Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many photos do we get?

The number of photos depends upon the length of the birth and how long we are with you. It may be anywhere from 125 photographs to 600 or more.

2. Do we only get black & white photos?

No, I sure don’t! You get both color and black & white photos with your birth story. I do love black & white and put them on my website for a few reasons. Not only are they timeless, but photos in black & white also remove the distractions while adding emotion and depth to the image, allowing the viewer to focus deeper on the story of that image. My general rule of thumb is “If color doesn’t make the photo better, leave it black & white.”

3. Do you shoot videos?

One thing I have learned in this digital age is paper and printed photographs are the only thing that will last generations. Technology changes. QUICKLY. I will occasionally shoot small video clips during your birth as content for your birth video slide show; however, videography of your entire labor & delivery is not a service I provide. If you are interested in adding this service to your package, I am happy to connect you with some of my favorite videographers who would love to join me for your birth.

4. When do we get our photographs?

It can take anywhere from four to six weeks to complete the editing process of your photographs. Because of the number of photographs I take and the fact they are individually edited by hand, working through them takes some time to ensure you receive the highest quality possible

5. Do you share photos publicly?

Our business is built on photographs. It is how you found me, and how others will find me in the future. I do share photos from birth stories on public media in order to market services; however, I am always mindful of their sensitive and personal nature. I am always considerate and respectful of my clients and will never post graphic photographs without your consent.

6. What are your payment options?

Payments can be made via credit or debit or cash. You have the option to pay in full or set up a plan with one of our payment plan services like Affirm or Afterpay.

7. Can we just get the digital files only?

After years of photographing births and listening to my clients, I have learned that the products I've included are as important as the photographs themselves. With technology failing, digital files are not reliable or lasting, and hard drives and USBs crash. paper is the only thing that lasts forever. Additionally, life with a newborn is crazy, as you will soon find out. This is why I only offer one all-inclusive package - to make life easier for new moms. And you get EVERYTHING

8. How far do you travel?

I service the Tarrant County and surrounding area up to 20 miles. Scheduled C-sections can be booked for further outlying areas. A Travel fee will be added for birth locations outside 30 miles of Fort Worth.

9. Do you interact or direct us during our birth?

I am much more of a fly on the wall observing, capturing, and staying out of the way of those who have a job to do. As for interactions, I will chat with you if you feel like chatting; I will encourage you when you need it, but for the most part, I keep quiet in the corner of the room.

10. What if I don’t want “personal” photos?

I understand that every mother’s personal preferences for their birth story are different. Some mothers want EVERY detail, while others just want the cute new baby stuff. No matter your preference, I document within your requested comfort level. There are different angles and areas I can capture to fit your ideal comfort level. We’ll discuss this at your consultation to ensure you are getting as much (or as little) of the story you want.

11. Who calls you when I’m in labor?

Typically your partner or family member attending to you during your birth will be the designated person to contact me. If you are working with a doula, they will sometimes take the responsibility for the communication to be a help.

12. What is active labor?

Active labor is labor that is progressing with consistent contractions that are longer, stronger, and closer together and not letting up. I typically arrive when you are in confirmed active labor and you are dilated 5 cm unless otherwise discussed.

13. What if I go into labor in the middle of the night?

Call me! That’s what part of my job and it’s the nature of birth. I’m there for you no matter what time you are in active labor.

14. What if I go into labor early ahead of my Due Date On Call Time?

I try my hardest to be there. Unless I am at another birth or out of town, I’ll be there. If needed, I will call a backup photographer.

15. What if you miss the birth??

Birth sometimes happens very quickly or very early. It is very important that you communicate with me as soon as possible and keep me in the loop so I can be at the ready and arrive in time. Should something happen to keep me from arriving in time, I will still get there as soon as I possibly can and begin documenting upon arrival and stay a bit longer than usual. Depending on how much is missed, your session may shift to a New Arrival session at home.

16. What if I don’t like your flash or lights?

My equipment is advanced enough to capture images in the lowest lighting conditions. When I do use flash, I use tricks and tools to ensure the light is not harsh or hitting you directly. Using flash does support sharp, clear images; however, it will not make or break your story. It will only mean your images will have some grain.

17. How long do you stay after the birth?

I stay about 2 hours after delivery to capture the little details, bonding with your baby, and family meeting. If there are other siblings who will not arrive till later or the next day, I do return to capture that first meeting at no additional charge.

18. What if I want you to stop shooting?

I respect any request from you during your birth story. I will quietly step out of the room during labor and/or post-birth till you would like me to come back in. That being said, it may result in a lesser number of images provided and a refund will not be granted if I am asked to leave.

19. Are you a midwife or doula?

While I am a certified doula, I do not provide those services; I am simply a photographer and do not possess the skills or training of midwives of doulas. I do, however, work closely with your midwives and doulas to ensure I support your birth and birth story to the best of my ability. (I only have doula certification to get into hospitals during Covid-19 regulations).

20. What if I need a C-section?

Coverage of C-sections depends greatly on the hospital and the situation. If we know ahead of time, we will work with your OB and hospital to get permission to attend. In the event of an emergency c-section, no one is permitted in the operating room, including your partner. In these situations, there is still a story and I will continue photographing as it unfolds.

What if there is an emergency?

In the event an emergency does arise, I will use the best judgment and may or may not continue documenting the event depending on the situation. If you or your baby needs help, I step completely out of the way so that the medical staff can do their jobs and take care of both of you. Your health is the most important focus of the day. I will begin shooting again when all situations are handled and your medical team allows me to return. If you are delivering at home or a birth center and need to be transferred to the hospital, I will follow you and meet you there, and continue shooting when able.

I really want a birth story, but can’t really afford it.

I understand birth photography is an investment; almost as big as your wedding. A lot of work goes into birth photography; we may be there for five hours or 25 hours. Following that, I spend a minimum of two weeks editing and developing your completed story.

To help offset your costs and get the story package your heart desires, you can set up a payment plan or take advantage of our birth registry to which your friends and family can contribute to your birth story in lieu of shower gifts.

Ready to book? Schedule your consultation here!