birth story faq

Birth photography is a beautiful way to document one of the most life-changing moments of your journey—bringing your baby into the world. My role is to quietly and respectfully capture the raw, emotional, and powerful moments of labor, birth, meeting and bonding with your baby. These images tell the story of your strength and love with the care and dedication of your birth team. Your birth story will include coverage from active labor until about 2 hours after birth.

You get to choose! I will tailor it to your preference. Some moms want everything captured, full nudity, the crowning, the placenta, breastfeeding, all of it. Some moms don't want that at all and prefer a modest approach. During our consultation I will go over specific details of what you DO and DON'T want captured, it's your call, and I will fully respect it.

Your photos are always edited in private and are never accessed or viewed by anyone other than myself.

Babies have their own timeline, and I fully expect that! My commitment to my birth clients is to be on call for them, from 38 weeks, until their baby is born.  This means, I’m available 24/7 to come to your birth, at any time. My life revolves around being on call for your birth. I also work with a backup photographer in case of an emergency, so you’re always covered. 

I always, always emphasize the importance of communication with my birth clients! Letting me know as soon as you notice the first signs of labor helps me gauge the best time to arrive at your birth space. No matter the time of day, no matter whether you're worried it's a false alarm, call me! If things move quickly, don’t worry—I will still be there to capture the moments as they unfold. A fast birth is still a beautiful and powerful part of your story, and I’ll document it with the same care and attention.

If the birth happens before I arrive, I will immediately begin capturing the tender first moments once I join you. Skin-to-skin, bonding, and all the fresh newborn details. You will still receive a full gallery of images that tell the story of your baby’s arrival. If needed, I can come back within a few days or weeks to document even more of those early moments, ensuring your story is fully documented.

A reputable birth photographer will always have a backup.  If I know I won't be able to make it to your birth, I’d call my backup photographer to take my place. I would still be the one editing your images and delivering your gallery to you. 

I'm a birth photographer and I've given birth multiple times myself. Every woman responds differently to birth and that's ok! I promise you can't do or say anything that will startle me. Birth is intense and wonderful. All your emotions and reactions to it are fully welcomed.

Birth is unpredictable, and I’m there for the journey no matter how long it takes. I know what I signed up for as a birth photographer and I am fully aware births can be 3 hours or 36+ hours. I never want you to feel concerned or worried about whether you are inconveniencing your birth team by having a long labor. We will be there for you through it all. I arrive when you are in active labor and stay up to 2 hours postpartum to capture those first bonding moments. If labor is exceptionally long, I may step out for short breaks, but I’ll always be present for the key moments to ensure your birth story is thoroughly documented.

A dedicated birth photographer allows you, your partner, and anyone else in your birth space to be fully present in the moment while quietly capturing the intricate details and profound emotions that make up your story. While phones do take great photos nowadays, they have limitations in low light settings and do not stand up to the quality that a professional camera offers. A birth photographer brings knowledge, experience, and artistic vision to capture your story.

I have been to many births, experienced birth stories of all kinds, and I know how to navigate through the birth space. I am fully aware of the privilege it is to be invited into such an intimate experience, the important role I have, and the respect I owe to you. My experience and artistic vision allow me to document your labor and birth in a way that beautifully tells the full story. The details, the action, the love. The intensity and the lulls. Composition of an image and expertise in working with extremely low light all play a part in how your birth is depicted.

My passion for and understanding of birth go well beyond my work as a photographer, and I believe this makes me a valuable addition to your birth team. The process of birth captivates me on a deep level, and I am constantly seeking to expand my understanding of it. With my confidence and knowledge in birth, I am able to feel completely comfortable and present in your birth space to document your story.

Most moms prefer a dark room for labor and birth. This is why, as a birth photographer, it is important to have a camera that works well in low light situations. We can talk about your preference of utilizing flash, or not, during a dark labor and birth. The flash I use is designed to be bounced off the ceiling and never pointed towards you. The light is emitted for only a fraction of a second and I have yet to have a mom be bothered by it! Flash offers clean, cohesive, and sharp images. Without the use of flash, we will embrace the darker, grainy images to tell your story.

I am devoted to documenting and sharing empowering birth images that have the power to inspire, challenge cultural perceptions, and show the beauty of birth. That being said, your birth story is deeply personal, and I fully respect your privacy. I will never share images without your permission. If you’re comfortable, I do ask permission to share some images. You can choose which images (if any) to inspire and empower other mothers. 

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most incredible and beautiful things a woman can do- I promise to capture your beauty and strength.  These photos aren't staged, but I am intentional about composing my shots so they capture your best. The raw beauty of these photos will give you feelings of sheer happiness and empowerment.

Every birth story deserves to be documented. If your hospital allows a birth photographer in the operating room, I will be right there with you, capturing the emotions, your baby’s first moments, and your first skin-to-skin experience. If photography isn’t permitted in the OR, I’ll document everything leading up to surgery and the moments after birth when you meet your baby. 

Absolutely! I prefer to meet all my clients in person before the big day. This gives us the chance to talk about your vision and desired birth experience and ask me any questions about adding a birth photographer to your team. Book now or sign up for a consult and let's find a day to connect!

Turnaround time for birth stories is typically 4 to 6 weeks.

Of course! I never want payment to be the reason a story goes untold. That’s why I offer flexible, interest free payment plans designed around your timeline. Whether you’re months out or nearing your due date, there’s room to make this work. 

If you feel that nudge to document this chapter, I’d love to hear from you. No expectations, no pressure. Just a genuine conversation and a safe space for your story.  

*I do require a deposit to be paid in order for me to be on-call and attend your birth. The remainder can be paid on your own timeline, but the editing process will not begin and no images will be delivered until full payment is received. Turnaround time is 4-6 weeks after final payment.

Yes! I include a mix of both in your final gallery. Some moments just feel more timeless in black and white, and I love using both to tell your story beautifully.