Birth Stories Q&A

 

I get a lot of questions from potential clients as well as people just generally interested in Birth Photography. Here are the most popular asked and answered! 

 

When do you arrive at the hospital/home/birth center?

I like to try and arrive at the hospital when you are dilated to a 5 or 6. That being said every labor and delivery is different and so deciding on when I should arrive is something we will discuss in our consultation. 

 

 

Are hosptials and Drs. ok with you in the hospital room?

It is important to ask the Dr. and facility what their policy is on a photographer being present. I have never had a problem with any hospital staff member not being ok with me being there.

 

What if you don’t get there in time?

Sometimes labors happen quickly and VERY quickly. My clients do a great job at informing me when their contractions start (even if they are days before the real thing) and what is going on throughout the process and because of this I have yet to miss a birth. I am always safer than sorry and like to be on location hours before your baby is born. In the case that you do experience a rapid birth, I will still arrive a the hospital to photograph the first hours of your baby’s life. Your deposit of $325 covers this portion along with the digital negatives, and the remaining amount of your balance can be used as credit towards future sessions and products.

 

What if I end up having an emergency C-section? 

Every hospital and Dr. have their own policies about letting photographers into the operating room. If this is a big concern for you I urge you to discuss this with your healthcare provider. The actual birth of your child comprises a small portion of the entire story, and even stories where I am not allowed into the operating room are compelling and emotional. Either way, it is all part of your child’s story, and it is an important story. You can see an example of such a case HERE.

 

What if I end up having to have a scheduled C-section?

I do allow those who discover they need to have a scheduled C-section the option of a refund, if I am notified within 1 week of the delivery date. That being said, in this case it is far more likely you will be able to get approval for a photographer to be present in the operating room as you will know the facility, Dr., and anesthesiologist working at the time. More importantly, just because you are having a scheduled C-section doesn’t mean there is no longer a story to be told.

 

 

What happens if I go into labor at 2am?

My phone is on and on me all day and all night. Call me, that is what you have hired me for. (I even give you my husbands cell, my home phone, and my Mother’s… just in case.)

 

You shoot with film, can I still get the images in a digital form?

While I do shoot film, the negatives are professionally scanned after they are developed and therefore converted into a digital image. Every Birth Story Bundle comes with a high resolution disk for you to use for printing, blogging, and face-booking to your heart’s content.

 

Are albums, slideshows and other products, aside from what is included with my Bundle, still available for purchase?

Yes. After your images are viewed by you and delivered you have up to the length of your online gallery to purchase additional products. (Grandparents, friends, and other family members are welcome to purchase from the online gallery as well with your permission.)

 

When will I receive the images and the products in my package?

Images as well as the included slideshow are delivered 4 weeks following the birth of your child. Albums take a bit longer as they are custom made as well as custom bound. After your selection of images and then your approval of the proof delivery takes up to 6 weeks.

 

Do the images from my birth have to be blogged, I’d like to keep them private?

Many people like to keep their stories private, and that is completely ok with me. Please discuss this with me prior to signing the contract and putting down your deposit.

 

What if I go into labor weeks before or after my due date?

I commit to being available 2 weeks before, and 2 weeks after your expected due date. If you go into labor before or after this time frame I will do my best to be there, I also have a few backup photographers that I can contact if I’m not able. There are times will I will be on vacation, or unavailable out of that 4 week period and when that is the case I will definitely know before we sign any contracts. If you have your baby outside of the 4 week time frame and neither me nor my backups are able to attend, your deposit will be transferred to a credit for any future sessions and products. (I have yet to use any of my backups or miss a birth.)

 

I’m (or more than likely your husband) is nervous about having someone he doesn’t know in the room with us. How can I convince him you won’t be intrusive?

I am more than happy to sit down for coffee with both you and your husband to discuss your wishes and concerns. I do understand that not everyone wants a photographer to be present at this intimate and private experience. Let’s sit down and chat, maybe you are that person, maybe you aren’t and just need to make sure we mesh. I find that this can ease many people and their concerns when they realize how easy going and unobtrusive I am.

I hope this gives you some insight into how these go down and how I work. If you have more questions, please email me of just comment below, I’m happy to answer any you might have!