As our doula business has grown and doulas have gained in popularity, so has birth photography. Labor is a beautiful, primal experience and for so much of it, the laboring mother is focused on the physical sensations in her body and not on her surroundings. Birth photography is a beautiful remembrance of the highlight of your life.
I got the wonderful opportunity to speak with Leslie Campins, the owner of Tiny Bubbles Photography. She is a local photographer who also happens to be in my local MOPS group. Leslie is a very warm person with 5 beautiful children. Her business has been opened since 2012 and she has excellent reviews. Here's what she wants you to know before you hire a birth photographer:
How far out should I book services?
I suggest at least 2 months. I like to meet the mother face to face over coffee or tea before I photograph her birth. It is a very intimate experience and I want to make sure that she is comfortable having me there for the birth experience. I also go over what to expect and what type of photos the mother is looking to have. Some moms want ALL the details, some moms want a more "over the shoulder" viewpoint.
Who is my back-up?
I do not have one. As I mentioned above, it is such a personal experience. I would not feel comfortable sending in a replacement. When I know that a birth is approaching, I tell all my families on my calendar that the birth has the priority and their session may get rescheduled due to that. I have an amazing support system in place. I have sitters on call and a flexible husband to take care of my kid's needs. If I have an event on my calendar that might get in the way of photographing a birth (i.e., a vacation), the mother knows that up front.
My radius?
I am comfortable within 45 minutes to an hour of Homer Glen.
When to call me?
Usually around 5 to 6 centimeters dilated is a good time for me to head to the birth. That usually gives me enough time to capture labor photos as well as the birth. I leave earlier if the birth is farther from me. I always touch base with mom when labor starts and we know baby is coming that day.
What if birth is long?
That is okay. I will hang around as birth is probably one of the most unpredictable experiences on this Earth! I stay through birth and for another hour or two postpartum. I love to capture skin-to-skin photos and babies trying to latch for the first time if that is the mom's preference.
Editing images?
I do edit every image. You can get anywhere from 50 to 200 depending on the length of your labor and birth. I usually provide only B & W images but will happily give the color images as well if the mother wants them. You can expect to receive them within 2 weeks of the birth both digitally and on a USB drive.
Anything else clients should know?
I joke that I am a ninja during the birth. I stay out of the way and most forget I am there. The only thing you will hear is the clicking of my camera.
A lot of moms ask about low light. What if the room is dim and I birth in the middle of the night? I need as much light as the doctor or midwife needs. I never show up with a flash!
The most common question is "what if go into labor in the middle of the night?" I think 75% of the births I photograph do. That is okay, I will be there. I leave my cell phone on and am "on call."
Some hospitals do not allow photography or some doctors so not like it. I always ask the mom to be sure that is something that is okay with her doctor and hospital.
Lastly, what if the birth ends in a c-section? Well, few hospitals will let me be in the operating room but some will. I will stay until mom is out of recovery and with her baby to photograph them together.
If you are interested in more about who we recommend go to our Businesses We Support page!
Peace and Comfort,
Cathy
