Birth Photography

The connection between you and your partner, your family or birth coach, the look of pride as you first look at your child, and the tiny fingers and toes of your new child— these are the memories I hope to capture. When the idea of birth photography is brought up many people may initially be a bit uncomfortable with the idea of a “stranger” being present at one of the most personal events of their life. However, I am not there to invade your privacy, only to capture the interactions, the moments that go by so fast and the memories of one of the most important days of your life.

Having had two children myself, I know that there are so many things to worry about before you give birth: What do I pack for the hospital? Who do I want in the room? Epidural or natural? Will I need a c-section? I know that your focus will not always be on all of the different aspects that are coming together to form your birth experience, that’s where I come in with my camera. Having a birth photographer there to document all the little details allows you to relive the experience through the art of photographs. In addition, being able to view your images in a tasteful, emotional video slideshow allows you to share this experience with your friends and family.

This is what birth photography looks like:

What does it include?

Your birth photography package will include many things. Starting with a meeting in the beginning of your third trimester to talk in detail about the specifics of your birth plans.  This meeting allows us to become more familiar with each other before the birth and eases the anxiety of having a “stranger” in the room. At this meeting we will go over your expectations, desires, and anything that you do or do not want photographed. I also like to follow up with a few emails as your due date approaches.

Leading up to your due date I am on-call 24/7, and although no birth is scheduled to occur at the perfect time please know that I will do my absolute best to be there during active labor and during the birth itself.

Birth Photography Package Includes:

  • 24/7 on-call from 37 weeks until the birth
  • All processed high-resolution edited images (approx. 100+) on custom flash drive with full printing rights
  • Set of 4×6 high-quality professional prints
  • Up to 6 hours of coverage and the photographer’s time and talent editing images
  • An online slideshow of your birth experience set to music
  • Within 48 hours, two or three digital images of the baby for printed baby announcements, facebook, or e-mail to share with friends and family.

If you don’t need the complete birth coverage, I also offer a smaller package for in-hospital images after the baby is born.

New Arrival Package Includes:

  • 1 hour in-hospital session including baby & family within 48 hrs of babies birth (to occur within the hours of 9am-5pm)
  • all processed high-resolution, edited, black and white images (approx.  25-30) on a custom flash drive with full printing rights
  • within 48 hours, a digital birth announcement collage of images for  online or e-mail use to share with friends and family

Complete information on pricing can be found in the Blue Daisy Art pricing guide…contact us to receive one!

FAQs

Why would I need a birth photographer? 

The birth of a child can be an extremely intense experience. Many women become  internally focused and often miss many of the special moments that are happening right in front of them.  Family and friends ares also so emotionally vested that they forget about capturing these moments as well.

Having a professional photographer present at your birth will allow your husband, partner or other friends and family members to spend their time supporting you instead of worrying about trying to capture all of the very important shots of the day. They will be able to enjoy the experience and participate much more.   In addition, most point and shoot cameras are not able to handle the low lighting conditions that are often part of the birthing experience.  I have needed the photography equipment, knowledge and experience to handle bad lighting situations like a hospital room.

How does it work?

Once you decide to move forward with securing my birth photography services, we will set up a time to meet sometime in the beginning of your third trimester to talk in detail about the specifics of your birth plans.

I will be on call for you 24/7 for when you go into labor. Once I receive the call or text from you that it is confirmed that you are in active labor, I will be on my way to arrive at your birth location and will stay afterwards to capture the baby’s first moments, bath, meetings with friends/family, etc.  If there are any other special requests please do not hesitate to mention them.

How far will you travel?

I live in the Springfield, IL area and generally will travel up to 30 miles for birth photography. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

How will you protect my privacy?

First of all, unlike a physician, nurse or midwife…I am not concerned about what is going on “down there,”  I am not a medical photographer.  Your wishes about what is photographed and documented always come first. If you prefer not to have some things captured or you have a specific request I will do my best to accommodate.Due to the extremely personal and private nature of birth photography, you also have the opportunity to approve images that are shared with others via our website. You will have your own specific password protected gallery that no one else will have acces to.  Although all clients are asked to sign a model release, you will have total control over the pictures that are taken and I honor any requests not to share specific images.  I do hope you will allow me to showcase your experience in a tasteful way so that other moms can benefit from and be inspired by your photos.

When I photograph a birth I take a journalistic approach and try to remain as inconspicuous as possible.  It is important to me to document your labor and birth as though I wasn’t even in the room.   I use available light whenever possible.  During the labor and delivery I can be as quiet as you want me to be or I can just be another support person for you. I do my best to stay out of everyone’s way while still capturing the amazingness.

When will we get our pictures back?

After the birth I will try to quickly provide you with two or three digital images of the baby for printed baby announcements, facebook, or e-mail to share with friends and family.

When should I book?

I limit my birth photography bookings to two per month, so it is best to reserve your spot early in your pregnancy.  Your session will be initially confirmed once the deposit is made and then again after the final payment.

What if…?

If I change your mind before the final /or your birth doesn’t go as planned, that is no problem at all – if you decide to forgo birth pictures for whatever reason, I will completely understand, however your payment is non-refundable…but can be used towards future sessions.

If you end up with an unplanned c-section or even have a scheduled c-section, I can still provide beautiful photographs for you. Even if I am not allowed in the operating room, I will be there waiting as soon as you are in a postpartum room.

If something happens with your child and they need to go into the NICU, I will do everything in my power to capture all those memories as well. It is safe and ok for me to be in there, and of course I will mind the doctors and family’s space. Should something more serious occur,  I would be honored to be there to offer my images to support your future healing. There is no cost for this service.