Birth Photography Services

My Experience

I have been a photographer since I was a teen. I attended The Photographic Center Northwest in Seattle, a non-profit institution dedicated to fine art photography. It was there where I developed my style and view of the world through the lens of a camera.

The most valuable skills I acquired were the art of composition and use of light. If you’re really catering to the birthing person’s needs for peace and tranquility, there is very little light to work with in the labor room. I have learned how to work with as little light as possible and still capture the image. I also learned how to look at the entire environment and put myself into a position not only to capture the subject, but what is going on around her. And in labor, you’d be surprised how beautiful and powerful her surroundings can be. 

The fusion of photography and birth

When I stopped working as an RN in 2011 to start Birth Fusion, I realized I could now strap my camera to my back and capture a story that can rarely be put into words. The saying, “a picture says a 1000 words” is never more applicable than when describing your birth. People often wonder how I can photograph a labor while providing labor support.

It’s an excellent question that can be answered by the simple fact that an effective doula empowers the birth partner, and other family members supporting the birthing person, with the confidence that everything is normal. My mere presence and verbal reassurances are frequently all that the birth team needs. Labor unfolds very organically when all are confident in their abilities. It’s when we hit that “sweet spot” that I break out my camera and start capturing moments that you will want to cherish for a lifetime. 

You take pictures of THAT?

Nope, I sure don’t, unless you really want a birds-eye view of what “that” looks like (most of us don’t). “That” isn’t all that’s happening during a birth.

Couples hold each other. They laugh together. They cry together. They meet their new baby together. Birth photography is more than just “that”. I make every effort to avoid graphic birth images and maintain a modest feel to your photographs. My saying is that these are pictures that you can show to any member of your family. 

I will only take photographs when things are going smoothly and everyone is comfortable in their environment and with how things are progressing. I shoot “photo-journalistic style”, so pictures are not posed, but rather candid moments in time during your birth. I do not use flash, and I have a high power camera and lens that can find you in the dimmest of lighting situations. I have a silent shutter setting, so after the first few clicks, you rarely even know that I’m taking pictures. And I’m fast. I can step away, take the photo, and be back touching you before you even notice.

What is included in your fees?

Optional Birth Photography Package - $750

My Birth Photography Package includes photography during your entire birth experience, as well during the “Golden Hour” immediately following your birth. In addition to all the sweet, intimate, and powerful moments during your birth experience, the Golden Hour provides those precious moments that are fleeting and once in a lifetime. Your baby still wet on your chest. Partners and family members meeting baby for the first time. Counting fingers and toes. Skin-to-skin and breastfeeding. I do not provide birth photography services without my doula services.

You will receive a Dropbox link with the full gallery of color images within 8-12 weeks of your birth. Images are large enought be enlarged without loss of resolution. You have permission to reproduce all images provided to you. I will request your permission to use any images that show your likeness on my website or in any PR materials I produce for Birth Fusion.