B I R T H S T O R Y Q & A
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why hire a professional photographer? Do I really need one?
Hiring a professional birth photographer enables your birth partner to support you throughout labor, and not experience it through the lens of a camera. This “hands free” aspect is what draws a lot of people to birth photography in the first place.
Birth photography captures the simple details that all too soon become a blur postpartum. The experience of labor is all-consuming. You are in sync with your body, and you may not even notice the little things happening around you. Birth Photography not only gives you a digital timeline to look back on, but it also helps you to experience your birth from a different vantage point. This shift in perspective empowers you by letting you see how deep your strength truly is.
Can’t my partner take pics for me?
If your partner will be with you during labor, they are already fulfilling a very important role. They are the person in the room who knows you, and your preferences, best. They are bringing an amazing tool to your labor - their love and support..
Most partners will experience a range of emotions during labor, from joy and excitement to fear and nervousness, and many times photographs are the last thing on their mind because they are devoted to supporting you. Hiring a birth photographer ensures that your partner can keep all their focus on your needs, as well as be included in the photos.
How far will you travel for a birth? Do I have to birth at a hospital?
I currently serve Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. This includes but is not limited to: Beaumont, Sulphur, Lake Charles, DeRidder, Leesville, & Jennings.
I have photographed births at hospitals, birth centers and in client’s homes. I am comfortable in all birth settings and I will meet you wherever you are planning to birth.
When should I book a birth photographer? How do I book?
You should book as soon as you know your due date.
Due to the limited spots available, my calendar may fill up for your birth month quicker than you anticipate.
All that is necessary to complete your booking is: a signed contract, completed payment plan, and retainer payment. Although I do offer payment plans that extend past your due date, if you book at the beginning of your pregnancy you will have a better chance of completing your payment plan before you deliver.
What if I have a c-section?
Whether you are planning on a cesarean, or you unexpectedly meet your baby surgically, having a photographer to document your journey is so special.
As a mom who has had two cesareans, I would have missed so much had I not had a gallery to look back on. The beauty of having a photographer during a cesarean is being able to see all of those moments that you were unable to see while lying on the table including your baby’s first breath and the fresh details and sweet cries while under the warmer.
Many hospitals allow the presence of a birth photographer (in addition to your partner) during a cesarean. Be sure to check your hospital’s policy on who is allowed in the operating room. If you desire photos in the operating room it is your responsibility to make sure that I am allowed in ahead of time.
In the event that I am unable to be in the operating room, I will be there to document everything leading up to you rolling into the operating room and everything after you roll out. Your story is beautiful and you deserve to have it documented, no matter how it unfolds.
Does hospital policy allow photographers in the delivery room?
Every hospital is different and may have different policies. I would encourage you to reach out to the hospital you will be delivering at and take note of any policy they have specifically regarding photographers. Most hospitals do not mind photographers as long as they are notified when you admit for delivery.
Will my gallery be “friends and family” friendly?
No matter how your labor unfolds… it is hard and messy. But in between the beginning & the end is a labour of love and I love to represent the honesty of it in your photographs.
With that being said, your birth can be captured as raw or as modestly as you like. Some moms want their photos to represent what everyone in the room witnessed regardless of nudity, and others prefer conservative angles while still capturing the storyline; it is completely up to you.
All preferences will be discussed in depth during your prenatal consult. Your online gallery will also have a privacy feature so you will be able to mark personal photos private if you wish before sharing your gallery.
No images will be shared publicly by me without your specific consent.
When do I call you?
I ask clients to call:
1) When you THINK you are in labor
2) When it is CONFIRMED you are in labor
3) when you have reached active labor (either dilated to 5 or contractions are more intense and close together).
False alarms happen, that is apart of the birth process, but I would rather you notify me and it be false, then it be labor and I miss it!
When do you arrive for the birth and how long will you stay?
I arrive when you are in active labor and I stay a couple hours after delivery. I always check to make sure you are comfortable with me leaving before I go. If your baby needs medical assistance after delivery and I am unable to get photos of you with your newborn, I am happy to return the next day to photograph the fresh details.
What if my birth takes a long time?
Birth is unpredictable. There is no way to know how long you will be in labor. As your birth photographer I am there to document your entire story. No matter how long it takes I will be with you from active labor until 1-2 hours after delivery. Remember your package is all-inclusive.
Will you be interacting with us at all during labor?
We will stay in touch throughout your pregnancy to establish a relationship so that you will be comfortable with me in your birth space the day of your delivery. There may be times that we will have more interaction, particularly depending on the intensity & stage of your labor. If we find that we are playing the waiting game, and you are up for small talk I love engaging in conversation. However, I believe it is extremely important for you to have your perfect, peaceful birth space with the least amount of distractions and uncomfortable or negative influences as possible. That being said, I am perfectly content to stand back in the shadows and not make a peep. I do not do any posing or adjusting, unless it is for modesty purposes, or quickly getting a great first family photo.
What if you don’t make it in time for my birth?
Birth can be missed for a variety of reasons including lack of communication or unforeseen circumstances such as illness or an accelerated labor process. If I am unable to make your birth because of personal reasons or overlapping births, I will make every effort to send one of my back-up photographers to your delivery and I will come the following day and photograph a Fresh 48 for you at no extra charge. With that being said, I have never missed a birth due to being with another client or being unavailable. If your birth is missed because you delivered as I was on my way, I will continue to photograph once I am there and I will return the following day for a Fresh 48. Remember, good communication is KEY!
How does it work if a backup photographer has to attend my birth?
While I have yet to enlist the help of a backup, and I hope to never have to, there are a few things we cover in regards to that situation. I will always ask permission before sending a backup to your birth. If a backup has to shoot your birth, they hand the RAW photos over to me for editing, and I retouch the photos to match my style. Both of my back-ups are extremely talented and experienced in birth spaces.
Do you use a flash?
While I do bring a flash to births with me, I do not typically pull them out. I do my best to deliver quality images with the light that is available to me during birth. Due to the nature of a low lit environment, birth photos may have a grainer style than other sessions. Window light in my FAVORITE- it creates dreamy photos, but even without it I make it work!
When is my payment due?
Your deposit is due at booking and ensures that I go on call for the weeks surrounding your due date. The remainder of your fee is split into payments that are manageable to you. I offer flexible extended payment plans that may exceed your due date if necessary. I believe that no one should have to go without birth photography because of the cost.
Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Absolutely! What better gift could someone give you than the gift of a birth story. Please contact me for more information regarding a “Gift Registry” option.
What type of payments do you accept?
I send invoices through PayPal & accept credit, debit or cash. Invoices that are paid within 7 days of receipt will not incur a late fee.
How many photos will I receive?
Every birth is different, so I don’t guarantee a specific number of images. However I find that galleries usually contain anywhere from 150-200 images. I sort through quite a few images and deliver the ones that best represent your birth story.
When do I receive my birth photos?
If you are paid in full at the time of delivery you will receive your images within 4-6 weeks after birth. If you are set up on an extended payment plan, you will receive your photos within 3-4 weeks of completing your full payment.
If you have any further questions regarding birth photography I would love to connect with you! Schedule your FREE CONSULT today and we can tailor a birth package just for you!