Choosing a birth photographer should be a very important and meaningful decision for you – this will be someone you can be vulnerable with and who you can trust to capture one of the most important moments of your life. The best birth photographers have a unique set of skills. They are talented labor and delivery photographers who are willing to be available and ready at any time. They also know how to capture incredible photos while being completely invisible, allowing you to be fully present in the moment.
Labor & Delivery Photography Captures the Moment
Having a birth photographer can be a wonderful way to capture the beautiful moments of your childbirth experience. Professional birth photographers like Jenny Leigh who specialize in delivery room photography understand that it will be a very emotional time for you. You and your baby’s comfort will always be of the utmost importance, and she will respect all boundaries you put in place. Jenny Leigh has practiced fine art photography for many years and brings a level of expertise and warmth that culminates in stunning photographs of one of the most amazing times of your life.
What to Expect from Birth Photography
Whether you’re having your first child or your fifth, birth photography is unlike any other type of photo session. Here’s what you can expect:
Pre-Birth Consultation
Most photographers will schedule a consultation to get to know you, note your planned birth location (hospital, birthing center, home birth), understand your birth plan (natural birth, water birth, medicated birth) and discuss what kind of photos you’re hoping for.
Some mothers wish to capture every moment, including the intensity of pushing and the ultimate reveal–crowning–when the baby’s head is first visible. Experienced birth photographers can capture even the most intense and graphic details of the birth, but it is essential that you make your preferences clear.. are comfortable with home birth photography and have lots of experience taking photos at hospitals and birthing centers as well.
Contract and Availability
Be sure to review the photographer’s contract which will outline their fees, what’s included, and the on-call policy. (Most photographers will agree to be on call for a specific window of time around your due date).
During the Birth
Discreet and Respectful: A professional birth photographer will be unobtrusive, respectful of the medical team, and prioritize capturing genuine moments without interfering with the birth process.
Capturing the Story: Delivery room photography should capture the full story of birth, from pre-labor moments with your partner to the baby’s arrivall and those precious first moments as a family.
Your Comfort Level: Communication is key. Let the photographer know if there are any moments you don’t want photographed.
Selecting Your Photos
After your session, you will have a chance to view your photos. You and your photographer can discuss sizes and formats (digital download, prints, album, etc.) At this time you can place your order and you will receive your photos within just a few weeks.
Factors to Consider
Hospital Policies: Some hospitals may have restrictions on delivery room photography, so check with your L&D department beforehand.
Comfort Level: Make sure you feel completely comfortable with the photographer’s personality and style. Look at their portfolio to see if their aesthetic aligns with your vision.
Partner’s Feelings: Discuss labor photography with your partner and make sure they’re on board as well.
Key Questions to Ask a Birth Photographer
Experience and Qualifications
- How long have you been a photographer?
- How long have you been photographing births?
- How many births have you photographed?
- Do you have any certifications or training related to birth photography?
- Are you a member of any professional birth photography organizations?
Labor Photography Style
- Can I see your birth photography portfolio?
- Does your style align with what I’m looking for (documentary, artistic, etc.)?
- How do you edit your photos?
- Can you show me examples of your editing style for birth photography?
Availability and Coverage
- What is your on-call policy around my due date?
- When do you typically arrive at the hospital/birthplace?
- How long do you stay after the birth?
- What happens if you’re already at another birth when I go into labor?
- Do you have a backup photographer?
- Can I meet your backup photographer?
Birth Experience and Comfort
- How would you describe your presence during the birth? (Chatty, quiet, etc.)
- How do you ensure the privacy and comfort of the birthing mother and partner?
- Are you open to specific requests about what I do and don’t want photographed?
Business Logistics
- Do you have a contract that outlines your services, fees, and cancellation policy?
- How will I receive the edited photos (digital download, prints, album)?
- What are your package options and pricing?
Additional Considerations
- \Are you familiar with the birth photography policies at my chosen hospital/birthplace? (It’s also a good idea to check with your hospital directly)
- Can you plan to be there when my labor is induced?
- Can you capture photos in the event of an unplanned cesarean section?
By asking these questions, you can get a good sense of the photographer’s experience, style, and approach to birth photography. This will help you choose a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who can capture the precious moments of your childbirth experience.
Schedule Your Labor Photography in DFW
Give Jenny Leigh a call today to discuss scheduling options – it’s a great idea to book your birth photographer in Frisco as early as possible. This will allow you to ensure Jenny Leigh is available during your estimated delivery window and also you to get to know each other and establish a level of comfort that will allow for the most natural and smooth photo session possible!
If you’re not ready to commit to delivery room photography just yet, a maternity photo shoot in Frisco with Jenny Leigh is a fantastic way to get comfortable in front of the camera and start capturing beautiful memories.
Jenny Leigh has years of experience in the hospitals and birthing centers in and around Frisco, Texas. She takes the utmost care to capture every moment of the miracle of your child’s birth without intruding on your privacy. Contact Jenny Leigh today to arrange a consultation.
