F.A.Q.

Here is a list of questions I receive a lot. I hope these help! Certainly let me know if you have a specific question, we can address all of them at your consultation. OR—if you aren't sure if you're ready for a consultation, just submit your question in the contact form at the bottom of the page.

newborn-baby

When Should I Contact You?

Please send me a message when you feel like labor is beginning. This allows me to think about the next few days with your birth in mind. I won’t get in my car, but I will make sure that my bag is packed and ready by the door. 

Once contractions have intensified and you’ve decided it’s time to call your midwife or head to the hospital, please send me a message or give me a call. My goal is to arrive when you are in active labor. This ensures that my presence won’t distract you or prevent your labor from advancing. If you aren’t sure if you’re in active labor, your care provider will be the best gauge. Below are a few rough guides that can hint at active labor (but remember, active labor looks different for each woman!) 

• Contractions are 3-4 minutes apart, for one hour 

• Contractions are too intense to walk or talk through 

• Contractions are accompanied with rectal pressure 

• Dilated to 6 centimeters 

Remember, I need one-hour notice. Please don’t hesitate to contact me once you feel like active labor has begun. 

What Should I Wear? 

Wear whatever is comfortable for you! Many of my clients will wear a sports bra during labor and birth because they want to be able to share some of the images publicly. Solid-color sports bras are a great choice. If you feel the urge to take off your bra during birth, don’t worry. I’m often able to get creative with angles and still capture moments that you can share with family or friends. 

Many clients will bring meaningful items or jewelry. These will not only provide amazing stories for you to tell your children in the years to come, but they can make your photographs really pop. If you are giving birth in the water, consider bringing a towel with special significance (this client below used one of her grandmother’s towels). If you are giving birth in the hospital, consider bringing your own swaddling blankets or baby hats. 

Your partner should also wear comfortable clothing. Solid colors are often preferable as loud patterns or logos can distract the eye from the beautiful moments that are unfolding in your family. Some of my favorite choices are solid color t-shirts. Comfortable but also great to photograph. 

I encourage both you and your partner to pick out a separate set of clothes that can be worn after birth. Giving birth can be messy, and you may want to change out of what you’ve been wearing. Many of my clients will purchase a pretty robe that coordinates with something their partner or other children will wear. Those first family photos can be priceless. But at the end of it all, remember that what you wear matters far less than what you experience. Don’t stress too much about clothing! 

What about Lighting?

Many women like to give birth in a dark environment. My camera is equipped to handle low light situations. That being said, I do need SOME light to capture those incredible moments. If I feel like there isn’t enough light in your birth space, I may make some small adjustments. If these bother you, please let me know. 

When photographing during birth, I will often bounce my flash off the ceiling so I can capture the quick and fleeting moments of birth. My external flash is very different from the flashes that most people are accustomed to. The flash will never be directed near or towards your face and most of my clients aren’t even aware that I’m using it. 

How long will you stay?

I arrive at your birth once active labor has started (about 5-6cm dilated) and stay until the baby is all clean and settled into your arms, usually a few hours after delivery. 

Do you offer a Payment Plan?

Yes.  A retainer of $500 is due upon booking and will reserve your due date and the 4 weeks before and after as “ on-call” days in our calendar.  We can arrange a monthly payment plan for the remaining balance. Full payment must be received two weeks prior to your due date.

baby-rolls

I have a Scheduled C-Section.

All births are beautiful! There is a lot of activity surrounding a c-section that creates a story worth being told through photographs! I will come with you to the hospital and can catch all of the going on’s as you prepare to enter the OR. If I am unable to join you in the OR, I will send my camera in with your parter (I will put the camera on auto). Once you are in recovery and reunited with your baby, I will continue to capture your birth story as you enjoy your first moments holding and snuggling with your new baby. All of the images will be processed and delivered, even those taken by your partner. 

How long to you stay after birth?

Typically it’s about 2hrs or so before you are all settled with the baby. I can leave at this time, or I can stay for a mini portrait (Fresh48) session and grab a few images of you together, cozy and resting. It is up to you. 

I'm concerned about keeping my body private.

We totally understand. If this is a concern of yours, of course we are happy to respect your comfort level (which is of upmost importance during labor). We can talk in person about this and your limitations. 

What do you share on Social Media?

I will only share images that you are comfortable with. Your online gallery will include a tab entitled “Social Media/ Blog Post Images” for you to view and approve. 

What if my birth happens at night?

Births happen at all hours of the day or night, and we totally understand and get that. That just comes with the territory! You can call or text me at any time and your lead documenter will be there as soon as possible, even if it is at 2am! We do ask that we are given as much notice as possible of impending labor (showing any signs at all) so that your lead documenter can be sure to arrive in time.

birth-flags

What if I give birth prematurely?

I will do my absolute best to be at your labor despite not being on-call. If I am able to come, I will of course be sensitive to the situation at hand and capture as much as I possibly can. If I were to miss your birth, it is possible to use your birth photography investment as a credit towards a newborn session, or any other type of portrait session. 

When Should I Book?

This is the reason I work with others as a team. I have a backup photographer who is going be on-call for you to minimize the possibility of us missing your birth. While only one of us will be at the actual birth, the other will be on-call in case of anything that could happen, be it the flu or traffic, and will be ready to leave the house if necessary. If in the unlikely event we were to miss your birth during our on-call time (within 2 weeks of your EDD), you can use your birth photography investment as a credit towards any other type of baby or family session, and we can also talk about this during your consultation to make sure we are all on the same page.

Cuddles with a fresh new baby!

Cuddles with a fresh new baby!

When can I expect my images? 

All of my birth packages include several sneak-peek images that I process and edit within 24 hours of birth. These images are specifically sized for the web so that you can easily and beautifully announce the birth of your baby on social media. 

The rest of your images will be edited within 2-3 weeks. You’ll receive a link to your private and custom gallery where you’ll be able to view all your images and purchase prints. 

Do you have another burning question? 

I do not bite, I promise. There is no harm in asking a question. I will not come knocking on your door demanding your attention, or add you to my email list. I will, however, respond and hopefully answer your question as soon as I have a chance :)


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