Photography FAQ — Maiden, Mother, Crone Photography

general PHOTOGRAPHY

Most frequent questions & answers

How do you describe your photography style?

I enjoy taking the moment and making it last forever. The outside perspective is a gift and privilege to be a present in, and even more so to be the one to be a part of a sacred space and preserve it forever. I try to avoid making anything too stylized post-processing, and also do very minimal skin retouching. I think of my purpose as a photographer is to capture things as they are, and to illuminate the beauty in the intimate moment before me.

Do you travel for photography sessions?

Yes! I live in San Jose and travel up to about a 50-mile radius at no additional charge. Beyond this distance, there is a fee of $100 charge for the travel time and resources.

Do you provide video services?

At this time I do not exclusively, but this can be something we discuss if you would like to include this in your photography story package. I plan to openly offer video services in the future!

How do you take payment?

I take cash or credit card payments through Honeybook and Square only at this time.

What are your payment terms?

The payment expectations depend on the session you would like to book, but a deposit is needed for all sessions in order to reserve your spot on my calendar before anyone else.

Before BOOKING

Most frequent questions & answers

How soon should I book you for a session?

As soon as possible! For Birth and Labor, the ideal time to start the booking process would be early in your third trimester, around 29 to 34 weeks into the pregnancy. When it comes to maternity shoots, we can book as early as you would like! W week’s notice is preferred if you are interested in booking a time in which I am available. For most pregnancies we will schedule the session for in the middle or end of your third trimester, between weeks 34 and 38; if you have high blood pressure or other related circulation pathology during your pregnancy, scheduling your maternity shoot earlier, at 28 to 32 weeks, is highly recommended for comfort. For fresh 48 and newborn lifestyle sessions I suggest that we book before the birth, so that it is one less thing to plan during this new time you will be in. For other lifestyle sessions, especially milestones, they can be planned as soon as you want to immortalize the moment you are planning!

Will we need a permit for the photography session?

If the session is happening in a public spot, it depends on location and could be possible; generally the fees are about $100, which includes the application and permit together. This cost will be included your session only if required, and will be adjusted to accurate cost.

What in the world do I wear?

What makes you feel comfortable! This will really vary depending on the type of session you want and also the location you select. Working out the details in this part will be something we work out in the post-consultation process. This interaction applies to all photography sessions, including labor and birth. Additionally, I highly encourage wearing a little foundation as possible in your facial make up. It is actually much easier for me to retouch a more bare face than it is to color-correct one that has make-up reacting to the lighting.

What will you be wearing?

I tend to wear comfortable clothing that allow me to move and be discreet as much as possible. I tend to stay with flexible pants and a solid color T-shirt. I also keep a bag with me that carries my equipment. During births, this bags is sectioned off in your birthing space, out of the way, and doesn’t move until I leave the room.

session PHOTOGRAPHY

most frequent questions & answers

Can friends and family take photos as well?

It is requested that friends and family limit their own photography to labor and birth sessions. I never want to impede on the moment for your friends and family involved in this moment. In fact, in this day and age their taking of photos with their digital device is a moment in history in itself! All that I ask is that a respectful amount of space be given to allow me to photograph the moments I was hired to make last forever.

How awkward is it going to be, really?

Not awkward at all! I take special care to try to make myself open to you before our session begins, and during the whole process. For sessions like maternity or fresh 48 I may have a handful of ‘poses’ I will put you and any participants in. My main goal, however, is to let me subject shine with their own natural love and light.

lABOR & BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY

Most frequent questions & answers

Can friends and family take photos as well?

What if I go into labor at 2 in the morning?!

I’ll be there! Whether before dawn, in the middle of lunch, or right as I get to bed, I’ll have my phone turned on just for you and be able to leave at a moment’s notice when you are admitted to the hospital, or the onset of active labor has begun.

When do I let you know to come over?

We must remain in communications whenever you feel there are changes happening. A good rule of thumb is if you are reaching out to your doula or midwife, also let me know an update. It is better to err on the side of caution than to not communicate enough.

What if i have a long labor?

I understand! My labor was over 50 hours long. This is again why communication is key here. I will be taking bathroom, snack, and hydration breaks as down time allows during my time in your birth space. If labor takes longer than 24 hours, it may be possible I will discuss actions I need to take in order to remain a present and alert as your photographer.

Do you use flash? Is it distracting? Will I know you're there?

Hopefully, you’ll hardly know I am there! The kind of flash I use bounces off the walls and is far less noticeable than your common flip flash. Using flash allows for the highest quality possible for your images. If at any time the bounce flash is bothersome, I will put it away and adjust accordingly.

There are things I do not want you to photograph...

This is a common feeling expressed by those interested in labor and birth photography. This is a topic we go over in your consultation, but know that I will be 100% respectful of any images (such as the crowning moment) you do not want taken are not taken. Additional options include wearing a soft, comfortable bra or chest covering to allow the images to be more sharable with friends and family.

what is the hospital policy on birth photography?

Every hospital has their own policy regarding photography. In many places, a photographer will take place of a birth support person during labor and delivery, and this number is sometimes limited to only 2 persons, and there may or may not be in-and-out privileges. Let me know what hospital(s) you are considering/planning, and we will make a plan of action the best fits your needs.

What if I have a c-section?

Depending on the permissions of the hospital you will be having your c-section at, photography may or may not be allowed. If you are having a planned c-section, we will need to look at policies around the operating room at the hospital. It will be very helpful for you to ask your provider and express the importance of having photography as part of your birth journey. If photography is not allowed, there are plenty of moments outside of the operation that I can take and still provide a meaningful and beautiful story to carry on for decades to come.

miscellaneous

Most frequent questions & answers

How long before I receive my images?

My turnaround for digital images to be available for clients is 2 to 4 weeks after session. Some sessions, like labor and birth, include a social-media-ready image within 24 to 48 hours of the session so you can share with friends and family on social media.

Do you edit the photos individually?

Yes, and sometimes by hand if I am using a device like a tablet. Otherwise, I used high-quality desktop computer equipment to evaluate each photo one by one. Every image will be adjusted to bring out the unique emotion for what has been captured.

What if I lose my digital images?

This is a possibility that we only want to prepare for and never experience. Life happens, however! This is why in every package I include a keepsake glass USB that is pre-loaded with your images to have at your disposal. Additionally, I keep backups of all edited images for at minimum 1 year after event, sometimes longer.

What do I get to do with my images?

Included in my rates is the digital image release, which allows you to share the digital content across all your social media platforms, with no watermark on any of the images. You also have the option to purchase prints of your session, as outlined in each service page. For an additional fee, you can purchase the print release, which allows you to take the images and print them at an unlimited rate with whichever company you choose.

What about photo albums?

These are a fantastic way to preserve your memories for generations to come. Albums are customized and bound by hand, using archival-quality paper that will not yellow or fade over many lifetimes.

I want to book you! What do I do next?

I am so excited to work with you! Please feel free to send me a message through my contact form or book a free consultation online directly through this page.

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