F.A.Q. - Birth Stories

Do you accept payment plans?
Yes! Money can be tight, especially with a new baby on the way. Do not feel pressured to pay your birth package right away in full. If you want to pay little amounts here and there until the balance is paid that is totally fine!

What happens if I go into labor before the balance is paid?
In my contract I mention that the payment is due at 36 weeks of pregnancy. If you go into labor earlier than this, you can still call me and I will attend the birth to photograph it. BUT you will not receive any of your photos until the balance is paid. If you paid your deposit and still have a balance by your due date, the same thing applies.

Will you be shooting "down there"?
During our in person consultation, we will discuss what angles you are most comfortable with. Some women want shots from doctor's point of view of baby crowning, while some rather shots from dads point of view. I only will shoot what you are comfortable with me shooting. You can look through my birth photo gallery and get ideas of what you like, as well as looking on Pinterest to see what kind of photos you hope to get from your birth session.

What happens if you miss the birth?
If you do not call me as soon as you are admitted to the hospital letting me know you are in active labor, there is nothing I can do about missing it. It is in the contract that if I miss the birth due to mom or dad not calling and informing me to make my way to the hospital, you will not get a refund. Sometimes, baby has other plans and can come in 30 minutes or less. If this happens, you will get a Fresh 48 session ensuring you still have your birth story in the hospital documented, as well as a heavily discounted newborn or in home session. 

Do you shoot belly births? (C-sections)
Yes! I myself had a C-section and my first birth session I shot was a belly birth. I know what to expect, how to stay out of the way of doctors and not touch anything blue! lol! But it is ultimately up to your doctor and team if I will be allowed in the operating room. My advice is to be firm with you care providers when telling them your birth plans. Have a team that truly cares about your birth experience being what you want it to be. Some doctors have no problem allowing a photographer in the room, while others strictly won't respect moms wishes and only allow their partner in the room. Talk to your doctor beforehand and get the okay to have a photographer in the room in the event you need a C-section.

Are scheduled C-sections cheaper?
No. You may have a scheduled date, but that doesn't ensure the baby will stay put until then. Your water can still break in the middle of the night on a random, unexpected day, and you have to make your way to the hospital before the scheduled date. Even if it is a scheduled delivery, I am still on call for you 24/7 in case something like this happens, therefore I do not treat it differently from any other birth.

How many photos will I get? 
I do not like to put a guaranteed amount for sessions like this. I give enough photos to tell a story. If you have a long labor and delivery, you can expect more photos. If your labor and delivery is short, you can expect 50 photos at LEAST. But, typically my clients receive 75-100+ photos from their birth stories.

When will I get my photos back?
For births, I ask you give me 2-4 weeks before they are ready and emailed to you. It could be sooner but that is the time I like to give myself in case its a busy month. 

Be sure to ask your doctor's permission to have a photographer present! If you have any more questions, email me and feel free to ask away!!