PHOTOGRAPHY

Why hire a birth photographer?
 

Birth is not only one of the most important days in your life, but it is the most transformative, emotional, and intimate experience. As your birth photographer I will capture the raw beauty and strength of labour and birth, as well as the tender story unfolding between partners, family, and anyone you choose to allow in your birth space.

 

After birth many mothers remember their experience like a dream; with dulled details and a skewed timeline. Having images to look back on brings your memory back into focus and can extend the oxytocin high following birth. I also aim to capture moments in your labour and birth that you may miss; the look on Daddy’s face as his child is born, the calm activity of your support team, loving hands supporting you, and so forth. These details are incredibly emotive and are a beautiful addition to your visual birth story.

 

​

Where do you work and what kinds of birth do you photograph?

​

I live in the Western suburbs of Melbourne and I’m happy to travel up to 60-90 minutes to document your birth. When I am booked for your birth I am on-call 24/7 from 38 weeks until baby is born. During that time I will be close to both my phone and camera awaiting your call any time of day and night. If your baby decides to make its entry into the world before the on-call period you can call me immediately and I will make every effort to make it to the birth. In most cases this would be possible, but on the very slight chance I miss the birth I would be there as soon as possible to document your first moments with your baby and would likely follow up with a newborn documentary session at home if desired.

 

All births are incredible and beautiful and deserve to be documented. As such I would love to photograph any form of birth in any setting; hospital birth, birthing centre, home birth, water birth, caesarean birth, NICU stories, surrogacy stories, and so forth. Caesarean births often need to have prior approval for a birth photographer to enter theatre and can be discussed with your care-giver, however, even if I’m unable to enter the theatre there are still many opportunities to capture your labour and the moments after birth.

 

 

I’m not sure I want another person in the room

​

In general, the role of a birth photographer is to document the unfolding story of your birth while remaining as unobtrusive as possible so as not to interfere with the labour and birthing process. In some hospital births I may be the only person you have met before the actual birth. Having strangers attending you during labour and birth can be daunting, so having a familiar face can be reassuring.

 

I have a surgical background and I am incredibly respectful of birthing professionals and will always be mindful that I am not impeding their care of you. I understand how to navigate the birthing suite safely and discreetly, and the etiquette of theatre. Having said that, I am always happy to be an extra hand if needed during times when I’m not shooting. This could mean getting water for you, laying out some snacks for your support team if labour is a long process, even holding your hand or massaging your back if Dad needs a little break.

 

 

What will you take photos of?

 

Everything and anything you want! During your second or third trimester I will come to you so that we can talk about what YOU want. I personally think that all aspects of birth are incredible and beautiful, even the messy bits. Buts that’s not the case for everyone. It’s up to you to decide what you are comfortable with me photographing and you can feel secure that I will respect your choices. If you are unsure of something, I am happy to take the photographs in the moment, and once you receive the images you can choose to delete them. Unless you are certain you don’t want something photographed, I’d always recommend having the capture taken and deciding if you want to keep it later. That way there are no regrets if you decide, for example, that in retrospect you wish you could see your baby crowning (something Mum rarely gets to see).

 

 

How far in advance should I book?

​

Due to the on-call nature of birth photography, and because I have five children that I unschool, I am only able to take a limited number of bookings per month. For this reason booking at least a few months in advance is definitely advisable.

 

​

How long will you remain after birth?

 

Assuming you are still comfortable with me staying, I will remain for 1-2 hours to capture the details of you getting to know your newest little love. Their first cuddles, having their stats taken, first breastfeed, meeting family if they are present, and tiny details such as sweet baby feet, little ears, a little curl of hair and so forth.

 

​

I’m not sure I want the actual labour and birth photographed…

​

That is perfectly fine. No everyone wants to capture their labour and birth, so I also offer Golden Hour and Fresh 48 sessions. These are both documentary style shoots (not newborn posed style) where I will capture tiny details of your new baby, as well as special moments that may occur like sibling meetings, grandparents first hold, first bath and so on.

​

Fresh 48 sessions are done during daytime hours either in the hospital or at home. This session also goes for around 1-2 hours.

​

If you book me for a Golden Hour session I am on-call from 38 weeks until the baby is born, just like for birth photography. You (or more likely your partner or someone of your support team) will keep me informed of your progress in labour, and I will arrive at your birth space either just before, or just after your baby is born, and remain for 1-2 hours. This should allow me to document special moments like baby being weighed, their first breastfeed, and Daddy’s first cuddle.

​

​

I have another question...

That's great! I'd love to answer it! Please feel free to email me or use my contact form to get in touch with me.