So you heard that you can actually hire someone to take pictures of you during labor… and now you’re curious. It intrigues you but you’re also quite hesitant to just invite someone into such a private space. I hear you, and I’m here to help. Here are 9 commonly asked questions about Birth Photography 


Why hire a birth photographer?

Giving birth is one of the most intense and emotional experiences a woman can have in her life. For many women it is a defining point in their life and quite transformative. However you view it, whatever your experience, it is something worth remembering. But because of the afore mentioned intensity and emotion a lot of it becomes blurry in our memory as time goes on. Hiring a birth photographer ensures that you’ll have every detail of this special day captured and will give you something tangible to look back on and cry over all over again every year on your lil one’s birth day. Nothing beats that “I did it” moment where you get to hold your baby for the first time.


How Does It Work?

Every birth photographer’s experience will be different. But most of us operate similarly. When you hire a birth photographer, they will write your due date in their calendar and be “on call” for you a few weeks leading up to the expected date. I go on call when you are 36 weeks pregnant. This means I will have my phone on ring all hours of the day, and carry my camera with me everywhere I go just incase you go into labour when I’m out and about. Depending on what you’ve worked out with your photographer, they will usually meet you when you are in active labor. Some photographers operate hourly and stay for a predetermined amount of time, but because my own labor was 36 hours long, I don’t put a time frame on things, and I’ll stay with you all the way up until that baby is born and then up to 2 hrs postpartum once thereby has been weighed, measured, and you’ve nursed them for the first time.


Are you in the room with me during labor the whole time?

Shore answer is yes. A birth photographer will be with you during your whole labor. However, they most likely will step out of the room several times to give you some space and time alone with your birth partner. We don’t need to be photographing the same scene if things are staying pretty consistent. 

Can’t my birth partner just take pictures for me?


Is that allowed in a hospital?

You’ll have to check with your hospital and provider to make sure this is something that is allowed. In Zanesville at Genesis Hospital, I am allowed to photograph your birth.


How far in advance should I book a birth photographer?

Many birth photographers book up pretty far in advance so I would recommending reaching out to someone as soon as you know that birth photography is something that you want. I only take on one birth a month and it’s on a first come first serve basis.


What is the cost Of Hiring a Birth Photographer?

I charge $1,500. Many people have sticker shock when they see this price, but it is comparable to a wedding photographer/ We both are photographing a special day that you never want to forget, and we both are putting in HOURS of work both with the camera and in editing your photos afterwords.


What should I look for when hiring a Birth Photographer?

The most important thing to look for when hiring a photographer is making sure they’re someone you’re comfortable with. This person is going to be seeing you at your most vulnerable and you want to make sure they are someone you are ok with being in your birth space. I do not take this honor lightly, and I make sure to get to know my clients beforehand so you know who you are working with.


Where do I find a good birth photographer?

Google is always a helpful resource for finding any service. I would recommend checking out the photographers instagram and website to make sure you like their work and get to know a little about who they are. You might also ask other birth workers in your town ( such as doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, etc.) to see if they know of anyone. International Association of Professional Birth Photographers  is another great resource . These photographers are a part of an educational community so you know they are constantly working on improving their work in order to best serve you!



How are you feeling now, friend? Do you feel al little bit more informed about the world of birth photography? After reading through all those questions, do you feel like you’re ready to hire a birth photographer for your birth? Wanna see some real examples of a Birth photo gallery? Click here to check out my work!