ATTENTION VIEWER: The photographs below contain images of live births. Please continue at your own discretion.
Are there benefits to having a professional photograph my labor, delivery and birth of my child? Couldn't I just have a family member or friend take some photos?
The birth of your baby is one of the most important days of your life and the life of your baby. By hiring a professional to capture the moments and memories from that day, you and your family can focus on the important task of bringing baby into the world instead of worrying about getting or missing those important shots. Plus, you get the added benefit of watching the birth of your baby with your own eyes instead of through the eye of a camera. It allows you to be totally present in the moment.
The birth of your baby is one of the most important days of your life and the life of your baby. By hiring a professional to capture the moments and memories from that day, you and your family can focus on the important task of bringing baby into the world instead of worrying about getting or missing those important shots. Plus, you get the added benefit of watching the birth of your baby with your own eyes instead of through the eye of a camera. It allows you to be totally present in the moment.
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What will the pictures look like?
Birth photography captures the events of your special day as they happen. The photographs progress along with your labor and delivery, telling the story of the day you brought your baby into the world. They tell your story artfully and with emotion so you can relive the special moments later.
What if I am adopting my child?
Adopting your child into your family is just as important as the birth of your child into your family. Since each adoption is handled differently, please contact me for a custom session that suites your child's adoption best.
Birth photography captures the events of your special day as they happen. The photographs progress along with your labor and delivery, telling the story of the day you brought your baby into the world. They tell your story artfully and with emotion so you can relive the special moments later.
What if I am adopting my child?
Adopting your child into your family is just as important as the birth of your child into your family. Since each adoption is handled differently, please contact me for a custom session that suites your child's adoption best.
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I'm a private person, but I'd still like my birth documented. Is there a way to maintain my privacy and still tell my birth story completely?
Your privacy and comfort are very important to me. Before the big day arrives, we will discuss what you are and are not comfortable with. If you wish to keep your images private, no problem. The birth of your baby is a private event, and I respect the wishes of all my clients.
How far in advance do we need to book and reserve our session with you?
Due to the "on-call" nature of birthing babies, I only take a limited amount of births each month. If you'd like to have your birth photographed by me, I recommend booking and reserving your session as early as you can. A non-refundable "hold the date" fee of $100 is required before you can be officially added to my calendar.
Will I meet you before the big day?
Yes! It is important that we are comfortable with each other, and we each put a face with the voice. It allows me to answer your questions before the big day. We'll meet at a third-trimester check-up appointment with your caregiver to go over a last-minute planning checklist. This is a great chance for me to meet with your caregiver before your birth day, as well. I ask that your birthing partner come with you, if at all possible. I will be able to answer more questions that have come up and go over your birth plan.
Your privacy and comfort are very important to me. Before the big day arrives, we will discuss what you are and are not comfortable with. If you wish to keep your images private, no problem. The birth of your baby is a private event, and I respect the wishes of all my clients.
How far in advance do we need to book and reserve our session with you?
Due to the "on-call" nature of birthing babies, I only take a limited amount of births each month. If you'd like to have your birth photographed by me, I recommend booking and reserving your session as early as you can. A non-refundable "hold the date" fee of $100 is required before you can be officially added to my calendar.
Will I meet you before the big day?
Yes! It is important that we are comfortable with each other, and we each put a face with the voice. It allows me to answer your questions before the big day. We'll meet at a third-trimester check-up appointment with your caregiver to go over a last-minute planning checklist. This is a great chance for me to meet with your caregiver before your birth day, as well. I ask that your birthing partner come with you, if at all possible. I will be able to answer more questions that have come up and go over your birth plan.
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Do I need to ask my doctor or midwife if I can photograph my birth?
YES! It is your responsibility to make sure your doctor or midwife and hospital/birthing center will allow photography during your labor and delivery. You may be limited to the number of "support" people allowed with you. Please verify the official policies with your doctor/midwife and hospital/birthing center, which might differ. We will need to discuss this at the time of your booking. If you are scheduled to have a c-section, you will probably only be allowed 1 support person during the surgery but please talk to your doctor/midwife in advance to see if an exception can be made for 1 support person AND your photographer. It might not happen, but ask. We'll talk about this at our last meeting. If I am not allowed in the operating suite, I will stay close by the doors to photograph your partner and baby being brought out and meeting family and will follow your baby to capture all of those firsts for you!
If your doctor/midwife or facility restricts photography specifically during the actual delivery (pushing, crowning, delivery), verify with them the ability for me to take photos before the actual delivery, as well as photos immediately after the baby is delivered. Even if the actual birth itself is restricted, I will still be able to get important shots of everything else that day.
Please note that if any unforeseen event occurs that requires treatment or urgent medical attention for you or your baby, or causes the planned delivery method to change (i.e., c-section), I might be required to leave the delivery room for the remaining duration of your labor and delivery. I will still be close by to capture photos of your family and friends waiting for your new arrival, and will return to shooting as the medical staff allows. Keep in mind that the most important thing is that you have a safe delivery, and ultimately your doctor or midwife and nurse/doula’s job is more important than mine.
YES! It is your responsibility to make sure your doctor or midwife and hospital/birthing center will allow photography during your labor and delivery. You may be limited to the number of "support" people allowed with you. Please verify the official policies with your doctor/midwife and hospital/birthing center, which might differ. We will need to discuss this at the time of your booking. If you are scheduled to have a c-section, you will probably only be allowed 1 support person during the surgery but please talk to your doctor/midwife in advance to see if an exception can be made for 1 support person AND your photographer. It might not happen, but ask. We'll talk about this at our last meeting. If I am not allowed in the operating suite, I will stay close by the doors to photograph your partner and baby being brought out and meeting family and will follow your baby to capture all of those firsts for you!
If your doctor/midwife or facility restricts photography specifically during the actual delivery (pushing, crowning, delivery), verify with them the ability for me to take photos before the actual delivery, as well as photos immediately after the baby is delivered. Even if the actual birth itself is restricted, I will still be able to get important shots of everything else that day.
Please note that if any unforeseen event occurs that requires treatment or urgent medical attention for you or your baby, or causes the planned delivery method to change (i.e., c-section), I might be required to leave the delivery room for the remaining duration of your labor and delivery. I will still be close by to capture photos of your family and friends waiting for your new arrival, and will return to shooting as the medical staff allows. Keep in mind that the most important thing is that you have a safe delivery, and ultimately your doctor or midwife and nurse/doula’s job is more important than mine.
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What if I go into labor at 3am? Will you still be there?
YES, barring any unforeseen circumstance. Babies don’t work on a set schedule so neither do I. I fully anticipate middle-of-the-night phone calls. You do need to keep me updated as early as you think labor might be starting. You will let me know when you think labor is beginning at home (even if it ends up being false!), then again if/when you are heading to the hospital, and when your doctor/midwife confirms you are in active labor and/or they admit you. My goal is to get to your home, hospital, or birthing center when you are in active labor and have progressed to about 5cm dilated, day or night. Since it may take up to an hour to situate things at my own home and have time to travel to you, it is important to keep in touch with me *EARLY* as labor begins and progresses so I get to you in time.
YES, barring any unforeseen circumstance. Babies don’t work on a set schedule so neither do I. I fully anticipate middle-of-the-night phone calls. You do need to keep me updated as early as you think labor might be starting. You will let me know when you think labor is beginning at home (even if it ends up being false!), then again if/when you are heading to the hospital, and when your doctor/midwife confirms you are in active labor and/or they admit you. My goal is to get to your home, hospital, or birthing center when you are in active labor and have progressed to about 5cm dilated, day or night. Since it may take up to an hour to situate things at my own home and have time to travel to you, it is important to keep in touch with me *EARLY* as labor begins and progresses so I get to you in time.
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How long will you remain at my birthing location (home, birthing center, hospital, etc...)?
There is no set time limit due to the unpredictable nature of births. I aim to get to your birthing location when you are around 5cm dilated and will stay up to 2 hours after your baby arrives to capture many of the first moments. I've been at births for as little as 3 hours and as long as 15 hours before. But no worries! We'll discuss this more when we initially meet.
There is no set time limit due to the unpredictable nature of births. I aim to get to your birthing location when you are around 5cm dilated and will stay up to 2 hours after your baby arrives to capture many of the first moments. I've been at births for as little as 3 hours and as long as 15 hours before. But no worries! We'll discuss this more when we initially meet.
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What if I am having a planned c-section?
Regardless of how your baby enters the world, it is worth capturing. It is unlikely that the hospital staff will allow a photographer into the operating suite but ask your doctor and/or midwife. Even if a photographer is not allowed in the operating suite, there are still many moments I will capture outside with your waiting family and friends. I'll be there when your support person comes to share the good news and I'll follow the baby, if allowed, and capture the firsts. Having me there for a c-section is still important in telling your baby's birth story. I'll be your eyes to get the moments you miss.
Regardless of how your baby enters the world, it is worth capturing. It is unlikely that the hospital staff will allow a photographer into the operating suite but ask your doctor and/or midwife. Even if a photographer is not allowed in the operating suite, there are still many moments I will capture outside with your waiting family and friends. I'll be there when your support person comes to share the good news and I'll follow the baby, if allowed, and capture the firsts. Having me there for a c-section is still important in telling your baby's birth story. I'll be your eyes to get the moments you miss.
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Do I have to share the images you take? Will you share the images that you take?
I will respect your privacy wishes. I will email you a few low-resolution, watermarked images within 24-48 hours of the birth so, if you'd like, you can share them with family and friends through email or social media. With your permission, I would be happy to announce the birth on the Acorn & Oak Photography Facebook page and start posting a few sneak peeks of the baby so you can share it with family and friends awaiting the news. The remainder of your gallery will be finished within 2 weeks and will be added to a password-protected gallery for you to view and share as you'd like.
I will respect your privacy wishes. I will email you a few low-resolution, watermarked images within 24-48 hours of the birth so, if you'd like, you can share them with family and friends through email or social media. With your permission, I would be happy to announce the birth on the Acorn & Oak Photography Facebook page and start posting a few sneak peeks of the baby so you can share it with family and friends awaiting the news. The remainder of your gallery will be finished within 2 weeks and will be added to a password-protected gallery for you to view and share as you'd like.
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The thought of sharing this day with a stranger makes me nervous, but I'm still really interested in having my birth photographed.
I'm a mom too, and I've been where you are. You probably won't know all your birthing staff in advance, but you trust their expertise. I want you to put that same trust in me. Meeting with you at your prenatal appointment is also meant to help us get to know each other a little better so we are not strangers on the day your baby is born. I love getting to know my clients and keeping up with your progress as the weeks go by.
I will come and go from the room to give you and your partner plenty of time to yourselves while still capturing the moments that make up your story. Because birth is such a private and intimate event, I take extreme care in protecting the family’s privacy. You are free to ask me to step out of the birth area at any time and I will remain nearby to return as soon as you are ready.
I have been told my child may not survive outside the womb. Will you still photograph our family's special moments?
Suffering the loss of a baby is one of the most traumatic experiences parents could face. I believe it is just as important to remember that child’s entrance in the world as it is any other. I would be honored to be there to offer my images to support your future healing and grieving of your child. You will want to remember every detail of your child and the pictures will preserve those tiny features for when you're ready to see them. There is no cost for this service.
I'm a mom too, and I've been where you are. You probably won't know all your birthing staff in advance, but you trust their expertise. I want you to put that same trust in me. Meeting with you at your prenatal appointment is also meant to help us get to know each other a little better so we are not strangers on the day your baby is born. I love getting to know my clients and keeping up with your progress as the weeks go by.
I will come and go from the room to give you and your partner plenty of time to yourselves while still capturing the moments that make up your story. Because birth is such a private and intimate event, I take extreme care in protecting the family’s privacy. You are free to ask me to step out of the birth area at any time and I will remain nearby to return as soon as you are ready.
I have been told my child may not survive outside the womb. Will you still photograph our family's special moments?
Suffering the loss of a baby is one of the most traumatic experiences parents could face. I believe it is just as important to remember that child’s entrance in the world as it is any other. I would be honored to be there to offer my images to support your future healing and grieving of your child. You will want to remember every detail of your child and the pictures will preserve those tiny features for when you're ready to see them. There is no cost for this service.
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How far are you willing to travel?
I will travel within 25 miles of Ironton, OH free of charge. Additional fees are applied for distances starting at 26+ miles. Please see the FAQ section for the fee chart.
How many photographs will we receive?
It varies because each birth is unique but on average, a final gallery will contain approximately 100 - 150 final edited images. The length of your labor and if there are any restrictions put on photography could affect that number.
I will travel within 25 miles of Ironton, OH free of charge. Additional fees are applied for distances starting at 26+ miles. Please see the FAQ section for the fee chart.
How many photographs will we receive?
It varies because each birth is unique but on average, a final gallery will contain approximately 100 - 150 final edited images. The length of your labor and if there are any restrictions put on photography could affect that number.
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What is the cost of your birth photography package? And what does it include?
Please click here to view my Birth Photography Price & Info. Guide.
Do you offer a payment plan? Do you accept credit cards?
I work with you to create a payment plan that works for you. There is an initial "save-the-date" deposit fee which is non-refundable and the balance should be paid by 36 weeks into your pregnancy. I offer an extended payment plan option and gladly accept credit cards. Contact me if you have questions about my payment plan options.
Please click here to view my Birth Photography Price & Info. Guide.
Do you offer a payment plan? Do you accept credit cards?
I work with you to create a payment plan that works for you. There is an initial "save-the-date" deposit fee which is non-refundable and the balance should be paid by 36 weeks into your pregnancy. I offer an extended payment plan option and gladly accept credit cards. Contact me if you have questions about my payment plan options.
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Do you offer any other add-on services or bundled packages?
I do! I offer plenty of amazing add-on services. For example... maternity sessions, newborn sessions, Fresh 48, etc... For more information, contact me here!
Do you photograph home births or birthing center births?
Absolutely! Every woman's birth story is unique to her, her baby/babies, and her family! I am honored to document that story wherever it may unfold.
I do! I offer plenty of amazing add-on services. For example... maternity sessions, newborn sessions, Fresh 48, etc... For more information, contact me here!
Do you photograph home births or birthing center births?
Absolutely! Every woman's birth story is unique to her, her baby/babies, and her family! I am honored to document that story wherever it may unfold.
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What if I change my mind at the last minute?
No problem at all – if you decide to forgo birth pictures for whatever reason, I will completely understand. However, your initial deposit of $100 is non-refundable.
What if my labor and delivery don't go as planned or my baby has to go to the NICU?
Depending on the hospital’s policies, I will do everything in my power to capture all those memories as well. I will take as many photos in the delivery room/birthing location before your baby(ies) are taken to the NICU as long as it doesn't interfere with the medical staff and well-being of your baby(ies). If the hospital and medical staff allow it, I will follow your partner to the NICU and take as many photos as I can. Of course, I will respect your wishes for NICU coverage. If there is a time that I can't be near your baby(ies), I will still document the activities outside the NICU with your family and friends.
No problem at all – if you decide to forgo birth pictures for whatever reason, I will completely understand. However, your initial deposit of $100 is non-refundable.
What if my labor and delivery don't go as planned or my baby has to go to the NICU?
Depending on the hospital’s policies, I will do everything in my power to capture all those memories as well. I will take as many photos in the delivery room/birthing location before your baby(ies) are taken to the NICU as long as it doesn't interfere with the medical staff and well-being of your baby(ies). If the hospital and medical staff allow it, I will follow your partner to the NICU and take as many photos as I can. Of course, I will respect your wishes for NICU coverage. If there is a time that I can't be near your baby(ies), I will still document the activities outside the NICU with your family and friends.
"Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch."
EB White
(Charlotte's Web)
EB White
(Charlotte's Web)
