What is Birth Photography?
Birth Photography is basically a photojournalistic approach. It is a series of photographs documenting the Labour, Birth and Postpartrum. It really is a true birth day celebration. It is all about capturing the journey to motherhood and capturing all the emotions we go through as we bring our baby into the world. The look on your partners face, the look on your face, the intense moments through labour where your partner is supporting you through those contractions. The first look, all those tiny details that change extremely fast after they’re born. It also relieves your partner from trying to support you along with trying to get photos and missing out on the moments himself. Being a fly on the wall capturing everything for you as it happens and you will not regret it for a minute!
Do you take pictures of the whole labour and birth?
I will photograph your labour and birth if thats what you would like. If you want anymore or less let me know and I will honour your wishes. I usually will be with you from active labour 5-6cm till approx 2-3hrs post birth.
Will you post the photos on the internet?
I will post what you’re comfortable with. If you would prefer me not to post a certain image let me know. I would never post an image that would reveal anything on it anyway unless you told me too. 🙂 Birth Photos are helping other mums to be choose their best birthing choices so its a valuable learning tool that I’m passionate about so I really appreciate clients that allow me to share if they are fine with me to do so.
Will we meet before the birth?
I would always like to meet you before the birth so we can get to know each other rathan than meeting you when your in labour. During this time we will discuss your expectations, any questions you might have, any hospital policies and any other small but important details.
When do you show up?
I will show up when you are sure you are in active labour. As a mum of two I know all labours can be different. It all depends on how much of the day you want documented will depend on when I will show up. This is one of the details we will cover at our birth consultation.
How long will you stay? What if I have a long labour?
I will stay until 2-3hrs postpartrum
What if I have a short labour, will I get any of my money back?
If I am unable to make the birth because of a situation at my end then yes you will be refunded any money. If I am unable to make it because you do not keep communication then no money will be refunded. Due to the amount of weeks I block off for a birth I lose other potential business.
What if I have a C-Section?
There is several hospitals that allow us to be in theatre for c-sections so most of the time isnt an issue. There is ways around this which we will discuss at the pre consultation.
Will I have to get approval from my hospital?
Yes, at your check up please speak with your midwife or doctor about having a photographer there for the birth. There is usually never an issue but they just like to know that there will be a photographer present at the birth thats all.
What if you miss the birth?
If I miss the birth and you still want photos your session will be turned into a fresh 24hr session and any money will be applied to that session or it can be changed to a newborn session. Ive only ever missed one birth in almost 5 years.
When should I book you?
You should book as soon as you are certain you want your birth photographed. We prefer birth bookings to be made as early as possible as we only take on a maximum each month to ensure we can make your birth. So once those spots are filled no more will be booked in.
Do you offer discounts or take payments?
I offer discounts when purchasing a session bundle eg Maternity & Newborn Bundle. I also offer Take-home Layby on packages purchased from viewing appointment which is interest free. Deposit is due at time of order and the remainder will be paid in fortnightly payments.
Do you use flash? What if I want my birth dark?
I don’t use a flash unless I absolutely have to due to it being way to dark to capture with correct exposure. Using no flash in very dark rooms will lose alot of the quality of your photos and cause them to be very grainy or out of focus. It is best to have enough light for us to capture well exposed images for you.
How many photos will you get?
This will vary depending on the length of the labour and birth. I aim for atleast 100 to tell the complete story but Ive always produced alot more than that.
How long will it take to get my photographs?
This depends on my workload at the time but you can expect to have your viewing within 4-6 weeks of your birth.
Will they be colour or Black n White?
I generally process birth photos in both Colour and Black n White. If a certain image looks much better in only black n white then you will only get it in black n white as it is a representation of my work and will only supply images that represent it well.
Do I get a USB of all my images? What if I want prints?
I prefer to design an album to tell your story in the order of the events on the day. This is a keepsake memory for you and you will then automatically get all the images with the album ordered.