10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring your Maine Birth Photographer
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Maine Birth Photographer
During this time, more and more people are getting a birth photographer to capture the birth of their precious babies. As a Maine Birth photographer, I can tell you that it’s the most special moment for any parent.
We are lucky enough to have professional photographers who are dedicated to providing this service. So it’s no wonder people are so eager to have these special moments captured. If you are one of them, this article might be for you.
Here we will be talking about how you can interview a birth photographer. I have come up with ten important questions to ask a Maine Birth Photographer so that you can get the best service from them.
How Many Births Have You Attended?
This is probably one of the first questions to ask a Maine birth photographer. As a Maine Birth Photographer, I do think, as customers, it’s good to have an insight. The birth space is a very sacred space and someone that does not have experience in these intense situations may react in a way that disturbs your birthing process.
It is also useful to know where the birth photographer has worked. For example, having a birth photography session at home is different from having it in a hospital. The birth photographer has to get accustomed to the environment and so on.
I do believe that there are some exceptional Maine Birth photographers out there who might not have much experience. However, since it’s a new experience for you also, it wold be better to have someone who knows their job.
How Much Do You Charge?
You have the right to know exactly what you are going to be spending to have a birth photography session. There shouldn’t be any hidden costs or service charges you’re unaware of.
It is better if the Maine Birth photographer offers you packages so that you can choose what suits your wishes. Check their website or contact them directly and ask them to be direct about the charges.
A good birth photographer will go over all of the charges and expenses involved with you in their initial consultation.
I provide complimentary zoom consultations to anyone interested in talking with me about my Maine birth photography services.
Is Your Business Legitimate?
When hiring a Maine birth photographer, ensure they have a business license and a legit portfolio. See whether they have been specifically trained and have the important qualifications. The more experienced, the better.
Not only that, but having quality equipment is also very important. The cameras and other gear should be on a professional level. In addition to that, make sure that you’re signing a contract so that there is no room for any loopholes.
What If My Labor Takes A Long Time?
Well, babies - Aren’t they the most unpredictable creatures on earth? They do their own thing. So as adults, we have to be prepared for whatever they present to us in the future. One of the most important questions to ask a Maine birth photographer is whether they’re ready to invest a lot of time and patience. Your labor can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. A professional birth photographer should be able to sacrifice all of that time willingly.
Moreover, a big part of the birth photography session takes place during your first two hours after birth. The Maine birth photographer should know how to make the baby and the mother comfortable after an exhausting experience. More importantly, if you ever feel like you want to be left along for a while, they should do likewise.
Hiring a birth photographer who is also a trained doula or birth keeper would be especially helpful as far as their understanding of the birth process and being able to offer additional support if you need it.
How Would You Handle A Stillbirth or Other Complications?
An experienced birth photographer would know how to professionally handle such circumstances. Even if it’s a sensitive topic for you, it’s necessary to understand that unexpected things can happen.
In the case of a stillbirth, I would say that carrying out the birth photography session is as important. The birth photographer should understand that they’re still capturing the moment of a baby who was well loved. However, it’s up to you to decide whether you would want that. A good birth photographer will go over all of your preferences in your first consultation with them.
In the case of a cesarean section, the birth photography session can still continue. However, it is important to know whether they’re ready for that when hiring a Maine birth photographer. They would have to get permission from the hospital too.
If you’re worried about the surgery being captured, you can always talk with the photographer. The emotion and excitement of meeting your baby is something that is so special to capture even if is not your preferred birth plan.
Will You Be Available On Call?
You don’t know when you’ll go into labor. It can be very unexpected. So when hiring a Maine birth photographer, it’s important to know whether they can make it on time. That is why you should ask them how they are planning to do so. Moreover, this should be expected from a full-time Maine birth photographer. Usually, a professional photographer would make time in their schedule at least a couple of weeks before your due date.
If the photographer you hire to capture your birth experience also photographs other types of sessions such as events that can not be rescheduled. Some photographers that are not full - time birth photographers can have difficulty clearing their schedule at a moments notice to photograph a birth.
A professional photographer should be able to prioritize you during this time.
Is There A Backup If You are Not Available?
Having a professional backup birth photographer is crucial in providing you exceptional service, and ensuring your birth will be attended and photographed even if your primary photographer has a personal problem arise, or if they get sick. What experience does the backup birth photographer have?
In a birth photography session this is a must. It is an unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. So having another person to take their place if they aren’t available is very important.
What If Another Client Is In Labor At The Same Time?
Similar to the previous question, this is also something you might want to ask your Maine birth photographer. Because life happens, and you don’t know how or when things will happen. In a situation like this, the primary photographer will go to the person who calls first. So you will want to know about the backup photographer.
Will You Bring Backup Equipment?
Well, this shouldn’t even be a question, to be honest. But it’s better to check whether your photographer has all of the boxes ticked because you only go into labor once. Even if the birth photographer faces some technical difficulties, they should be able to carry on without skipping a beat. Saying the SD card malfunctioned, the batteries are dead, or the camera isn’t working is not an excuse.
Just like wedding photography, this is also a type of photography that captures a once-in-a-lifetime moment. So there shouldn’t be any room for malfunctions and mishaps.
What happens if the lighting is bad?
Lighting plays a big part in photography. Usually, we can choose a place with better lighting to suit our wishes. However, in a birth photography session, this is almost impossible.
Your birth photographer should be trained in all lighting situations. A good birth photographer will discuss the use of flash with you ahead of time and your preferences for it. You should be able to look at examples of their photos with and without flash so that you can make an informed decision about the lighting equipment you would like to have used to photograph your birth.
Will My Photos Be Posted Online?
This is probably the most vulnerable time of your whole life. And you’re inviting a stranger to capture it all. As a professional photographer, I understand that you are putting your trust in me to do that.
That’s why it’s important to set clear boundaries and rules before everything. Ask your Maine birth photographer to be clear about the usage of your photos.
If you are uncomfortable sharing any of your photos on social media, the photographer should respect your wish. Sign an agreement and get the paperwork done when hiring a Maine birth photographer.
If you would like more information on my Birth Photography Services fill out the contact form to schedule complimentary zoom consultation with me to see if we are a good fit!
