B I R T H D O C U M E N T A R Y
&
F R E S H 48 S E S S I O N S
Birth Photography Information and Pricing:
I live with my own personal regret of not having birth photography of my own children, and since then I have had the wonderful opportunity to embrace this beautiful experience. Having an experienced birth photographer there will allow the story of your newborn. Their story will be told through amazing, unforgettable, vivid images that you can re-live over and over again. A birth photography session is an experience like no other. What a perfect way to remember and welcome this special little person to the world. It will allow you have the freedom to relax and know that this special day is being carefully documented in a detailed nature, while allowing your husband to be at your side and not having to worry if anyone forgot to capture the moment when the baby took their first breath of air. I will do that for you! The images aren’t graphic; they are tasteful, emotional and beautiful. This is something that you and your loved ones will treasure for a lifetime.
Why are most birth photography images in black and white?
Birth photography is a documentary; most documentary images are depicted in black and white to enhance the clarity. Most of your images will be processed in black and white which reflect fine detail while softening any graphic images of birth and medical equipment in the hospital.
Will I meet you before the big day? When Should I book?
Sure! If we haven’t met before, it is a good idea for us to arrange a consultation to answer any questions you might have, and review my previous work! Due to the 'on call' nature of birth photography, and a tight wedding photography schedule, I have limited availability for birth photography at this time. From 38 to 40 weeks I am officially on call or on “baby watch”. I will prioritize your birth photography session; my other clients during this time will also be aware that this could potentially interfere with their session or require re-scheduling. Because of this unpredictable timeframe only one birth is booked per two week time block. Contact me as early into the pregnancy as possible ensure availability. A non-refundable hold-the-date fee is required ($100) to be added to my calendar.
Do I need to talk to my doctor to see if he/she will allow a photographer?
ABSOLUTELY! It is your responsibility to make sure your doctor and hospital will allow photography during your labor and delivery.
It is possible that your particular doctor or facility might have certain restrictions for photography specifically during the actual delivery (pushing, crowning, delivery). Ultimately your doctor and nurse’s job is more important than mine; I will do my best to accommodate while capturing the moments from a distance, but I MUST work within those parameters and policies. It is your responsibility to ask your doctor and hospital if my services are accepted and/or if ANY restrictions apply. You must get a clearance from them prior to your deposit payment.
Labor can occur at any time, will you be available?
YES! Unfortunately babies do not work on a set schedule and neither do I! I fully anticipate middle-of-the-night phone calls. I will be on-call for you all hours of the day or night. When you go into active labor and your doctor has declared that you are there to stay, CALL ME ASAP. There is no need to call me until you have been checked by your doctor, due to the possibility that this might be a “false alarm”. After I receive your call and detailed update, this will hopefully allow me some time to situate any arrangements for my family, children, or cancelations on my end.. also allowing time for traveling etc. If your labor is progressing quickly, keep me updated, but I will anticipate the phone call telling me that you are close to 6cm dilated, I will shortly thereafter make my appearance with my camera and back-up equipment ready to go!
How long will you be at my birth? And how much will it cost? Are there other types of "birth photography sessions"?
Due to the unpredictable nature of labor and delivery, I will offer a standard fee (full payment is due one week after birth) set at $450 covering up to 5 hours, each additional hour is $65 My goal is to capture everything. The first breath, the first touch, the first time this love looks into Mommy’s eyes and those endearing moments where mom and dad embrace the baby together. I typically stay for one hour after birth to allow other family members to join in those first moments of life as well. This is truly one the best investments that you will ever make!
Fresh 48 Sessions which entails of a session that is done shortly after the birth. Preferably within the first 8-48 hours I will arrive and capture those priceless moments with the baby, mom, dad and family at the hospital. This is a perfect session if the baby has older siblings; where as I can capture those cute faces "awing and oohing" over their new brother or sister for the first time! That session will last up to 2 hours, 35-50 images, Private and secured gallery online, CD with print rights, and an album (30 images-your choice) can be purchased separately.
How many images will you take?
A final gallery will contain approximately 75-100 final edited images (you will receive the printing right to those as well and a CD). The length of your labor, my time of arrival and/or if there are any restrictions put on photography could affect that number.
How long will it take to receive the images?
I will place a “sneak peek” on Facebook within 24 hours (5-6 images). Your final images will post on my website within a secure password protected gallery that will be available for 90 days, you can then choose your images for your professionally made album; 30 beautifully documented images of your choice. The album takes 10 business days to process and ship to you along with your CD (high resolution digital files) that will have a signed print release. (we will discuss ordering options/ upgrades further)
~ FRESH 48 SESSIONS ~
The Fresh 48 sessions which entails of a session that is done shortly after the birth. Preferably, within the first 8-48 hours I will arrive and capture those priceless moments with the baby, mom, dad and family at the hospital. This is a perfect session if the baby has older siblings; where as I can capture those cute faces "awing and oohing" over their new brother or sister for the first time! These sessions are priceless, raw, organic, in the moment and candid. Truly, a gift to your children; they too can see how loved they were from the very beginning of their life. This session will last up to one hour, 35-50 images, secured gallery online, CD with print rights for only $225. An album can be purchased separately.
For more questions regarding birth photography or booking please contact me for details! -Ashley