It is best to schedule your maternity photo shoot for around 30 weeks. At this time in your pregnancy you will have a noticeable bump without out being too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that if you are having multiples you may want to plan for an earlier time frame.

As with all photography sessions I suggest wearing something that is comfortable and true to who you are. If you are wanting to show off your baby bump wear something form fitting and flattering. For more general ideas for what to wear for your session or planning for the whole family, check out this blog post.

Think of your maternity session as a new chapter for your family story. If you are first time parents, think of it as your last chance for photos of just the two of you before welcoming home your newest addition. If you already have children, this is a great chance to continue to tell your family story. The siblings will love to love on their baby in moms belly and you will want to remember it. Single mama? This can be all about you or bring along your support system. It takes a village to raise these babies and if that’s important for you to remember, I would love to help you do that.

This is totally up to you. I don’t think it is totally necessary but if it will make you feel more comfortable and confident, go for it.

Birth Photography is the telling of your birth story through imagery. Birth photography is getting more and more popular. Welcoming your little one is an exciting time that you will want to document, remember, share and pass on.

While birth photography will tell the story in the birth room a fresh 48 session can be done either at the hospital/birth center or home to document the early days of your newborn. I understand that not everyone wants to document the actual event of the birth but still want to remember those early days. A fresh 48 is a perfect way to capture your little bundle without the commitment of a birth story. For a Fresh 48 plan to have me come to you in the daylight hours following the birth of your baby.

Birth photography is different that booking a photographer for a portrait session because there is no set day and time. Births can be very unpredictable for timing. For scheduling purposes I will be on call from 38 weeks until your baby is born. This means that I am available to come to you at anytime during that window to document your birth story.

Before you get too close to your due date, I meet with all of my clients to discuss their birth plan and their vision for their birth photos. This helps be get a better idea of where they may be giving birth, how the timing of the day might play out (nothing is guaranteed), and who might be present. As you labor begins we will be in communication so that I know when to make my way to the birth room.

I will stay 1-2 hours after the birth. This will allow for photographing newborn details, motherhood, nursing, and siblings/family meeting baby. If the birth takes place late at night or early hours of the morning I can return the next day for sibling/family meeting baby.

What if the birth takes a long time? I am with you from 6cm until baby is born and those 1-2 hours after birth. These things take time and I make myself available know that. There is no need to worry about me charging for extra time if your labor slows or pushing takes time.

In the event that I am unable to capture the actual birth, I will come to you to capture a Fresh 48 Session. This is intended to capture those early moments with your new baby as well as siblings/family meeting baby.

Yes, this is why I block out my schedule to be on-call for births. In the event that I cannot make it do to an emergency I will have a backup birth photographer ready to capture your story.

This can depend on the lighting situation and the birth room. Some environments lend themselves better to the story told in black and white while others look nice in color. I will document the birth on both film and digital allowing for options of both color and black and white.

All of the above. After having my own children and attending multiple other births I am comfortable in the birth room. Though I am not doula certified, I am familiar with the stages of birth and will be a comforting presence for the mother and her support.

Birth Stories are beautifully told in Heirloom Albums (sold separately). Seeing the full story unfold in a lay-flat album is a beautiful way to showcase and preserve the birth story. Once you receive your online gallery you will also be able to purchase prints, canvases and other print products to preserve your memories.

I do not. I believe that babies, when allowed to relax will pose themselves perfectly. I will help with swaddling and moving baby into comfortable flattering positions but I do not pose them.

No. I will not wrap your baby in cheese clothe, cover them in flower pedals, or stick them in a tiny basket. Not that there is anything wrong with this style of newborn photography, it just isn’t my style. I believe in telling the story of the people in front of me. I believe in honest photography that captures our families authentically. I will however capture your baby in their natural environment with their special swaddle, blanket and/or stuffed animal. I will capture them in their Moses basket if that is where they sleep or in their brand new nursery. Most importantly I will capture them as an addition to your growing family.

Treat the newborn session like a family session with your new addition. Parents, siblings, family pets can all be involved in the newborn session. I’m here to tell your story, this one is up to you.

Newborn sessions should be scheduled for when baby is 5-10 days old. During these early days the baby is most sleepy still looks like a newborn.

A newborn session can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. This is to allow for any nursing breaks and diaper changes that might need to take place during that time.

Newborn sessions can take place in your home, in studio or at your favorite outdoor location. If you are opting for an outdoor session keep in mind the weather. You will need to bundle baby if it will be cold or windy.

Make sure that baby is fed, burped and changed before the photographer arrives. Also, if possible, turn up the heat in your home. A warm baby is a sleepy happy baby.

There are a lot of different reasons why you may not be available or ready for photos during the 5-10 postpartum window. All the grace mama, I am happy to come photograph you and your family with your newest addition when you are ready. Getting photos is always a good idea. You will be happy you got them done no matter the timing.

I also offer Milestone Photography and have a Grow With Me package for capturing your growing baby throughout their first year. These can be centered around the growing baby or include the whole family.