Why should I hire a birth photographer?
Having your birth photographed allows those fleeting moments and details to be preserved forever. Those little moments you didn’t get to see, the reactions you may have missed, the way your birth supporters cared for you... Being able to see the incredible strength and power in the way you laboured and birthed through the eyes of those around you. Having a birth photographer gives your birth supporters the freedom to focus on you entirely and be fully present through each moment. Having photographs of your birth can also be a wonderful way to re-live those visceral emotions you may have felt, and support the process of healing if you need it.
Will I be meeting you for the first time at my birth?
No - Before you book in with me, there’s an optional phone or video call for us to have a relaxed chat, answer any questions and make sure you feel confident having me as your photographer!
Once you’ve booked in with me, we will set up a date early in your third trimester for your birth consultation. This can be either in person or via video call depending on where you’re located and what your preference is. This is the perfect opportunity for us to go over your birth preferences, plans and any questions you may have before your birth.
I also do this so you can get to know me and make sure you feel 100% happy and safe having me in your birth space. Partners, birth supporters or family members are more than welcome to join us too!
We will keep in contact throughout the remainder of your pregnancy - I’ll only ever be a message or phone call away and you’re welcome to reach out at any time.
What if I experience a loss after booking?
In the event of loss, every deposit and payment you’ve already made is fully refundable. You may wish to continue having your birth captured, or alternatively, any payments you have already made are able to be kept for any future births. This decision is completely up to you and you have my full support with whatever you decide on.
Will you photograph everything?
Birth is messy and raw and beautiful and I would love to capture every detail of it, however I will only ever photograph what you are comfortable with. Your safety and emotional comfort is my number one priority. When we meet for your birth consultation we will go over anything you are and aren’t comfortable with, and of course if any of your preferences change after our consultation, I’m just a message or phone call away.
All images from your birth will be delivered to you in a private online gallery that only you will have access to, any of those you choose to share or keep private will always be completely your decision.
Will you use a flash?
I will always try to utilise the natural light of your birth environment without a flash - I love photographing in low light environments and will always do my best to capture the true ambience of your birth space. If there isn’t sufficient light in your space, I may need to use a diffused flash to ensure you’re getting the best photo quality from my camera and I. To ensure minimum distraction, my flash will be directed towards the ceiling or walls and never towards you or your baby. If at any point you aren’t comfortable with the flash or you find it distracting, I will put it away without question.
What if I end up having a theatre delivery?
I will photograph your labour and birth every step of the way, including into theatre. If I’m not allowed to go into the theatre with you, I can continue documenting your birth as soon as I’m permitted, either in recovery or back in your room!
If you are expecting a theatre delivery in advance, you can work with your LMC to grant me permission into theatre prior to your birth.
What birth locations do you cover?
Every home, hospital, birth centre or location of your choosing - as long as it’s in Auckland! Out of Auckland travel is available at additional cost.
Will my photos be shared publicly online?
Only with your permission. It’s completely okay if you want to keep these images private. We’ll go through this in your contract, in our pre-birth consult, and again after the birth to make sure you’re comfortable with your decision every step of the way.
When will I receive the photos from my birth?
Within 48 hours of your birth, I will edit and send you a handful of my favourites just in case you want to use any as a birth announcement! The rest of the images will be sent to you within 6 weeks and delivered through a private online gallery that only you will have access to.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! A $500 deposit is required to secure your booking, and the remaining balance is due by the time I’m on call for you from 37 weeks. The remaining balance is able to paid in any increments that work best for you.
How many birth clients do you take on each month?
To give each family my full support and attention, I accept only one birth client per month. This also allows me to balance my own motherhood and my work with Nature Baby.