I will honestly cherish these forever
"I’m sobbing going through them all. I can’t thank you enough! It’s so nice to replay the evening and have these incredible visuals. I will honestly cherish these forever."
Lara Sheldrake x
THIS IS BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY
And suddenly you're a family...
What is birth photography?
Birth photography is the visual documentation of labour, birth and postpartum. These images will hold the weight of a memory that cannot be rehearsed or reproduced.
I can’t explain what these images will mean to you, you’ll have to feel it. And honestly, nobody will ever say the words “I wish I hadn’t had that moment photographed”. Usually, it’s the other way around…
Birth photography is still relatively unknown in the UK and if you’re based near Brighton & Hove or Worthing, chances are you won’t find anybody else who even offers this service for you yet. So talk to me if you’re curious about it.
Your baby's first milestone
You’re pregnant and preparing for the day of your baby’s arrival for months. You might be planning more than you did (or will do) for your wedding. Because the stakes are higher…
Welcoming new life into this world is the most magical thing. It’s hard work too – there’s a reason it’s called labour! But our bodies are fascinating and strong. And so are you!
Are you ready to talk about having your birth and your baby’s first milestone photographed?
PRICING
Currently, I only offer home birth photography.
I’m based just outside Brighton & Hove and offer birth photography for you in East and West Sussex.
£1500
24/7 on-call time from week 38 until your baby arrives
coverage of labour, birth and up to 2 hour postpartum
coverage starts when you enter active labour, no matter what time that is (even at 3am on a bank holiday!)
postpartum video call 1 month after your birth to debrief and reflect on your birth experience
all edited images in your personal online gallery to download 4 weeks after your birth
First we have a video chat (or meet in person if you're close)
If you'd like me to be in your birth space in your most vulnerable moment, it's important that we get along well and you feel like you can trust me. That's why I prefer video calls over emails. During this call, we can talk about your pregnancy, birth plan and how photography fits into that as well as anything else you might want to know before committing to hiring me.
We keep in touch throughout your pregnancy
Depending on when you book me, I'll occasionally check in with you to see how you're doing and whether you have any questions regarding my role within your birth plan when your baby arrives.
Let's welcome your baby
I'll be on call for you from week 38. Once your contractions start or you feel like baby is going to be here soon, you can call me so I'm ready for you once you go into labour. I'll then make my way over to you when you're in active labour to document this moment you've been waiting for so long. I'll stay with you up until 2 hours postpartum to capture the whole process of the arrival of your new baby.
I don't want photos of my birth online. Is that ok?
Yes, absolutely. You’re in full control over what goes online and what doesn’t. If that’s your wish, these photos will only be available to you and whoever you choose to share them with.
Can I have a say in what's being photographed?
Of course you can! We will have multiple conversations before your birth about what you’re comfortable with having documented and what not.
Birth photography is much more than the crowning shot everybody is expecting – it’s about love, strength, connection, life and identity. The actual moment of your baby being born is just a part of what I’ll be covering.
What if you miss the birth?
Birth photography is unpredictable. Obviously, there’s always a chance that things don’t go to plan. Your baby might arrive so quickly that I won’t be able to get to yours in time. Or you will have to transfer to the hospital and they won’t let me in. Chances are that I won’t be allowed to come into the theatre for a c section.
If any of the above happens, I will document as much of your birth as possible before and/or after. I can offer you a Fresh 48 (which means I’ll take photos within 48 hours of the birth) or a newborn session when you’re home and settled.
What about Covid?
If you test positive on the day you go into labour, I might not be able to document your birth depending on my work schedule around that date. I can’t risk catching Covid if I have other personal or professional commitments that can’t be postponed.
If I’m the one coming down with Covid, I’ll do my best to either refer you to another photographer to fill my spot or we’ll have to come to a solution together that works for all of us. In no circumstance would I want to put you, your family or your baby in danger.
I am double vaccinated and boostered btw.
Do you cover hospital births?
At this point, I’m only taking home birth bookings. This is connected to the strict rules around additional people in hospitals during birth. Hopefully that will change again in the near future.