The Birth Experience Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Forever Incredible about your Birth Story
We are interested in possibly hiring you to document the birth of our child, what’s the next step? Contact me as soon as possible. {I book a limited number of births each month to ensure my availability to my clients} We can go over the packages via email, phone call or in person!
Why should we hire a birth photographer? Can’t a friend or family member just take pictures for me? Besides your wedding day, the birth of your child is one of the most important days of your life. Sure, anyone can “take a picture” but in my personal opinion, it takes a true professional to capture the moment! Hiring a birth photographer frees up your partner or other support persons and ensures you get those memorable moments captured (with your partner in them - which can not happen if they are behind the lens.) Without a birth photographer, you may be left with just a few snapshots of the baby after delivery. I will help you to capture the amazing labor process and the incredible birth miracle. Let your friends and family enjoy their time with your new little one and leave the work to me. Even if you got into labor at 2am, I am on call for you 24/7 during the time surrounding your due date.
Do I have to pay the package fee in full? No. I do however, require a retainer in order to reserve your estimated due date on my calendar and the remaining balance just needs to be paid at least 2 weeks before your estimated due date (37 weeks). Fees are non-refundable, but if for some reason I am unable to photography the birth, through either my fault or the parents, (don't make it to the hospital in time, forget to call me, act of nature or illness, etc.) the funds are transferable to a newborn session/fresh 48 only.
I just found out I am pregnant, when should I contact you? As soon as possible! Due to how unpredictable birth is, I book a limited number of sessions each month; I want to be sure that I have the availability for you. On the other hand, I have had moms contact me in their last couple weeks of pregnancy and was able to fit them into my schedule. But its better to be safe than sorry!
Will I meet you before the big day? Yes!! I want you to be comfortable with me, so the birth fee includes lunch with me during your 3rd trimester so that we can get to know one another and talk about your birth plan before the big day.
I am concerned about sharing this day with a stranger... It is important to me that I capture the moments as though I wasn't even in the room. I want you to be comfortable and do my absolute best not to be intrusive to your birth experience as possible. I will give you plenty of time to yourselves while capturing the moments that make up your story.
What if I decide my partner & I need some alone time? Just let me know! I would be more than happy to give you and your partner the time you need alone. After all, I could always use a coffee break.
When do you arrive at the birth and how long do you stay? I ask that you get in touch with me if you are showing any signs of labor; I usually arrive at the place of delivery around active labor (5cm). I will stay for the entire labor and delivery and up to 2 hours after birth (depending on how long your labor & delivery was).
Where do you stand when the baby is born? That part is completely up to you. Depending on how much of the delivery you would like me to capture, I can stand right where your midwife or doctor is and “get it all” or I can stand near your head and capture the birth as you might see it. These are things we will go over at the birth consultation.
There are certain things I do not want photographed, is that ok? Absolutely! When we meet for lunch in your 3rd trimester, we'll go over exactly what you are and are not comfortable with and I will honor your wishes.
What if I go into labor in the middle of the night? CALL ME – I am on call for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (That’s what you pay me for) I would say more often than not, I get “the call” between the hours of 1-4am.
If I have a long labor, will you charge me extra? No.
What if I require a C-Section? I believe every birth experience is worth photographing. I have photographed quite a few cesarian births. If this is a planned C-Section, talk it over with your provider and let him or her know that you would like to have me in the room to document the birth. In most cases the final decision on whether or not I am allowed in will come down to the anesthesiologist. In the unlikely chance that I am not allowed in for the actual birth there is a possibility that I will be allowed in moments after the baby is born and if not, I will be waiting for you in the recovery room – ready to document those sweet bonding moments between you, baby and your partner. These are all things we can go over at the birth consultation.
What if you miss the birth? I do my best to avoid this possibility, but lets face it – birth is completely unpredictable. If I do miss the birth we will apply your package fee to either a Fresh 24 or newborn session.
Do you offer discounts if I book both a birth & Fresh48 session? Most definitely, as long as they are booked at the same time.
Do you offer prints, birth announcements or albums? Yes, yes and yes! I offer everything from standard size prints to canvases! You will receive a list of print pricing in your welcome packet.
What if I plan on a dim room for labor & delivery, do you use a flash? Typically I do not bust out my flash until after delivery. On one or two occasions have used my flash during labor (with moms consent of course) If the room is just too dark for my camera to focus I might ask if I can turn on a light in the bathroom or hallway.
Do you travel? Yes! Please keep in mind my out of town sessions will include a traveling fee and will depend on my availability.
How many images will I receive? It varies because each birth experience is unique. Depending on the length of your labor & delivery you can expect between 75-150 hand edited, high resolution finished images.
How soon will I get my photos? Approximately 2-4 weeks depending on how many photos I have taken and my schedule around the time you give birth, remember I hand edit every single image that I provide to you!
Will I receive black & white or colored images? Both! Most labor images will be in black and white once you deliver your baby you will receive a mixture of both color and black and white.
Are you going to share my photos on FB or your blog? Most of my clients look forward to the “sneak peaks” that I post on Facebook as well as the birth photo story that I share on my blog – but I do have a privacy option that I offer if you are not interested in having your photos shared online. If you decide the birth photographs are just for you and to preserve your memory, that is 100% ok, the decision is your and I will only share with permission from you. After all, this is your birth and the photos are for you and your family.
Do you offer any other types of photography? I specialize in wedding and birth photography but also offer maternity fresh48, nursing and newborn sessions. (and if my birth clients are interested I will continue to do their family photography!)
Do you offer gift certificates? Yes, I offer printed gift certificates as well as gift credits that can simply be applied to your package. I also offer registry cards that you can drop into your baby shower invites to let your friends and family know you are registered with me. Gift cards and credits can be purchased by contacting me directly via phone or email.
If you have any additional questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me!
Contact Forever Incredible about your Birth Story
