Birth Photography

Do you want a special reminder of one of the most important days of your life: your baby’s birth day? Consider having your labor and birth documented in photos!

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Why Hire a Birth Photographer?
Besides your wedding day, the birth of your child is one of the most important days of your Life. Hiring a birth photographer frees up your partner or other support persons and ensures you get those memorable moments images captured (with your partner in them – which cannot happen if he is behind the lens.) Without a birth photographer, you may be left with just a few snapshot of the baby after delivery. I will help you to capture the amazing labor process and the incredible birth miracle.

About Birth Photography
Birth and labor are very unpredictable. These are not typical portrait sessions; the lighting is usually dim (not ideal for photos) and it’s difficult to plan what’s going to happen. I will shoot glimpses of your labor and birth unfolding naturally in a photo-journal style. Being trained as a birth doula, I will be sensitive to your needs as a laboring woman; I understand my role to document quietly and unobtrusively. Many women have told me that they forgot I was even there! Being on both sides of the birth process, I also understand which special moments you may want.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mama Matters Birth Photography

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How many images will I receive?
On average you will receive about 75-100 images, but this varies due to the uniqueness of each birth experience. Most of the images will be in black and white and a few in color.

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What parts of East Texas do you serve?
My listed package prices are good within 40 miles of Lindale, TX. However, I am available to photograph births up to two hours away. A .50/mile fee will be added to the price.

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When do you arrive for the birth and how long will you stay?
I come to your birth during active labor and will stay up to 2 hours afterward.

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Will photographs from my birth be posted on your website?
I only post images that have been approved by the families I have consent from. You will be able to view all the images before any are shared in any way and approve which ones you’d allow me to share.  Only the first names of the baby will be shared on the website.

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What if you don’t end up making it to my birth?
I only take a few births a month to allow me to have the greatest chance of attending each birth. If I miss your birth due to my error (ie: due to illness, attending another birth, unforeseen emergency), you will receive a refund minus $75 (just to cover my expenses for the interview or prenatal meeting). If I miss your birth because it was too fast or you did not call me in time, there is no refund and I will come take photos of the few hours directly afterwards or come to your house to take newborn pictures within the first two weeks.

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How long will it take to receive the images?
You may expect your images in approximately 2-4 weeks, depending on my schedule.

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I am concerned about “private shots”; I don’t want just a lot of graphic pictures!
Not to worry! During our prenatal meeting, we will discuss what you would like photographed and what you do not.  Some women want pictures of the baby coming out, others do not. Your comfort is my top priority, so I will photograph as much or as little as you desire.

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What if I have a C-Section? Can I still have a birth photographer?
If you are having a planned Cesarean birth, you will want to ask your doctor beforehand if they will allow a photographer in the operating room with you along with any other support persons you have. If your cesarean is unplanned, you may still ask, but it will probably be unlikely a photographer can go in with you. However, there is still plenty of beautiful moments to capture after the birth! I am more than happy to stay at the hospital to document those first few moments in the postpartum room, or I can come back later to photograph those sweet bonding times with your newborn.

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What if I don’t want the actual labor and birth documented, but I do want pictures of those special first hours?
Introducing Fresh 48! 1-2 hour lifestyle session at your birth location (hospital, home or birth center) within 48 hours after the birth.

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Investment

For all packages:

• 1 Interview/In-Person Meeting (if local): We will discuss what to expect, what moments you wish captured, etc.  We can also get to know each other during this visit so that I am not a stranger at your birth.
• Includes coverage of labor and birth up to 2 hours afterward
• $50% of the total session fee cost is needed to reserve a space on my calendar as I am only able to book a few births per month in order to help ensure the births do not overlap. The remainder of the fee is due by 38 weeks.
• All images given in the packages, whether web-sized or high resolution or prints are professionally edited in mostly black & white with a few images in color.
• A DVD video slideshow put to music can be purchased for an additional $40
• Extra prints and products may be ordered through me as well. Price list upon request.
• The price at the time of your booking/deposit is the one that will be honored. Thank you!

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.Birth Photography Package $700
-On-call 24/7 for 2 weeks before and after your due date (until the birth)
All high-resolution images  on disk with printing rights
-All Web-sized watermarked images you may share online
-20 of your favorite 4 x 6 prints

Fresh 48 Package $500 **Winter Special!! Book through April 1st and get $50 off! for a total of $450!!***
-On-call 24/7 for 2 weeks before and after your due date (until the birth)
All high-resolution images  on disk with printing rights
-All Web-sized watermarked images you may share online
-20 of your favorite 4 x 6 prints

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More examples of my Birth Photography can currently be found on my blog on the homepage.

Elfin’s Birth

Megan’s Birth

Linda’s Newborn Pictures

Maternity Photography Package

Investment:
-$300 session fee ($100 due at booking)

• Location shoot within the cities of Lindale, Tyler, Mineola, or Van, TX. Outside the listed cities will require a gas/mileage fee.
• Package includes a CD or .zip file of all the high-resolution images of your birth as well as high-quality watermarked images for Facebook/web use.
• I will have your photos ready to be ordered in usually about 2 weeks.
  *All Prices are subject to change without notice. These price at the time of your booking is the one that will be honored. Thank you!**