The 8 Most FAQ's I Get Asked as a Birth Photographer
I'm not sure about having a stranger in my birth space. How do most birthing people react to what you do?
It is my job to be as discreet as possible in your birthing space. My goal is to be a fly on the wall and when everything is said and done, that you will have as few memories of me in your space as possible. I totally understand that this is a very vulnerable time and feel nothing but honored that you have chosen me to be present in your sacred space.
What types of photos will you take? Will there be lots of blood/sensitive photos?
My favorite photos to take are those detailed photos, both exciting and more mundane. Partner's hand on your belly/back/shoulder, an embrace between each other during a surge, any personal items in the room special to the birthing person, partner helping the birthing person in the shower, the first look at baby as they're born, the clock, etc. I try my hardest to capture the memories that in my opinion, will fade the quickest. As for the more sensitive in nature photos, I am not put off by anything in birth and if I'm allowed, I will happily take pictures of the very sensitive in nature! Some of my favorite pictures are pictures of baby crowning and baby in between worlds!
What happens if you can't make the birth?
I always have a back up photographer available in the case that I'm unavailable to be at your birth. Some times (although rarely) this happens, especially if I'm already attending a birth. The back up photographer that I would send will be of similar style and caliber to me. You will be taken care of even if I am not there!
How will I know you will make it in time for the birth?
This is always the trickiest part of being a birth photographer since labor is so unpredictable. We (either you or someone you designate) will be in constant contact while you are in labor. I prefer to go off of how the birthing person is feeling, especially in subsequent pregnancies (not a first time parent). Birthing people are very intuitive even if it's their first time laboring. As things progress I would love to be able to hear them during a surge/contraction as I can tell a great deal from the way they sound and can (hopefully) base my timing off of that.
If you do opt in to cervical checks, I would like to know where baby is in the pelvis and how dilated their cervix is. The cervix isn't a crystal ball but once the birthing person hits about 5/6 cm dilated I want to make my way there. Some people progress slowly through active labor but some also progress very fast so being in constant contact is a must!How long will you be at my birth?
I like to arrive in active labor (wherever you are at: home, birth center, hospital) and will stay one to two hours after babe is born to capture all of the brand new details, specifically focusing on the firsts: first latch, golden hour, kangaroo care, the first meal (if it comes while I'm there, I totally remember how amazing this first meal is)! If you are also having me photograph a Fresh 48 session I will capture more of the specific details during that session.
Should I ask my care provider's permission to have you there?
YES! We will cover all of this in our consultation but always ask and bring up your want to have a birth photographer in the room with you, wherever you are birthing (home, birth center, hospital). Many of the care providers want to meet me (if they haven't met me yet) to get a feel for my energy and want to know my plans of how I will be in the space. You will also need to find out if the care provider will not allow certain things to be photographed (crowning, etc). Some hospital and birth centers have their own policies. Speaking of policies, for a hospital and birth center birth, you will need to find out how many people are allowed in the room and make sure I will be able to attend. There would be nothing worse than hiring me, only to realize that you are max capacity in your room with family and other supporters attending your birth and me not be able to get into the room.
What is the timeline like after I hire you?
After an initial retainer fee is paid, the balance will be due by 37 weeks. Once you hit the 37 week mark, I go on call for you (24/7)! The moment you think you are in labor, let me know. You will update me as labor progresses and once you are in active labor I will head to you. I will stay with you photographing your journey through labor and the birth, and stay one to two hours after the birth of your babe. You will receive 2-3 sneak peak images in 12-24 hours by social media. The timeline to receive the rest of your collection depends on which collection was purchased.
When should I hire a birth photographer?
As soon as possible! I say this because many birth photographers will book up fairly quickly. Each of us has a certain number of births we feel comfortable taking a month (mine is 3-4) so you want to make sure they have availability for your estimated due date (month)! Hiring a birth photographer early, also allows for payment plans to be put into place if your birth photographer offers them (I DO!!) that way the financial portion of it won't be so sudden and budgeting (if needed) can happen!