As a birth photographer, I am sometimes asked why my services are so expensive. I understand why this question comes up - after all, it can be hard to justify spending a significant amount of money on something that you may not have even considered before. But let me tell you, the work that birth photographers do is incredibly important and valuable.
When you hire a birth photographer, you're not just hiring someone to take pictures. You're hiring someone to capture one of the most intimate, emotional, and life-changing moments of your life. You're hiring someone to document the day that you bring a new human being into the world - a day that you will never forget. And you're hiring someone who is willing to drop everything at a moment's notice to be there for you, no matter what.
As a birth photographer, I take my role very seriously. When a client hires me, I go on call for them for approximately 4 weeks around their due date. During this time, I am ready to drop everything at a moment's notice and be there to document their birth story. I have to arrange care for my own children, stay within an hour or two of the client's place of birth, and avoid committing to anything else during this time. It's a huge commitment, but it's one that I take on with joy and excitement.
When I'm at a birth, I'm not just taking pictures. I'm there to support my clients in any way that I can - whether that means offering a hand to hold during a difficult contraction, fetching water or snacks for the laboring person, or just being a calming presence in the room. And when the baby finally arrives, I'm there to capture those first precious moments of their life, as well as the emotions and reactions of the new parents and any other family members who are present.
After the birth is over, my work is far from done. I spend hours carefully selecting and editing the best photos from the day, creating a beautiful birth story that my clients will treasure for years to come. And because I know how important it is to have these memories preserved, I invest in the best possible equipment and constantly work to improve my skills and knowledge.
So yes, birth photography can be expensive. But it's worth every penny. When you hire a birth photographer, you're not just getting someone to take pictures - you're getting a skilled professional who is dedicated to capturing the beauty and emotion of one of the most important days of your life. And as a birth photographer, I am honored to be a part of that journey with each and every one of my clients.