"Oh my goodness, these photos are absolutely beautiful!! You have done an absolutely amazing job, we will cherish these photos forever! Billy said you are part of our journey. Thank you so so much."”. -Hannah, Billy and baby Tui

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Do you want to document your family history, starting with the very moment your child entered the world? The exact time you became a mother of one, two or more little souls? I provide families who hate awkward poses with documentary birth​ photography in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

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What is birth photography?

Birth photography is pure documentary photography in it's rawest form. I capture labour, birth and just after the birth of your baby. Naturally without direction, posing or staging. I focus on the emotions, bonds between you and your birth partner and new baby.

 

Why have your baby's birth photographed?

There are so many powerful reasons why you might like to have a birth photographer:

- Document the process leading up to and moment your child was born

- Celebrate the love and bond between you, your birth partner and your baby

- Allow the photos to remind you of how strong you were giving birth (or fill in the gaps)

- Gift the photos to your child when they grow up. Show them how much they are loved, right from the start.

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Who is birth photography for?

Birth photography is for mum's and families who believe in the immense value of documenting life's important moments for posterity.

 

What is it like having a photographer at the birth?

I hope to be another trusted professional in the room with you during birth. I'll have a chat with everyone, to your comfort level. You are in control and I respect your wishes and decisions. I quietly observe what is happening, the light and moments. I will get physically close at some points to take a photo, then move away. I do not take photos all the time. I am true to life. I prefer to focus on the emotions rather than the gory details. I do use flash if needed but do so sensitively and check your comfort level throughout. I aim to be a calming and supportive presence, without being involved.

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How does birth photography work?

Preparation

Unlike a wedding or documentary family portrait session, births can happen at any time of the day or night. I dedicate a lot of time love to preparing to document the birth. We get to know each other so you feel comfortable having me present in your birthing space when you are at your most vulnerable. We will meet in person or over Zoom and you will complete an online questionnaire. We will exchange contact details and ensure your birthing partner knows how to reach me when the time comes. I would like to contact your midwife too if possible, to ask their permission to be photographed and let them know I will be there. As well as to answer any questions they may have.

 

On call

I will be ready to attend your birth from 38 weeks until birth; day and night.

 

Birth day

Let me know when you go into labour so I can prepare.

 

Contact me again when you are in active labour (5-6cm dilated). At this stage you may not be able to talk or text, so your birth partner can let me know. I will then arrive at your birthing space.

 

The birth

I document how amazing your body is, giving birth to your baby.

 

Shortly afterwards

I continue photographing until two hours after your baby is born. Those first precious moments earth side.

 

Three days after birth

You will receive a sneak peek of up to 10 photos, shared in a private online gallery.

 

Three weeks after birth

You will receive all your edited birth photos, for download via private online gallery.

 

When do you offer birth photography?

I offer birth photography outside of wedding season: April to November each year. This allows me to dedicate time to my wedding clients and birth clients exclusively. I only accept one birth per month.

 

Where will you photograph?

Wherever you are! In Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough, Aotearoa New Zealand. I love personal home births, in your comfortable environment. Similarly if you feel most comfortable or need to be in hospital I will join you there.

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Personal experience

I bring my experience of birthing two beautiful boys to my photography (in 2020 and 2022). I was blessed to be supported by my amazing husband and incredible midwife throughout. I was so grateful to have done the hypnobirthing course and relied on breathing to assist me through the experiences.