What is documentary photography?

Documentary photography is essentially taking photos on the fly. There typically is no guidance or direction given. It is comparable to photojournalism or street photography, where in order to get the image you want you have to move yourself and align yourself up with the scene - instead of asking your subject to move.

Why would I want documentary photos of my family?

These types of photos are real and genuine, and pretty chill if you ask me. You aren’t required to smile, wear a certain outfit or stand a certain way. It’s the best type of photography for the Dads who hate taking pictures to begin with, or the kiddos who will not sit still.

What do we do during family sessions?

Documentary photography works best when you are doing a planned activity with your family. It gives everyone something to concentrate on so that you stay true to yourself even though I’m hanging out with you with my camera. The important thing to remember is it’s not about what you do with your family and kids, its about how you all interact with each other.

How many births have you done?

I have photographed 194 births currently, 100 of those have had birth films. Because I worked closely with a couple of local midwives, I have attended way more home births than I have hospital or birth center. However, I am up for any location!

How many births do you take per month?

Due to health reasons, I am limiting births to a handful (single digits) each year. Priority is given to my repeat clients. If you want me to make space on my schedule for your birth, reach out asap!

Why do you only offer birth film packages?

This was definitely a hard decision to make, but I am no longer taking photography only clients for births. I’ve been heavily invested in this craft and have really fallen completely in love with cinematic storytelling. It is my passion and my calling!

When do you arrive to my birth?

Each person is different on when I would arrive, but in general I prefer to arrive when you are in active labor. The purpose is so that my presence in your space does not cause a disruption. Typically what I look for is a solid contraction pattern that wont dissipate, and you turning inward to focus during the contractions. When you are less concerned with who is in your space and more concerned with being in labor, that is when it’s good for me to arrive.

What do your birth packages include?

Each package includes an in-person meeting (required) prior to you going into labor. It also includes attendance to your birth team meeting if you have one. It includes being on-call 24/7 starting at 37 weeks gestation. Documentation takes place from active labor, through the birth of your baby, and lasts until 2-3 hours postpartum. Packages that include photos will also include sneak peek pictures delivered within 24 hours after your baby is born.

How much does birth photography and videography cost?

My birth packages range from $2100 to $3800. A non-refundable $700 deposit is required to reserve your EDD!

What happens if you miss the birth?

If I miss the birth due to your labor going tremendously fast, I continue documentation as normal and I will come back in a future date to get documentary newborn photos/film. If I ever feel like the story is not complete with what I did get from your birth/postpartum, I will always offer to come back again and brainstorm ideas on how we can tell your story best.