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?
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
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
Pregnant and interested in a birth photo session? Please contact me for more information.
Live Oak Meadow to Kingsbury Commons in Pease Park | Family Photo Session Last year, I met this family on South Congress for their photo session. For this year's fall photo session, this mom and her daughters chose Pease Park as their location. Knowing Luminarium (the...
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Live Oak Meadow to Kingsbury Commons in Pease Park | Family Photo Session Last year, I met this family on South Congress for their photo session. For this year's fall photo session, this mom and her daughters chose Pease Park as their location. Knowing Luminarium (the...
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:
Pick out what everyone is going to wear (and bring backups if little ones are involved) & book haircuts if needed
If you enjoy getting manicures/pedicures – make time for yourself for a little pampering before your session
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
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)
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).
Live Oak Meadow to Kingsbury Commons in Pease Park | Family Photo Session Last year, I met this family on South Congress for their photo session. For this year's fall photo session, this mom and her daughters chose Pease Park as their location. Knowing Luminarium (the...
Live Oak Meadow to Kingsbury Commons in Pease Park | Family Photo Session Last year, I met this family on South Congress for their photo session. For this year's fall photo session, this mom and her daughters chose Pease Park as their location. Knowing Luminarium (the...
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:
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.
Now that the seasons are changing in Austin, Texas – it’s time to embrace Fall and (slightly) cooler temperatures. I’ve made a list of our favorite activities for September, October and November.
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.
Tips:
