What locations do you serve?
I am located in northern New Jersey. For most photography I will travel, and even fly, almost anywhere! However due to the unpredictable nature of birth, I like to not be more than an hour away from where you expect to give birth. (More about my location here!)
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. I require a 50% retainer at booking. This retainer is non-refundable. Your balance is due one week after delivery. This will be covered in more detail in our photography agreement.
What happens if you cannot make it to my birth?
I will be on call for you from around 38-43+ weeks, depending on your pregnancy. I will do everything in my power to be at your birth!
(See below for protocol around how I book photoshoots and weddings that might interfere with your due date.)
If for some reason that is out of my control, I cannot make it to your birth, your retainer fee would be kept, and you would be offered a complimentary 2 hour newborn session. I cannot refund the retainer fee because I will have moved other client schedules, been on call day and night, and likely lost other photography jobs in the effort of being at your birth.
If the baby comes faster than you expect, and as I am on my way you deliver your beautiful baby, and I didn’t make it in time, I would photograph all that I can in those sweet moments after, and not charge you the balance.
Examples of what is out of my control would be:
The baby comes so fast that I was not able to drive there in time.
You end up having a cesarean delivery, and the doctors/hospital do not allow me to photograph the surgery, or you are not interested in photos of your c-section.
Hospital policies do not allow me to enter.
I am photographing a wedding, and cannot physically make it to your birth in time. (If it is later in the evening, I would ask my bride if my second shooter could take over, so that I could photograph your birth. But of course I cannot leave in the middle of their event.)
How soon can I expect my birth pictures?
Editing Turnaround Time is 3 weeks.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram for a sneak peek (If you have given me permission to share some of the photos.) If you need your photos done sooner than my estimated turn around time, your photoshoot can be expedited, for a fee.
Are the pictures you send us, Photoshopped?
I happen to be a wizard in photoshop! However the standard editing that is included in all of my packages is not Photoshop. (I explain this in detail, with examples, here.) If you are interested in any retouching and photo touch ups, you can let me know at anytime!
Do You photograph home births / Unassisted Births/ Birth Center Births/ and Hospital Births?
I am not currently offering my photography or birth keeping services in the hospital setting. I am focusing my efforts in the environment where I am most aligned, and that is free births, unassisted births, home births, and birth center births.
Are You a Certified Doula?
I am a Birth Keeper, and support women in ways beyond just photography. You can learn about that Here!
Now, hold on… let me get up on my soap box! (If your medical provider asks, then YES, I am certified. Wink.)
I have no official "certification", and it's on purpose!! Could I pay a few hundred bucks and get a certification in a few weeks, yes. Would I … no! I have dedicated the past 4+ years to learning about birth; physiological birth. Not on purpose, I am just infatuated and in love with birth! Not a day goes by that I am not learning: taking seminars, listening to podcasts, reading, talking with midwives/ doulas/ birth keepers.
There is also no accreditation or government that overseas doula certifications. "Doula" simply means a woman servant. Anyone can be there to support you, if you find their presents is supportive.
Does the father of your child need to show a marriage license to prove he is your partner? No. Many hospitals tightened up their rules during covid. Before it was common to have your mother, sister or friend with you, as well as your husband/partner. It seems hospitals have taken this opportunity to make having support, more difficult.
Many of the popular doula certifications like DONA, are big money makers, and have teamed up with the medical model, and doulas can lose these certifications if they are caught advocating for the mother. So more and more doulas are seeing this, and starting to find a more holistic route of certification, or giving up their certification all together. I personally call myself a "birth keeper" not a doula, because I feel that I protect the birth space, and I want to separate myself from the politics that come with today’s understanding of the word "doula".
Do you photograph C-Sections?
I am not currently offering my services for hospital births, unless it is a birth center, or home birth transfer. As far as taking photos in the OR, this is much up to the regulations of each hospital and the OB.
I am open to discussing these options with you, as well as if you would like me to stay behind the curtain, or photograph the surgery if medical staff allow it.
How many photos can I expect?
You will not be limited to a certain amount of photos.
The final number of photos will vary from birth to birth, so it is almost impossible to put a number on it.
I will tell you that like all my photoshoots, you will get as many shots as I take, including outtakes! I only remove redundant photos, or photos that are not up to my standards.
What if you have a wedding/other photoshoot when I go into labor?
I will be on call, this means having a bag packed, and my cameras ready, as well as keeping my phone volume up and close by at night, so I can get your call.
If someone wishes to book a photoshoot with me in the 6 week window surrounding your due date, I will let them know of the chance that I would have to reschedule with them.
If I am booked for a photoshoot before you booked your birth, I will reach out to my client as ask if they would be willing to be flexible, should you have birth during their scheduled shoot. All of my clients book with a security deposit, so I will have to honor their choice, but most are very understanding!
If I am booked for a wedding, I have an obligation to that couple, and of course cannot leave an event. We can discuss these situations in farther detail if it pertains to your due date.
Who owns the copyright to the photos?
I own the copyright to all of my work, and grant my clients permission to use the photos for personal use. Please see my main FAQ page for more details.
Do you make photo albums/prints?
You can use the program that is conveniently in the store of your online gallery, and you can use the stunning templates to design your own album! Choose from a variety of cover materials and sizes.
