06/30/2017
Birth photography Q&A: most asked questions....
1) What exactly do you photograph?
Your modesty and dignity for both you and your newborn is of utmost importance and I'll do my best to preserve that in this vulnerable and exposed time in your life. Some moms don't even want the photographer at the foot end of delivery. Some moms want the half and half image. Some moms want placenta images. I'm comfortable with all of it, so I'll honor your comfort level accordingly. I tell my clients that nothing is photographed you wouldn't show your friends and family and if by chance something sensitive is photographed, with your prior permission of course, it's up to you if you want to share it. Some parents want those images for themselves and I can certainly respect that. We can discuss your preferences in a free consult and answer any other specific questions you or your partner may have concerns about.
2) Do all the images HAVE to be black and white? We want color images as well.
Birth is beautiful, but it can be messy, some more than others. Black and white captures the moment and not the 'mess', so to speak. However, color images are very appropriate in birth photography. Discretion is a wonderful thing and we can certainly discuss those preferences as well prior to delivery.
3) When does photography start?
Simply put, whenever you want it to. We can start a birth story the same day we have your consult or fast forward to just before you deliver. Or even immediately AFTER delivery. There are lots of options to fit your needs and budget. Once hired, I am on call for you, 24/7 two weeks before and after your due date and we stay in contact up until delivery. That means I don't go any further than a 30 mile radius from the delivery location in your due date window to ensure I am available for your new arrival at a moments notice, even if it's at 2am!
4) I'm having a c-section, can I still have photography?
Of course you can, providing the birth facility allows it. Talk with your doctor and see if there's any reason an experienced photographer, who is aware of surgical room protocol, can't be present.
5) I'll just get my partner to photograph my birth.
This is certainly an option to explore and may work well for some. Keep in mind that this will take your support persons focus someplace else other than on you in those moments you need them the most. Having a photographer there frees up your support person to do what you brought them there to do---support YOU! The 'birth blur' happens to them too. Your photographer has seen a LOT of births and not much can surprise us anymore. They know what to look for, and know the general flow of what happens in the room for a delivery. They won't miss a thing, meanwhile, you still have your support person there enjoying the 'blur'.
6) When do I get my images?
As early as the next day while you're still at the hospital. I'm working on getting them ready before you even leave recovery to go to post partum, but it's still a work in progress and something I'm working towards. Bringing a new human into this world is exhausting work for mom and sometimes you just want as much privacy as you can get at the hospital, so if you'd prefer a few days to get home and get settled in, I can personally deliver them at your home at your convenience as well.
Birth photography is becoming more popular and for good reason. It's one of the most life changing events you'll ever have. I've not met a mom yet that regretted getting it, but I've heard of a lot of moms who regretted NOT getting it and wished they could have had it with their older children, myself included in that bunch. It's a moment you can't recreate or go back in time to get.
If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask. There's a good chance it won't be the first time it's been asked...or the last.
