So, you’ve connected with the idea of having your birth beautifully documented. You understand why it can be so invaluable. But now you might be wondering exactly what to expect when you hire a birth photographer. You might be thinking, “Okay, but what does that actually look like? Will it be awkward? Will they be in the way?”
Those are completely normal questions!
My goal as your birth photographer is to be a calm, discreet, and supportive presence in your birth space, documenting your story without interfering. Think of me as a quiet observer, blending into the background as your labor unfolds.
Before the Big Day: Getting Prepared & Connected
Long before you feel your first contraction, we’ll get to know each other and make sure we’re both ready:
- The Consultation: We’ll chat about your hopes, fears, and vision for your birth. This is where you can ask me anything, and I can get to know you and your partner. We’ll discuss your birth plan, preferred lighting, and any specific moments you definitely want captured.
- Contract & Deposit: Once you decide to move forward, we’ll sign a contract outlining the services, fees, and privacy agreements. A deposit secures your spot on my calendar.
- On-Call Period: Typically, I go on call for you starting around 37 weeks of pregnancy, but sometimes earlier depending on your unique situation. This means I’m ready to drop everything and head your way when you go into labor.
- Communication is Key: We’ll stay in touch as your due date approaches. I’ll ask for you to keep me updated after appointments and any changes and check in regularly as the big day gets closer.
During Labor & Birth
This is where the magic happens, and my job is to capture it:
- When to Call Me: We’ll discuss this during the consultation and throughout your pregnancy. Generally, you’ll call me when active labor is established or when things are really picking up. This ensures I arrive with enough time to capture the progression but also respects your early labor privacy.
- Quiet & Respectful: When I arrive, I’ll check in but you’ll likely barely notice me. I move quietly, use natural light, and respect the atmosphere of your birth space.
- Focus on Emotion & Connection: My lens will be focused on the raw emotion and the details that tell your story. This includes quiet moments of focus, expressions of effort, comforting touches, and the loving anticipation in the room.
- Birth: The moment we’ve all been waiting for! There are so many special moments, but most Moms want to know: will I photograph the actual moment of birth? That’s completely up to you and something we will cover in the consultation, so we’re both on the same page.
- The Golden Hour: After birth, I typically stay up to 2 hours to get those precious early moments: first latch, skin-to-skin, weighing, measuring, and perhaps even older siblings meeting their new baby for the first time.
After the Birth
Once your baby is here and I’ve left you to bond, my work continues:
- Culling & Editing: I go through all the images, selecting the most powerful and meaningful ones. Each photo is then individually edited with care.
- Your Private Gallery: You’ll receive a link to a private online gallery within a few weeks (turnaround time will be specified in your contract). This gallery will be password-protected, allowing you to share it with loved ones at your discretion.
- Products & Prints: If you’ve chosen a package that includes an album, I’ll be working on putting that together, and we’ll discuss any other items you may want.
- Privacy First: Your privacy is paramount. I will never share your images publicly without your explicit, written permission. You always have full control over what is shared.
Your Story, Documented Authentically and Lovingly
My goal is for you to be fully present in your birth experience, knowing that every significant moment, every raw emotion, and every precious detail is being expertly and respectfully documented. You won’t have to worry about missing a thing, or asking a loved one to step away from supporting you to grab a camera. Instead, you’ll simply live it, while I ensure your incredible story is preserved for a lifetime.
I hope this post has answered some of your questions about what to expect when you hire a birth photographer.
If you’re ready to explore how birth photography can enrich your journey, let’s chat.
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