The Value of Birth Photography: is it worth it?

Are you interested in birth photography, but not sure about the cost?

I get it; birth photography can feel expensive, and it's important to understand why. Once you know more about what goes into the job and what it means to invest in a professional, the cost makes a lot more sense. Let's talk about it! 

I wasn’t even aware of birth photography until after I had own children. Now that my baby days are likely behind me, I grieve for those memories. It drives a lot of what I do. My own birthing days were hard, unpredictable and the most special days of my life. I'd pay almost anything to go back; to see myself as I labored my babies into my arms; to see my face when we met and see my husband's face through it all.

While the costs up front can feel overwhelming, investing in your birth will allow you to relive your most powerful moments forever. It is your initiation into parenthood. It matters!

The price of your birth photography has many factors, here’s a few things to consider.

Birth photography requires a specialized skill set and experience.
I'm not just a skilled photographer, I’m a highly experienced and certified professional. I have seen the range of experiences and I understand the normal ebbs and flows of the process. I have spent a lot of time learning and improving my skills in order to deliver a very personal and high quality service.

I also know how to work with low light, while preserving the delicate nature of birth. Because I am very familiar with the process, I can capture the moments that matter most, without disrupting the flow of your labor. I know how to read the room and interact with other professionals.

I see a concerning trend recently of many family or portrait photographers who think they want to “try” births because it will be a fun, cute experience for them. In reality, you need a very different and sensitive set of skills to excel at birth photography. Having an expensive camera and doing good work in flattering, natural light or a controlled studio setting, does.not.transfer. to. birth. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I do not believe ANYONE (outside of your loved ones) should be in your birth space who does not have a deep understanding of birth and doesn’t know how to conduct themselves in that kind of space. Birth is too personal and vulnerable a time to invite just anyone with a camera.

Birth photography takes a lot of time.
It’s not as simple as walking into the room with a camera when someone is in labor. I live a weird life so I can be on-call for you and available when needed. Unlike a wedding photographer, who knows the exact date and details of the event, birth can happen anytime day or night and can last for days.

After the birth is over, I go home and spend MANY hours sorting, editing and processing the photos to ensure that the final product meets my high standards and your expectations.

The cost of birth photography includes more than just the time spent at the birth and editing the photos.
It also covers the cost of professional-grade equipment, including cameras, lenses, batteries and storage drives. There’s also the costs of running a business like website hosting, client management software, mileage, editing apps and tools. Additionally, as a birth doula and photographer, I’m always investing in continuous education and training to improve my skills and stay up-to-date with the latest research.

How much is photography in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill?

Just for fun, I researched the cost of professional wedding photography in the Triangle. Average Cost ~$3,500 for 4-6 hours + digital files.

FOUR HOURS

The cost birth photography can vary a lot. For a birth photographer with some training, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500-$4000. This can vary depending on experience/skillset, the package, digital files, printed products or additional video coverage.

Birth is a life-changing experience that you'll never forget, and having professional photos to look back on can help you remember all the emotions, details, and love that surrounded you during that special time. It my opinion, it’s just as, if not more important than a wedding day. Romantic love can come and go, but being a parent is for life.

In fact, these photos are not just for you; they're a gift to your child. They'll show them how they were loved and welcomed from the. very. beginning. These images will be cherished by you, your child, and your family for generations to come.

I do my best to make this service as accessible as possible while running a sustainable business. This is why I offer several different packages to accommodate different desires and budgets. Additionally I can help you set up a payment plan if that is more manageable. If birth photography is important to you, it never hurts reach out and ask how we can make it work.

It is my joy and honor to help families celebrate this important milestone.

Birth photography may seem expensive, but it's an investment in celebrating LIFE: your life, your child’s life and the relationships that are important in your life. You deserve to have a professional by your side. One who is highly experienced to support these very intimate and vulnerable moments.

Don’t just take my word for it ;) Here is what some of my clients had to say about their investment: 

“The images she captured during our delivery were more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. So thankful we decided to reach out to her and add her to our team” -Kyndal R

“I cherish these memories and know I will look back on them for years to come. Katie is hands down the best, and I would recommend her to anyone”-Kari G

“If you’re on the fence about birth photography (I was!) The photos help you remember how strong you are, the love/support of your partner, and the precious first few moments with your child. I’d hire Katie again in a heartbeat and if anyone is unsure about the investment I can promise you that you won’t regret it.”- Rachel S

“We are so grateful for you, we would have paid you double.” -Jarred G

If you're considering birth photography, know that your day and your experience is worth remembering. I serve families in Durham Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Surrounding cities.

Click here to see more examples of birth photography in the Triangle.