Birth photography

+ What do you do during a birth??

Because each family is different, and ever labor and birth is different, I will always do my best to remain a silent observant in the shadows. My goal is to my job without any distractions to the natural flow of labor and birth. I‘ll always lend an open ear, a calm spirit, and my experience from over a couple dozen deliveries I’ve witnessed…but will tend to have an implicit cheer from the sides. I work hard to preserve the birth environment.

+ How many images do I receive??

I know you can NOT wait to share about your new, favorite, little person! I do my best to send you 3-5 images within 24 hours of being home from your birth. These images are totally complimentary! Within a month of your birth, you will receive a gallery with over 100 beautiful, story telling images of your birth.

Because I find such high value in birth photography, I offer the ability to meet more families where they are financially. With your online gallery, you will have the opportunity to choose how many images to purchase. You can purchase digital files in groups of 20, 40, or all. You also are able to purchase beautiful, heirloom albums that also include digital files! Read more about your financial investment here.

+ What if I don’t want my images shared publicly??

Birth photography is so beautiful. But I don’t document your story for me…I document it for you. In my contract I include a model release which you have the option to agree or disagree.

+ Are you a doula or just a photographer???

I am not just a photographer. I have been trained and certified by some of the best birth photographers in the world, and I know my professional grade cameras and birth - inside and out. From the physiology of the process, the various funky lighting situations…to all the sweet details of a birth story that “just some photographer” might not notice. I have received wonderful birth and postpartum doula training. I hold the safety and sacred space of my clients with the highest compassion and professionalism. I know when I might need to put my camera down, and how to stay out of the way of your medical team. I keep my cool if the meconium hits the fan.. and will hold a calm space for you while you focus and rock your birth - however it unfolds. Let’s talk more about what kind's of support you will need.

+ I really want a birth photographer, but my budget is limited. Do you offer payment plans?

Birth photography is huge to me. As a mom, as a woman, as a photographer…. I’ve seen how it is truly invaluable. This is why I offer things like Gift Registries, Payment Plans, and the ability to create your own packages!

+ How do you handle dark spaces/what gear do you use?

Birth can be in a hospital with huge, bright lights. Birth can be in the corner of a bedroom with one tiny, battery operated candle. My high quality gear is able to work in near no light with correct use! In some situations, at the time of birth, I may use one of my bounce flashes. This is a high powered, highly adjustable flash that bounces behind my shoulder or off the walls…never directly at anyone. I understand the idea of a flash doesn’t sound great…but I have never had a single client ever notice! But this is your birth. I follow your flow!

I have invested in years of education, years of experience, and high quality photography gear. Not only is my gear the best available, but I always have back ups. In fact, I have back ups for my back ups. Your birth is like a wedding. It only happens once and there are no do-overs. Being experienced and prepared is beyond imperative.

+ Will you travel to cover my birth?

As births can be unpredictable, I choose to travel only up to one hour away. This allows me to offer photography to clients in Roanoke, Salem, Lynchburg, Convington, Bedford, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Rocky Mount, Lexington, and all the surrounding smaller towns. Reach out below to confirm your birthing area is covered!

+ When is the best time to hire a birth photographer?

I’ve had clients book before they even had their positive pregnancy test! I’ve also had clients that are due just days away! I encourage you to reach out sooner than later. Being a homeschooling mom to six kiddos…so much goes into being on call for me. I never want to be on call for a family and not have them be my #1 priority. I only take a couple births a month! For this reason, I encourage families to book early to save their due date month!

+ What if I have a c-section?

Whether your birth is a scheduled or last minute cesarean, I will do my best to capture your full birth story. It’s important to speak ahead of time to your care provider and discuss your desire for your doula/photographer to join you during your birth, wherever it is. I want to support your full birth story. This would include joining you at the hospital as you’re getting prepared to meet your baby! Ideally I am able to join you during actual delivery, but it is always the decision of the anesnteiologist! If it’s not preferred by care providers, I will give a quick down low on my camera gear (on as auto as I can!) and send it in with your birth support person! I will join you in recovery and make sure to capture those first moments of bonding with your precious babe! If for some reason I am not allowed to capture as much of your story, I will happily come back for a Fresh 48, as well.

+ Why is birth photography so expensive?

I get it. We’re a big family and I understand the expenses that come along with each baby! But just like you prioritized wedding photography, that immensely important day… beautiful photographs from the day your identity changed is arguably more important. Here are some beautiful articles that I think best explain the reasons behind birth photography’s expense.

Why Is Birth Photography So Expensive

Why Is Birth Photography So Expensive? Part I: Vision + Skill

Why Birth Photography Is So Expensive

Why is Birth Photography So D*** Expensive?

+ I like the idea of birth photography, but I’m concerned about keeping my body private.

Absolutely! My goal is to capture your birth’s FULL story. The story you want to relive for the rest of your life. The story that brings you joy, comfort, and life long healing. Some families prefer I stay by Mom’s head during the pushing and delivery stage of birth. Some families want to see and remember every detail. Whatever story YOU want is the story I want. Your comfort level is imperative to me.

+ When do I call you?

I ask that you send a text when labor starts to show signs. Even if it ends up fizzling out, no problem! That’s normal…and expected. Just make sure you (or your hubby, doula, family member) call until I answer! Even at 2am! Ideally, I arrive sometime during your active labor. Sometimes this means I join you for just a few hours before baby! Sometimes this means it ends up being much…much…longer. Both are good. Birth is unpredictable! Before your due date, we’ll talk about signs I’ll be asking about (comfort level, ability to talk, effacement, etc). Those signs will tell me much more about how long before potential baby moment than centimeters!

+ What if my labor starts before 38 weeks or lasts a really long time?

I am officially on call at 38 weeks. This does not mean I can’t meet you for a birth sooner than this! This just means that I sleep with my phone, drive with my phone, feed our goats with my phone (no…literally). I am ready to support you at all moments. And yes, that moment is usually 2am. That’s cool, too ;) If you happen to need me before 38 weeks, I will do my absolute best to still join you. I always have back up photographers and doulas that share the same views as I do and are cheerfully willing to come in a pinch!

If your birth ends up being very long (24hrs+), we will discuss the possibility of a back up photographer/doula coming to support. You are most important. Your needs are most important. Whatever needs to be done to care for you and your birth is my desire!