in lieu of labor imagery. A fast labor is part of your story. I also work with trusted back-up experienced birth photographers who can step in, in the very rare event that I am ill, at another birth, or otherwise unable to attend a birth. If nobody is able to document your birth due to unforeseen circumstances, such as hospital transfer during COVID, we would arrange for a future session that suits you best with combination of upgrades and additional products to make up the difference. In an effort to ensure I am available to attend your birth, I work with a limited number of clients and each becomes my priority during that call period.

Depending on whether you opt for the photos only collection, or video + photo collection, you can expect to have between 75-150 images. The images will be a mix of color and black and white.

Documenting birth reliably and beautifully requires professional gear and experience in fast-paced birth situations, as well as knowledge of optimal settings for low light and small space documentary photography. The photographer you choose should be able to anticipate when to arrive, and how to navigate the birth space with quiet confidence. As your birth photographer, I work calmly, efficiently, and inconspicuously in order to ensure that your birth environment remains peaceful and conducive to birth. Events can quickly move from very slow to sudden and spontaneous during labor, so when things get intense you will want an experienced professional who will get the job done beautifully while respecting and honoring the birthing process.