Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

So you’re pregnant and excited to document the milestone of your upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience?

artwork showing a pregnant woman with tips for a birth photo session

Tips for a successful birth photography experience

My Top Tips for Parents-to-be:

  • Ask your OB/GYN for permission for a photographer to attend the birth
  • Decide what type of moments you want most documented (and how comfortable you are with more graphic imagery)
  • Decide who will be in the room with you (your partner, a doula, other family members, etc.)
  • Share any relevant pregnancy/birth history with your photographer
  • Keep your photographer posted the last month of your pregnancy with updates after each of your (weekly) check-ups
  • Give your partner the photographer’s contact info to call AND text them for when the big day comes
  • Once in the hospital, try to relax and focus on the birth process while the photographer works on documenting all the special moments
  • Have special one-of-a-kind photos to look back on and share with your child in the future
woman holding newborn baby while husband puts his hand on her head in hospital bed setting

So you’re new to birth photography and excited to document an upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience as a photographer?

 

    My Top Tips for Birth Photographers:

    • Pack a go-bag with snacks, possible overnight supplies (toothbrush, blanket, etc.), camera gear, extra cards and batteries as well as all the charging cables (consider a power strip as well to share the delivery room’s outlet)
    • Have phone nearby at all times and on alert the closer the due date comes
    • Have at least half a tank of gas at all times
    • Have a plan for childcare coverage when on-call (if needed)
    • Wear comfortable clothes (including bringing extra layers) in case the hospital room is cold
    • When arriving at the hospital, introduce self to on-call staff and family
    • Act as a “fly on the wall” taking photos but also be an extra pair of hands if needed
    • Focus on connection and emotion
    • Shoot wide-angle to establish the scene as well as close-up to get expressions and details
    • Document the action and the waiting
    • Stay until baby is born and placed on mom’s chest
    what to pack to photograph a birth photo session at the hospital

    Pregnant and interested in a birth photo session? Please contact me for more information.

    close-up of newborn baby's leg

    Interested in a photo session?

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    austin fun with kids spring checklist

    Looking for suggestions for fun things to do with kids in or around Austin this Spring?

     

    Print out my checklist above and have a great time this season.

     

    Need more ideas?

     

    You can also check out this informative article on Redfin that I contributed ideas to.

    Austin, TX is a vibrant and diverse city with something to offer everyone. From its world-renowned music scene to its delicious food culture, Austin is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and exciting travel experience. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home in Austin or rent an apartment in the area, be sure to add these must-see attractions to your bucket list. From swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Barton Springs to exploring the colorful murals of East Austin, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in this vibrant city. So come on down, experience the energy and excitement of Austin, and check out the Ultimate Austin bucket list.”

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    What to Expect at your Family Photo Session

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    What to expect at your family photo session and how to prepare:

    WHAT TO EXPECT:

    Kids are unpredictable – and I like to go with the flow. Leave all the hard work up to me – just relax & enjoy spending time with your loved ones. I’ll give plenty of directions and have games for us to the play if the little ones want to run off and explore. I’m there to capture the moments that make you all the family you are. 

    You may be asked to play chase, twirl in a circle, toss your youngest into the air or participate in a hug attack. And if you have ideas of images you want, please let me know. 

    HOW TO PREPARE:

    1. Pick out what everyone is going to wear (and bring backups if little ones are involved) & book haircuts if needed
    2. If you enjoy getting manicures/pedicures – make time for yourself for a little pampering before your session
    3. Make sure everyone is fed before you arrive (and pack a few snacks/water just in case) – even if “we’ll be getting dinner after” – give the kids some food before you arrive
    4. Depending on the location – bring something that your family enjoys. If we’ll be shooting at a park, bring along a ball, a kite or a favorite toy (but if you can’t think of something you want to bring, it’s purely optional)
    5. Right before you get out the car – do a once-over for the kids – brush their hair, clean their face/put chapstick on their lips if needed 

     

    I’ll have my tool kit with me (mirror, combs, wet wipes, etc.) if you need to do some touch-ups before we begin. I’ll also bring a blanket so we can do some shots sitting down as well (just let me know what colors you’re wearing). 

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    chart listing three outfit categories for a branding photo sessionTips:

    Your three outfit categories are: On the Job, Professional Headshot and Brand Style (see chart above).

    Most importantly – make sure you are comfortable and confident in what you are wearing.

    -Bring extra clothing options to your session if you can’t decide what to wear (you can also bring layers to change up your look)

    -If you want to use your photos throughout the year, have your clothes fit different seasons (Ex. Bring summer dresses AND winter sweaters)

    -Do you have brand colors you want to incorporate and match for your photos as well? 

    Prepare your clothes

    1. Pick out your wardrobe at least three weeks before your session to make sure you don’t have to shop for anything new.
    2. Make sure everything is clean, pressed and fits. 
    3. Try on your complete outfit – accessories, underwear and shoes – before your session.

    Props

    Equally important are any props you want to bring to your branding photo session

    • Your computer and cellphone (where the work happens)
    • Your favorite coffee mug
    • Your planner, journal or any other office supplies you use daily
    • Tools of your trade
    • Something fun that showcases your personality (ex. what are your hobbies outside of work?)
    • Something to celebrate with (ex. bottle of champagne, confetti, etc.)
    • Any products that you sell
    • Other ideas you have!

     

    Ready to Book?

     

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    So you’ve booked your photo session and figured out your location. What’s left to do?

    Figure out what the whole family is going to wear.

    Here’s my advice:

    1. Remember the Weather

    There’s an old saying, “Texas has four seasons: drought, flood, blizzard, and twister.” Well – in Austin, we get hot and slightly less hot. So while I’d like to tell you to put on your cozy sweaters and layers for your Fall family photos – I don’t want you melting.

    If you look at the average temperature chart for the year below:

    If we have a morning Spring session booked, you may need another layer to your cute Spring dress, but by sunset, you can frolic in a field in bare sleeves and sandals and be fine.

    And if we have a morning Fall session booked, those sweaters might be needed. But for a sunset session, you may want to bring in the Fall flavor with Autumn colors and textures rather than just layers. And you can always bring a scarf for a few shots, and then take it right back off if it’s too hot. So check the weather forecast and plan your outfits, accessories and layers accordingly.

    2) Coordinate with your family

    Pick out a color palette of 3-4 colors that each family member can wear some variation of. If you’d like more visuals, I have Pinterest boards:

    SPRING/SUMMER

    FALL/WINTER

    You can all dress in neutrals or bright complimentary colors or earth tones – whatever you’re drawn to. Just avoid big logos, neon colors and distracting patterns.

    If you want extra styling help, check out Austin’s Top 10 stylists (according to Yelp), or you can use online services such as Stitch Fix for the whole family or The Dopple just for Kids.

    3) Make sure everything is clean and still fits
    • Have your kids try on the whole outfit before your session to make sure it all still fits (including shoes) in case you need to buy the next size up.
    • Wait to dress your kids until after they’ve eaten and brushed their teeth (I’ve photoshopped a lot of morning toothpaste off of kids shirts over the years)
    • Moms – test to make sure you can play and sit on the ground easily in your outfit.
    • Dads – make sure your phone and sunglasses are out of your pockets.
    4) Is everyone comfortable?

    YES

    5) Do you feel confident?

    YES

    Hooray! Then you’re ready to have your pictures taken.


    Stores I like: 

    1. Boden / Mini boden
    2. Tea collection (kids only)
    3. eShakti (women only)
    4. J. Crew
    5. Zara
    6. Anthropologie
    7. Old Navy
    8. Target
    9. Modcloth
    10. H&M
    11. Amazon
    12. Rent the Runway (online rentals)

     

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    Feel free to print out a copy for your fridge if you want kid-friendly ideas for Fall.

    Happy Exploring and Pumpkin Picking! And contact me below if you want help on #4 from the list.