San Francisco Bay Area Birth Photography
Why Would anyone photograph Birth?!
Funny enough I get this question all the time! For me photographing birth story is an ultimate moment of family storytelling. It’s about capturing you and your partner’s shared story, beginning of a new phase in your lives.
I specialize in documentary photography and I believe this style fits best to photograph labor process. You won't have time (or desire) to pose for those photos.
In a sense birth photography is not just about capturing the actual moment of birth (unless you want me to take a photo of baby crowning). It's more about telling a story of two (or more) people waiting and being there for each other, holding hands, crying, hugging, smiling, crying again and so much more. I want to capture your empowering journey through labour and your experience of meeting your baby for the first time.
Birth is the most significant moment of a woman’s life. Far more powerful and life-changing than her wedding day. But most of the time there is no record of this amazing day except some formal hospital notes and some dim and very distant memories.
Making sure we click
In order for you to be completely comfortable with my presence during labor, it's essential we establish a connection and trust beforehand.
That's why I always advise that we meet for a chat before you even book a birth story with me - so we have a chance to talk and see if I might be the right person for you, basically to see if we are a good "match".
The last thing I would want is to make you feel uneasy and nervous during labor. We can't underestimate emotions, they do play a huge role during labor process, so I want you to be as relaxed and calm as possible and won’t get stressed by my presence in the room.
That’s why I will insist that you consider this aspect carefully before booking me.
After you have booked we then start with an in-person consultation. This is a chance for us to get to know each other better, discuss your birth plan, find out which moments or aspects you are most excited to capture and discuss privacy. Of course at this point we can then go into some detail about what you do and don't want photographed. For understandable reasons I prefer to discuss this before labor starts.
Sharing such an intimate time with a couple is a real privilege for me. I stay calm on stressful and intense situations, so I’ll be there for you as your photographer and silent (or not) cheerleader. If you have a doula or midwife, I’ll be happy to chat with them, to make sure they know me and reassure them that I won’t interfere with their work.
HOW IT WORKS?
Most of the time, unless you have an induction/c-section date set up, we don't know when baby will arrive. The shoot is likely to be longer than your average wedding... but unlike a wedding of course we don't know the date!
There is no need for a stress though! Simply book your session, relax, get some rest and then call me when labor begins.
I will be on-call for your birth - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - from week 38 until birth. Ideally I will be capturing your birth from when you are approximately 5cm dilated, and documenting your journey all the way until an hour or two after baby arrives.
BIRTH STORY PRICING
Birth packages are priced from $1500.
Because this is such a personal story, all packages are customized to you.
You might prefer a package including a luxe album or wall art - or perhaps you want to add-on a pregnancy photo session - we discuss this at booking to create a package to suit you.
All packages include :
CONSULTATION - A chance to get to know each other, discuss your birth plan, find out your wishes & explain the process.
ON-CALL COVER - On-call time starts 2 weeks before your estimated due date and continues until your delivery. 24/7
TRAVEL - I live in San Francisco, but would travel anywhere within Bay Area
PHOTOGRAPHY - Starting from when you are about 5cm dilated, I will document your journey until 1 to 2 hours after baby arrives.
DIGITAL IMAGES - All birth packages include 30+ professionally-edited images available in private web gallery (additional files, prints and albums could be purchased separately).
SCHEDULE - I allow only 1 birth story client per month so I can offer you my full attention. I am prepared to step out of my life on a moment's notice and am committed to staying with you throughout the entire process of birthing your baby.