Frequently Asked Questions for Birth Photography

People often have various questions about birth photography, especially if they're considering hiring a professional birth photographer to capture the special moments of their labor and delivery. As a professional birth photographer and videographer located in Richmond, Virginia, I'll share some that I get often and how I answer. I hope it helps and please leave a comment if there are any others that come to mind for you! Here are some common questions:



What is birth photography, and why should I consider it?

  • Birth photography is the artistry of storytelling in its purest form, capturing the symphony of life unfolding in breathtaking moments. It's the delicate dance of light and shadow, revealing the raw beauty of humanity's most profound journey. Through the lens of a skilled artist, each frame becomes a brushstroke, painting a narrative of strength, vulnerability, and boundless love.

How do you ensure privacy and respect during such an intimate event?

  • The time spent connecting before the birth allows me to develop a closer connection with clients, where we discuss priorities for the parents, their comfort level with what images are taken, and more. During the birth, I support the respect and boundaries of the parents' privacy based on the many conversations that we have beforehand. I step out for exams, outfit changes, and any time that the parents need privacy or time to be together alone.

Are birth photographers experienced with capturing moments in low-light settings typically found in delivery rooms?

  • YES! We know that the birth environment can be as unpredictable as the labor and birth itself. For myself, I have a top-of-the-line camera, lenses, external flash, and other gear that allows me to document moments in extremely low light situations. Of course, the more light the better quality image that you'll have, but gear and photography techniques can be extremely helpful in the settings where the parents prefer little light.

What style of photography do you specialize in for birth sessions?

  • I love this question because it can help people find their ideal photography in such an efficient way. For birth sessions, I am fully documentary-style, which means I do zero posing, guiding, or directing. In birth settings, I am here to capture the organic connections and exchanges authentically, as they happen, not to create moments from my perspective. During the birth, I rarely speak unless spoken to, and am often moving quietly around the room to get the images in a respectful and mindful way.

Do you offer both photography and videography services for births?

  • Yes and yes! I offer both and have heard over and over how glad people are that they chose the videography along with the photography. Videography shares such a special magic that brings the birth to life in a beautiful and captivating way.

How far in advance should I book a birth photographer?

  • I recommend booking your birth photographer as soon as possible for a few reasons. One, it allows you more time to connect with them and develop a closer bond. Two, you have time to plan your maternity and/or newborn session! Three, it gives you extra time to pay, if you're more comfortable with a payment plan. It also gives you a better chance at booking your photographer! Birth photographers usually only accept 1-5 clients a month.

What happens if my labor is longer or shorter than expected?

  • No matter how long or short your labor, I'm there for it all! If your labor is particularly short, I'll probably stay longer after delivery to make sure that your gallery is full of all of the details that tell your birth story in an authentic way.

Can I request specific shots or moments to be captured during labor and delivery?

  • Absolutely! That is a huge part of our first conversation once you hire me as your birth photographer. Because of the unpredictable nature of birth, I can't promise that any image will be captured. Unplanned cesarean deliveries, medical emergencies, and extra medical personnel can sometimes shape images in ways that are out of my control. I will always try my very best to capture every image that you want (and have mostly been pretty dang successful -knock on wood-).

What are your pricing packages, and what do they include?

  • Each photographer will have different prices. Some people choose to list them publicly, and others prefer to go over pricing with their potential clients directly. I have three pricing options ranging from $900-$1500. Each package includes a private digital gallery where their professional quality images will be delivered. The highest package will include the most possible images and multiple edits of most images (both color and black-and-white). The lowest package includes 80-100 images and either color or black-and-white. The middle package is between 100-150 images and many images edited for both color and black-and-white.

How soon after the birth can we expect to receive the edited photos?

  • Most photographers deliver a preview soon after the event, with the full gallery being delivered between 3-6 weeks. My timeframe for those as that I deliver the preview for birth sessions within 24 hours after, and the full gallery is delivered within 3 weeks. Videography is delivered within 4 weeks of the birth.

Are there any restrictions or guidelines from the hospital or birthing center regarding photography during labor and delivery?

  • Every hospital and birthing center operate under different parameters. The client is responsible for double-checking and verifying this information, and can usually get this quickly from their Labor and Delivery unit.

Can we share our birth photos on social media, and do you offer printing services?

  • Please do! I love when clients share the work! It feels like such a big compliment to have people feel so proud of their images that they want to show them off. I just kindly ask for a tag or mention!

What if I go into labor early?

  • I'm there, no matter what! I officially go "on call" at 37 weeks, which means that your notifications are on, cameras are charged, and bags are packed - night or day! Whenever baby decides to arrive, I'll be there!