frequently asked questions

When will I receive my photos/ film?

Each photo and film is hand-edited by me as part of my creative process. Your photos and/or film will be ready for you in 4-6 weeks.

How will I receive my photos?

You will receive your photos via a private online gallery where you will be able to favorite, download, and share your images at both web resolution, and high resolution. You can also order prints or albums from your online gallery. Birth sessions also include a flash drive with your images and your slideshow or film.

How many photos will be included in my gallery?

The number of images in your online gallery depends on the session you select. For birth sessions, you will receive a minimum of 100 photos - it is often more than this amount! For most other sessions, the minimum is 50 hand-edited digital files - often more are delivered with these, too!

Can I print my photos?

Yes, you will have printing rights to the edited images you receive. You can also order prints through me, and I can guarantee the quality and help make this process easier for you! Click here to view the product guide.

What does it mean for you to be on-call?

I go on-call for you 3 weeks before your due date. This means that I don’t go out of town and I’m ready to join you at any time of day or night. I have my phone on me at all times, ready for your call.

How many births do you take at a time?

I take no more than 3-4 birth clients during any on-call period to ensure my availability for my clients.

What do I need to do when I go into labor?

Please let me know as soon as you experience the first signs of labor, such as contractions that have a pattern, the presence of bloody discharge, and/or if your water breaks, etc. so that I can make any necessary arrangements. Then, keep me posted on how things are going. I typically join you when you are in active labor, having consistent, strong contractions. If you feel like things are progressing quickly or have a history of fast labors, please let me know immediately when your contractions become intense.

What happens if I go into labor early?

If you go into labor early, call me as soon as your labor starts. I will still be there for you! If for some reason I am unable to make it due to being outside of the on-call time, I have backup birth photographers in place.

What if I have an unplanned c-section?

The OR staff (typically the OB and the anesthesiologist) makes the decision as to whether I am able to be present for the c-section. If you would like me to be there, it would be up to you to advocate to have me there. If I am not permitted into the OR, I would send a camera with your labor partner or a hospital staff member to photograph the birth.

How many births do you take at a time?

I take no more than 3-4 birth clients during any on-call period to ensure my availability for my clients.

What if you miss the birth?

In the rare event of a precipitous birth when the baby comes very quickly and the birth is missed, I will still come to document all the moments after the birth and you will receive the same amount of images as agreed upon.

What happens if you get sick or have an emergency?

If there is a situation such as an illness or an emergency on my end that would prevent me from making it to your birth, I would arrange for one of my backup birth photographers to document your birth story.

What if I’m concerned about modesty?

I work with all of my clients on their preferences for their birth sessions. If you are wanting more modest photographs, I will often shoot from the shoulder area during the actual birth, as long as space allows. This is an intimate event and I want you to be comfortable with the photographs that I am making. After the session, I allow you to approve any photographs that I may like to use in social media and marketing.

What are your backup birth photographers like?

My backup birth photographers shoot similarly in style to me and are also professionals that I absolutely trust in the birth space. Like me, they are a quiet and supportive presence.

Do you use flash?

Quality photographs need a certain amount of light. I prefer not to use flash, but flash can enhance the photographs in low-light situations. The flash would never be directly pointed at you, but rather be bounced from a wall or the ceiling. It’s important to understand that in a low-light situation without adequate light from a flash or some other source, graininess may result.

Why does it seem so expensive?

Every birth story is unique and sometimes labor can progress quickly, or it can take more than 24 hours. I ensure that my schedule allows for me to join you at any time - day or night. Also, I’m able to have backup birth photographers available. Birth photography is one of the most challenging types of photography and requires a special skillset to know how to document those incredible, once-in-a-lifetime moments. My high-end cameras are equipped to handle low-light situations. I’ve invested a lot in my education and have worked hard to hone my craft. My goal is to provide you with beautiful, professional photographs.

What if I’m concerned about the cost?

There are a couple options that can help with the cost. One option is a payment plan, where we would agree on a schedule together to spread out the payments, even past the birth. I also offer a birth registry, which can help offset the cost. A lot of clients will send out the link to family and friends on their baby shower invites as a way for them to give a gift toward their birth photography.

How do I choose the right birth photographer?

Choosing a birth photographer may seem daunting, but there are a few key things that can help you make this decision. Look for a photographer who has strong, consistent images that make you feel something. Look at their website and social media accounts, as well as their reviews. Talk with them before booking to make sure it’s a good fit and that you would feel comfortable with them. in your birth space.