It can be really time consuming to choose a photographer! First you have to find your options, then check if you need to request pricing or if they have it listed on their website. Then you need to compare their offerings and portfolios...and that's all before you even meet them! I know, because I've been there too. I thought I'd write a quick blog post with some questions to ask so you have one less step to think about as you make your decision.
How long have you been documenting births?
Do you have any specific birth training? Are you comfortable in a variety of birth spaces and outcomes?
Is your business licensed/registered? Do you carry business insurance?
Can you show me a full birth gallery?
Do you have professional equipment, including backups?
What if my birth doesn't go as planned?
Are you a member of any professional organizations? Do you adhere to a code of ethics?
Can I see a sample contract?
When do you go on call? Do you book other sessions like weddings/out of town sessions that might conflict with my birth?
How long do you stay? Is there a time limit? Extra charges for more time?
What happens if you aren't able to attend? Do you have a good relationship with other local birth photographers who will back you up in an emergency?
Can we meet in person before my birth?
Do you have any reviews/testimonials specifically for birth that I can read?
And here are my answers!
I documented my first birth in 2012. It was a lovely homebirth and I knew I was in love from that moment on!
I am a Still Birthday Certified birth and bereavement doula. I have attended a wide variety of births in a variety of settings/outcomes. As a birth professional, I will not be the photographer who skips out when things go differently than planned.
I am licensed and insured. I bring my documentation of these to every consultation.
Absolutely! I have several galleries with full model releases that I will send you upon request. It's so important to make sure that you will be happy with all of your documentation, not just a few "lucky shots".
Yep! I would never attend a birth without professional backup equipment in case of malfunction!
I've got you, mama. No matter what happens I will be by your side (as long as medically possible). Most area hospitals are familiar with me from births and my volunteer work with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and may give me more latitude on attendance in the OR/certain situations than an unknown person.
Sure am! I belong to the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers and adhere to their code of ethics. I am also the founder and president of the Arkansas Association of Professional Birth Photographers.
I specialize in birth so I do not book anything that might conflict with it. More about on call here.
I come once you call me in active labor and stay through 1-2 hours post birth. As long as it takes and there will never be extra charges for a long birth.
I work with a network of other local respected birth photographers who can step in for me in case of emergency.
Please, let's do! It's one of the reasons my most booked package includes an extra session such as a maternity so that we can get to know each other better before the big day.
Yep! Check them out here.
If you have any other questions you can check out my FAQ or get in touch! I love to chat about birth ;)
