What Style of photography do you shoot in?

I shoot in a photojournalistic style. I am like a fly on the wall, capturing your birth as it unfolds. I don’t speak unless spoken to and slowly and calming move about the room capturing images that you will hold close to your heart for a lifetime.

Do I need to seek permission from my care provider?

It is your responsibility to discuss having me at your birth with your midwife or doctor. Some hospitals require you to put it in writing if you want more than one person in the room while you birth. I do not photograph staff except for the hands doing the ‘catching’. It is your birth space and your experience. I am of the belief that you should have whomever you like to support you and share in your birth experience.

When should I call you?

I am on call for you from 37-42 weeks 24 hours a day. If you go into labour prematurely and would still like me to photograph your birth, please call me and I will still do my absolute best to be there. I can’t impress on you enough the importance of keeping me up to date with how your labour is progressing. I suggest you call or send me an sms when you are in early labour as I need to arrange for my family to be cared for while I’m at your birth so the more time I have to do this the better. I suggest you send me another sms when you are leaving for the hospital and then a final one when you want me to come. All labours and births are different. Some women birth very quickly, others slow and steady, there are no hard and fast rules. My suggestion is to follow your instincts, if you want me there, I’ll come. It is also good to use the expertise of your midwife and ask her when she thinks I need to come. I live at East Gosford so bear that in mind when thinking about my travel and parking time.

Do you use flash to photograph births?

The majority of births I photograph are candlelit homebirths and I am unable to see a thing when I look through the viewfinder as it is so dark. I request that a light in another room is turned on so we have some ambient light otherwise I can use a flash bounced off the ceiling. I have found in the past that the flash hasn’t bothered the majority of my clients and I am able to deliver the best quality images. My camera is able to shoot in low light conditions and I can change the settings in my camera so I don’t have to use the flash. The images you will receive may be a little noisy or grainy than if a flash was used. I am open to your wishes and will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible.

What if I have to have an emergency caesarean section birth?

The hospital has policies regarding who can go to theatre in the event of a caesarean birth. Generally speaking only partners are allowed to theatre however if we are faced with this scenario we will discuss it with the staff on duty at the time and see if I can go with you.

Do you photograph elective caesarean sections?

I have photographed an elective caesarean birth in the past and the birth images are just amazing. I suggest you speak with your care provider and seek their permission. You may also need to write a letter to the actual hospital requesting permission off them as well.

What if there is an emergency, do you still continue taking photographs?

In the event of a medical emergency I use my own discretion weather to continue photographing or not out of respect for staff members and the newborn or woman involved.

How long do you stay after the birth?

I generally stay approx an hour and a half after the birth. I photograph some skin to skin time, the first breastfeed, the babies little hands and feet, the placenta. I don’t stay for weighing etc as this can take quite a few hours after the birth so have your camera packed to capture these moments if you really want them.

When will I receive my photographs?

Within 24 hours of your birth if you would like me to, I am happy to post a few watermarked images on to face book, announcing the birth of your precious babe. In 2-3 weeks I will give you a disc with all of the high resolution images on it. All of them in B&W and a select few in colour along with a gorgeous slideshow set to the music of your choice. The coffee table style birth book will take approximately 6 weeks to arrive.

Model release form

If you are happy to share your beautiful photographs with other women I would love for you to sign a model release form. You are in the unique position to be able to touch the lives of other expecting parents and to be able to show them the beauty of birth through your experience, just as you have been touched by my work in capturing the journey of other women.

Bookings

I try to keep my birth bookings to two women a month. To secure your booking I request a $200.00 non-refundable deposit, which gets deducted from the total cost. In the very unlikely event of my clients birthing at the same time or for any reason I miss the birth due to sickness or something of my fault your deposit can be counted towards a newborn shoot which is currently priced at $450.00. In the event of missing your birth because I wasn’t given enough time to make it, I guarantee I will photograph your babe within 48 hours of birth.