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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does a session look like/what are you taking photos of?

I shoot everything I see as though I'm filming a documentary. This includes the birthing space, the staff (to some degree/as long as it's allowed), the laboring mother, and any support people (friends, family, etc.) in the room. You can expect the following type of photos - 

  • Photos mid-contraction, and the downtime in between

  • Final bump pictures

  • The birth itself

  • Crowning

  • Cutting the cord

  • First breastfeeding moments

  • The Placenta

  • Baby weigh-in & measurements

  • Family bonding time

  • Anything else you request! 

I'm not sure how I feel about the more graphic images. What if I'm uncomfortable having these taken of me?

I only take pictures of what each mother is comfortable with. If there is anything specific you are not comfortable with me taking pictures of, we can definitely avoid those. Ex. breastfeeding is okay, but no nipples showing if possible, no crowning pictures, no all-show nudity from the waist down, etc. We discuss and finalize your specific photo preferences during our consultation, and the signing of your contract so everyone is on the same page!

How does it work? Do you have a timeframe in which you plan to be there?

I require families to notify me by phone (text or call) twice: once right when labor begins (very early), and a second time after any cervical checks (or other flagging indicators) that confirm a mother has entered Active Labor. Once Mom has entered Active Labor, I head on over! I require a maximum of 3 hours to reach the birthing place in order to get a babysitter, and get any other affairs in order. So the earlier a client can notify me, the better.

How long is a session/how long are you at a birth for?

Once a mom is in Active Labor (around 5cm dilation), I head to her birthing location and stay put until whenever she has her baby, as well as 1-2 hours after her baby has arrived. This can vary from mom to mom: some labors are quick, and some are long. I'm always prepared for either. 4-5 hours is the average amount of time I'm taking pictures. 

What are the signs of "Active Labor"?

The typical signs to look out for in Active Labor:

  • Contractions start to feel more intense 

  • Contractions are longer, stronger, and more painful. Each one can last about 45 seconds, and are about 2-3 minutes apart.

  • Bloody show may increase

  • Cervical checks confirm dilation (minimum of 5cm dilation)

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Of course every mom's experience may vary depending on what her birth preferences are (ex. she does not want cervical checks, has already had a baby before/can expect a faster labor, etc.) So we'll go over and plan as best we can for these specifics during our consultation as well. 

How many clients do you take per month? What if something happens and you can't make it?

I currently take 2 clients per month to avoid overlap since I do not have a backup photographer. If something happens and I am sick or have an emergency when you go into Labor, you will be fully refunded. 

I'm having a (home, hospital, birthing center birth), do you attend any of these?

Yes, yes, and yes! I am able to attend and take pictures in any birth setting. 

How far do you travel?

I'm located in Huntington Beach, so as of right now the furthest I travel is 45 minutes max in all directions. Any additional distance would be a higher rate. 

If you're at a hospital, are you considered to be one of the "visitors", or part of the included "staff" in the room?

Birth Photographers are considered to be your "visitors" in a hospital setting. The amount of people you can have as visitors varies from hospital to hospital so this is something I ask clients to confirm with their staff in advance in order to secure their due date in my schedule. 

I'm sensitive to light and my birth space will likely be dark. How can you guarantee good pictures?

Most mamas feel this way! I invested in one of the top cameras for handling dark environments (or high ISO in the photography world.) So even if the room is dark, my camera is still able to let in enough light to capture what I have in the viewfinder very clearly without the losing quality of picture. Adjustments to brighten a dark image can also be done on most photos during the editing process. BUT the camera isn't always a cure-all! So it is very common stylistically for Birth Photography to have some images with slight grain, or slight blur. I try to use that to my artistic advantage, and otherwise try to take photos that are as clear as possible.

Do you use flash?

Some birth photographers do, and there are varying opinions and approaches to this. As of right now, I do not use any flash at all because I don't want to distract or bother moms sensitive to light during labor. A baby's eyes are also incredibly sensitive to light and are very fragile, which is another reason I choose not to use flash during labor and delivery.

What are your rates? And why?

I created a whole section on this to answer all your nitty gritty questions. Check out the "INVESTMENT" tab!

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