Why hire a birth photographer?
When you are getting married what is one of the first things you organise? A photographer. Family reunion? A photographer. Your childs christening or birthday? A photographer! So tell me how is birth any different? This is a once in a lifetime event, a once in their lifetime event, it should be documented. Having a birth photographer allows your partner to focus on you and the nurses to focus on their job without having to think about picking up their camera and grabbing a few snaps for you. Being a birth photographer means I can read the light in an instant, have the equipment for any situation and can grab all the shots your heart desires without missing a beat, it sure beats the crappy pixelated phone photos I have of my first born entering the world.
What to look for in a Birth Photographer?
Someone who specialises in the area. Would I book a birth photographer to do a stylised product shoot? Heck no, just like I wouldn't hire a wedding photographer to photograph my birth. It is key that you and your birth photographer mesh well and are on the same wave length, they slot in to your birth space seamlessly and flow with the same energy not someone who you can't connect with and hinders your progress. It is a good idea to meet with your potential birth photographer to make sure you are a good fit before committing and also check out their previous work to make sure their style is what you are seeking.
Will I notice you in the room?
My goal is to fit in, not stand out. If you are up for a chat, hey I'll chat away but when the time comes this isn't about me, it is about you. I find my spot within your birth team and I play my role documenting your story. Some birthing mothers like peace, quite and lights down, others move around to music and laugh through their pain, each story is different but I gage the situation each and every time and find my place accordingly to document your story, your way.
How much of my birth and labour do you capture?
This is totally your call. I go by your lead. I can be right there or take a step back, we discuss this in the initial consultation. I tend to head to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart and start documenting your labour, the progression, delivery, cutting the cord, bonding and then I head back in the next day to capture your fresh new babe in the daylight.
When should I book you?
Now, if you know you are pregnant now is the time to get in touch. The more notice I have the better. I have my own little people to work around and can not take on more than two births a month so in order to secure your birthing experience its best to get in touch sooner rather than later.
What happens if I go in to labour in the middle of the night?
This is a question I get all the time and it happens all the time. I go on call generally when you are 37 weeks. I ask you to keep me updated in the last few weeks of your pregnancy, then to let me know if you think things are happening and then again when things are happening, this way it is absolutely no surprise when Im jumping out of bed at 3am to meet you at the hospital. This is the lifestyle I choose, this is my passion and it is what drives me to create, in the middle of the night call-outs are apart of the job.
Do you travel?
Yes, I do. I am based in Echuca but I travel as far as Bendigo, Shepparton and Deniliquin.
Do you offer payment plans?
I sure do, this is something we can discuss in the consult. I offer a variety of flexible plans to suit the needs of all birthing mothers. I also offer gift certificates, give a few hints that this is something you desire and you never know you might just get one at your baby shower.
Do you use a flash in your birth photography?
If the situation calls for it I do. I also take a couple of shots and ask the mother-to-be if it is something she can tolerate in her birthing space. If she can, the images speak for themselves, if not I try my best to provide the best images to my ability but you have to understand if the room is dark then the images won't be as crisp and sharp as they would be had I used flash. HERE is a little side by side of the same birthing space, one with a flash and one without.
How long after birth do you stay?
I usually stick around for an hour to capture all the firsts, the bonding, the weighing and then I leave returning the next day.
I'm keen on having the first moments of my babies life documented but not sure about having labour capture. Do you offer this?
Sounds like a Fresh Collection may be more up your alley. You can find my Fresh Collection information HERE.
Will my images appear on your blog/instagram?
Not without checking with you first. Generally I gauge how much the mama would like the world to see, I create a blog post and first send the link to you first, this is your chance to approve or request images be removed. Once I have the go ahead I post your story but if you would like the while gallery to remain private that is totally up to you too.
Do you offer any kind of support during labour and delivery?
No I'm not a Doula, although one day I dream to be at this point I am not qualified so I won't be telling you to push or reading your obs. If you want to squeeze my hand while your partner goes and gets themselves something to eat and drink or hand you a cooled face washer I'm all for it but generally I hang around in the background and do what I do best, tell your birth story.
What happens if I end up with an emergency cesarean?
In the event that this does happen it doesn't mean I pack up and leave. I stick around and tell your story leading up to surgery, hand my camera to your partner, after a quick lesson on how to use it, and direct them to snap away. I then join you post surgery to document your new love if you are up to it otherwise I will come back the following day for the Fresh Collection.
What do I do next?
Hit the contact me tab and make an enquiry. I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can, if we have the opportunity I'd love to take you out for a coffee, or a chocolate milkshake if you are anything like me while pregnant and discuss how you envision your birth being captured. I send through the contract and deposit request and we go from there. I look forward to speaking with you soon x