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MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi mama! My name is Amanda (she/her), and I want to help you tell your birth story.

photo by Lo Photo

photo by Lo Photo

 

About Me

Hey there new friend!! My name is Amanda and I want to be your birth photographer. But before you let me into your sacred birth space, let’s get to know each other a little.

I am a pharmacist by trade and a photographer by passion. I’m married to a handsome guy who can’t for the life of him understand why anyone would want to have birth photos taken but who supports this passion of mine any way. Together we have two little girls, who despite our intentions of keeping things gender neutral, have turned our house into a jungle of all things glitter, unicorns, and rainbows. My house is usually a disaster and I am perpetually behind on laundry. But everyone is fed and loved, so I’m calling it a win.

Both of my daughters came so fast that their deliveries were a literal blur. I have one grainy cell phone photo from each and they are two of my most cherished images, but I have no idea what my husband’s face looked like when he held his daughters for the first time. I don’t remember who cut the cord or whether or not I cried. Now I love getting to live vicariously through YOU and helping you remember every moment of your birth. (Confession… I cry like a baby when I make your slideshow. Every. Single. Time.)

I am also passionate about normalizing conversations around post-partum and all the physical and emotional struggles that come with it. I like coffee but would sell my soul for a good dirty chai. And when I’m not selling drugs or shooting people (see what I did there?) I enjoy reading and knitting. Just kidding… I’m a mom. I have no idea what free time is.

So, let’s be friends?

 
 
photo by A Wandering Tribe

photo by A Wandering Tribe

 
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What is Birth Photography?

On the surface, birth photography is just what it sounds like, photographing your birth experience. But in reality, it is so much more. It’s the story of your child’s arrival told in images that you can go back to over and over. Of course it’s capturing that moment your sweet babe enters this world, but it’s also a whole host of other moments, before and after, that help complete that story. It’s the crease of worry across your partner’s forehead as they watch you in pain, and the look of pure joy on their face when baby arrives, the way your older child rubs your back, or the way your dog never leaves your side. Its all those things, large and small, that make up the story of the whole day (or days) so that you can look back and relive it any time you wish.

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Why hire a Birth Photographer?

Why hire a birth photographer, rather than just asking your partner or friend take photos on a phone or even their “nice” camera? Hiring a birth photographer allows your partner and support team to be just that, fully immersed in supporting you in whatever way you need during your labor and birth. With a birth photographer, your partner/friend won’t have to decide between taking a photo or holding your hand. Additionally, if they are taking the images, odds are they won’t be in any of them, and that means you miss out on an important part of the story. As an experienced birth photographer, I know how to capture those moments and details that help tell your whole story, in a way that someone who is just taking snapshots might not. My experience, and professional gear, also helps me capture professional quality images in even the most challenging lighting situations (which birth spaces often are!)

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What does the process look like?

The first step is to reach out! Even if you aren’t sure about having someone else in the birth space with you, feel free to message me and I’m always happy to chat and answer any questions. Once you decide to book and have paid your retainer fee, we will get together so I can answer any other questions you might have and go over all the details of when to let me know you’re in labor and all that fun stuff. I will then be on call from 38 weeks. Once you go into labor, I aim to arrive at the start of active labor and will stay with you until an hour or so after your little one arrives, whether that’s four hours or 44 hours. Two weeks after your delivery, you will receive a link to your online gallery containing all your images. Your are welcome to download and share from this gallery. Prints and albums are available for purchase separately.

 

 Birth Photography FAQs

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How do you schedule without knowing when baby will come?

I will be on call from the time you hit 38 weeks until baby arrives. As soon as you suspect delivery is on the horizon, we will be in communication and I will come as soon as active labor starts and stay up to two hours after delivery. No matter what time of day or night, or how long your labor lasts.

What happens if I am transferred to a hospital or need an unplanned C-section

In the event that you have to transfer from home to the hospital or have an unplanned C-section, I will accompany you if possible and will continue to shoot as long as I am permitted. Some hospitals allow photographers in the OR while others don’t. In the event that your facility does not, I will photograph up until you are taken back and then again once you are brought back out.

What happens if you miss the birth?

Birth can be unpredictable, but I do my very best to get there in plenty of time, and have a network of amazing backup photographers who can step in for me if needed. In the event that I were to miss the moment of birth, there is still more of the story to capture! I will still arrive as quickly as possible to document baby’s first moments, as well as come back the next day for a Fresh 48 session to make sure you get a full collection of images. At your consultation, we will also talk extensively about having a plan to minimize the chances of me not making it.

What about Covid-19??

If you are planning a hospital birth, we are constantly monitoring each area hospital’s visitor policy and encourage you to reach out to your provider and talk to them about what your options are.

I don’t know if I want graphic images taken/shared on the internet… how does that work?

Birth is a natural, primal experience and the last thing you need to worry about during the experience is how you are going to look in photos. I do not shy away from shooting graphic images or nudity that tell your story, but I will absolutely only share those images with your permission. During your consultation, we will also discuss what you are comfortable with and if there is anything you want me to shoot and/or not shoot.

Do you accept payment plans?

Absolutely! I know birth comes with a LOT of expenses and birth photography is a substantial investment. I am more than happy to work out a payment plan that works for you..