Birth

 Frequently Asked Questions

I completely understand that birth photography is still a growing and unfamiliar concept for many. It’s something that’s often unheard of, and for some, the idea of having a photographer in such an intimate space might feel a little daunting or unclear.

That’s why I wanted to share some insight and answer some common questions regarding birth photography. My hope is to make birth photography feel more approachable, less intimidating, and to show just how special and valuable these captured moments can be.

Whether you’re curious, on the fence, or already excited about the idea, I’m here to guide you and help you see how this experience can beautifully preserve the story of your baby’s arrival.

What is it like having a birth photographer in the room? Will you interact with us during the birth? 

This is entirely up to you and what makes you feel most comfortable. Some moms prefer me to quietly document the moments, almost unnoticed, while others invite me to offer gentle words of encouragement and be more involved.

We’ll discuss your preferences in detail when creating your birth plan, so my presence aligns perfectly with what gives you peace and strength during your labor. My priority is to support you in the way that feels right for you.

For C-sections, my approach is guided by your comfort and the medical team’s guidelines. In most cases, I quietly document the experience while ensuring I stay out of the way of the medical staff.

If allowed, I’ll be by your side, capturing the emotions and tender moments as they happen. I may offer a reassuring smile or gentle words if it feels right for you. My focus is on preserving the beauty and strength of your journey in a way that feels supportive and respectful.

Should I let my doctor/midwife know that I will have a birth photographer present during my birth?

Yes, this is crucial, especially for hospital births! I can't capture your birth without the permission and signatures of your doctor/midwife. Before you book with me, you should have had the conversation with your doctor/midwife already. This allows for any reservations they might have to be resolved before your birth.

How does it work when you are "on call" for my birth? 

I am on call 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your due date. This is applicable to scheduled C-sections and planned natural deliveries. When I am on call I have my phone with me at all times, and I am available 24/7 with the ringer on. I provide you with my cell number, an alternative number and my husband's number to ensure that I am reached when you go into labour. I do not make plans that I can't leave or cancel. I have child care arrangements in place and my camera bag is packed and at the door ready to go.

When do you arrive and leave at my birth?

My goal is to get to your birthing location when you are in active labor, i.e. 4-6cm dilated and contractions are every 3-4 minutes but depending on your history and nature of your previous births we work out a personalised plan for when I should arrive. For C-sections I arrive 1 hour before your procedure. For both I stay up to 2 hours after you have given birth. I always try to get photos of baby's. measurements, first interactions with the parents, skin-to-skin and breastfeeding.

What if you miss my birth? 

As we all know, birth is unpredictable and can go extremely fast or slow. If I were to miss a birth due to no fault of my own(meaning your labor was too fast or you did not let me know in time) I would put your deposit towards another photo session like a fresh 48 or newborn session. We stay in touch so that I can receive updates on any signs of labor no matter the time of day so I can do everything in my power to make it. If I miss your birth due to sickness or a personal emergency I will provide a full refund and a replacement session (fresh 48 or newborn session).

What if I have a really long birth?

If you have a long birth I am there to capture your story through the whole thing. However, there are instances where birth can last days. In this case I may leave if you are not progressing, or progressing very slowly, and come back when things pick back up again or I might take a nap nearby.

What if I give birth in a dark room or where there is poor light? 

Home birth units, hospital birth rooms and even theatre normally have bad lighting, either too low or too bright when the spotlights are on. My camera performs exceptionally well in low-light situations, so I can capture your birth without using a flash if that’s your preference. However, it’s important to understand how lighting impacts the appearance of your photographs. Images taken in low light without a flash tend to have a softer, grainier look, similar to old film photography, while images taken with a flash are sharper and more refined, without added texture or grain.

I personally prefer to use a flash to ensure your photos are of the highest quality. My flash setup is subtle—I bounce the light off the ceiling or walls to create soft, natural illumination. If you are not sure, I can take a few test shots during your birth and if it is too distracting, I will continue shooting without the flash. That said, the choice is always yours, and if you prefer no flash, I may introduce some ambient light as needed to ensure the best possible results. Please note that no flash is allowed in theatre during C-sections.

What if I require an emergency C-section?

When we meet to discuss your birth plan this is another situation we will go over. I do have permission from the private hospitals in Polokwane to capture during emergency C-sections but consent have to be obtained from your doctor as well to allow me into theatre. General anaesthesia(when you are not awake) is different to a spinal block (when you are awake.) If you are under general anaesthesia, I might not be allowed inside. Every hospital and doctor has different policies on this and it is best to discuss it before the situation arises when possible. If I am unable to be in theatre I capture the moments leading up to and immediately following your time in the recovery room when you are back in the ward.

Will you post my photos on social media?

I ONLY post your photos if you have consented for me to do so. This applies to using your photos for social media, my website, commercial use or distribution to third parties like your home birth unit or birth pages promoting birth and women empowerment. You and your partner have to sign a Model Release contract indicating the type of photos I am allowed to post or you can choose the option to review the photos I have chosen to post, before I post them.

Do you offer payment plans? 

Yes! This will be discussed during our pre-birth consultation. I’m happy to create a payment plan for any birth package that suits the needs of your family. Most families pay my deposit and then a monthly payment until their due date.

How graphic will my photos be and how comfortable are you with nudity? 

This again is something we discuss when we meet to go over your birth plan. South African women are very conservative and I tend to be rather modest in my approach to birth photography and frame shots in such a way to give you the story without showing any explicit nudity of yourself or your baby. But I most definitely can capture the crowning shots if that is what you fancy. As a nurse and midwife, I have seen and touched it all. It's nothing weird to me.

How does it work?

Birth photography is very different than hiring a photographer for a lifestyle or wedding session. Births are unpredictable and it is not something you can plan. Not even scheduled C-Sections go according to plan and your scheduled date can change last minute. My commitment to my birth clients is to be on call for them, from 38 weeks, until their baby is born. This means, I’m available 24/7 to come to your birth, at any time, even in the middle of the night. I make sure my camera gear and hospital scrubs is packed and my life revolves around being on call for your birth story.

I only take on a limited amount of births each month and taking a small number of exclusive clients allows me to give you the attention and support that you deserve in this season.

Do you provide any other support or services during our labour and birth?

Although I am a registered nurse/midwife and I have experience in the birth space, I won't be putting my camera down to catch your baby. When you hire me as your birth photographer, my ability to support you and your partner beyond my scope as a photographer is limited at this stage. Your comfort and healthy birth experience is most important to me and I will assist, of course, if you request me to, I am directed by your healthcare providers to do so, or if I feel I can do so without interfering with your birthing process. I see myself as a bit of birth nerd and I love sharing my knowledge that I have gained over the years as a nurse and even my own experience of birth. Feel free to ask any questions regarding birth, newborns or postpartum care.

Can you offer any advice to reassure my partner about the idea of birth photography?

The birth of a baby can sometimes be a very overwhelming and vulnerable experience for partners. They are often in uncharted territory and for this reason, it is not uncommon for them to have reservations about birth photography. Partners sometimes need reminding that they have a right to exist in and be a part of your birth story. Their presence is important on so many levels. Whilst you are working hard to meet your baby, you need and deserve undivided support from your partner. What you don’t need is your partner separated from your side, fumbling with the settings of their camera trying to capture your baby’s entrance in to the world through a lens rather than through their own eyes. Your birth will only happen once. Your partner deserves to be completely present in the moment, with you. You want to see and relive the look on your partner’s face as they meet your baby for the very first time. I would absolutely love to meet and chat with you and your partner in person over coffee so that they may bring up any concerns they have - I believe this is the best way to reassure them.

Something I didn’t quite answer?

Please send any queries directly to me via my contact page.