I’ve seen a lot of press lately on birth photography, like this article from the New York Times. I saw several media responses to this article, and clearly those people do not understand how it’s done or why birth photography exists. Birth is my very favorite thing to shoot, and I’ve had several inquiries lately so I thought I would post a little FAQ for your reading pleasure. 🙂
Why birth photography?
The birth of your child is one of the most important and beautiful days of your life. Birth photography is an
amazing way to remember every detail of your special day. Your birth will be photographed in a photojournalistic style,
with all black and white images. Having a birth photographer not only relieves dad from trying to snap
photos at the right time, but documents his emotion and participation in the process as well.
What exactly do you photograph in the delivery room?
When you book your birth photography, we will set up a time for a consultation to talk about expectations and what you’d like photographed. My typical birth shoot consists of mom and dad during labor, picture of the baby over the mom’s shoulder, and first moments with the parents and new baby. If possible, I will stay and take pictures of the family meeting baby for the first time. We will discuss everything you’d like to capture and those moments you don’t, since everyone has different preferences.
Will my doctor care if you are there?
Most doctors and nurses have no problem with a photographer being present in the delivery room. A hospital may have a blanket “no photography” policy, but I have found that it is really up to the doctor and nurses in the room. I stay out of the way and am very respectful of their space, so everyone normally forgets I am there!
How long do you stay?
I will arrive towards the end of labor (around 8 centimeters dilated) and stay through the birth. If family is present in the waiting room, I will also capture their first moments with the baby.
Do you post my images online?
Unlike my other photography, you do not have to sign a model waiver. 🙂 If you’d like me to share a few facebook-friendly images, I am happy to do so.
What if I go into labor in the middle of the night?
I am on call 24/7 waiting for the arrival of your little one!! I only schedule a few births per month so that they do not overlap and so I’m not constantly waiting on a phone call.
How much does this cost?
Birth photography starts at $500 for the basic birth package as described above. If you sign up for the baby’s first year plan, you will receive $200 off your birth photography. Each birth session comes with a disc of 50-75 black and white images of your birth. A beautiful DVD slideshow set to music is available for $75.
Have more questions? Please post in the comments section of this post and I’d be glad to answer them!