2023
Welcome
Your Birth story in pictures BY
PERTH Birth Photography and Doula services
Capturing Miracles and Empowering Journeys.
I will capture the raw and heartfelt moments of your child's birth while providing unwavering support, guidance, and comfort throughout your entire journey. With my expertise and genuine care, I will create a safe and sacred space for you to embrace the miracle of childbirth. Together, we will preserve precious memories while navigating this transformative experience with compassion, respect, and unwavering support.
As your birth photographer:
I am an award winning photographer that possess an artistic eye and an innate ability to capture the essence of each precious moment. From the first signs of labor to the overwhelming joy of holding your newborn, my lens will immortalize the emotions, connections, and details that make your birth experience truly unique. These beautifully captured images will serve as cherished keepsakes, allowing you to relive the intensity and beauty of that transformative day for years to come.
As your birth doula:
I will be your unwavering pillar of support throughout our journey. I will provide evidence-based information, assist in creating a birth plan that aligns with your desires, and offer emotional and physical support during labor. My calming presence will help you navigate the challenges that arise, empowering you with confidence and providing reassurance to both you and your partner. You can focus on the incredible journey of bringing new life into the world, knowing that you have invaluable support every step of the way.
Perths award winning photographer and videographer
Celebrating the birth of babies and mummas
“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before.”
- Rajneesh
Lets capture it!
Meet me, Kendyl
Hey, there precious mumma…
I’m Kendyl, a birth photographer and doula.
The incredible honour of walking alongside empowered women, while supporting them and documenting one of the most precious days of their lives, is all mine…
As a child I never thought that I would want to become a birth photographer or a doula. In all honesty, it probably wasn’t even really a job that existed in the paid employment world back then. But over the years my own life experiences have led me on this path where I get to do the best job ever and I absolutely love my work!
At the age of 10, I was welcomed into the birth space by my Aunt, who chose to birth her second child at home, surrounded by all the people she loved. At the time all I saw was a woman giving birth. It was an amazing experience but it wouldn’t be until almost 15 years later that I would realise the true journey that had unfolded right in front of my eyes: the raw power and strength of a woman in its purest form, while those around her held and cared for her so lovingly.
Several years later after immigrating to Australia (I am originally from Zimbabwe), it was time to welcome the first of my two babies into the world. Only then did I realise what an impact the experience of my aunt’s home birth had on my view of life, birth in general, and all the beauty that surrounds it.
The experience of giving birth truly opened my eyes to how amazing we are as women and how our paths to motherhood are so beautiful, unique, and truly transformational. A close friend (and doula) saw my curiosity and invited me to support her and document her second child’s journey earthside. Needless to say, from that day on I was hooked. I knew with all of my heart that guiding and caring for women in the birth space was exactly where I wanted to direct my energy and passion.
Women just leave me in awe of their power, coupled with the love and determination that so often surround them as they bring about new life into the world – no matter which way they choose to give birth. I am humbled and eternally grateful to all the women that invite me into such a sacred space.
Nurturer, Documenter, Sacred Space Holder
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING...
Why should you invest in a professional?
While the idea of having your husband or midwife take photos of your birth may be appealing, it's essential to consider the implications. During labor, their focus should be on supporting you, which is crucial for your well-being. A professional birth photographer specializes in creating a visual story of this significant moment in your life without taking away from your sacred journey.
Trust me you don't want to miss a thing.
“Kendyl took the dreamiest pictures!
I can't stop crying! They are STUNNING!!
Initially we were unsure about hiring a birth photographer and doula, but decided that it was important to us to do so. Continuity of care was so important to us and we also loved the idea of having the most special day of our lives documented by a professional. After looking around, we hired Kendyl for the birth of our first child and she truly went above and beyond. From our very first interaction, she made it a priority to help us feel comfortable and safe. She respected all our wishes and learned what we most loved about birth photography in order to capture what was most important to us in the most beautiful way.
On the birth day she was so loving and caring, always in the background with her calm and friendly presence. Although none of the photographs were posed, they looked so beautiful and dreamy, some focusing on the tiniest of details and others zooming out to encapsulate the bigger picture.
Kendyl truly has a talent for storytelling, which she makes look easy through her powerful captures and nostalgic editing. I would highly recommend her to anyone thinking about documenting the birth of their child, along with the support and care of a doula. It is definitely worth it, especially with someone as warm and professional as her.
— Ariana & Elliot
"Worth every penny!"
Kendyl captured photos for me and my new little family that we will forever hold onto. We are beyond happy with the results and are so grateful for the moments that were captured. Our birth video was incredible, Kendyl managed to capture the most Important moment of my life and we couldn’t be happier with the memories we will forever get to look back on. Worth every penny !!
— Sarah Thompson
Signature Packages
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED IN ALL BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM PACKAGES
Say hey
An obligation free meet up via Zoom or phone call prior to booking.
Lets catch up
In person catch up and chat at anytime between the time of booking and 34 weeks.
On call
I’ll be on call and exclusively avaliable to you 24/7 from 38 weeks until the birth of your little one.
I'll be there
From active labour through to approximately 2 hours post birth, to capture your whole birth story.
Sneak Peek
3-5 sneak peak images within 24 hours
Your images
Your personalised gallery ready for download within 4 weeks
LABOUR OF LOVE
- Full 1 hour maternity session - includes all edited images, and dress rental from Mumma rentals.
- All birth photography inclusions
- 100 + hand edited images from your birth
- 5-8 minute film of your full journey set to licensed music
- 1-2 minute reel style film to share with family and friends (censored where requested)
- Full 1 hour lifestyle motherhood or outdoor newborn session - include all edited images
- All provided to you in a personalised gallery available for download as well as a personalised USB
$4544 worth of value
$3985
$500 deposit to secure your date at time of booking
Your looking for elegance. This package is an all-in-one, way to capture every precious moment as you go from being a maiden to becoming a mother respectfully and tastefully.
You want to be able to relive every step of your whole transformative journey with the celebration and honor it deserves.
You want a stress-free package - I offer a seamless experience. I'll take care of everything, from bump to baby so you can focus on being truly present.
TRANSFORMATION
- 30 min maternity session* - 30 edited images
- All birth photography inclusions
- 100 + hand edited images from your birth
- 5-8 minute film of your full journey set to licensed music
- A 1-2 minute reel style film to share with family and friends (censored where requested)
- All provided to you in a personalised gallery available for download as well as a personalised USB
$3604 worth of value
$3299
$500 deposit to secure your date at time of booking
You crave simplicity. This package is a classic easy way to document your birth journey capturing every detail of a day which can never be repeated.
Your looking for professional images and film without the hefty price tag. This package ensures you get top-notch still images and videography that will preserve your birthing experience without straining your budget
A no fuss all emcompassing way to have your birth captured, the tender moments frozen in still images, while the emotion is captured in moving film.
WANDERLUST
- 30 min maternity session* - includes all edited images
- All birth photography inclusions
- 100 + hand edited images from your birth
- A stunning slide show of your images to share with family and friends.
- All provided to you in a personalised gallery available for download
$2450
$500 deposit to secure your date at time of booking
AND THEN I SAW YOU
- 30 min filmed maternity session* - included as part of your birth story
- All birth photography inclusions
- up to 20 hand edited images from your birth
- 5-8 minute film of your birth journey set to licenced music
- All provided to you in a personalised gallery available for download
$2750
$500 deposit to secure your date at time of booking
Optional Add-Ons
Film
5-8 minute film of your birth set to licensed music.
$645
Folio
25 hand torn images in a personalised folio.
$80
Reel
1-2 minute reel style highlight film of your birth set to licensed music.
$259
Full Maternity Session
1-2 hour maternity session at a location of your choice.
50+ hand-edited hi-resolution images available for download.
A stunning slide show of your images.
$495
Album
Stunning leather bound handcrafted album.
$385
Motherhood Session
1-2 hour motherhood session at a location of your choice.
50+ hand-edited hi-resolution images available for download
A stunning slide show of your images
$495
*The 30 min maternity sessions are short complimentary sessions designed to get you comfortable in-front of the camera. These sessions have no monetary value and as such cannot be exchanged or transferred for other goods and services.
These sessions are for solo or couples only. Family sessions will incur an additional cost.
Prices valid for 30 days from quotation date.
Birth prepAration
- In-person meetings - these can be spread over prenatal or postnatal, depending on your needs and desires.
- Access to client library and resources
$250
Per 3 hour blocks
Birth doula services
- A meet and greet to get to know you
- I’ll be on call 24/7 for the month of your birth (from 38 weeks onward).
- Support through your labour and birth, in attendance at any time from the start of labour, until you and your family are settled in bed after the birth.
- Ongoing phone and email support throughout your pregnancy, from our first meeting to our final postnatal visit.
- Access to client libraries and resources, incl. Tens Machine and Birth Sling
only $695 with a photography package
$2195
Includes 2 x preparation visits. $500 deposit to secure your date at time of booking
AN OVERVIEW OF
The Process
step one
LETS CATCH UP
An open book, let’s get to know each other - and I’d love to answer any questions you may have! To get started, please pop your contact details in the form below.
step two
PICK A PACKAGE
To be chosen as your birth photographer and doula would be my greatest honour. Let me know which package you’d like to capture your birth story with and I’ll send you a deposit invoice and contract to sign.
step three
I’ll be on call 24/7 from 38 weeks until the birth of your little one. Only ever a call or email away, you and your partner will have my unconditional support and reassurance.
just a call away
step four
its baby time
Holding space for you, I’ll be right by your side to cheer you on while capturing your life-changing experience. We’ll laugh, cry, and celebrate the arrival of your baby together.
step five
relive your journey
Your birthing photos have been beautifully curated for you and your partner to view. Cuddle your bub and snuggle up to your partner as you relive the memories all over again.
what to expect
Your consultation will be as relaxed as possible, we can meet at your home or a coffee shop nearby, even in a park if you have older kids. Its a great opportunity for us to get to know each-other, I'll ask some questions to get a feel for who you are and what you value as a family.
If we haven't met before I'll tell you a bit about how I work and you can raise any questions or concerns. We can also book in your maternity shoot and work out the best location for that.
Here comes the fun part. If nothing else labour is unpredictable because of this never feel bad about texting or calling me at the slightest thought. Sometimes labour signs start days, even weeks before and many times it pops up out of the blue. If your instinct is telling you it might be time then get in contact. You can text if you want but if I don't reply very soon after then please call.
I am a mother myself, I have things that may need to be organised before I come to join you (don't worry I have a "The baby is coming, get here quick" plan in place too) so the earlier the better. I may not come right away but that way I am ready when needed. From there as things progress I will ask you to communicate with me as you would your midwife or obstetrician, so with every call to them you'll call me or send me a text. You'll tell me how far apart your contractions are, if your waters have broken, and your level of pain.
There is not too much risk with me coming too early except it may slow your labour. The primal instincts kick in when a woman goes into labour, you will instinctively want to find a quiet dark place, a space that you feel safe. If there are too many people around you your labour may slow down until your body feels safe again. Ideally I would come to join you in Active Labour - this is when your body is ready to essentially block out the outside world and focus on the task at hand. It means baby will likely be here soon.
WHAT DOES ACTIVE LABOUR LOOK LIKE?
- Contractions are regular and getting closer together roughly 3-5 minutes
apart and lasting 40-60 seconds
- It takes alot of concentration and focus to get through a contraction.
- Your waters have broken, this may make your contractions feel alot stronger.
- You may feel pressure in your palvis towards your rear end.
My second baby was born in the back on an ambulance just outside my front door so I understand that labour can progress pretty fast at times. If you experience strong pressure and the urge to push please ring me immediately so I can make my way there as soon as possible.
Like I have mentioned labour is very unpredictable, so if you do have a quick labour and I don't make it in time, I will still come and document as much of the occasion as possible. Dads first cuddle, the newborn checks, the first feed or meeting the siblings are all part of the birth process and moments you will never get again. I will be there as soon as possible to document them.
Hopefully by the time I join you at home or in the birth suite you'll be in the zone. I will be quiet and discreet and you'll be working hard so you may not notice me. If you do notice me I'll say hello but otherwise I will likely get settled into work. Don't worry if you see me doing a lot of watching and waiting, I do my best to shoot very intentionally so as to capture the story without disturbing the process.
Labours can be long, sometimes they start and stop with some distinctive breaks. I may step in for a short while then step out again to give you more privacy so you can find your safe space. Depending on how your labour is progressing I may even pop out for a warm drink or bite to eat.
The most important thing is that you don't worry about me, this is not my first rodeo, I use my experience as well as communicating with your health care provider and support team to make sure you are comfortable and safe and I don't miss a thing.
After babies arrival I will stick around for a while and continue documenting the those loving first moments, you'll probably start noticing the camera a bit more as you come out of your labour zone. I will document all your little ones firsts while trying my best not to disturb you. I'll stick around for approximately 2 hours after baby is born, I usually give clients a good 45 min warning before I leave incase there are any extra photos you may want.
When I head home I'll likely take some time to rest, depending on how long and what time the birth is see my kids, get something to eat. Then I will sit down and select 3-5 images to edit for your sneak peeks. I'll pop them through to you via message or email so you can share them with your birth announcement.
- Please keep in mind these will be quick edit images, as I will only get to evaluate the full gallery when I edit all images and tweaks may need to be made to ensure they are cohesive to the whole galley.
Beyond that I will work hard to get your images edited up and sent to you in 2 weeks. You'll receive an email about viewing your gallery when your images are ready.
First step is to fill in the contact form HERE, then I can get all your details. After we have been in-touch, if you would like, we can have a little chat. This can be done in person or over the phone what ever is most comfortable for you.
If you think that you are keen to book in I will send through a few intake forms - a short questionnaire, your contract to review and sign and an invoice so you can pay your session fee.
Once that fee is paid your all set to go.
Then we will book in your consultation - this can be anytime before you are 34 weeks, don't stress though I'm more than happy to answer questions via phone, text or email before that.
Your consultation will be as relaxed as possible, we can meet at your home or a coffee shop nearby, even in a park if you have older kids. Its a great opportunity for us to get to know each-other. I'll ask some questions to get a feel for who you are and what you value as a family.
If we haven't met before I'll tell you a bit about how I work and you can raise any questions or concerns. We can also book in your maternity shoot and work out the best location for that.
Here comes the fun part. If nothing else labour is unpredictable because of this never feel bad about texting or calling me at the slightest thought. Sometimes labour signs start days even weeks before and many times it pops up out of the blue. If your instinct is telling you it might be time get in contact. You can text if you want but if I don't reply very soon after the please call.
I am a mother myself, I have things that may need to be organised before I come to join you (don't worry I have a "The baby is coming, get here quick" plan in place too) so the earlier the better. I may not come right away but that way I am ready. From there as things progress I will ask you to communicate with me as you would your midwife or obstetrician, so with every call to them you'll call me or send me a text. You'll tell me how far apart your contractions are, if your waters have broken, and your level of pain.
There is not too much risk with me coming too early except it may slow your labour. The primal instincts kick in when a woman goes into labour, you will want to find a quiet dark place, a space that you feel safe. If there are too many people around your labour may slow down until your body feels safe again. Ideally I would come to join you in Active Labour - this is when your body is ready to essentially block out the outside world and focus on the task at hand.
WHAT DOES ACTIVE LABOUR LOOK LIKE?
- Contractions are regular and getting closer together roughly 3-5 minutes
apart and lasting 40-60 seconds
- It takes alot of concentration to and focus to get through a contraction.
- Your waters have broken, this may make your contractions feel alot stronger.
- You may feel pressure in your palvis towards your rear end.
My second baby was born in the back of an ambulance just outside my front door so I understand that labour can progress pretty fast at times. If you experience strong pressure and the urge to push please ring me immediately so I can make my way there as soon as possible.
Like I have mentioned labour is very unpredictable, so if you do have a quick labour and I don't make it in time, I will still come and document as much of the occasion as possible. Dads first cuddle, the newborn checks, the first feed or meeting the siblings, are all part of the birth process and moments you will never get again so I will be there as soon as possible to document them.
Hopefully by the time I join you at home or in the birth suite you'll be in the zone. I will be quiet and discreet, you'll be working hard and may not notice me. If you do notice me I'll say hello but otherwise I will likely get settled into work. Don't worry if you see me doing a lot of watching and waiting, I do my best to shoot very intentionally to capture the story without disturbing the process.
Labours can be long, sometimes they start and stop with some distinctive breaks. I may step in for a short while then step out again to give you more privacy so you can find your safe space. Depending on how your labour is progressing I may even pop out for a warm drink or bite to eat.
The most important thing is that you don't worry about me, this is not my first rodeo, I use my experience as well as communicating with your health care providers and support team to make sure you are comfortable and safe and I don't miss a thing.
After babies arrival I will stick around for a while and continue documenting. You'll probably start noticing the camera a bit more as you come out of your labour zone. I will document all your little ones firsts while trying my best not to disturb you. I'll stick around for approximately 2 hours after baby is born. I usually give clients a good 45 minutes warning before I leave incase there are any extra photos you may want.
When I head home I'll likely take some time to rest, depending on how long and what time the birth is. See my kids, get something to eat, then I will sitdown and select 3-5 images to edit for your sneak peek. I'll pop them through to you via message or email so you can share them with your birth announcement.
- Please keep in mind these will be quick edit images, as I will only get to evaluate the full gallery when I edit all images and tweaks may need to be made to ensure they are cohesive to the whole galley.
Beyond that I will work hard to get your images edited up and sent to you in 2 weeks. You'll receive an email about viewing your gallery when your images are ready.
After babies arrival
During labour
Too early or too late
When its time
Your consultation
Booking in
4
Tips
for managing labour & delivery fears
1.
Talk about it
Don't be afraid to ask questions and talk about whats bothering you.
Find a trusted friend, another mother, doctor, doula or therapist. Discuss how you are feeling when ever you start to feel uneasy no matter how small your concern is. Talking through things will help your process your thoughts and work to understand them, this can give you insight on how to cope moving forward.
A good care professional will take the time to hold space for your fears and walk through them with you step by step. Keeping fears and anxieties bottled up can make these worries grow and cause bigger mental struggles.
Note: Take the time to find someone who's advice and opinion you trust and respect - quality advise from a level headed confidant is invaluable, however someone quick to tell their horror stories is often unhelpful.
2.
Education is everything
Going into a birth fully informed makes you feel empowered and prepared for whatever may come your way.
I'm sure you have heard of a birth plan, and if so you may have heard the two different arguments for and against them. I recommend my clients to have a "birth map". A birth map is simply your ideal birth. Then the options should you have to deviate from that path, much like a normal map. This encourages taking the time be educated in the process and often creates a dialog between couples and health care providers.
Information can be helpful especially when it is worked through slowly. Break it down in to smaller sections, what will happen before the birth, what will happen on the day and what will happen after.
Taking the time to walk through each section makes the huge feat in-front of you seem smaller.
3.
Create a toolkit
Knowing that you have some tools at hand to manage that pain can put you at ease.
Most of the fears that expectant mothers face have to do with the concern of pain in labour.
Some natural pain relief options you can do at home or in the hospital are:
- The use of water
- Different positions
- Movement
- Counter Pressure
- Heat packs
- Breathwork
Even a change in vocabulary can help train your brain to see labour pain differently. Contractions are waves or surges that bring your baby closer to joining you earthside. There are many great courses such as Calmbirth and Hypnobirthing that can teach you how to work with your body and your baby through pain in labour and delivery.
4.
Your birth team
You and your birth space will be impacted by the people (and their energy) that you invite into your birth space.
Birth is instinctual and can be a very fragile time, feeling heard, supported and advocated for gives you the space to concentrate where it matters most bringing your child into the world.
- Choosing the right health care provider for the type of birth your want that will seek to ensure you are informed of your options every step of the way.
- A birth partner that will hold you both physically and emotionally, and encourage you to keep pushing through.
- A doula with an extensive tool box both physical and emotional that fits in with you and your families values.
- A birth photographer that can document your special day in a respectful and loving way.
