Welcome to my Blog

 Birth Stories Guide

Thank you so much for choosing me in documenting your birth story. It is a honor I don’t take lightly!

I have no doubt it will be a day filled with emotions that will blow you away, touch you deep in your very core, and change your life forever. I have been in the birth industry for 19 years now but not always in the role of documenting and I can honestly say I have never ever grown tired of seeing family lives changed forever. It is such an intimate moment in time, and such a sacred space to be in.

This guide is mostly a collection of suggestions, each birth is each different in it’s own way and often times going directions you don’t anticipate. As your birth photographer I am able to adjust or adapt to whatever course your birth might take. My hope is that this guide will help prepare you for what it’s like to have a birth photographer in your birth space and give you the tools to best plan for what will certainly be an amazing day.

When Should I Contact You?

Please send me a message via text (call me if I don’t respond within 10 mins) when you feel like labor is beginning. This allows me to think about the next hours and days with your birth in mind. I won’t get in my car, but will make sure my bag is packed and ready by the door. I would rather receive a bunch of false alarms than too late and risk missing your birth!

Once contractions have intensified and you’ve decided it’s time to call your midwife of 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 are in active labor, your care provider will be your best gauge. Below are a few rough guidelines that can hint at active labor (but, remember active labor looks different for each woman!)

-Contractions are 3-4 minutes apart, for at least an hour

-Contractions are too intense to walk or talk through

-Contractions are accompanied with rectal pressure

-You are dilated 5-6 cms

Remember, I need one hour notice, if possible. Please don’t worry about contacting me too soon.

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 and emotions. If I feel like there isn’t enough light in your birth space, I may make some small adjustments. If those bother you, please let me know.

During birth, I will often bounce my flash of the ceiling so I can capture the quick and fleeting moments of birth. My external flash is very different from flashes 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 am using it.

What Should I Wear?

Wear what 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 colored sports bras are a great choice. If you feel the urge to take of your bra during birth, don’t worry. I’m often able to get creative with angels and still capture moments that you can share with family and 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 water, consider bringing a towel with special significance. If you are giving birth in a 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 your beautiful moments that are unfolding. Some of my favorite choices are solid colored t-shirts, they are comfortable and look great in images.

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 baby or partner are wearing. those first family photographs can be priceless. But in the end of it all, remember that what you wear matters far less than what you experience. Don’t stress too much about clothing!

When Can I Expect My Images?

Both my photography only and photography+video package both include several sneak peeks 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.

The rest of your images will be completely edited within 3-4 weeks. For photography only birth stories you can expect 75+ beautifully hand edited images and an 8×8 album designed to include your favorite images.

Photography + video birth stories will still have 50+ hand edited images and also includes an 8×8 custom designed photo book of your favorite images.

You will also receive your Birth Story Video (an average length of 3-7 minutes) within 4-6 weeks. I do think there is no greater medium than video to capture those first cries, words of encouragement, and emotions just as they unfold during birth!

You are able to download your full-sized, full-resolution images right from your won private password protected gallery, and will also receive a custom USB with both your images and video (if booking a video story).

What Will You Share On Social Media?

I only share images on my website and social media sites that you are comfortable with. My clients to find me through internet searches and my social media sites, so I do really appreciate being able to share the beauty of birth there. If you are uncomfortable with that let me know. I believe birth stories can be told beautifully and tastefully with the right angles.