Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! Nothing in the world can prepare parents for the first time they lay eyes on their baby. Birth stories vary from person to person and between a woman's pregnancies. That's what makes them so amazing and special! And because of the unpredictability of labor and delivery, a birth photographer is a new family's journey back to the special day, to relive those magical moments. 

Why hire a birth photographer?
Hiring a birth photographer allows dad/partners to be focused on mom and baby, and be a part of the birth story. If their behind the lens taking photos, well, let's just assume they're NOT a professional photographer! Having been welcomed into many delivery rooms, I can say with certainty that leaving the photos to a professional is one less stress for the parents!  
 
Without a birth photographer, it’s easy to be left with just a couple photos of baby after delivery. Having 4 children myself, I’ve been on both sides of the birth process – which has given me insight on the key moments to capture for you.

What to expect?
As we all know, labor can be unpredictable. Once, you have a birth scheduled with me, we'll be in touch a lot the weeks leading up to your due date, and I'll stay on call for you until your baby arrives! I like to arrive to the hospital when you’re in active labor (around 5cm). I document the hours leading up to delivery and up to two hours after your delivery. I’ll be there to capture your birth story in the most artistic and lovely way for you so that your first family photos are the best they can be! 

What if you miss the birth?
I only take on one to two births each month to allow me the greatest chance of attending each one. If I miss your birth due to my error (ie: due to illness, attending another birth, unexpected emergency), you will receive a full refund. If I miss your birth because your delivery was unexpectedly quick (yay for you!) or you failed to notify me in time, you'll receive a HELLO Baby! session.

What is a “HELLO Baby!” session?
A HELLO Baby! is for families who want those first moments of their newborn’s life captured without having the entire labor or birth documented. HELLO Baby! sessions are held within the first 24-48 hours of your baby’s life and take place at the hospital or your home. They are lifestyle sessions so very little posing takes place – rather I focus on capturing the bonds between parents/baby, big siblings meeting their baby brother/sister for the first time, first baths, feedings, diaper changes, etc. All those special ‘firsts’ you will want to remember.

What if I end up with a C-Section? Can I still have a birth photographer?
Absolutely! If you are having a planned Cesarean birth, you will want to ask your doctor beforehand if they will allow a photographer in the operating room with you along with any other support persons you have. Every doctor is different. If a photographer is not allowed, there are still plenty of beautiful moments to capture leading up to birth, and afterwards. Emergency C-Sections are usually off limits for photographers, but it never hurts to ask!

Will my images be shared on your website?
Yes, I do post images from the births on my website, blog and Facebook page. However, you will view your images before any images are shared and can let me know if there are any images you do not want shared.