Top questions to ask your birth photographer

Congratulations you’re expecting! Now what? Hiring a birth photographer should be on your “To Do” list as you prepare for the arrival of your newest bundle. Read more on how to hire a birth photographer .  There are probably many questions swarming through your head, which is a great thing! Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to being? Don’t be! As a birth photographer in Spokane, WA…I LOVE to answer any and all questions related to birth photography. Below are just a few of the frequently asked questions I receive when meeting for birth consultations.

Top questions to ask your birth photographer, in random order:

1.  How many births have you documented? 

This is important. Being a birth photographer is a lot different from photographing other genres of photography.  A birth photographer needs to be confident in their skills to shoot in every kind of lighting situations, day or night. Having documented close to 40 births, my skills have only grown and developed with each one. From dark, home-births to daytime, beautifully lit hospital births I need to know my camera inside and out in order to correctly capture your birth story. In the photo below, mom was laboring in a dark, quiet room with only 1 small lamp.

2.  Why do you feel birth photography is important? 

This question will help you get to know your potential birth photographer a little bit better. It is important to feel comfortable and “click” [pun intended] with your birth photographer. After all, your birth photographer will become a trusted part of your birth team. Birth photography is unlike any other event/moment you can get photographed. You get one shot at it. Yes, you may have subsequent babies…but for *that* baby’s birth…you can not go back and re-do it. Hiring a Spokane birth photographer is a priceless investment you will not regret. Do you want to remember in vidid detail the moment you fell into the purest form of love with your child? The moment your baby was first placed on your chest? These are important questions to consider.

3.  Is birth photography intrusive? 

NO! As a birth photographer who serves the Spokane, WA and CDA, ID areas I do so with respect for my clients and the staff. I come from a true documentary standpoint of being the “fly on the wall” and watching your story unfold. There are no posed shots, or set up shots. I do more around your birth space to best document your story, and that does include getting close but never without your blessing.

4.  When in labor do I call you? 

When labor starts. We stay in contact in early labor and monitor labor until you are ready for me to join you. I generally join my clients when they are in active labor and stay up until 1 hour after delivery.

5.  When you you go on call? 

I go on call for my clients at 38 weeks and stay on call until you deliver. Being on call means my phone is in constant reach, with the ringer turned up and I am no further than an hour outside my home. Day or night, it doesn’t matter. On call is 24/7 access.