What to Expect During a Birth Photography Session: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Initial Consultation

The journey begins with a consultation, usually scheduled a few months before your due date. During this meeting, you’ll get to know me, share your birth plan, and discuss your expectations. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask any questions and express your preferences—whether you want specific moments captured or certain angles avoided. I will explain their approach and how they remain discreet and unobtrusive during the birth process. Once I secure a deposit I send over a contract and questionnaire.

What to expect: A relaxed conversation where you’ll build trust and share your vision for the session. This is also when the photographer will go over logistics, pricing, and availability.

2. On-Call Period

Since babies rarely arrive exactly on their due date, I go on-call for you starting from around 38 weeks until your baby is born. This means I’m ready to come at a moment’s notice, day or night. During this time, you’ll keep me updated on the progress of your pregnancy, especially as labor begins.

What to expect: I will be reachable 24/7 once you hit the on-call period. Keep me updated on any early labor signs or changes in your birth plan.

3. Arrival at the Birthing Location

Once you’re in active labor and on your way to the hospital, birth center, or preparing for a home birth, you’ll contact me. I’ll quietly set up and begin documenting the story as it unfolds, without disturbing your birthing process.

What to expect: A calm, professional presence. I will blend into the background, capturing the atmosphere, emotions, and candid moments without being intrusive.

4. Documenting Labor

Labor is a time filled with intensity, emotion, and love. I will capture a variety of moments, from quiet exchanges between you and your birth partner to the focused work of the medical team. I’ll document your strength, the supportive touches, and the anticipation in the room.

What to expect: Candid, documentary-style photography that captures the emotions, interactions, and quiet moments that make up your birth experience.

5. The Big Moment: Delivery

When it’s time for the baby to arrive, I will be there to capture that life-changing moment. I’ll photograph the first time you meet your baby, your partner’s reaction, and the overwhelming joy of those first minutes of life. This is the heart of birth photography—capturing the raw, unfiltered beauty of new life entering the world.

What to expect: Photos that focus on the emotional impact of delivery, without interrupting the medical team’s work or your birthing process.

6. Post-Birth Bonding

After the baby is born, there’s often a calm, emotional period of bonding between parents and their newborn. I will capture those first moments of skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and family introductions. These intimate moments will be documented in a way that feels natural and unobtrusive.

What to expect: Tender, intimate photos that reflect the love and connection during these first few hours as a family.

7. Respecting Your Privacy

Your comfort is always the top priority. I respect your privacy and boundaries, photographing only what you’re comfortable with. You can discuss any specific requests or restrictions during your initial consultation. If you prefer certain moments not be captured, I will always respect that.

What to expect: Complete control over what is photographed, with the option to set boundaries at any time during the process.

8. Post-Session: Editing and Delivery

After the birth, I will carefully edit the images to ensure they reflect the beauty and raw emotion of the day. I provide a few “sneak peek” images within a 48 hours, followed by the full gallery within a few weeks. The final product may include a mix of color and black-and-white images that tell the story of your birth from start to finish.

What to expect: A beautifully curated gallery of professionally edited images, delivered in a timeframe agreed upon during your consultation.

9. Sharing and Printing Your Birth Photos

Once you’ve received your gallery, you’ll be able to download and share the images with family and friends. I offer the option to order prints, albums, or other keepsakes. These photos will become cherished memories that you can share with your child as they grow.

What to expect: High-quality digital images, with options for prints and albums to preserve your birth story for years to come.

Hiring a birth photographer ensures that the unforgettable moments of your baby’s birth are captured forever. From the quiet strength during labor to the first breath your baby takes, these images will become some of the most precious memories in your family’s life. Knowing what to expect during the session can help you feel more relaxed and confident, allowing you to focus on the incredible experience of bringing your baby into the world.

If you’re considering hiring a birth photographer and want to know more about the process, feel free to reach out—I’d love to answer any questions and help capture your story.