I am back in the birthing space for 2023!

(I am only able to take on a handful of precious births this year so please get in touch early.)

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY

Birth Photography - Why choose to have your birth documented?

What could be more important than capturing the first breath? Documenting the moment you meet your baby for the first time? The first time they open their eyes and look at you, the first latch or squeeze of your finger? Or what about seeing your partner's reaction in a photograph because you were completely in the moment to notice how they reacted?

I feel that having your birth photographed is also empowering for the mother. You are completely in the zone or perhaps clouded with oxytocin or pain relief that you don't remember details and how things occurred. Birth can become a foggy memory. But when you view your carefully documented birth story it's like therapy and closure, all of the puzzle pieces come together.

I know when I think about the moment my mother birthed me, I wish I could see images of her reaction when she saw me but also her strength and power as she went through labour.

Women are amazing. YOU are strong. Childbirth is incredible.

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTMENT

$2400

- I am on call 24/7 from 38 weeks (that's right you can call me at 3am!)

- Time at birth (from active labour) + 2hrs postpartum

- Back up photographer

- ALL of the best images - approx 150 images

- Video call with you (and your partner) to ask all of your questions and to start bonding

- 5 digital previews within 24 hours to announce your baby's arrival

- 25 professional prints (5x7”) in a keepsake linen box with a fine art print with torn edges embedded in the lid

- Your birth story presented as a slideshow film to music

($400 deposit to lock in your birth photography)

Here are some samples of what my birth story slideshows look like...

You can view more births I have documented over on my youtube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPhlMVfcNzBTskUFbu6bh4Q/

Noah's Birth Story

Chase' Birth Story

More information about Birth Photography

Time on call and at the birth -

I am ON CALL for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 4 weeks (2 weeks before your estimated due date and 2 weeks following). I will arrive for the labour (starting around active labour, approx 6cm - but we judge this on a case by case basis), stay for the birth and for 2 hours afterward to capture all of the important first moments e.g. first feed, skin on skin with partner, measurements etc. 

Ongoing communication during pregnancy - 

The first step is to have a video chat. I will meet you and your partner over Facetime, we begin to get to know each other, discuss your pregnancy and your personal birth wishes. I will explain how birth photography works and how I will conduct myself at the birth. This is also a chance to ask any questions and we will go over the contract and inclusions together. 

We also keep in contact as you get closer to your due date. These chats ensure you don’t feel like I am a stranger in the birthing room. Another great way to get to know each other is to book a pregnancy session and include your partner and/or children!

Back Up Photographer - 

I will also employ a back up photographer for you in case I am unavailable due to a personal emergency etc. 

Exclusivity - 

Labour and birth times are unpredictable and with my young family, I can only take on a limited amount of births per year. Please get in touch as early as you can in your pregnancy!

Products -

A birth album, additional prints, enlargements, canvases, wooden prints and other boutique products are available. All products are printed using the finest quality materials and machinery. Please enquire for a price list.

Testimonials

“Jess is amazing!! Hiring her to do our birth photos was the best decision we made, the passion she has for her work shines through in every image and she was such an important part of my pregnancy and birth.
I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful person to share our special moment with.”

—Sarah & Chris

“Jess’ adoring personality transpires into her work & comforts everyone in the room to create those magical moments treasured for a lifetime. Working against the sterile hospital equipment and the challenging lighting Jess was able to bring warmth & emotion, utilising tasteful angles, composition & image sequencing. These are not repeatable moments, so you need to be confident & trust your photographer. We are both pleased and honoured to endorse Jess, whom we have now adopted as our family photographer.”

—Jacqueline & Michael

“Jess, thank you so much for being apart of our son’s birth! The amount of support you were able to give me throughout the process has been simply amazing. I can’t help but cry when I look at my photos! I highly recommend Jess to anyone who is looking to have a birth photographer! You won’t regret it!”

—Madison & Brandon

Things to note...

*A $400.00 deposit is due at the time of booking to secure your place and on call times. The balance is due two weeks before your estimated due date.

*The birth package cannot be modified or exchanged however you can ADD upgrades like a birth album.

*Due to my young family, I currently do not travel outside of a 45km radius. I am in Armstrong Creek, VIC.

>Click image to read the birth photographer's Code of Ethics

FAQ

How do you photograph births?

My default is to be a very quiet fly on the wall capturing the mood, emotions and details. But, depending on our relationship, I can be there as an extra birth support for you e.g. to refresh your cold facewasher, get you some water or show your partner how to support you with hip squeezes too. This is something we chat about over Facetime. I use my full frame Nikon D850 camera body primarily with my Nikkor 35mm lens attached. I also bring along my 105mm Macro lens to capture the tinier details like newborn toes.

Where are you based and do you travel?

I am based in Armstrong Creek, just ten minutes from Torquay. I service Geelong Hospital, St John of God, The Epworth, The Birth House and home births in Geelong and surrounds. If you want to know if I am able to capture your birth outside of Geelong, feel free to get in touch and we can discuss if it's possible.

Can we call you in the middle of the night?

Yes!! I am on call for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 2 weeks before your due date and two weeks after. I will have my bags packed and phone on loud through the night. I will leave family/friend events, get my children looked after, making sure I can always drive straight to the hospital to be there for you. That is the beauty and expense of a birth photographer.

What if I end up having a c-section?

If I am attending your birth and it turns to a c-section delivery, normally there is only one person allowed in the operating theatre with you and obviously that would be your partner. However, you can ask your obstetrician or midwife about the possibility of me coming in and respectfully capturing your child's birth and they can check with the theatre staff. I have documented a c-section before so I know how to stay out of the way and respect the rule of no staff in my O.R. photographs. If not, I send my back-up camera in with you and meet up with you afterwards in the Recovery Room (if allowed) to continue documenting your birth story.

When will we get our photos?

You will receive a few previews to share with family and friends within 24 hours of the birth. Due to the large number of images and creating the birth story slideshow for you, the editing takes approximately 8 weeks.

Ready to chat more about your birth?

Follow me on Instagram for my latest work


@jessicahendersonphotography