Why everyone should hire a birth photographer.
You’ve heard of it, maybe you’ve even seen it, but what IS birth photography, and why is it so Popular?
First off, what exactly is Birth photography?
Birth Photography is a documentary style photography and your photographer will become a “fly on the wall” of your journey to bring your new baby earth side, and your first time meeting them. You don’t get a do-over, and that’s what makes birth photography SO SPECIAL. Can you put a price on seeing your reaction to the moment you meet that special little person you’ve been growing for what feels like forever? Tears, laughter, shock, surprise. It happens in a blink of an eye and is forgotten just as quickly (thanks hormones!). There are a lot of moments you will forget, even minutes after birth. With photos, you can relive those moments over and over, and share them with your children as they grow. Trust me, they will be fascinated.
What about “down there” photos?
Listen, we’ve all wondered it at some point so there is no shame in asking.
Some people want ALL the shots, and I’m happy to oblige! Otherwise, why would I bother being a birth photographer? Birth is the most natural, incredible feat that a woman goes through. Personally, crowning photos are my absolute fave.
Other people… well, not so much. That’s the beauty of it! We have lots of meetings to discuss what you’re comfortable with, and what' you’re not comfortable with, and there are plenty of angles I can capture that are discreet and PG rated, while not compromising having beautiful, memorable photos of your birth.
What if I’m having a hospital birth, or have a cesarean?
Whichever type of birth you end up choosing/having, I support you and document it in the same way, after all, this is YOUR story. I’m just there to make sure you have those memories forever. All birth is beautiful and worthy of being told. Keep in mind, operating rooms can be very busy and full with people working to keep you and baby safe and happy. Angles may be limited but I do my absolute best to show your whole story from as many angles as I can. You’d be surprised how crafty I can get!
This applies to emergency cesareans as well.
Why can’t my husband/partner take photos? Why a birth photographer?
Ok, so much to unpack here. First, some comedic relief.
I don’t know about your husband, but my husband doesn’t take great photos on the best of days. Add in nerves, and it’s a recipe for disaster. There is a reason there is a whole entire community of women sharing the less than flattering photos their husbands take of them. Let’s be honest, birth is rough. You’re exhausted, in pain, disheveled. You want someone there who knows how to take photos from flattering angles.
Reason 2
It’s not just your birth. Believe it or not, husbands are usually quite involved and in awe watching their children be born. It’s built into them. They want to enjoy the moment and not have the stress of taking photos during this monumental moment. By hiring a professional who knows what they’re doing, you get the support of your loved one and the peace of mind that someone is there documenting this moment in the best way possible. Capturing heirloom style photographs. Professionals know how to work lighting, capture emotion, and story-telling.
Ok, that makes sense. What about middle of the night? Or fast labour?
No worries here, birth often happens in the dark hours! The price of birth photography includes my on-call time from 37 weeks until you give birth. I am ready to be there for you at any time of the day or night, weekends or weekdays, birthday parties or chill days. I know what it means to be a birth photographer, even if it means missing special events.
Precipitous birth
I urge my clients to tell me as soon as they’re in labour, or water breaks. I make my judgement based on several factors. I’ve given birth 3 times before, plus gone through special training, so I know when to come. That being said, there may be certain births that just happen SO FAST, that it’s just not possible to get there in time. Please know, this is quite rare, as I’m ready to go and be at your birth in 30-90 minutes from when you let me know things are happening.
Typically, I wait for active labour to be established. I sit down with you and your partner to discuss what this looks like (if you decline cervical checks, which are unreliable anyways). More communication > less communication. I want EVERY update, even if you feel like you’re inconveniencing me. Please remember, this is my job and it brings me joy. I would rather have too much information and be able to get to your birth on time. If I do miss your birth, I offer a make up session. Usually Fresh 48 or a newborn session.
Ok. This sounds great. When do you recommend people book?
I’m glad you think so, and I agree.
I’ve had families book a week before they’re due, and I’ve had families book as soon as they knew they were pregnant. The sooner you book, the better. Full payment of the session fee is due at 37 weeks. Choice of photo package is chosen after the gallery is edited and delivered.
Speaking of payment, how much is birth photography?
Birth photography is split up into 2 payments.
First payment is the session fee and is due at 37 weeks. If payment is not fulfilled, photographer may not attend the birth. The earlier you book your birth, the more time you have to pay the session fee. This can be really helpful for budget conscious families. Families can also include a spot in their registry where people put in financial contributions towards birth photography instead of a gift or gadget (like those well-meaning folks who purchase summer clothes in sizes your baby will be in during winter-LOL)
The session fee is $800 and includes our meetings, contract, on-call time from 37 weeks until you give birth. Photography from active labour until 1-2 hours postpartum.
After birth, your gallery will be edited in about 2 weeks. It will include 75+ hand edited images. The amount of photos in the gallery depends on how long labour and birth take. Typically, my birth galleries are 150-200 images.
After your gallery is delivered, you can choose your package. For your convenience, 3 packages are available with differing amounts of digital downloads and print credits to use in my online shop. Prints are created in Canadian labs known for their quality. These prints and images are true to colour, and will last a lifetime.
