Frequently Asked Questions

+ Why should I hire a birth photographer?

Preserving your birth story gives you the ability to relive the experience by yourself and with friends and family, for the rest of your life. You get to see the in between moments in addition to experiencing your birth from another perspective. And if birth doesn’t go according to plan, whether it be a medical situation or you feel trauma because of the experience-- these images and/or film have the power to help you process and heal. It’s also about celebrating the moment, honoring the transcendent experience, and witnessing yourself bring new life into the word.

+ Will we meet in person?

I feel like it’s imperative that we meet in person if possible, or by video chat to make sure we vibe well. With all the virus stuff happening, all consults and get-togethers take place over video chat. It really bums me out that we can’t meet in person right now, but I’m so grateful there are other ways we can connect so we don’t feel like strangers.

+ What precautions are you taking with COVID?

Great question, precautions are definitely being taken and you can learn more about that here.

+ Do you photograph everything?

Yup. Unless I’m asked to stop shooting or you request to leave something out, it’s my goal to document what’s happening. When I navigate your space, it’s kind of like a dance. When I feel inspired or moved by a moment, that’s when I shoot.

+ How long have you been a photographer?

I’ve been behind the camera, shooting in manual mode, for the last 13+ years. I’ve been photographing birth stories almost exclusively for the last 4+ years.I’ve documented over 43 births all along the wasatch front and have worked alongside many amazing midwives and other birth pros. I have a solid reputation as a leader in the industry and was even named as a top photographer in Utah by Empowering Fearless Birth. I’ve also been published in print and online in Midwifery Today and The Birth Mag.

I’ve also studied a lot about birth through reading books, research, and taking a variety of continuing education courses related to inclusivity in the birth space, loss, racism, and trauma.

+ What kind of equipment and backup equipment do you use?

I bring TWO Nikon D800s and a GoPro HERO8 with me to every session. One of the reasons I chose the D800 was because it had amazing reviews for working well in low light. My favorite lenses for birth are the 35mm 1.4, 24-70mm 2.8 & 50mm 1.4. I also bring several dozen batteries, a charger in case of a marathon session, plenty of high-speed memory cards and backup high speed memory cards. I also carry a speedlight flash (Nikon SB-900) and a dual camera harness to help carry it all. I also have an 85mm 1.4 that I've had with me since the beginning of my photography journey over 13 years ago. Each DSLR also holds two memory card slots as backup, so it one cards becomes corrupted or stops working, your images won't be lost.

+ When is the best time to book with you?

I start accepting bookings between 8-12 weeks pregnant and a lot of clients like to book early. I’d recommend booking as soon as you’re able.

+ Do you offer payment plans?

Yeah, totally. Most clients are on some sort of payment schedule. If budget is an issue, the sooner we get started the better. Generally speaking, a non-refundable deposit of $500 for birth story sessions is due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due by the time I go on call at 37 weeks. I have worked out extended payment options before. I am open to creating a financial plan that works for you. Please let me know if this is something you’d like to talk through.

+ How much should I anticipate spending with you?

Birth photography packages start at $1800 with most clients spending around $2300 on my services for photos and film. Even the most basic package is inclusive and usually enough for most families.

+ Do you offer discounts?

Absolutely. On top of all the other costs associated with having a baby, I get it can be challenging to afford one. For this reason, I offer a 20%-off Community Discount for birth story photo packages. This discount is available for those with a genuine financial need. More details on this community discount can be found here.

I also offer 3 sliding scale birth story sessions a year. If you're interested details or know someone who might be, please reach out to me. 2/3 sliding scale sessions are still available for 2020.

+ How many births do you accept per month?

I currently accept 2 birth clients per month because birth work is hard work. It also means I'm less likely to miss your birth or using a backup because I'm tending another birth.

+ What happens if my labor is really long.

That’s okay, don’t sweat it. I get that birth is unpredictable and I might be with you for a while, so there is not hourly limit. I’m with you from active labor to two hour (sometimes longer) postpartum. Generally speaking, I leave after the baby's newborn exam and after baby has tried breastfeeding. After 24 hours, I reserve the right to call in a backup so that I may rest.

+ What if I have a quick labor and you miss it?

I have yet to miss a birth because I didn’t make it in time, but it is something that could happen. While I’m usually out of the house and on my way to you within 20 minutes (depending on where you live and traffic) It could take me up to 90-minutes to get to you, but it's usually more like 30-60 minutes.

In the unlikely event that I miss baby's birth, I’d love to document postpartum, the golden-hour or a newborn session for you. The ultimate goal here is that you end up with the same number of images and length of film purchased.

+ I want to keep all my images private.

That's totally fine. When it comes to what gets shared you maintain complete autonomy. Unless you’ve given me permission to use your images freely, I’ll always reach out to share more details so you can decide what works for you. After delivering your gallery you’ll have time to digest your images or film and decide what you’re comfortable with.

+ How do I know when to call for you?

The goal is for me to be with you when you’re in active labor. Active labor means your labor patterns are consistent and growing in frequency and intensity. In between waves you’re able communicate, and the sensations are growing. Contractions usually require quiet and focus. If you’re having cervical checks, this is between 5cm-6cm.

+ I plan to labor at home as long as possible, will you come to my home?

If you live close-ish to, I'm available, and you’re cool with me going home after an hour or so, sure! If you have a history of speedy births, this might be a good option to make sure we get labor shots.

+ What does your childcare situation look like?

This is important because if you have a history of quick labor, you need someone who can be with you quick. Many birth workers and photographers have prior childcare arrangements set up. One of the main reasons I’m able to leave so quickly is because I don't need any outside-the-home childcare. My gear is charged, packed, ready to go, and with me when I’m on-call.

+ What happens if you’re at another birth or session when I need you?

If I’m tending another non-birth session and you need me, I’m there for you. Every client who books with me understands that births take priority.

If I’m at another birth, which has never happened, but anything is possible--I would send my backup photographer your way.

When interviewing photogs, ask how often they’ve used their backup in the past. Photogs who take on 3+ births per month rely more on their backups. Find out who they use as backup and check out their work to be sure you like it.

+ How do you handle dark birth spaces?

I’ve been shooting in manual mode for over a decade so I know how to quickly get good shots in all kinds of lighting conditions. Most birth environments have several types of tricky lighting. One second I'm in plenty of light, the next I’m in a dark tiny bathroom with no light or windows, while baby is emerging.

My camera body and lenses were all chosen because of their low light capabilities.

I usually shoot with flash, but I also don't take hundreds of images at a birth, unless it’s a really long birth. I don't want to interrupt your birth space with lots of flash and I know how to get in and out to get the shot. Flash is never directed at anyone and is always bounced off a wall or ceiling. And if flash turns out to be bothersome in the moment, just let me know so I can adjust accordingly.

+ How do I know if we are a good fit?

I think you’ll just know. And I’ll probably know. I promise if we aren’t a good fit, I’ll let you know. I can even recommend someone who might be a better fit. The last thing I want is bad vibes at your birth or for you to hate what I create for you. If we’re meant to be, it’ll feel right.

I’m all about meeting people where they’re at in life, without judgement or ego. I respect our differences and accept you just as you are. I expect the same in return. If this turns you off, we’re probably not the best fit.

+ How far do I travel and what areas do I serve?

I serve up to one hour from my home zip code, 84103. Locations over 25 miles from my zip incur a $150 travel-fee.

+ Do you service my hospital or birth center? Have you worked with my care provider?

Right now I’m only tending home birth and birth center births. COVID has kinda of put a halt to birth photographers being allowed in hospital. As of today, birth photographers are not allowed in. If a birth photographer happens to be a certified doula, they are likely to be let in at St. Marks. At this time no other hospitals allow extended support people to be with you.

I've worked with many of the top midwives, OBs, in Salt Lake. With that said, there are still plenty I haven't had an opportunity to work with. Here is an ongoing list of some of my birth stats and providers I've worked with.

+ Are you a certified doula? Can you be my doula?

I am not a certified doula and might not the best fit if you’re looking for a doula/tog combo. I’ve seen many births tended to by highly experienced doula’s and I feel like your experience would be lacking if I had to split myself. The last thing I want is for the quality of your final product or experience to suffer.

+ When will my full gallery be ready?

Your images and film will be delivered within 4-8 weeks from your birthday. As much as I’d love to have your images ready in a week, it’s just not possible. Birth is an emotionally and physically demanding job and I need time to decompress after your birth. I also take my time with editing because I want you to have my best work. These images are kinda like paintings to me and are meticulously edited. I’m not into just slapping a present on your images and calling it a day.

+ How many images should I expect in my gallery? Will I receive all images in color and black/white?

The number of images you receive depends on the package purchase. If I have just a few extras I’ll automatically give them to you. If there's a lot of photos or clips leftover, you can always upgrade your package if you want everything.

I don't include color and black/white in final galleries. Most sessions are in color or mostly color. If you'd like a few images edited in black and white from your gallery, I'll happily include those free of charge. You can also purchase black and white edits as an add-on to your package.

+ What if I experience a loss after booking?

Losing a baby is so incredibly awful and I'm so sad for anyone who has to experience the loss of a child. If you were to experience a loss your session is refundable. We would need to talk through the details, square up any work that's already been completed, and it might take some months to fully reimburse you, but I'm open to it working it out for you.

I did work with a client whose baby passed away unexpectly in the third trimester. They asked if I would document their story and I did. It was heartbreaking, but I'm was so happy to have captured those moments for them. You can also choose to hang on to the funds for a future session or sessions. I support whatever you decide.