+ How far in advance should we book with you?

Due to the on call nature of birth photography, I take a limited number of births each month. If you choose me to document this day, it's best to book your estimated due date as early as you can. A non-refundable "hold the date" fee is required to reserve time on my on-call calendar.

+ Will I meet you before the birth?

I'll meet with you when you're ready to book services. It's important that we are comfortable with each other and I ask that your partner comes along as well. Meeting allows me to answer your questions before you make the initial payment. We'll continually be checking in before the birth.

+ Do I need to talk with my care provider to see if they'll allow a photographer?

Yes! It's your responsibility to make sure your care provider and birth location will allow photography. Please verify the official policies with your provider and birth location, which might differ. It's also important to verify current policies around the number of support people permitted in the birthing space due to the pandemic.

+ What is your on-call schedule?

I am available for your birth starting two weeks before your due date through two weeks after your due date. If labor begins unexpectedly outside of that time period, I encourage families to still contact me and I will do everything in my power to be there to photograph. If the circumstances keep me from attending the birth, any monies paid towards birth photography will be applied to newborn + family photo sessions.

+ What happens when I think I'm in labor?

You'll connect with me by phone when you think labor is beginning at home, then again when you are heading to the birth location (excluding homebirth families), and also when it's confirmed you're in active labor. My goal is to get to the birth location when you are in active labor and have progressed to about 6cm dilated (if you choose to be checked), day or night. It's important to keep in touch with me as early as possible regarding physical changes and/or labor so I can get there in time to capture the birth.

+ How long do you stay?

Usually I leave your space after all of the "big moments": the birth, first latch, newborn exam, etc. Typically I stick around for 1-2 hours after baby is born.

+ Do you use flash?

I prefer not to use flash, but do at nearly every birth for the delivery. If your birth space is dimly lit, that's part of your story. In order to photograph your birth, I will need some light. Even the nicest cameras out there can't photograph in complete darkness. I may turn on lamps or make an adjustment to the curtains so I can capture your birth without using flash. I will ask you before making changes to your birthing space. If flash is needed, please know that it is bounce flash and not direct flash. My goal is to document your birth with the best quality of photos possible while still respecting your birthing space.

+ How are payments handled?

Birth photography requires a 50% non-refundable retainer to book with the remaining 50% due when I go on call. Upon request, a payment plan may be available.

+ Do you provide doula services too?

At this time I offer very "light" doula support alongside birth photography (I am a certified and seasoned birth & postpartum doula). It's very important to me that families feel supported during the birth and my doula heart wants to step in to assist whenever that extra support is needed. It is near impossible to document the birth and support the family entirely at the same time, so there's a chance that will impact the # of images you receive.

If you are looking for a doula who is able to 100% focus on you and your family, I recommend reaching out to my dear friends over at Brave Birth.