**What is birth photography?**

----------------- Capturing those tender moments while your partner supports you through contractions, the giggles and smiles in between, the delivery of your baby and meeting for the first time, and meeting other family members, tells the story of your baby's birthday. Birth photography is a photojournalistic approach documenting your entire journey. Feel those emotions come back as you reminisce over your photos and share these moments with your children for years to come.

**How much does birth photography cost?**

----------------- Due to the unpredictability of birth, I'm on call for a month surrounding your due date and your investment reflects the service you receive as well as the time invested by me as your photographer. My clients come to me because they love fine art and want to treasure their images in the form of tangible heirlooms. A retainer of half of your birth collection is due to book your birth month. Clients typically invest on average of $2,000 to $4,000. *Payment plants and gift registries are available.*

**I'm unsure about having someone photograph me. Can we meet?**

----------------- It is important you and your partner feel comfortable with me. Giving birth is a very private and intimate time and I'm always honored when clients allow me in their life on such a special day. We can get to know each other during our consultation (whether that’s virtually or in person). During this meeting we will discuss what is involved, your expectations and vision, what you want/don't want photographed and any other questions you might have.

**Do all hospitals allow you to photograph the birth?**

----------------- Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital allows photography in the labor room and O.R with a few guidelines, however I strongly encourage all my clients discuss photography with their healthcare provider.

**How long will you be at my birth?**

----------------- There is no set of hours, as every birth is different. I begin photographing your birth when it is determined that you’re in active labor and stay up until 1-2 hours after delivery.

**What if I have a C-section?**

----------------- Every birth is beautiful and deserves to be captured. The benefit of having me there is I will be able to capture the moments you won't get to see during surgery and while in recovery. Many hospitals and doctors are becoming more open to photography during surgery, but you’ll need to discuss this with your healthcare provider. If I am not allowed in the O.R., I stay behind shooting details and follow your partner and baby to the nursery.

**What if I give birth prematurely?**

----------------- I will do my absolute best to be at your labor despite not being on-call. If I am able to come, I will of course be sensitive to the situation at hand and capture as much as I possibly can. If I were to miss your birth, it is possible to use your birth photography investment as a credit towards a newborn session.

**Do you travel outside of Santa Barbara for births?**

----------------- Due to all births being different and some moving quicker than others, I like to stay within 1-2 hours of home, but if you are further and think we are good fit, don’t hesitate to contact me.

**What happens if labor starts in the middle of the night?**

----------------- No problem! I am on call 24/7 from the time you are 38 weeks. Since we will be in contact leading up to this point, I'll be prepared and ready to go, even at 3am.

**What if you can't make the birth?**

----------------- If I were to miss your birth during the time in which I am on-call, you can use your birth photography investment as a credit towards a newborn session.

**Would all of the pictures from my birth be shared publicly?**

----------------- Privacy is very important to me and all images remain unshared until you have personally approved them for public use. I love when clients give me permission to share their birth stories, as it encourages other families, but I understand that sharing such an intimate event is not for everyone.

**How and when do I book?**

----------------- Book your birth as soon as you know you'd like me to be there. A retainer is required to secure your on-call birth month. Payment plans and gift registries are available.

**We are having a surrogate birth. How would that work?**

----------------- Surrogacy is such a beautiful gift for the parents-to-be and every birth is deserving of being photographed. Photographing the birth wouldn’t be any different, only an additional agreement between the surrogate and parents is needed.

## \*\*Birth photography isn’t for me, but I still want to document my baby's birthday. What else do you offer?\*\* ----------------- If birth photography isn’t what you are looking for, a Fresh 48 may be it! This is a 1.5 hour session occurring within 48 hours of delivery at the birth place, allowing the birthing person to rest, freshen up and look her best for her first family photos. These sessions are perfect for those first meetings among siblings and family members, and those interested in capturing a more private experience on their baby's birthday. \*These sessions are on-call, as they need to be scheduled shortly after birth and take place during normal business hours.\* ## \*\*How much is a Portrait session?\*\* ----------------- My clients come to me because they love fine art and want to treasure their images in the form of tangible heirlooms. Your session fee is due to book your date and during your image reveal you create your own package by selecting the products that fit your family’s budget. Clients typically invest on average of $1,000. When bundling with a birth story, I waive your portrait session fee. \*Payment plants and gift registries are available.\* ## \*\*What is a Newborn session?\*\* ----------------- Newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your own home within 1-3 weeks after birth, offering you and your family time to settle in. You'll experience a relaxed, stress-free session full of candid moments; moments that perfectly capture you and your family. ## \*\*What other Lifestyle sessions do you offer?\*\* ----------------- I offer Maternity and Family Lifestyle sessions, which take place in your home or somewhere that represents you. I enjoy photographing families doing something they love. Whether that's making pancakes in the morning, cuddling and reading a book or walking on the beach. Participating in an activity you enjoy will encourage natural and organic emotions, and these are the precious moments you don't want to forget. ## \*\*We are adopting our child, do you photograph these moments as well?\*\* ----------------- Yes! An adoption is just as important as the physical birth of a child. Welcoming your child for the first time is a very special moment, especially after the long and aching process you have endured. A new addition to the family, no matter how, deserves to be documented and remembered.