Birth Photography FAQ
I'm a really private person and nervous about having someone else in the room. Will it be awkward?
I totally get it! Birth is an incredible experience, but it makes you feel vulnerable. My goal is to be as inconspicuous as possible to tell your story without interrupting your birth in any way. Let me ask you a question - do you feel nervous about having a nurse or doctor or midwife present at your birth? Probably not because they are there in a professional capacity, right? Just remember that I'm there as a professional too!
I totally get it! Birth is an incredible experience, but it makes you feel vulnerable. My goal is to be as inconspicuous as possible to tell your story without interrupting your birth in any way. Let me ask you a question - do you feel nervous about having a nurse or doctor or midwife present at your birth? Probably not because they are there in a professional capacity, right? Just remember that I'm there as a professional too!
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Will photos from my birth be posted online?
Not if you don't want them to be! I never post photos online without the client's permission. Even when I do have permission to post photos, I never share any that are graphic or contain nudity. What if you miss the birth? Birth is unpredictable and there's no way to know how your birth will play out. What happens if I miss the birth will depend on why I missed the birth. We discuss this in depth during our 3rd trimester consultation, but generally if I miss the birth for reasons out of anyone's control, I will arrive at your place of birth as quickly as I can and stay for a few hours and capture the moments after birth and then come back later for a Fresh 48. What if I go into labor prematurely? I still want you to call me! I will do everything I can to make it to your birth, even if it's outside of my on call window. I also know several other local photographers I can call for back up if I can't make it for some reason. |
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What if I go into labor in the middle of the night?
Call me! That's what you're hiring me for! I'm on call for you 24/7 - any time of day or night.
What if I have a c-section?
Birth photography and c-sections can be tricky. Whether or not I will be able to be present in the OR will entirely depend on the circumstances surrounding the surgery and the staff present. If you're having a scheduled c-section, you should have time to discuss with your provider in advance and get approval to have a photographer present. If I'm not allowed in the OR with you, there are still many ways I can tell your birth story through photos.
Call me! That's what you're hiring me for! I'm on call for you 24/7 - any time of day or night.
What if I have a c-section?
Birth photography and c-sections can be tricky. Whether or not I will be able to be present in the OR will entirely depend on the circumstances surrounding the surgery and the staff present. If you're having a scheduled c-section, you should have time to discuss with your provider in advance and get approval to have a photographer present. If I'm not allowed in the OR with you, there are still many ways I can tell your birth story through photos.
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How long will you be present at the birth?
There's no way to know in advance. I aim to arrive at your birth between 4 and 6 cm, but that will depend on a few different factors (like where you're delivering, past birth history, etc). I will stay until the baby is born and up to 2 hours afterwards to capture all of the measurements and bonding moments. I have no limits or penalties for a "long" labor. I do have a back up photographer on call just in case of any personal emergency that would require me to leave (that's never happened before though!). I might also step out to eat or rest in the waiting room or my car if you want some privacy for a bit, but I'm never far away and can be back by your side in a moment's notice. |
When should I notify you that I'm in labor?
As soon as possible! I have 3 kids of my own and although I have several babysitters on call, it's easier for me to get them settled with someone and get to you if I have as much notice as possible. I'll ask you to keep me updated in the last few weeks of pregnancy after doctor or midwife visits and any important information. Once you've notified me that you think you may be in labor, you'll keep me updated with any information like changes in contractions or when you decide to go to your place of birth.
Do you use flash?
Yes! I use flash unless you ask me not to. I never aim the flash directly at you though. I bounce the flash off the ceiling or wall just to provide some fill light. Most of my clients don't even notice the flash. If you don't want flash or decide that it does bother you, I don't have to use it. I have professional equipment that can handle low light situations well; however, the photo quality will be different than my photos with flash.
When should I book you?
As soon as you know you would like my services. I book a very limited number of births each month to ensure my availability for my clients. To make sure you reserve a spot on my calendar, the sooner you book, the better!
I require a 25% retainer to reserve your due date, and the remainder is due by 38 weeks when I go on call for your birth. I also offer payment plans!
Will we meet before the birth?
Yes! I meet with all of my birth clients during the 3rd trimester to go over what to expect, when to call, birth preferences, etc. It's a great chance to get to know each other a little more before the birth too. Booking a maternity session is also a great way to work with me before your birth! I have a package that includes birth photography and a maternity session at a discounted rate.
How far do you travel?
For births, I prefer to limit my travel to no more than a 1.5-2 hour drive. For moms with a prior history of precipitous births, I would shorten that to no more than an hour drive.
Do I need to get approval from the staff?
I always encourage my birth clients to talk to their care providers about having a birth photographer present. I have photographed at almost every Lowcountry area hospital as well as Charleston Birth Place, but different providers might have varied feelings and comfort levels about having a photographer present. It's usually better all around when everyone knows I'm coming.
When will I get my photos back?
I try to get a few sneak peeks to you within 24 hours - especially if you want to use them for announcing on social media to family and friends. You will receive your slideshow and full gallery of images within 2 weeks.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! I offer payment plans and a gift registry so your family and friends can give you the gift of birth photography!
Do you also offer video?
Yes! I'll be updating the birth page of my website soon to include video, but for right now video can be booked as an add on service!
As soon as possible! I have 3 kids of my own and although I have several babysitters on call, it's easier for me to get them settled with someone and get to you if I have as much notice as possible. I'll ask you to keep me updated in the last few weeks of pregnancy after doctor or midwife visits and any important information. Once you've notified me that you think you may be in labor, you'll keep me updated with any information like changes in contractions or when you decide to go to your place of birth.
Do you use flash?
Yes! I use flash unless you ask me not to. I never aim the flash directly at you though. I bounce the flash off the ceiling or wall just to provide some fill light. Most of my clients don't even notice the flash. If you don't want flash or decide that it does bother you, I don't have to use it. I have professional equipment that can handle low light situations well; however, the photo quality will be different than my photos with flash.
When should I book you?
As soon as you know you would like my services. I book a very limited number of births each month to ensure my availability for my clients. To make sure you reserve a spot on my calendar, the sooner you book, the better!
I require a 25% retainer to reserve your due date, and the remainder is due by 38 weeks when I go on call for your birth. I also offer payment plans!
Will we meet before the birth?
Yes! I meet with all of my birth clients during the 3rd trimester to go over what to expect, when to call, birth preferences, etc. It's a great chance to get to know each other a little more before the birth too. Booking a maternity session is also a great way to work with me before your birth! I have a package that includes birth photography and a maternity session at a discounted rate.
How far do you travel?
For births, I prefer to limit my travel to no more than a 1.5-2 hour drive. For moms with a prior history of precipitous births, I would shorten that to no more than an hour drive.
Do I need to get approval from the staff?
I always encourage my birth clients to talk to their care providers about having a birth photographer present. I have photographed at almost every Lowcountry area hospital as well as Charleston Birth Place, but different providers might have varied feelings and comfort levels about having a photographer present. It's usually better all around when everyone knows I'm coming.
When will I get my photos back?
I try to get a few sneak peeks to you within 24 hours - especially if you want to use them for announcing on social media to family and friends. You will receive your slideshow and full gallery of images within 2 weeks.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! I offer payment plans and a gift registry so your family and friends can give you the gift of birth photography!
Do you also offer video?
Yes! I'll be updating the birth page of my website soon to include video, but for right now video can be booked as an add on service!
If there's any question you would like to see added to the FAQ, email me at [email protected]